An affiliate program is a revenue sharing program where the affiliate (that's you!) drives traffic to a merchant's web site in exchange for referral commissions. When a visitor to your site clicks on the affiliate link to the merchant's site and completes a purchase, you get a commission on every item they buy!
How do I get started?
Step 1: Sign up! Each merchant will have their own type of sign up process that is usually online. I have found that this normally takes about 10-15 minutes max to do.
Step 2: Your application is reviewed. Once your application is approved, you will receive setup instructions as well as banners and text links that you can put on your web site, newsletter, etc.
Step 3: Collect your commissions when people buy!
Who can participate?
Just about anybody! Whether you run a large commercial web site, a small personal blog, a non-profit site, or anything in between you're welcome to apply to join programs. Many merchants also welcome owners of opt-in e-mail newsletters.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No! As long as you are an active affiliate, all you need to do is keep linking and collect your commissions.
How are sales tracked?
In most instances, once your application is accepted, you will be given a unique affiliate ID as well as custom-formatted links that will ensure that traffic coming from your site is properly tracked.
How much will I earn? How and when do I get paid?
Affiliate programs range anywhere from earning a flat dollar amount to earning percentages from 3-90%! Each merchant has their own payment rules, so read program specifications.
Have you participated as an affiliate? Tell others what your experience has been!
To your success
Stephanie
