Affiliate Networks - Choosing Wisely

For those of you who may not know what affiliate networks are I'll quote Wikipedia -

An affiliate network acts as an intermediary between publishers (affiliates) and merchant affiliate programs. It allows website publishers to more easily find and participate in affiliate programs which are suitable for their website (and thus generate income from those programs), and allows websites offering affiliate programs (typically online merchants) to reach a larger audience by promoting their affiliate programs to all of the publishers participating in the network.(sic.)

Ok...So what?(!)

Now I haven't been in this business for very long and I'll be the first to admit that I'm still learning the ropes. But there is one thing that I'm certain of is that I want to build a real business. One that provides sustainable, long term income and not just a quick grab for the cash.

So I thought about what I wanted to achieve with my business and I came up with this list;

• I want to create something of value. Something Unique!
• I want the visitors who come to my site to keep coming back for more!
• I want my product to be of the highest quality.

Because I want my business to be of the highest quality, I need to know that all the players are of high quality as well.

Player 1 – The Content Provider -
As the content provider it is our job to deliver to our customer (the merchant!) a Pre-Sold client who will either buy something or sign up for something.

Player 2 – The Customer -
It may surprise you to learn that the merchant is our customer. It is the merchant who is paying us.

Player 3 – The Program Manager -
The Program Manager provides management of the affiliate program. They recruit the affiliates, handle the money, provide security against fraud, and provide data relevant to the merchant and the affiliate.

So when trying to decide whether or not to join an affiliate network, look at it from the customer's point of view and see if the management program meets your standard of quality.

• Do they screen prospective affiliates? Allowing only serious affiliates into the program?
• Do they have a clear anti-spamming policy?
• Do they screen merchants? Or do they allow anyone who is willing to pay sign up, not caring if they succeed of fail?
• How good is their technical support?

These are some of the things you should be looking at even before choosing an affiliate program.

As always – Keep an eye on the big picture!

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