Affiliate Programs: What To Watch Out For

When you invest your time, you should earn a favorable rate of return on that investment. That's how affiliate programs should work, but they don't always.

Here are a few things to look for - and look out for - when choosing an affiliate program:

In order to receive a commission, website visitors are tracked from your site to the company's site.

So, what happens to your commission if that visitor doesn't buy anything at that time, but returns later and makes a purchase?

In many cases, you get nothing. Your work has only succeeded in giving the company free promotion.

That's why it's crucial to see how your affiliate ID is tracked and for how long.

Your affiliate link may enable you to earn commissions on all products offered by the company - or only one product.

Here's what can happen, and how to avoid it:

Suppose your visitor arrives at The Company's website via your link.

Your affiliate agreement entitles you to commissions for sales of Product A.

However, The Company also has other products. The visitor you referred happens to follow a link on The Company's site to another site operated by The Company that sells other products.

The visitor buys, and they profit.

So, do you get paid? It depends on the affiliate agreement.

If you have any doubt, email the affiliate support department. (If they don't offer support, don't even think about becoming an affiliate.)

Affiliate marketing is a business - don't work for free. If they earn as a result of your efforts, so should you.

If your affiliate ID is only tracked online, make sure that's how customers are ordering.

Many companies have toll-free numbers that make ordering over the phone as easy - or even easier - than ordering online.

If a company with an affiliate program you're considering has offline ordering options, ask them how your affiliate ID is tracked.

In some cases, an affiliate ID may be requested for phone orders. Not an option? You may want to look for another affiliate program.

MARKETING STRATEGIES
Differentiate Yourself
Information Marketing
Building Customer Loyalty
Getting Customer Feedback
Testimonials
How to Define a Niche
Discovering Niches
Finding New Customers
Indirect Benefits
The Consumer's Perspective
Promotional Marketing
Pricing Products and Services
Viral Marketing Magic
Marketing Mix
Website Niches
Cheap Advertising Strategies Complementary Marketing

About Create Your Market | Site Map | CreateYourMarket.com Main Page