Promoting affiliate programs is a great way for you to earn extra income, but you might be asking yourself - how do I get started with an affiliate program anyway? Affiliate programs are online partnerships between your website (where you referred to as "partner" or "affiliate") and an e-commerce company (known as the "advertiser" or "merchant") that has an affiliate program available in an affiliate network like Commission Junction, Performics, Linkshare, Shareasale or PepperJam.

Many companies that have a large presence online also offer affiliate programs – most readily found under “Affiliate Program” at the bottom of their page. Additionally, these companies can be found in the interface of each network platform. For example, Quicken Loan’s affiliate program can be found in Commission Junction’s interface, through their website at the bottom of the page, or through Partner Centric’s affiliate program page. Simply click through the appropriate links, and follow the instructions to join. It's always free for you to join affiliate programs, so don't hesitate to sign up!

Once you fill out the sign-up sheet, your application will normally be reviewed by a person known as an affiliate manager. Once the affiliate manager accepts your application, you will receive an e-mailed acceptance letter, which usually will provide you with a number of starter links that are proven to be some of the best links that work for the program in general.

At this point, sign in to your affiliate program through your network (be it Commission Junction or otherwise). This gateway leads you to a large number of text links, banners, and even data feeds that you can put on your site. You'll get to review all the links they offer, select the ones that fit your site and visitors best, and then place the code for the ads on your site. When your traffic sees an ad/link they like and click through and either buy or fill out a form of some kind, you'll receive a commission. These commissions start to add up, and then you'll receive a check once a month from either the network or the advertiser depending on which tracking network they utilize.

Congratulations – you are now an affiliate!

Next time, we'll discuss how to improve your chances of making lots of money.

Questions? E-mail me at Adam (at) PartnerCentric.com!