Join an Affiliate Program - What to Look For When Starting Out As an Affiliate Marketer

So you've decided you want to become an affiliate marketer and want to know what to look for when you join an affiliate program.

You're going about it the right way by looking for a quality program to join. Not all affiliate programs are created equal. There is no fill in the blank template or one size fits all stamp that creates the program. This means that many companies do a poor job of providing you with everything you need to make good money as an affiliate.

However, there are many companies that do an excellent job of providing you with the tools, resources, information and training you need to make money and even a great living as an affiliate marketer.

Here is what to look for when you join an affiliate program:

1. Payment Terms: How do they pay? How often do they pay? How much do they pay? What do they pay for (sale, lead, click, etc)? Is there a minimum payout amount? These payment terms are something you want to take note of and compare with other programs. You'll want to go with the combination of best options and this is right up there as one of the most important to consider. Many programs will pay through check, while others will do bank deposit and PayPal also.

2. Affiliate Resources: Will you have access to a large selection of graphics and promotional materials to use as an affiliate? It is important that you customize materials to make them your own but a well stocked resource area for affiliates is key to getting started quickly. This should be provided for you.

3. Communication: Can you get in touch with an affiliate manager? You may have questions, want to work out other promotional deals or just get a little extra help from the affiliate manager. Is the communication open there for you to take advantage of?

4. Training: Do they provide training to affiliates? Not all companies do this but the great ones do. They give affiliates extra so that they have all the tools they need to go out and make more money - that makes everyone happy!

5. Company Reputation: You want to make sure you are joining a highly reputable company. You will be promoting and adding your name to this company so do your research. Do a Google search, check affiliate marketing forums and see what you can find out about the company before you become an affiliate. It is best if you have actually done business with them as a customer before you sign up to promote as an affiliate.

As you gain more experience as an affiliate marketer you'll start to recognize the signs of a good affiliate program and create your own list of important features. The important thing is to get out there and start searching as experience is the best teacher.

By Angela Wills