1. Research
Start by researching affiliate program directories to find top-level programs. When you find something interesting, visit their website and look at their affiliate program. Make a note of the products, services and companies that interest you.If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the directories, use Google to search for topics you’re writing about. Visit related sites and see if they have an affiliate or ‘partner’ program. If so, note the details of what they have to offer. Before you go any further, you may want to create a spreadsheet or another way to compare the programs you’re researching.
2. Commission Percentages
While high commissions are attractive, they may not be the most important thing to consider. In your spreadsheet, make a note of the commission rates that each company pays. Also note whether it is a one-time referral fee or if you earn recurring commission.
3. Cookie Duration
Cookies are tracking code that gives companies information on their traffic; in this case, where their customer came from. As you review affiliate programs you’ll see some offer 30-day cookies, others may offer lifetime cookies. Lifetime cookies are the ideal. This ensures that no matter how long it has been since your visitor clicked your affiliate link, when they decide to purchase, you will get credit for it.In contrast, if the cookie is only good for 30 days, your visitor must purchase within that time frame in order for you to get credit or they would need to click your link again before they purchase.
4. Review the Sales Page
Your job as an affiliate is to pre-sell products. In doing this, you want to make sure you are sending your visitors to a well-thought-out sales page with good conversions. It doesn’t matter how good a job you do – if the sales page fails to do its job, you lose out.
So check the sales pages for the potential affiliate programs. If the pages are poorly created, don’t capture your attention or they have a low conversion rate, then chances are you’ll waste a lot of time and effort trying to promote those products.
5. Marketing Material
Some companies provide lots of marketing material; others provide a link only. While link-only programs shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, it’s nice to have content that includes the benefits of the products, graphics that you can upload to your site and other material to help you promote the products.
6. Customer Service
Not only should the products you promote be of good quality, but so should the company’s customer support. Whether you need support as an affiliate or your referrals need support as a customer, you’ll want to know the company is going to treat everyone well.
7. Payouts
It’s important to take note of when affiliates are paid and how they are paid. Some companies pay by check only; others by PayPal, while still others may offer a direct deposit to your bank option. Some affiliate programs pay instantly as soon as you make a sale, others pay monthly or even quarterly. In addition, some companies require you to earn a minimum amount of commissions before you are paid. Knowing when you can expect your money is important to determining which affiliate programs to promote.
There are many great affiliate programs available and even more being added and improved all the time. Taking a few minutes to research each program before you join can help you become a successful affiliate marketer.
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