The Key to a Successful Affiliate Program

The Key to a Successful Affiliate Program
by Michael Southon

Two Christmases ago I tugged on one of those paper crackers
and after a small bang, out popped a piece of yellow paper
the size of a credit card.

On one side was a riddle that didn't make much sense, but
on the other side was an 'Inspirational Quote' that made a
lot of sense.

So much so, that I still have it in my wallet.

This is what it said: "The shortest and best way to make
your fortune is to let people see clearly that it is in
their interests to promote yours".

I'm constantly amazed to see affiliate programs that offer
20%, or even as little as 15%, to their affiliates.

It is generally accepted that the production of any
information product is only 10 percent of the whole
process.

What's the other 90 per cent? Marketing!

My own affiliate program gives 50% commissions, and I
wouldn't dream of offering less. After all, who makes the
sale - me or the affiliate?

It may be disappointing to see 50% of your sale price going
to your affiliates. But it's worth remembering this:
without your affiliate, that sale simply wouldn't have
occurred.

Of course, there are many other factors involved in
building a successful affiliate program, but this is the
first and most important: make your affiliates your equal
partners, because they'll be doing 90% of the work.