If you already have a high traffic website or run an e-zine you can stand to earn a steady flow of commissions every month without a lot of extra work on your part.

To help you get started promoting affiliate programs, I’ve provided the following 5 tips to help you choose the affiliate programs that are right for you.

1. Choose affiliate programs that match the content of your site. If your site targets a niche market than choose affiliate programs that offer products to that niche market.

2. Choose affiliate programs that pay a high commission. For example 30%-50% on your direct sales.

3. Join affiliate programs that pay two-tier commissions. This enables you to not only earn commissions on your own sales but also on the sales of people who you introduce to your affiliate
program.

4. Join affiliate programs that offer a line of products so that you can earn commissions when your referrals come back and purchase other services or products.

5. Join affiliate programs that offer their affiliates great marketing support. Many affiliate programs offer their affiliates pre-written ads to use or get ideas from, sales letters, marketing courses, and articles to use in promoting their services.

And above all else,

6. Learn to capture the customer’s email BEFORE letting the customer see the affiliate page! That way, if the customer doesn’t buy, you still have an opportunity to sell the customer again and follow up!

Remember, the best affiliate programs will see their affiliate program as a partnership with you and combine high commissions with excellent support so that you can start earning money
promoting their products as quickly as possible.

#1 Don’t Compete, Support
Too many affiliate programs compete against their competitors which wastes money and puts affiliates out of business. However, if you are part of an affiliate program the more affiliates the better for getting more information and more money. One of the worst things to do is choose an affiliate program that believes in competing against other affiliates. Instead, choose an affiliate program that agrees with supporting and growing other affiliates to have a larger network and access to more affiliates.

#2 Little Reward
Another mistake people frequently make when choosing affiliate programs is choosing a program that offers little reward for the individual’s hard work. Too many affiliate programs pay too little and as a result affiliates find it difficult to make the money they should be making. Look for an affiliate program that has a good pay rate for your work.

#3 Old Statistics, if Any
You want an affiliate program that offers good, solid, real time statistics, not old statistics or ones that are no longer valid. There are not many affiliate programs out there that provide the kind of statistics an affiliate manager needs, but do your best to find an affiliate program that offers the most.

#4 No Support
Too often affiliates find themselves waiting days for an answer to an e-mail and an important question for their business. You want an affiliate program that guarantees you support round the clock if possible or at least within 24 hours. If not, keep looking for an affiliate program that wants to help you help yourself.

#5 Fresh Ideas, Creative’s
Many affiliate programs provide few ideas or creative’s to their affiliates and so thousands of web pages end up with the same advertising. However, affiliate programs would have a better success rate if many different ads were made available so affiliates could alternate ads and place different ads on different sites, depending on the products sold.

Commit these five mistakes to memory so you know exactly what you are looking for in an affiliate program, as well as what to avoid. You will be much more successful and happier as well if you do not get caught in these traps!

Use your online or offline marketing skills to drive consumers to a toll free number and you can earn significant amounts of money monthly for your efforts.

This rewards you for LOCAL marketing efforts far more than some online pay per click deals… a call to Angie’s List, for example, could earn you $15. How many of those calls could you generate using your marketing skills?

Commission Junction has paid commission on time for years. If you can find a program you love promoting that works for you and your potential customers, this could add a nice healthy income stream to any business – even if you’re just leaving flyers around town wherever you go.

That’s RingRevenue.com

Here’s how Commission Junction publicized the new service in terms of its benefits to consumers:

Why should you be as excited as we are about CJ’s new pay-per-call platform? That’s easy. Big commissions for doing not much more than you’re already doing today. Pay-per-call is here to stay, and most of our 4-bar and 5-bar advertisers are already actively paying attractive commissions for calls as well as online transactions. In fact, the average per-call commission is over $10, and some advertisers pay up to $100 per call. Pay-per-call doesn’t take the place of your online CPA campaigns with these large advertisers. Pay-per-call campaigns are IN ADDITION TO existing CPA campaigns. And our new platform makes it surprisingly easy for publishers to start generating these higher per-call commissions.

There’s so much junk on the internet about how to make money, I tend to like tools such as PhpBay that can help me make money. If I have a tool that I can use… that to me is much better than more promises.

This tool was created by Wade Wells. He’s the software designer who actually makes with his software tool and uses it to make his money. The forum he runs has been very helpful in learning how to work online.

Now Wade has told me about a product he endorses for people who want to use PHPBay and other related tools to the max. Until July 20th it’s $24.95 and then the price goes up nearly double.

If you want to get it now, based on my experience with his software, I’d say it’s a valuable product with “real world” information you can use!

It’s The Number 1 Way To Make Money Online

It’s by the creators of Build A Niche Store (BANS) which you’ve probably heard of and may even own.

Built up off the back of 4 1/2 years experience making money in the way the guide describes and a further 2 1/2 years experience helping 1000’s do the same.

The Number 1 Way To Make Money Online is a 9 step guide which contains everything the creators of BANS know about making money with Ebay put into a framework which you can then use to make $500, $5,000, even $50,000 per month.

It’s down to earth and solid information. Until the 20th, it’s just $24.95 –

The Number 1 Way To Make Money Online

It’s about what they consider their “Accepted Business Model”. The things that stood out for me were:

*Publishers may only place links and/or promotional content on sites they own. Affiliate links on third party sites such as Craigslist, MySpace, etc. are not allowed.

*You will not redirect any traffic to middle servers for the sole purpose of masking your referring source of traffic. This includes the use of URL shortening services (including but not limited to tinyurl.com, short.to and cloakedlink.com).

Ok, I understand the concept in general.

But why on earth would they stop someone with an affiliate account from seeking traffic from MySpace or another third party site? I can see how posting Ebay affiliate links on Craigslist would probably violate Craigslist’s terms of service, but bands and local businesses could have a presence on MySpace (the site seems pretty well ranked for some local search keywords). Why not link to items they don’t sell on Ebay?

I can see why you wouldn’t from the affiliate’s point of view… hand posting individual links that may constantly change would be a time consuming nightmare. But I don’t see Ebay’s complaint on the surface of things.

How do you react to these new changes? Will they affect your ebay business?

By Jimmy D. Brown of “Affiliatenaire”

If you look at the average site for any given affiliate, you’ll likely find a boring, tasteless smorgasbord of
prefab content that was created more for search engines to read than it was for real people to read.

While that make aid in rankings, is it really going to do any good once someone sees the site listed and makes a visit?

Probably not.

What every affiliate needs to learn is simple -

** CONTENT IS KING ***

It’s content that leads to sales, not a strategically designed website that search engines temporarily find meets their ranking criteria.

So, let’s talk about that.

There must be a reason why some content is very good and some content is very bad; why some information is so enthralling that you can’t stop reading while other information is the cure for a sleepless night; why some words cause you to frantically take notes and some words cause you to take a break.

There must be a reason.

There is.

And that reason is this –

Quality writers approach content creation as a craft.

To be sure, some writers are just naturally gifted. They swing words like Tiger Woods swings a 5-iron. They can spot a good paragraph like Warren Buffet spots good investments. They write like Tom Hanks acts. Even though they practice their art form, it comes easy to them.

Then, there are those that swing words like Jimmy D. Brown swings a 5-iron. Paragraphs are like Black Tuesday. Their writing is the equivalent of the acting in a kindergarten cantata … and they aren’t nearly as cute and lovable as those 5 year olds. Content creation is a struggle.

The good news is this: by focusing on two key components all writers can create the kind of content that generates interest and demand.

Whether you’re writing ezine articles or paid products or anything in between, there are two components that you need to develop in writing your content.

Before I explain how to weave both of these components into your content, let me first explain the reality of
why these components are necessary in the first place.

People read for two basic reasons -

1. They want to be ENTERTAINED. Many people read because they enjoy a good story. They settle into their favorite chair and John Grisham whisks them off to the courtroom for a legal adventure or Sue Grafton captivates their mind in a “whodunit” or Nicholas Sparks unlocks the emotions with a love story. Or, maybe they head to the bathroom with a copy of National Enquirer to read about a three-headed alien who’s been dating Lindsay Lohan, whatever, they read to be entertained.

2. They want to be EDUCATED. There are other times when people read because they want to learn something. That drain beneath the kitchen sink is leaking again; a dormant website needs traffic; mom is coming to her house for Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a do-it-yourselfer looking to improve his home or an internet marketing looking to drive visitors to her site or a young wife looking to impress her mom with a mouth-watering turkey, people read to be educated.

So, those are the two basic reasons why people read.

There will now be a test. Close your books. Put away your notes. No talking or looking at anyone else’s paper.

What are the two reasons why people read? (No peeking!)

If you said “to be entertained” and “to be educated” then you get to continue. If you said anything else, it’s time for an XBox 360 break or a stiff cup of java or whatever it is you do to get your mind in gear.

People read to be entertained and/or educated. And when it comes to the art of sharing information as a part of your business, including BOTH parts are important.

Listen to me carefully. This is the “ultimate” mastery of your craft -

To teach readers something desirable to them in a way that they find enjoyable.

That’s the goal. Put a great big bull’s eye right there.

And fire away.

So, let’s talk about some specific practices for each of these two components. How can you make your content entertaining? How can you make it educational?

Content Component #1: Entertain. There are many, many ways to make your writing a form of entertainment. Briefly, let me point you towards 6 methods of engaging your reader and making the consumption of your content an enjoyable experience for her…

* Analogies. A great way to keep your content flowing is to use a few analogies. That is, you compare one item to another item. Sure, I could have said earlier “writing is easier for some than others”. But, with just a few extra words I instead said, “They swing words like Tiger Woods swings a 5-iron. They can spot a good paragraph like Warren Buffet spots good investments. They write like Tom Hanks acts. Even though they practice their art form, it comes easy to them.” Honestly, which is a better read?

* Humor. A little chuckle goes a long way when it comes to the enjoyment factor of reading. Most everyone likes to laugh. (My apologies to those of you who don’t enjoy laughing. You may skip this and go immediately to the section marked “Don’t Have A Sense Of Humor”). Earlier, I built upon the analogy of Tiger Woods by comedically adding, “They swing words like Jimmy D. Brown swings a 5-iron.” By affording them the opportunity, you naturally make the reading experience more enjoyable. Does this mean you should make every attempt to be Jay Leno? Of course not. It just means when you have a chance to say something in a
funny way do it. Don’t use too much humor and stay away from offensive humor, but by all means insert light-hearted fun when applicable.

* Acronyms. Another idea is to organize your content by using an “acronym”. I’ve used many in the past: “How To Keep Affiliates A.C.T.I.V.E. In Your Program”, “How To S.E.T.U.P. A Web Site” and “How To I.M.P.R.O.V.E. Your Writing” are just a few. In these instances, the words “Active”, “Setup” and “Improve” were used to reveal the various parts of the content. Not only do people love them (I’ve always gotten great feedback), but it also allows you to have something original that is uniquely yours.

* Storytelling. In a recent paid report I wrote, I opened with a story about me selling Grit newspaper back in the early 1980’s and I tied it into the fact that this was an early form of the modern affiliate program model. A good story always engages the reader. Especially when it is relevant to the point being made. Keep them short (don’t launch into the great American novel – this isn’t Hemingway for crying out loud!) and lively and they’ll only enhance your writing.

* Editorials. Opinions are like noses … everyone has one. So, why not share yours? To be sure, you may want to steer clear of any controversies that might damage your reputation and business, but don’t be afraid to get personal when you write. Many times I’ve mentioned my faith in Jesus Christ in my content. I’ve jumped up on my soapbox and preached about using integrity in your business dealings. I’ve gave my thoughts on a variety of issues that were relevant to what I was writing. And, you know what, it always gets the reader more involved in the process of consuming information. Either they agree or disagree (sometimes strongly) with what I’m saying, but they continue reading because editorials are interesting. Share your thoughts.

* Revelations. A simple way to get someone reading deeper into your content is to make a statement of something you’ll be sharing later int he content. It’s so easy to do. If you read back to something I wrote earlier in this article, you’d find this statement: “Before I explain how to weave both of these components into your content, let me first explain the reality of why these components are necessary in the first place.” Do you see how that works? I set the table for what I’d be revealing shortly. I whet your appetite. Consciously or (more likely) subconsciously, you got the point that something desirable was coming later in the article. This isn’t a new concept. Think about every newscast you’ve ever watched: “Coming up later in the hour, we’ll show you how…” and “Up next we’ll share…” Building interest breeds enjoyment — especially when you deliver the goods later in the content.

So, those are just a few ways you can “entertain” your readers and make the consumption of your content an enjoyable experience.

But, what about the other component? How do you “educate” them?

Let’s take a look.

Content Component #2: Educate. Certainly writers of all shapes and sizes know that the essence of “educating” a reader is to explain the subject matter in a way that can be clearly understood.
That’s a given, right?

And certainly there are many ways to do this effectively. There isn’t a standardized formula that all content must adhere to in order to get it right. However, I do believe that there are three basic parts that should be included in virtually every piece of content written as far as those involved in selling information.

* Action Steps . If someone is intent on learning a process, they want to know the necessary steps involved in completing it. For example: If I want to learn how bake a cake, I don’t want a list of ingredients with the instructions “Mix these together”. I want a detailed, chronological list of what to do, step-by-step. Certainly, not all content is a “tutorial” (The very lesson you’re reading isn’t in step-by-step format) but, when applicable, always explain things in chronological, reasonable steps. Preferably, in 9 steps or less to avoid the appearance that the process is too difficult to be accomplished.

* Brainstorming. Two of your favorite words as a writer should be, “For example”. The missing element of most information products and associated content that I’ve read is the use of “examples” and “ideas”. Most people present some information and then leave it to the reader to figure out how to apply that information for their own use. That’s usually not a good thing. Instead, it’s important to provide as many different
examples, case studies, ideas, etc. as possible to give the reader a good idea of how to accomplish what you’re suggesting.

For example (Hmmm, bet ya didn’t see that coming, huh?): I could have simply said, “You need to entertain your readers” and “You need to educate your readers” and left it at that.

Instead, I’ve been giving examples and ideas for doing each of these things. More than just information, readers crave application. They want to see the content in action; they want to see how they can use it themselves.

* Tips. Everything you write should have tips included. Everything. Tips come in many shapes and sizes: keys, tactics, techniques, ways, methods, options. As many of these as you can include in your writing, the better. All it takes is for one good idea that you’ve shared to satisfy the reader.

If you share 10 ways to do XYZ and number 7 clicks with the reader, they’ll love you. It doesn’t matter what else you write in the content, they are happy because they learned something useful. Tips are the information publisher’s best friend. A veteran might read your material and already know 99% of what you’ve written, but that one tip on page 47 just floored them and they are esctatic. Share as many different tips as you can. Your readers will thank you later. Well, the grateful ones will.

So, there you have it, the two key components of your content.

Don’t forget the goal with these:

To teach readers something desirable to them in a way that they find enjoyable.

When you begin to build THAT kind of content into your websites and blogs, you’ll have a site that will do more than impress the search engines, it will impress those who arrive at your site and take a look around.

Never forget this truth: search engines don’t buy what you’re selling. People do.

…………………….

Jimmy D. Brown is the author of “Affiliatenaire”, teaching you how to create big-time affiliate commission checks in only 1-3 hours each week. Discover how you can get cash in the bank without a website, experience or even an idea!

Visit Affiliatenaire

For the five days beginning with December 1 (Cyber Monday), the kick-off to the heaviest part of the online shopping season, sales totaled $3.74 billion, up 9% versus the same period a year ago, according to comScore, reports Retailer Daily.

Moreover, holiday e-commerce sales finally caught up to last year’s levels as two workdays in the past week surpassed $800 million in online spending: Monday, December 1 (Cyber Monday) with $846 million, and Tuesday, December 2, with $823 million.

From ComScore … read the whole report here

Well, yes and no.

As far as I know, you can’t just push ONE button and have a fantastic wordpress affiliate site that will make money for you 24/7.

But there is a unique Money Making Wordpress Plug in that will start the ball rolling faster than you can say “Affiliate sale”.

Once you have a website with WordPress 2.5+ running and your merchants selected, this simple plugin

(1) Creates posts based on your chosen categories and keywords
(2) Creates content as well as affiliate links
(3) Creates new posts for up to 30 days into the future
(4) Creates posts from up to FIVE merchants selling the same type of product categories
(5) REPOSTS these entries at set times if you so desire to trigger the search engine spiders to return to your site
(6) Works like any other Wordpress plugin – simple!
(7) Focuses on products bought by “Mass Markets” not “ebooks” and products of relatively limited interest – break out of the “Internet Marketing Ghetto!”
(8) Unlimited use of the plugin for AS MANY SITES AS YOU CARE TO MAKE FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE!
(9) Give ANY existing WordPress site a money making makeover with this plugin!

I was showing this to my wife… she’s normally a skeptic on these things, but you better believe I’m getting this product myself and she’s demanded that the first site I build using it is FOR HER!

Get your own Push Button Word Press Affiliate Sites here!

You have had to join a number of affiliate companies to get the exact portfolio of products you need for your niche(s).

But assembling the right product mix for your site from multiple companies with individual graphics and ad generating tools is an arduous task and – done by hand – is “slave labor”.

Popshops.com lets you assemble literally thousands of different products from many affiliate networks into themed shops.

They have a free account to let you set up a limited number of sites. And if you’re a WordPress addict like me, they have a free plug in for those sites. Of course you get the perks when you pay for them. $60 per year for unlimited sites… pretty reasonable since you’re keeping 100% of the commission. They don’t insert their affiliate link every 5th or 10th time (the time visitors click invariably!) or is that ?

I was sad to know – NO AMAZON products though perhaps that will change. More feed based amazon products seem to be in the works.  But the other affiliate networks served are well known ones and offer you the opportunity to sell a near infinite variety of products if you have the traffic!

I like the fact that you can add your own content so you’re not just slapping up text less websites. There are so many sites on the web that the more you can personalize a site and give it a friendly human feel, the better you’re going to do.

I also like it because you can review a variety of stores built by users of “Build A Niche Store”? and see how the program could potentially work for you. I’ve added a link to the one pictured above.

Now, personally, I think the site I’ve linked too is too light on the aspect of personalization and adding informative text.

It’s impersonal, you don’t know who you’re dealing with (except that its through Ebay) of course. You have all the right names of Pellet Stove brands, but it’s another one of the many internet sites that just wants you to visit, buy, or click a Google ad. It’s like they don’t even owe you a “Thanks for visiting”.

So I’m saying things like this need to be fleshed out more. This site, though built around an affiliate product, is very personalized on Kid’s and Custody Rights.

In Zogby future, personal is good. Even on websites.