Choosing the Affiliate Program

The first thing you need to consider when putting ads on your site is what affiliate program you want to join. How do you want to be paid- per click, per thousand, per sale or per lead?

Once you have decided on this, you need to think about other things, like:

• Is it a multi-tiered program? In other words, do you get paid for sales made by your referrals?
• Is the product or service related to your target audience? (this is very important)
• Do they pay affiliates in your preferred method (BACS, Paypal, check)?
• How long do you have to wait to receive payment, or how much do you have to accrue before receiving it?
• How long is the cookie length? (The longer the better)
• How good is their support?
• Do you want banners provided for you to put on your website?
• Do they offer you access to an online sales stats page?
• Do they use a reputable system to track your sales?

Once you have decided on the program, check the bad affiliate program directory to make sure it isn't listed there.

Types of Ads

 

If you decide to promote your program on your website, think about what types of ad you will use- interstials between pages, pop ups, pop unders, banner ads or text ads.

• Interstials are pages with ads on which display for about 10 seconds before forwarding you on to the web page. They are generally more 'trashy' than other methods, and less used.
• Pop ups and pop unders tend to annoy people, especially if they are over used, however pop unders are less annoying, as they go behind the open windows instead of going in front. Pop up blockers could prevent your pop ups/unders being shown to many visitors.
• Banner ads are usually the preferred method, and have high click throughs. They are preferred over other options, as long as they are unobtrusive, with no sound, or flashing pictures etc.
• Text links are good, non intrusive and can be put in to look like content, but make sure they stand out.

Ad Locations

 

Google Heat-Map- the darker the color,
the better the click through rate.
Copyright and Courtesy of Google

 

Where are you going to promote your affiliate program? In your blog, on your website, in your newsletter? Whatever you decide, make sure your affiliate program allows it and will track the sales.

Consult the Google heat map to see which parts of your website you should put your ads on:

Once you have done the above, you should be on your way with getting a good affiliate income. Remember to play around with your ads- see which colors work best, which way of payment earns your more (PPA, PPM etc), what types of ads are more beneficial etc.

If you have any advice to share with users, why not tell us or join the forums?