Choosing an Affiliate Program
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Programs > Getting
Started
by Kevin Sinclair
Does
the program enable you to share in the lifetime value of the customer?
Great
programs will give you commissions on all future purchases of the customers you
introduce. This is where the real profits are. These types of programs, in effect,
allow you to partner with the supplier.
Does the program
reward you for introducing other affiliates?
This type of program is
commonly referred to as a two-tier program. Often your customer may become an
affiliate also and you will be rewarded for this.
Is
the supplier interested in your success as an affiliate?
The top affiliate
programs engage in a process of coaching or information sharing to help you succeed.
Affiliates are provided with regular newsletters outlining what is working for
successful affiliates and providing updates and details on new products.
Is
the commission reasonable?
Commission rates on commodity products such
as books and CDs are low. This is because there is very little margin in the products
due to competition. Look for products that have a commission rate of 15% or more
that are not commodities - that way you will be better able to recoup your customer
acquisition investment.