affiliate-program-checklistEvery once in a while, I get asked the following question: “what are some of the best ways to choose an affiliate program”? So, I thought it might be a good idea to list some tips that can be used as a guide when choosing an affiliate program. Here are some of the things you may want to consider when choosing your next affiliate program:

    1. This is interesting
    Always look for affiliate programs that you have an interest in. If you find a product or service that you wouldn’t hesitate to purchase for yourself, in most cases, it will be something you would want to promote. You’ll also be enthusiastic about the product or service and prospects can usually sense that. If you have an interest, chances are, there will be many others who will have a similar interest in the product.

    2. A growing market
    Try to find programs that have a growing market. Basically, you want to be certain that there will be a continual demand for the product you are promoting. Doing some research on places such as Google Trends or eBay Pulse will assist you greatly. You can also visit some related marketing forums and discussion groups to ask questions and get reliable feedback.

    3. The highest standards
    You should search for high quality programs. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to find programs in a particular industry that are associated with several experts. By doing so, you can generally be assured that the program you are considering is of high standards.

    4. Viable and credible
    Of course you’ll want to join programs that offer viable products. You can determine that by doing a little research. If at all possible, try to contact a few customers or other affiliate members so you can get their testimonial regarding the credibility of the program or product.

    5. Time is money
    Don’t waste your time and effort with programs that don’t reward you well. There are many programs available that offer high commissions as well as residual income. If you find one that offers both, you’ll earn a much better income. There are many digital products that pay commissions of 75% and you’ll find most service products pay a residual income.

    6. Prerequisites and quotas…oh my
    There are some affiliate programs that impose a prerequisite before you earn any commissions. In other words, you need to reach a certain quota or number of sales before you see any payment. Some of those quotas can be difficult to achieve and I don’t recommend them unless you are very confident that you can achieve the requirements.

    7. Resources galore
    Always look for programs that have lots of resources and training materials that you can use for your promotions. You want to consider programs that offer resources such as; text ads, banners, emails, articles, etc. Some of the better affiliate programs also have training materials to help with your promotions and show you methods to earn more money. You will also find that there are programs which offer only an affiliate link for your promotion. I wouldn’t recommend those programs unless you have ways to promote your link via a subscriber list or you’re experienced with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

    8. Statistics and commissions
    Choose programs that allow you to check your stats and your commission. These stats should be made available to you from anywhere and at anytime you choose.

    9. More is better
    Does the program offer any additional incentives? Look for additional sources of income through back-end sales or residual income. Some programs will offer valuable prizes to top performers. Also check and see if the program continually provides upgrades to their products as well as, help for it’s members.

    10. Last but not least
    Finally, be on the lookout for any program members that are not satisfied or disgruntled with a particular program. You can usually find those people who are having problems at the discussion forums or marketing groups. If you know someone who is already a member of an affiliate program, ask them if they experienced or know of any problems. A little research can save you loads of grief and frustration.

Once you’ve done your research and are knowledgeable about the affiliate programs, it will help you determine if a certain program is right for you. You’ll also have the ability to promote with confidence and not worry about the downsides that some affiliate marketers encounter.

The tips I provided are some of the things I look for when choosing a program to join. I’m sure some of you have other criteria that you consider and I’d be interested in hearing them.

Tagged with: • • • •

Filed under: affiliate marketing • affiliate programs • internet marketing • make money • resources and tools

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!