When choosing an affiliate network, most novice internet marketers only look at the gross payout for the products they will be promoting. This is a mistake. In order to find success in your online business venture, there are many factors to consider. While payout is important, it is not the end all and be all of an affiliate program.
Be Connected
Before you choose an affiliate program, you should have a clear idea as to the types of products you wish to promote. It is good to begin with something you are familiar with, as it will make it easier for you to create meaningful content that can connect on an emotional level with your readers. Ultimately, though, you can always just hire writers, so this isn't an absolute requirement. What is, however, required is that you feel comfortable promoting the products associated with the network you are considering. Whether eBooks and other informational products, physical products such as tooth whitener or weight loss products, or financial and educational CPA offers, you want to feel good about whatever it is that you are selling - it will make everything you do more authentic.
Reach Out and Touch Someone
Understand that you are entering into a business relationship. You want to be able to communicate with those whom you do business with, so one of the first things you really need to consider is how easy it is to get a hold of someone at the affiliate program business headquarters - in short, how is there customer service? Can you talk to a real person, or are you relegated to an online support system? Being able to speak with someone can greatly assist the new marketer.
Street Cred
Another factor to consider is the ease of approval. While some affiliate programs don't do any kind of verification, there are other programs that are quite strict about whom they let into their network. For example, with educational cpa offers, it can be quite the challenge to get your website approved if you are new to the industry - they want to see established marketers, with professional websites, and references from other lead aggregators. They will also wish to see a certain amount of traffic before consideration.
Analyze This
Also, consider tracking and analytics. You should sign up with a network that is capable of allowing you to setup keyword conversion tracking and tracking IDs. This is very important; especially if you are running paid advertising and want to be able to track the ROI of your ad spend.
Finally, consider the size and reputation of the network. Do they pay on time, or do they have a reputation for stiffing their affiliates? Are they new and small, or large and established? When just starting out, it is wise and prudent to join a network with a reputation for honesty, and a large number of happy affiliate that can vouch safe for them.
This is a guest post by Ricky Ahuja, CEO of Affiliate Venture Group, a privately funded performance based network located in Richmond, VA. One of the most accessible guys in the industry, calls it like it is and continues to develop a loyal following through his blog at RickyAhuja.com.
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