If you’re considering starting a home based business then you’ve probably spent a good few hours on Google searching for idea about what your new business could sell or services it could provide and I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of scam sites (see article: Working From Home – Avoiding the Scams). One thing you’ve probably come across a few times is “Affiliate Marketing” but what is this and what can it do for you?
Affiliate Marketing is basically referring someone to a product or service that you feel they would like to (and hopefully will) buy, and for each sale you generate you will receive a “finders fee” for finding the customer.
There are so many companies that use affiliate marketing including some big names such as Tesco, LoveFilm, Sky, Skype and many many more. I think a large proportion of companies which advertise on TV also use affiliate marketing as one of there advertising methods.
I’m sure that most websites would be able to earn income from affiliate marketing but you just have to think carefully about what and how you want to promote the products.
For example… if you run a golf club website you may wish to advertise a company who sells golf equipment or a website that offers discount round fees, or if your website sells chocolates when why not set up an affiliates with an online of offline card company to allow your customers to send birthday cards to the people they’re buying the chocolates for.
What I wouldn’t suggest (which is quite obvious) is to promote an affiliate that is in the same line of business as yourself! If you take the chocolates company for example, you wouldn’t advertise Thorntons on your website as there is the possibility of driving the customer through to Thorntons and you will most likely receive less on the commission than you would have if they ordered from you.
Whilst building this website I’ve used several affiliate networks, some have been more successful than others but all have provided commission based income which has helped to keep this website free for everyone to use. The main ones I tend to use are listed below:-
AffiliateFuture – A fantastic UK based affiliate network. It’s really simple to get started, enter your details, subscribe to the programmes offered by Merchants, add them to your site and start earning today. Also includes a voucher section with great discounts you can offer to your potential customers!
AffiliateWindow – Another fantastic UK based affiliate network providing you with access to over 700 retailers and with a great specials blog to keep your customers happy with the latest discounts and trials!
TradeDoubler – This one is a little harder to navigate but one you get comfortable with its quirks its quite a good affiliate network. Lots of big names and available for a many different countries so lots of potential here!
WebGains – Great affiliate network with lots of big name brands and with a fantastic blog which can be received via RSS. I find the RSS feed very convenient as I can be kept up-to-date with any special offers (which can then be offered on my websites) without needing to check back to the website.
Over the next few months I’ll put together a more comprehensive list of the affiliate networks available for you right here so check back soon!
Tags: affiliate future, affiliate marketing, affiliate window, earn money from your websites
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Thanks for this information on Affiliate Marketing. It was a really interesting read and has clarified some Grey areas of mine. Its interesting to see how so many huge UK companies use Affiliate Marketing.