What's An Affiliate Program?
August 2002

Affiliate Programs are a way for you to sell another company's products or services and receive a commission (or when you are ready, it is a way for you to get others to sell your products). Selling through another company's affiliate program is a great hands-off way to sell on the Internet. You promote the product or service on your web site (and don't forget your email). The company is responsible for the product or service; they process payments and ships the goods. You get the commission.

The Best Affiliate Programs:
- pay fair commissions
- pay you for returning customers
- provide you with detailed statistics on your sales
- ideally, are two tiered- pay you on the sales of the affiliates that you refer

Check out SiteSell.com. This affiliate program consistently rates high as a first-class affiliate program. They sell a variety of products for selling on the Internet, including ebooks and software. Even if you don't sell any of their products (but you will), join their affiliate program for the extensive training program provided (don't worry, the training is not required - it is available to your when you are ready). The knowledge you will gain is worth it.

Check out http://www.associateprograms.com/ for great resources on other affiliate programs.

Affiliate Program Providers

Here is a short list of companies that run affiliate programs for other companies. When you sign up for a free account with these companies, you have access to the affiliate programs of hundreds of companies.

Commission Junction - sign up as a publisher and get started

ClickBank - sign up under their affiliate program

WAHM Affiliate Programs

Many Work at Home Mom businesses offer affiliate programs. You just have to look for them. I haven't listed any here for fear of leaving out so many. Just search for WAHM businesses - many do have affiliate programs. When you find one, check their links page - you will probably find more.

The Best Way to Sell Affiliate Products & Services

Don't expect to paste up a banner and have the commission start rolling in. Choose products that visitors to your site would purchase and that relate to your web site content. In addition, ensure you include editorial comment about the product on your site. Make people interested in the product before they click on your link. A banner won't necessarily accomplish this. The best way to sell affiliate products is to use them yourself. That way you can promote a product that you believe in and about which you have knowledge. Don't spend all your savings, but do try products when you can.

Above all, before you sign up for any affiliate program, ensure you read the agreement. Make sure you are comfortable with all the terms and that you are receiving a fair commission. Then, enjoy the easy way to sell on the Internet.