Affiliate Marketing Step Two: Choose the Right Partners and Programs

Again it comes down to choice, and making the right ones.

All affiliate programs are based on creating action. The coin of the realm, then, is "cost-per-action," or CPA. Companies pay you when customers you send them take action.

But different affiliate programs demand different action. Some affiliate programs pay per click, meaning that every time someone visits your partner's website, you get paid. Other affiliate programs pay per "lead," meaning that customers have to fill out an application in order for you to get paid. Other affiliate programs pay per sale, so you only get paid for completed sales.

Still other programs pay according to some combination of the three. The point is to choose affiliate partners and programs that work for your topic and for your business.

But don't only think about money when choosing affiliate programs. Think, too, about the reliability of your affiliate partner. That 40 percent commission is not looking too good if the company paying it could go out of business tomorrow.

Work with reputable affiliate partners who pay on time and in full.

Also consider the quality of the products and/or services being marketed by your affiliate partner. It's much easier to sell (and sell, and sell, and sell again) a strong product than a weak one. Your credibility is on the line when you send customers to subpar companies.

Refer customers to quality products and people will begin to trust you.

Continue - Affiliate Marketing: Step Three - Work Smart