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Regardless if you're promoting one program or many, it pays to know where to find affiliateprograms and also what to look for in a good program. Often, if you have a program that you promote heavily, you can easily earn a side income from another area of your website. Or, if you publish your own newsletter, it's a great way to monetize each mailing.
Affiliate Agreement
All good programs should have an affiliate agreement. This outlines your rights and theirs. It is strongly recommended that you read the affiliate agreement before signing up for any program. If the program does not have an affiliate agreement, then be careful. The agreement is designed to protect you and them, therefore every decent business will have one.
Pays Monthly or Less
Don't bother with programs that pay quarterly unless you aren't looking for a quick pay out, and know the program is ethical. As you know, business is run by people and though most folks online are honest, some aren't. And it would be bad to promote a program for three months, earning them sales, only to find out they don't pay. Monthly payouts are good because not only do you get paid more often, but you can assess the affiliateprogram quicker too.
Easy Contact
Make sure the merchant makes it easy for their affiliates to contact them including a phone number or at least a way to contact a help desk or discussion board of some sort. Don't think much of businesses that don't at least provide a means of getting answers.
Quick Response
As mentioned above, contact your merchant. Notice how quick they are to respond to your emails and how helpful they are. If you're going to be personally referring people to this program, you certainly want to know that your referrals will be taken care of. This boosts their opinion of you, and also makes your referral more responsive down the road.
Privacy Policy
Also make sure the merchant offers a privacy policy. Anytime that you sign up for a program, you are giving them personal information. If they don't have one visible and one that is reasonable, then ask about one.
Sales Process
Make sure the program you're looking at has a proven sales process in place. Look to see if they offer multiple ways to link to them with tested and proven banners, ads etc. Study their product and their sales material on their site. Don't let them use YOU to test their results, make sure they've done their homework before you spend money promoting them.
Summary
It pays to follow the above guidelines. It's sad but true, often merchants who are shallow minded will "use" affiliates as a way to test their site, sales process for free, without regard to the affiliate's best interests. You are in business for yourself, so think smart and make as an informed decision as possible. If you don't know about a program, ask around. You'll be amazed at how many people are willing to help each other.
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