Finding an affiliate program is actually not at all that difficult. If you already have a website you'll want to look for affiliate opportunities that will tie in with your existing site. If you haven't yet set up your website you can decide what types of services or products you want to sell and then create your website around these subjects. After you get set up, you apply for affiliate programs that are suited for the audience you have chosen.



Affiliate programs benefit those that own the products as well as those that sign up as an affiliate marketer. You as the marketer can earn a steady income without having your own product line. The merchant can expand his or her business by expanding where their products or services can be found to purchase. Owner and marketer alike, everyone wins.

It might be a good idea to do a bit of market research before going too far in getting a website set up. One good source of affiliate programs is Clickbank.com In fact Clickbank is built around affiliate marketing. Most every product offered has an automatic affiliate program built in. Another way to find affiliate programs is to go to Google, place the subject you are interested in, plus sign (+) "affiliate." That should get you results specific to your interest. You may need to put your subject in quotes to narrow it down. It will look like this: dog training + affiliate or "dog training" + affiliate. You can try "affiliates" as well.

The best affiliate programs are the ones that fit your business plan and that pay a decent commission. Commissions can range from 10% to 60% with 40% considered a good commission. However, it really depends on how your commission is calculated. Some product owners calculate their commission on the price of the item where others calculate the commission on the profit, and still others pay per click through rather than by products sold. The key is to know and understand how the product owner pays, and then you can decide if it is right program for you.

The best affiliates offer you tools. These tools include banner ad programs, text ads, even full product catalogues. Some even provide ready - made product reviews and emails for you to send to your list, if you have one. They also offer support and an easy way to communicate with them. You should receive regular email updates about the latest promotions.

There really is no best affiliate program. The best affiliates are those that meet your needs, offer what you want, and pay what you feel is acceptable. And with so many affiliate programs to choose from you shouldn't have any trouble finding one, or more that are right for you!