No product... not even a product idea. What's a would-be online entrepreneur to do?For many beginners, affiliate programs seem like a dream come true: earn a commission selling another company's products or services. No need to create one of your own! What's even better is that you only have to place a couple of banners or links on your website, and this hot product will sell itself! Right?
No. Just like with any other online business, earning money from affiliate programs requires education and experience with Internet marketing. Affiliate programs are a great way to learn
basics of marketing online. Although it's
rare person who makes a significant full-time income from them, many people find that they provide an excellent supplementary income stream.
Many newbies to
'net are so eager to get started that they sign up with every affiliate program that looks good to them. They advertise like crazy, often spend hundreds of dollars -- only to be disappointed at their complete lack of sales.
So what does it take to make money with an affiliate program? Here are a few key tips ...
__Make Smart Choices.
To get started, choose only one or two high-quality programs that are a good fit with your website audience. For example, if you're running a crafts website, don't advertise technical software.
One or two programs will provide you with plenty of work to begin with. More than that and you may find yourself frantically trying to promote too many and having little success. It's better to start earning money with a couple of good programs first, then gradually add additional income streams later on.
You may also find, over time, that your audience responds to a certain type of product and not to others. Test different offers to see which ones your audience like best.
__Don't Rely on Your Downline.
2-tier affiliate programs offer additional commissions everytime someone in your 'downline' makes a sale. Your 'downline' are those people you refer to
program who also become affiliates.