"Put up our banners on your website or use our pre-written ads ... we'll do the rest!"

Ugh.

It's unfortunate that some affiliate programs tell you that making money with them is as simple as that. New affiliates are often under the impression that it doesn't take much to earn money with affiliate programs - when nothing could be further from the truth.

Unless you have a high-traffic, highly-targeted website you're going to have to put in a great deal of effort if you want to do well - not just selling the products, but learning HOW TO market them on the Internet.

What's the difference between a top-performing affiliate and one that doesn't even make enough for a cup of coffee?

1. Top affiliates buy the product they're selling.

It's important to know what you're selling. First of all, you want to be sure you're selling a quality product that offers great value. Your reputation is at stake, after all! You have to really KNOW the product in order to describe it honestly to others.

Buying the product you're selling is a MUST. Why should someone else buy a product that you're not willing to purchase yourself?

2. Top affiliates take the time to learn.

Learn what? It always amazes me when I receive email from someone who joins an affiliate program, but then asks me exactly what it is they're selling and what they're supposed to do.

Know your product. Know the website. Spend some time surfing through the site to familiarize yourself with what you're getting into.

3. Top affiliates are fresh and original.

Many affiliate programs provide their affiliates with pre-written emails, advertising copy, or articles. They also usually provide a number of banners that you can choose from.

After you've seen the same tired old ad time and time again, it simply becomes ineffective. People will ignore it since it's been used too many times. It's much more effective for you to come up with a new way of telling people about the product -- something fresh and original.

4. Top affiliates provide content.

If you are advertising a product on your website, try adding some solid content to your offer. Then tie the content into your offer, and show your visitors how the product will benefit them.

5. Top affiliates don't use hype.

What I mean by this is: don't make false claims about your product. If you use hype you'll end up with a dissatisfied customer who may return the product and spread the word about you. Keep your customers happy and they'll come back.

Be truthful. If you do not honestly like the product, then don't promote it.

6. Top affiliates answer their emails promptly.

Sometimes you may get a visitor that's still a little unsure about purchasing a product. That's when they may email you with additional questions.

Answer these emails courteously and in a timely manner. If you don't know the answer, either find out or forward their email to someone who can help them.

7. Top affiliates endorse the product.

Once again, this goes back to the all-important step of buying the product you're selling. If you truly do like the product you'll be able to write a sincere endorsement. Sincerity shines through!

8. Top affiliates experiment.

Some promotion methods will just naturally work better than others. Experiment, learn from both your successes and your failures, and try to improve.

9. Top affiliates concentrate on only a few programs.

Select a few excellent programs and focus your efforts on them. If you try to promote too many, you'll end up spreading yourself too thin - you'll be less effective, and may end up only making a few pennies here and there. Concentrate your efforts on making a decent income with just a few good programs.

There really is no "trick" to making money with affiliate programs. It took me a couple of months before I started seeing any money ... but once it started, it just got easier and easier.

Affiliate programs are a fabulous way of making a decent online income - if you take the time to learn!

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