Check Before Signing Up As Not All Affiliate Programs Are Worth Joining!

If you are just starting out in internet marketing, chances are you will probably notice that quite a number of bloggers and fellow internet marketers often recommending “Affiliate Marketing” as one of the easiest online marketing methods to make a buck online.

Without the shadow of a doubt, the affiliate business is a booming industry on the internet.

Affiliate sites promoting all sorts of products are plastered all across the internet.

I bet you have come across the phrase “Slap a couple of attention grabbing banners of some hyped up affiliate product on your blog or website and “Ka Ching”, the affiliate money will start rolling in”.

Sounds familiar?

However, the underlying truth about starting any form of business is that you need due diligence. Be sure to do your research before plunging head first into it.

And affiliate marketing is no exception.

So what factors should we be aware of before signing up for an affiliate program?

The best affiliate sites to join may not necessarily be the ones paying the highest commissions.

From my experience, there are quite a few factors to look out for, here’s my checklist for consideration before starting an affiliate business venture.

( 1 ) Do you need to buy the product first before you can sign up as an affiliate or do they provide a free way to join without buying the product or service?

Some affiliate programs only allow members who have purchased their products or services to become affiliates as this will cut down on “customers” who just want to get a discount.

( 2 ) Do they have a 24/7 affiliate support center that can quickly answer your questions?

This seemingly unimportant factor will apparently become your top priority especially when you have questions when it comes to irregularities in commission payouts.

 

 

( 3 ) Is the affiliate product highly targeted to your niche market audience?

No point promoting a product that won’t sell if the product is not highly targeted.

( 4 ) Does the affiliate program have real time tracking and stats reporting features that will inform you once a sale is made.

Like i often say, besides marketing & promotions, tracking is the next most important aspect of your business.

And with a tracking and stats feature, you will  be aware of which ads are making you the most money.

( 5 ) What is the lead time and commission threshold before you can receive your commission paycheck?

Another important factor when money is concerned. Shorter payout intervals means that you can put your earned profits to better use such as for another PPC or marketing promotions that will earn you more money.

( 6 ) What is the commission payout percentage?

The usual commission payout is from 25% to 75% of the selling price of the affiliate product less handing fees if it is from an affiliate network.

In my book, the actual commission received after deducting all the handling charges must be at least $30USD per sale to be worth my time and efforts but this value varies among different marketers.

( 7 ) Do you get credited for a sale if a potential customer comes back in a month’s time and then make a purchase?

This is also important as statistics have shown that potential customers need to see your affiliate ad at least 7 times before deciding to make a purchase.

Does your affiliate program make use of tracking “cookies” that are stored on potential customer’s browsers enbeded with your affiliate details? This is allow the sale to be credited to your account.

( 8 ) Do they provide you with proven sales materials suck as text links, banners, classified ads, email promos etc?

This factor in my opinion is crucial if you were to make any form of affiliate sale and commissions.

With a given set of backend materials you can quickly kick start your affiliate marketing campaign. Sure, it will certainly boost your chances of making a sale.

But to leapfrog and compete with the thousands of other affiliates who are also using the same set of marketing materials, you seriously need to “modify” them to give it a more personal touch.

Try it and I’m sure you will witness a significant increase in affiliate sales and commissions.

Well, that’s my 2 cents worth when it comes to signing up for a new affiliate program.