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Friday, December 28, 2007

The Basics of Affiliate Marketing

I've been looking at affiliate programs again. I have been making money with most of the affiliate programs I belong to and decided I'd like to add a couple more this year. How to choose which ones though? I want to be sure I work with products that complement what I am already doing. If anyone is currently working with a program that has been successful, I'd love to hear about it.

What exactly is an "affiliate program"? Affiliate marketing is a web-based marketing practice in which a business rewards one or more affiliates (that's you) for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's marketing efforts. The details of each affiliate program vary from program to program. Generally, you are provided a referral link to a website which you use to promote the affiliate progam. If you work hard and SMART, you can make a lot of money through affiliate programs.

As in any business there are good and bad affiliate programs. I have had much success with SBI! ( http://buildit.sitesell.com/wealthtogether.html). Not only do they have a terrific website for you to use, but they actually provide you with tools and training on how to make the most of their affiliate program. Another favorite is Iris Silks (http://www.irissilks.com//index.asp?REFCODE=SUPERCHA81640). I love silk lingerie - and the affiliate program is great too! But my favorite have got to be Affiliate Showcase (http://www.affiliateshowcase.com/?46035). Not only can you join just about every decent affiliate program through this site, you can also be an affiliate for Affiliate Showcase itself. My friend, Ken McArthur, who designed Affiliate Showcase, also provides lots of promotional tools, training, forums, and support. This is probably where I'll wind up looking for some additional affiliates for my own business.

Have a great New Year!