But what are affiliate programs? Simply put, affiliate programs, or associate programs as they are called in some circles, are web merchants who pay other websites a commission for either of two things or both:

When affiliate website generate traffic for web merchant;

B. When affiliate website helps sell a product offered by web merchant.

Now, why is such a set-up with affiliate programs a lucrative option? Well, first, all you really need is an online presence, i.e. a website, and some selling skills. You don’t have to pay anything at all. Second, there is no limit as to how many affiliate programs you could join, and there is definitely no maximum cap for how much you could earn. Third, when everything is set, a semi-automated process will be in place that would allow you to potentially earn even if you’re busy with other things.

But despite all these favorable things that can be said about affiliate programs, not that many people have decided to take plunge. Their hesitation most probably stem from customary notion that nothing enormously profitable can be gained with little work. Also, they may be of belief that affiliated programs are too complicated to understand.

They’re wrong on both counts, and you could use this to your advantage by joining affiliate programs while industry isn’t that saturated yet. Hereunder is an overview on how to start a relationship with an affiliate program, and how to make most out of it. It is presented a la a cookbook recipe to let you know how easy it is to master.

THE 20 MINUTE AFFILIATE PROGRAM RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 or more web merchants who offer good commission schemes 1 or more sellable products 1 or more websites where you could promote your affiliates 1 web builder program (i.e. Frontpage, Dreamweaver, or even MS Word) 1 payment method plan (i.e. Paypal, Stormpay, etc.) some writing skills

OPTIONAL SEASONINGS