Best Affiliate Programs

Joining an affiliate program on the 'Net is one of the easiest ways to immediately start earning an online income... but if you're just getting started, you may be wondering how to go about finding the best affiliate programs.

There are an almost unlimited number of programs to choose from, making it difficult to know where to begin. And out of those available, many are "fly-by-night" operations that you should avoid at all costs.

Never fear! If you want to find the 'Net's top affiliate programs, start by looking in affiliate directories and affiliate networks. They list some of the bigger, more well-known programs.

a) Affiliate directories:

Affiliate directories list only affiliate programs that have gone through a formal application process. They make sure that certain criteria have been met (such as having a system to track sales), so that you don't have to.

Here are the top affiliate program directories:

• www.AssociatePrograms.com
• www.AffiliatesDirectory.com
• www.Refer-it.com

These list affiliate programs for every market, so you should have no problem finding one that relates to your area of interest.

b) Affiliate networks:

Affiliate networks are made up of third-party providers who list hundreds (usually thousands) of affiliate programs, all indexed and managed using their own proprietary systems and software.

The affiliate network acts as a middleman, tracking your sales independently and making sure that you get paid. When you sign up to their network, you're given access to their list of affiliate programs.

The following networks offer some of the best affiliate programs on the 'Net:

• www.Commission Junction (www.cj.com)
• www.ClickXchange.com
• www.LinkShare.com

As with the directories, you shouldn't have a problem finding programs for any market or product.

Of course, you can also find affiliate programs by doing a search for sites that offer products you're interested in, and then checking out their websites one by one.

Although you'll have to assess their programs yourself, some of the less popular affiliate programs will often offer better commissions. And, because their products may not be as exposed, you have an opportunity to capture a larger share of their market.

For more information about finding the 'Net's best affiliate programs, check out our online archive of free newsletters. It has a section devoted exclusively to the ins and outs of affiliate programs. You can also check out our affiliate program, one of the first of its kind on the 'Net.