How To Create Your Own Successful And Profitable Affiliate Program

Most of the truly successful marketers have three competitive advantages :

• They run successful Affiliate Programs (Part 1)
• They own large Opt-In Lists and have large traffic (Part 2)
• They create their own products (Part 3)

Step #1 - Three Affiliate Program Opportunities

• Opportunity 1 - Using Own Products and Services Combining your own products with a successful Affiliate Program is almost a license to write your own checks.
• Opportunity 2 - Using Resell and Master Rights Products Surprisingly, as you will see in step 4, you can create and run an Affiliate Program even if you don't have your own products and services.
• Opportunity 3 - Substitute Joint Ventures All successful Affiliate Programs are joint ventures in miniature. Your affiliate partners require as much of your support and commitment as would any JV partners.

Step #2 - The Top Ten Features Of A Good Affiliate Program

1. It delivers consistent sales for Affiliates, by marketing products with high consumer benefits.
2. It operates on a Leveraged I'ncome Pay structure, which extends a number of levels deep.
3. It operates on a Residual I'ncome Pay structure giving Affiliates repeat I'ncome.
4. A good program has high quality marketing tools and incentives for the Affiliates.
5. It pays out big percentages of the sale to the Affiliates and it pays promptly
6. The administration function tracks and corrects affiliate issues quickly, and effectively.
7. A good program trains and supports Affiliates enthusiastically.
8. It offers Affiliates complimentary, high value, front and back end products for promotion.
9. It handles all end customer care issues. 10) A good program constantly tests new ideas to support and strengthen ties with affiliates and end customers alike.

Step #3 - "Own Product Affiliate Program"

Most people join an Affiliate Program on the strength and reliability of its compensation plan.

* Compensation Structure Planning :

• Who can join the program Is it open to anyone or just selected, approved partners ?
• Downline matrix structure for Leveraged I'ncome How deep is the matrix of downline earnings for Leveraged I'ncome ?
• Residual I'ncome Payments Does the program pay Residual I'ncome, on repeat subscriptions for as long as the end customer renews ?
• Minimum Payment amounts, and deadlines. Policy on payments, returns and deductions from Affiliate payments must be clear from the beginning.
• Affiliate monitoring of the program Affiliates must be able to easily monitor referrals and earnings. Clear and accurate reports to Affiliates should be available online or sent by e-mail.

* Marketing Plans

Develop high quality graphical links that Affiliates can use on their own websites to point to your program. These include

• Web Templates and copy
• Banner Links
• Button Links
• Text Links

Write e-courses coaching your Affiliates on what works best in promoting your products and services.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that when they sign up the whole thing will run on autopilot.

* Legal Issues

Consult professional, qualified lawyers to help you draw up your program terms and conditions before you go to market. The upfront cost involved may save you greater expense in the future.

Step #4 - Resell and Master Rights Product Affiliate Programs

An Affiliate Program without your own products is possible, but use caution - it is less likely to be a huge earner, than one promoting your own stable of products.

Why would anyone join an Affiliate Program to promote a resell or master rights product, that they could buy and sell earning 100% of the profits ?

The answer is reduced effort, time and money.

An Affiliate Program for resell or master rights products saves the affiliate from having to buy, process, add value to and give customer service to the resell rights product.

It becomes an easy I'ncome stream that people may want to join.

The trick in this situation is to

• Spot a product with selling potential, that is relatively scarce and has not been over marketed.
• Create the Affiliate Program where the product owner has failed or is incapable of seeing the market opportunity.

Remember caution - Do not spend huge sums setting up this type of program because the "Return on Investment" is likely to be low.

Step #5 - Mini Joint Venture

JV partners bring "something with them, to the party" - This might be funding, a huge opt-in list, a product or service, or ideas.

Affiliate partners on the other hand, bring only their desire to promote your products and services.

However, the practical day to day administration of the two types of programs is very similar.

For instance:

• You should coach affiliates and JV partners in the best way to market the products.
• You must listen to their issues and deal with them effectively and efficiently
• You must make sure they are happy with the program arrangements, in order that they promote it strongly and join up for future promotions.

JV's and Affiliate programs are different, but only in small details. Treat them with similar care.

Step #6 - Affiliate Program Automation

Quality tools are indispensable for Affiliate Program Automation

• Affiliate Scripts - These are commercially available scripts that allow you to set up programs of various complexity in terms of compensation plans, account management, and program administration.
• Administration Tools - These allow you to see in detail which Affiliates are performing and deserving of more of your effort, time and attention and which ones are not and can therefore be dropped from the program.
• Sequential Autoresponder - Use this to coach and train your Affiliates by sending them regular e-mail.
• VoIP Communicators - These allow you to hold Cheap Live training and support seminars where your Affiliates can virtually attend, see, hear and talk to one another from across the Globe without the need for expensive travel or phone costs.
• Payment Processor - This is the facility by which your Affiliate partners will be paid.
• Product Fulfillment - A successful program will generate many sales and the fulfillment process must be able to cater for the heavy workload.
• Customer Care - The extra sales means that you may need to handle higher levels of end customer issues including returns.

Step #7 - In a Nutshell

This may seem daunting at first reading, but in reality setting up an Affiliate Program is straightforward.

The blue print is :

• Decide on the product type you want to set a program up for.
• Decide on Affiliate entry and acceptance criteria
• Decide on the compensation plan
• Decide on the marketing plan
• Decide the legal structure
• Choose your automation tools
• Market the program
• Train and support your affiliates, especially your winners.
• Don't be afraid to test new ideas

How to Select and Join an Affiliate Program

There are many horror stories about affiliate programs and networks that related to illegal programs or pyramid schemes. Basically, these do not have worthy products.

These are the schemes you do not want to be associated with. It is obvious you want to be with a program that offers high quality product that you will readily endorse. The growing number of those who have joined already and are succeeding is proof enough that there are reliable and quality affiliate programs out there.

Why participate in an affiliate program?

An affiliate program allows you to work part-time. It gives you the opportunity to build a generous residual income. And it makes you an owner of a small business. Affiliate programs have already created lots of millionaires. They are the living testimony of how hard work and continuous prospecting and motivating or training others, pays off.

If you decide to join one, you must take note that you are getting into something that should be patterned to what you are capable of. This will assure that you are successful.

How do you choose a good affiliate program to promote / join? Here are some tips to consider before you sign up:

1. Will it cost you anything to join? Most affiliate programs being offered today are absolutely free of charge. So why settle for those that charge you some dollars before joining.

An extremely good affiliate program with many products and marketing tools available to you is mentioned on my site within my articles menu with the same subject name as this article. Have a browse and if you like it - join!

2. Join a program that you like and have an interest in. One of the best ways of knowing if an affiliate program is the kind of program you wish to promote, is if you are interested in purchasing the product yourself. If so, there are likely others who are also interested in the same program and products.

3. Look for a program that is of high quality. For instance, one that is associated with many experts in that particular industry. This way, you are assured that you are joining a high standard program.

4. Join affiliate programs that offer real and viable products. How can you tell? Do some initial research. If possible, track down some of the members and customers to give you testimonial on the credibility of the program.

5. Check whether the program is catering to a growing target market. This will ensure you that there will be more and continuous demands for your referrals. There are forums and discussions you can participate in to get this information.

6. An affiliate program that pays out 30% or more would be a great choice. There are some programs offering this kind of compensation. Look closely for one. Do not waste your time with programs that do not reward substantially for your efforts.

7. Be aware of the minimum quotas or sales targets that you must fill. Some affiliate programs imposes pre-requisites before you get your commissions. Just be sure that you are capable of attaining their requirements.

8. Choose one that has plenty of tools and resources that can help you grow the business in the shortest possible time. Not all affiliate programs have these capacities.

9. Check out if the program has a proven system that can allow you to check your networks and compensation. Also check if they have it available online for you to check anytime and anywhere.

10. Choose an affiliate program that is offering strong incentives for members to renew their membership or that provide continuous help and upgrades for its products. These programs have the tendency to retain their members and can assure the growth of your networks.

11. Be aware of the things that members are not happy about in a program. As mentioned above, you can do your checking at discussion forums. If you know someone in that same program, there is no harm asking if there are many downsides involved.

12. Is the affiliate a one tier or two tier program? A single tier program pays you only for the business you yourself have generated. A two tier program pays you for the business, plus it also pays you a commission on the on the sales generated by any affiliate you sponsor in your program. Some two-tier programs are even paying small fees on each new affiliate you sponsor. More like a recruitment fee.

Have a thorough and intensive knowledge about the affiliate program and network you will be promoting. Knowing the kind of program you are getting yourself into will make you anticipate and prevent any future problems you may encounter.

What is a Good Program Spec?

"Whenever you see a ratio of 1:4 analysts:programmers you will find systems analysis being performed at the wrong time and by the wrong person."
- Bryce's Law

INTRODUCTION

Since the industry is preoccupied with producing software faster
(and not necessarily better), let's stop and consider how we typically approach programming and allow me to put my spin on it. There are fundamentally three aspects to any program development effort: defining the program's specifications, designing and writing the program itself, and testing it. The software engineering gurus in the industry are primarily concerned with the internal design of the program, but there
is now a raft of consultants trying to determine the best way to
approach the program externally. Why? Because there is now many ways for producing software than just writing source code using a common text editor; e.g., visual programming aids/prototyping tools, workbenches, 4GL's, program generators, etc. Such tools take the need for writing precise source code out of the hands of the programmers and allows them to concentrate on basic screen and report layout. They are excellent tools for most programming assignments, but they cannot do 100% of all of the programming for all applications. We still require
professional software developers with an intimate knowledge of programming languages and design techniques. Regardless if we write a program by hand, or use some sort of interpreter/generator, we still need to provide the programmer with precise specifications in order to perform their work.

Seldom do companies make use of a uniform approach for producing program specifications. It is not uncommon for programmers to receive specs in obscure ways, such as a memo from an end-user (the back of a cocktail napkin is my personal favorite). Rarely are specifications given in a consistent manner that can be evaluated for completeness. A standard approach would improve productivity and communications within the programming staff alone.

What should a good program spec include? Actually, its not too
difficult to figure out...

ELEMENTS OF A PROGRAM SPECIFICATION

Each program should be defined in terms of:

1. Input Descriptions (to collect data or request an output) - be it implemented by a GUI, command line interface, verbal, optical, or through some other screen interface. All inputs should include: a. Name, alternate ID, program label, description. b. Defined layout and examples. c. Input transaction specifications, including default values and editing rules for data to be collected. d. Messages; e.g., data validation, and general processing. e. Panels (for screens). f. Relationship of inputs to outputs.
2. Output Descriptions (to retrieve data) - be it implemented by a GUI, printed report, audio/video, or through some other screen interface. All outputs should include: a. Name, alternate ID, program label, description. b. Defined layout and examples. c. Panels (for screens), maps (for reports). d. Messages; e.g., general processing and program specific information/warning/error messages.
3. Data Structure Descriptions (data bases, files, records, and data elements). NOTE: Programmers should NOT be in the business of designing data bases as they will only do what is convenient for their application, not others (thereby missing the opportunity for a company to share and re-use data). Physical files should be defined by Data Base Administrators. a. All data structures should include: Name, alternate ID, program label, description. They should also include... b. Data Bases - organization, key(s), labels, volume/size, backup requirements, internal structure. c. Files (both primary and working) - organization, key(s), labels, volume/size, backup requirements, internal structure, file-to-file relationships. d. Records - form, length, key(s), contents, record-to-record relationships. e. Data Elements - class, justification, fill character, void state, mode, picture, label, size, precision, scale, validation rules. If generated data, rules for calculation. If group data, rules for assignment.
4. Program Description: a. Name, alternate ID, program label, description. b. Characteristics: Required processing speed, memory requirements. c. Dependencies to other programs externally (e.g., batch job stream). d. Dependencies to modules internally (e.g., DLLs, subroutines, etc.) e. Functions to be performed with Inputs, Outputs, and Data Structures (create/update/reference). f. Special processing rules (logic for processing) g. Command language required to execute the program (e.g., command files, JCL, etc.) h. Physical environment where program will be executed. i. Test Plan and how to assemble test data. j. Method of implementation - programming language(s) to be used, design techniques to be observed, tools to be used.

In-house software engineering standards complements any program specification (and should provide guidelines for writing the specification). Such standards define "best practices" for design and conventions to be observed during programming. As an aside, the objective of software engineering should be: Maintainability (easy to correct and update), Performance, Design Correctness (proof), International support (to accommodate languages and cultures), Integration (sharing and re-using code), and Portability (platform independence).

Between the programming spec as listed above and a good set of programming standards, it becomes rather easy to implement any program, be it by hand or through the use of a generator. As a matter of policy, specifications should be written under the assumption that a program generator will be used. This forces us to be more precise in our specifications.

OKAY, SO HOW DO WE GET THERE?

When it comes to assembling a program spec, I am of the philosophy that "You eat elephants one spoonful at a time." It is difficult to gather the specs for a single program in one fell swoop. Plus, when we consider most development projects today involve more than one program, the problem is further complicated. For major development efforts, I am of the opinion that "layers" of documentation are required. For example, under "PRIDE-ISEM, we view a system as a collection of sub-systems (business processes), implemented by procedures (administrative and computer), administrative procedures consist of operational steps (tasks), and computer procedures consist of programs (which can be sub-divided into modules if so desired).

Basically, "PRIDE" views a system as a product that can be engineered and manufactured like any other product. From this viewpoint, we can make use of other engineering techniques, such as a top-down blueprinting approach to documentation where levels of abstraction define the different levels in the system hierarchy. For example, the Phase 1 Information Requirements contained in the "System Study & Evaluation Manual" define what system(s) are needed (either new or existing systems requiring modification); the Phase 2 "System Design Manual" includes specifies the sub-systems; the Phase 3 "Sub-System Design Manual" specifies the procedures
in the business process; the Phase 4-I "Administrative Procedure Manual" specifies the operational steps, and; the Phase 4-II "Computer Run Book" specifies the programs. This blueprinting approach allows us to progressively refine our specifications until we reach the bottom of the product structure. In other words, it is not necessary to define everything about an Input, Output, File, or Data Element all at once, but rather to initially identify the need for them, then progressively refine the details until we are ready to program.

This approach to documentation is sometimes referred to as "step-wise refinement" whereby the design of a structure, such as a product or building, is refined over various levels of abstraction. Only when we have completed these architectural
designs can the product move to manufacturing/building. Imagine trying to build an automobile or skyscraper without such a technique. It would be virtually impossible. Why should systems be any different? In order for this approach to
work, you must accept the concepts: a system is a product; that there are various levels of abstraction to it, and; there are standards for documenting each level. This is considerably different than a "forms driven" approach to development;
e.g., fill out forms in a regimented sequence without any thought in regard to the design of the system. Instead, documentation should be a natural by-product of the design process.

This also makes a clear delineation in terms of "types" of specifications; for example "information requirements" and "programming specs" are miles apart in terms of content and purpose. Whereas the former is a specification regarding the business needs of the user, the latter is a technical specification
for the programmer to implement.

This blueprinting approach also highlights the need for basic systems work in the earlier phases of design, with the programmers being the beneficiaries of more precise specifications (as opposed to vague concepts), thereby
simplifying their job.

CONCLUSION

So, what is a good program spec? Anything that eliminates the guesswork for the programmer. Consider this: if the up-front system design work was done right, programming should be less than 15% of the entire development process. Then why does it currently command 85% of our overall time (and financial resources)? Primarily because we have shifted our focus and no longer believe we are being productive unless we are
programming. After all, programming is perhaps the most visible evidence of our work effort; system design is less tangible.

Let me illustrate, back in 1976 I took an entry level COBOL training course from IBM in Cincinnati. Our class was divided into teams of three people and each team was given problems to solve. When we received an assignment, the other two programmers in my team immediately started to write code,
key their entries (Yes, we used keypunch equipment back then), then compiled the program. Inevitably, there were errors and they would go back-and-forth correcting errors until they finally got it right. As for me, when I got an assignment, I would pull out a plastic template and paper, and work out the logic of the program before writing the code. I would then key and compile, and would always complete the assignment before my partners. Curiosity got the better of me and I asked them, "Why do you do it that way?" They contended this was how they were expected to work by their superiors; that they weren't being productive unless they were producing code. I countered that even though they were faster at producing code, I was still beating them every time, simply because I was thinking the problem through.

PIC Micro Hardware Programming Methods

There are three ways to program a PIC microcontroller

1. Using normal programming hardware (high volt programming HVP).
2. Low volt programming (LVP).
3. Bootloading.

The first two methods use the programming port of the PIC microcontroller labeled ICSP (In Circuit Serial Programming).

This port is shared between the existing pins of the microcontroller and after programming the pins revert back to normal microcontroller operation.

Note: To make ICSP work correctly you have to consider the effects and requirements of the ICSP programmer e.g. for HVP a high voltage exists at the Vpp pin (your circuit must be able to handle the high voltage - up to 13V). Also the loading for the other signals PGC and PGD must not be too high i.e. don't put an LED on these pins that uses 20mA - if you did the voltage levels would not be high enough at the inputs to the PIC for programming.

It's fairly easy to design for ICSP use by using isolation resistors to normal circuitry and choosing not to use heavy loads on these pins.

ICSP provides 6 connections from the pic ICSP programmer to your board as follows :

VPP - (or MCLRn) Programming voltage (usually 13V).

Vcc - Power (usually 5V).

GND Ground (zero volts).

PGD - Data usual port and connection RB7.

PGC - Clock usual port and connection RB6.

PGM - LVP enable usual port and connection RB3/RB4.

PIC Micro: High Volt Programming

To use the first method a hardware interface is needed or 'PIC programmer' to interface between the programming software (usually running on the PC) and the PIC chip. This hardware takes its information from the PC via one of three interfaces either:

• The RS232 COM port
• The Parallel port
• The USB port

You choose the interface you want to use and then choose an appropriate PIC programmer. The PC then communicates with the hardware generating the serial (ICSP) signals to translate the PIC hex file into a serial data stream suitable for the target microcontroller.

Note: Almost all PIC microcontrollers use the ICSP interface so once you have a HVP you can program virtually any PIC microcontroller. e.g. you can program 12F675, 16F84, 16F88, 16F877(A), 18F2550, 18F452 etc.

There are several programs for programming PIC micos e.g. ICPROG and many different hardware programmers.

PIC Micro: Low volt programming (LVP)

LVP is exactly the same as HVP except:

• The Vpp voltage is set to the normal supply voltage.
• The PGM pin indicates programming mode.

Note: In this mode you can not use the PGM pin for anything else it is dedicated solely to LVP control.

Devices are manufactured with PGM mode enabled and the only way to turn off the PGM mode is to program it using an HVP programmer.

Note: Some PIC microcontrollers can only use the HVP method since for the LVP method you have to sacrifice one pin - PGM - (to tell the PIC Micro either that it is being programmed (high volts e.g. 5V) or that it is not being programmed (0V) ) and some PIC micros only have 8 pins e.g. 12F675. For this chip the PGM pin is not available so HVP is the only way.

The real benefit of using the LVP mode is that you can program several PIC Micros on a board without having to individually program each one - you could daisy chain each extra micro to a master micro which would then program each one in turn - and this is only possible since the Vpp signal is a normal logic level in LVP mode.

PIC Micro: Bootloading

Bootloading uses any available interface to load a program into program memory. It requires a bootstrap program to interpret the interface data and translate it into program memory instructions.

Note: Note only the newer devices that are capable of programming their own memory can use this method.

Typically a serial port is used for bootloading and the PIC micro bootstrap program will wait for a set time after power up listening on the serial port for a reserved word that tells the bootstrap program to start i.e. it listens for sequence of characters that is not normally used on the interface

Once it receives this sequence it enters bootstrap mode where a hex file is transmitted to the microcontroller over the interface. It interprets this and programs the memory of the microcontroller and then starts the program.

There are two issues with this method:

1. You have to program the bootstrap code using HVP or LVP.
2. It uses up some of the microcontroller resources.

Once programed it provides a convenient way of using the device as you won't need programming hardware anymore and one major benefit is that you can re-program a device without undoing the equipment e.g. if you boxed up you project you could still re-program it using the serial port!

Free Affiliate Program Guides

POWERFUL INTERNET INCOME GENERATORS
The internet is a powerful income generator, and of those income sources out there, one of the most powerful internet income solutions is free affiliate programs. Affiliate programs are typically money making programs that individuals can join for free and earn a substantial income from.

I know, that doesn't make sense, how can you join a program for free yet earn money? The basic premise is simple, while many free affiliate programs vary. Some do require an upgrade purchase while others do not, allowing you to make a profit for every person you bring into the program that chooses to upgrade.

Free affiliate programs are steadily becoming one of the fastest growing trends in internet marketing. Their growing popularity makes them a good choice for internet marketing at this time because the public interest is still so high, making them easier to market. Some people view them as a solid method of learning valuable internet marketing skills without having to dig deep into their pockets for high end marketing programs. Others see them as the absolute source of internet marketing income for the next fifty years.

IS AFFILIATE MARKETING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Regardless of the program venture, it is necessary to meet certain requirements before joining the internet marketing revolution. The basic requirements are fairly simple. Be willing to risk at least a small amount of money on advertising, be willing to take someone else's advice, and of course, be willing to be at least mildly patient. Dynasties are not built overnight no matter how hard the e-mail in your junk box is trying to convince you otherwise. Pretty simple?

Next in line is understanding how affiliate programs work. Their basic concept is quite similar to that of all internet network marketing plans, you introduce someone who introduces someone else and eventually you build what's know as a down-line. Down-lines today are also referred to as matrices in order to avoid the negative association sometimes aligned with network marketing. However, the educated network marketer is going to understand the difference between a legitimate marketing plan and a pyramid scheme. There is a huge difference.

The basic and most defining difference between network marketing and pyramid schemes (other than pyramids are illegal) is really quite basic. If you draw any plan out on paper the basic shape you are looking at after you get your two down-line and Jim gets his two and Sally gets her two is inevitably going to look like a triangle. That shape does not constitute a pyramid scheme. If only the circle at the top of your triangle is receiving any monetary reward for his efforts and all the little circles under him are receiving nothing, that is a pyramid and is illegal in the United States and most other first and second world countries.

Now that we understand that what is going on here is perfectly legal, network marketing foes not need to carry a bad reputation. So whether you choose to call it a down-line or a matrix, the premise is the same. You are introducing others to a plan to make money and that is known as network marketing. Affiliate network marketing, and in particular free affiliate network marketing is based on the concept that you can try out the program first without risking your money, and you can invite others to do the same as well. It is quite possible to build a down-line with a free affiliate network marketing plan without having to join the program first, and then upgrade in order to qualify for earned sales on your down-line's upgrades as well. Again, pretty simple. It's like test driving the care for awhile before you decide to either pay for it or return it.

AFFILIATE GENIUS

This is really exciting stuff when you think about it. Not only do you get to try out the free affiliate program for free, so does everyone that you introduce to the program. Considering the fact that network marketing of any kind is not the right avenue for some people, it allows the up-line to determine where to place their efforts when working with their down-line. Everybody has a solid understanding before the subject of shelling out any money ever arises, and often success is easier to attain because of that understanding.

All network marketing programs require an education as you proceed, and affiliate network marketing programs are in fact no different. It is imperative that an individual understands their program as well as marketing resources as they begin their endeavor into the realm of internet marketing. Often the educational resources are quite biased and deliver unrealistic promises that can't be met without first chunking down large sums of money.

So where does one turn to find this much needed education? Luckily there is a resource out there targeted specifically at free affiliate internet marketing programs that can help to answer all the typically unanswered questions. Affiliatepit has the answers to the questions you didn't even know you had.
AFFILIATE NETWORK MARKETING RESOURCES

It's not easy to swim out the in a virtual sea of sharks when you're not even sure which direction to take to find the shoreline. Independent marketing resources are absolutely the lifeboat that is desperately needed in the realm of this endless sea. Please take note of the words, independent and unbiased.

Why are these words so important? Because they are not simply pay to post websites. Affiliatepit is an independent resource for internet network marketer of affiliate programs to reasonably educate regardless of the affiliate program. They are not teaching you how to market their program and make money for them. They are offering you a wide variety of topics that you need to know without insisting you go off and promote their company. Logic tells us this is a much more reliable source than the program that offers you a wonderful network marketing education when you join their program and market their websites.

Free affiliate programs are popping up all over the internet. Critics say this will ultimately be the death of them, however most marketers who actually make a handsome living from internet marketing vehemently disagree. The onset of the free affiliate program has allowed people to learn without burning, so to speak. The learning curve is much shorter and of course the resources saved in joining a free program is then translated into advertising dollars, making the program more successful overall.

For those interested in joining the free affiliate network marketing revolution but have yet to settle on which affiliate program is right for them, there is a link provided in some of the articles on affiliatepit that brings you right to a list of affiliate programs worth marketing. Choosing the right program is important, so be sure to read the entire article and look before leaping. Many programs have varying rules in how to qualify for commissions.

Each free affiliate program offers a wide range of compensation, so again, find out the information first. Some offer as low as 5% while others skyrocket commissions up to 50%. Some offer a low commission for free members and a much higher commission for upgraded members. It is very important to understand the affiliate program in question when doing you due diligence.

With so many affiliate programs swirling out there in cyberspace, let's not forget that not all of them swirl forever. Programs do close down occasionally and that leaves all of the industrious affiliates high and dry. Once again, Affiliatepit covers this topic well and offers advice on finding programs that project longetivity and real income potential. After all, we started this in order to make some money, not spend years researching various programs.

Successful affiliate programs combine a quality product, a high integrity program, and actual real live support to its members. To discover where these programs exist may take a little effort, but the pay off is well worth the research in the beginning.

Affiliatepit has complied more than simply lists and links to contributing affiliate programs. Their contributors are actual marketers who have done research of their own and are simply willing to share their findings with the rest of us. The value offered in one site is tremendous, and the best part is it's all available at the click of the mouse. Perusing the site offers advice you didn't even know you needed. From the "Pros and Cons" article to the simple and direct "Do you have what it takes" article, there are answers to unasked questions that had yet to even cross our minds.

How to Choose the Right Business Opportunity Affiliate Program

Business opportunity affiliate programs are still hot these days despite the horrible stories about those that fail in them. Nevertheless because of these scams, a lot of people get frightened with accepting business opportunities from an affiliate program entirely. But this should not be the case if you know how to choose well.

When choosing a business opportunity affiliate program you want to avoid being scammed. You need to get into a program that really offers a product or products and not one that just offers to give you money out of thin air. The good news is that there are indeed such business opportunity affiliate programs as this. Looking for one is easy if you know your way around.

Here are some tips on choosing a good business opportunity affiliate program:

1. Choose an affiliate program that promotes a product or service that you yourself are interested in. A program that provides goods that you like yourself would really work since you would be more interested to promote their products in the first place. It would really be hard to sell something if you do not like it in the first place. But if you like the product, you would know how to convince others to buy it, or better yet, to promote the product as well by being an affiliate under your network. Remember that passion is important for any successful business opportunity.

2. Choose an affiliate program that offers high quality products and services. Dubious programs offer bad products or no product at all and it would of course be difficult for you to promote goods of low quality. A high quality product reflects the quality of the affiliate program itself, which in turn assures you of a longer lasting business opportunity.

3. Choose an affiliate program that caters to an existing and growing market. The program may promote a very good product but the market may be stale. Soon enough you might be left with a saturated market that would not allow you to sustain the business opportunity for long. Be sure that the products the program promotes can still be sold for several years to come either because the market is growing or the need for the product is consistent.

4. Choose an affiliate program that provides you with great compensation schemes especially for residual income. Money is the reason you considered joining an affiliate program in the first place and you would of course want to choose a business opportunity that allows you to got optimal earnings. You might be just wasting a lot of time on programs that do not give you enough compensation for all the work you do for them.

5. Choose an affiliate program that does not impose sales targets or quotas that are impossible to reach. There are business opportunity affiliate programs out there that require you to reach an exorbitant goal before they would let your hands at commissions. You would have to spend life and limb just to earn in these programs. Be sure that the program you choose asks of realistic goals that you can handle easily.

6. Choose an affiliate program that gives you access to many resources and tools to make the most out of the business opportunity. Many affiliate programs just leave their affiliates alone in the dark and you would not to be one of those going about their business blindly. Explore the tools that the program offers to make sure that you can get the most of their offerings and that you can perform your tasks as best as you can.

7. Choose a program that offers rewards for continuing members and for membership renewals. This assures you that the affiliate program thinks of you as a long-time partner for their business opportunity. This also gives you a clue of how long the program wants itself to last. Knowing that they want to keep their members for long somehow signals you that the program intends to be an ongoing opportunity and not just a one-time thing.

8. Choose a program that allows you to ask questions especially about things that you might not be happy about. If you know other people who are already in that program, ask them about their experience to see of what possible downfalls you might face as well.

A business opportunity affiliate program can open you to a world of income possibilities. Just be sure that you are joining one that possesses these qualities to ensure that you would earn instead of lose.