So, web sites that smartly use keywords to write appealing copy for their affiliate sites, that gives visitors information they’re looking for, will have a much better chance of attracting visitors. Of course, this also depends on how nice your site is to look at, and whether it’s a virtual affiliate farm or a legitimate site that promotes a particular niche product.

The best affiliate programs are ones where vendor (affiliate) also has an attractive, easy-to-navigate, give-the-customer-what-they-want, and easy to order type of web site. Also, these vendors are very helpful and supportive to their affiliates.

Another important truth is that you should resist temptation to promote lots of affiliates on your web site. This is dreaded “affiliate overkill” syndrome. You should especially stay away from affiliate programs that have absolutely nothing to do with theme of your web site – these will not attract any interest from your visitors.

So, bottom line truth about affiliate programs is that, although they are easy to set up, it’s really not very easy at all to make money with them. This is true even if you’ve done everything right. It takes a lot of patience, tweaking, and testing to nurture your affiliate site into an income generating profit machine.

But, don’t let this discourage you from jumping into affiliate marketing waters and getting your feet wet. The more you do, more you learn.

And that’s truth.

Many of us have been a DOD--Desperate Online Desperado--at one time or another. It seems to be a part of online experience. The lucky ones realize their desperation is leading them to make bad decisions and “lose” money instead of making it.

Reformed online desperados have learned that there are many smart ways to make a living online, but it takes a willingness to learn, commitment, and some elbow grease to make a go of it successfully. Plus, a reasonable idea and a product or service that people actually need.

Just like most gold miners struck out in Old West, many online desperados will strike out as well. Do you know who really made money from gold rush? Merchants who sold supplies to miners. Shovel anyone?

The sooner online desperados learn not to let their desperation control their Internet destiny, sooner they will be on their way to solving their money problems.

If you’re still a Desperate Online Desperado, realize right now that there are no quick fixes. “Get rich quick” doesn’t exist unless you win lottery.

Everyone else has to do their research, find a good product or service that people are willing to buy, and learn how to market and promote it properly.

That’s only “gold” there is on Net.

Also, information is priceless.

You can never have enough of it.

If that Internet Sheriff was around I think he’d say this to you online desperados:

“Your desperation ain’t doin you no good. Ain’t doin nothing but leading you down wrong path. Why don’t you do yourself a favor and turn in your desperation right now?”

“You might learn a few things and we’d sure like to show you some ‘real’ Internet hospitality. Will you join us?”

Whaddy’you say, partner?