I’ve seen a lot of people asking how they can start their own Affiliate Program and what they need to get going.

I’ve answered some of these questions and the first thing an Online Company needs is an Affiliate Program Script - such as iDevAffiliate.

Using this type of script allows you to manage your Affiliate Program, have affiliates signup for the program, show total stats, stats per-affiliate, etc.

iDevAffiliate is my favorite Affiliate Script on the market, and I’ve tried at least 3 now… not to mention being an Affiliate of many programs which use other systems.� The script is pretty easy to integrate into your own Shopping Cart and if you need someone else to do it - you can either hire someone from GetACoder.com (if you don’t already have a Webmaster/programmer) or give it a shot yourself?

Once you get the system up and running - you definitely want to make sure it’s working… so try a $1 product and make a “fake” purchase to make sure you’re getting credit for the purchase in the system (iDevAffiliate).

If all is good - it’s time to start getting others to recruit for you!

The first thing to do is to make sure your website is promoting the fact that you have an Affiliate program. This means that you need to provide a link on your website (if not a banner or something REALLY noticeable!) that will go to a landing page that explains what your Affiliate Program provides it’s affiliates.

Commission rates, pay dates, rules and whatever else you think needs to be stated.

It’s always a good thing to provide your Affiliates with a “Getting Started” guide that will direct them in the right direction with Affiliate Marketing. This could be a free ebook, videos, tutorials, etc… OR ALL OF THE ABOVE!

The more thoroughly you train your affiliates, the better!

You can also use your MySpace or Facebook profiles (or whatever else you might use) to promote your new Affiliate Program. Use a headline for a Bulletin such as “Looking for Extra Cash for Christmas?”… something that will catch their attention and get them to read. Next, make sure the bulletin explains how Affiliate Marketing works, examples of good affiliates making good money and let them know how easy it is to make money!

We all know it CAN BE, if done the right way… which is where your training might come back to haunt you when dealing with newbies. So make sure you provide them with GOOD training materials.

You can even try selling your Program on ebay.com by selling a “home business system” for $0.01 … although, by raising the price, you might have better results.

Craigslist might be a good place to promote but be careful!

Using Google AdWords would also be a good way to let the world know of your program. Using ppc engines to promote your Affiliate Program can always be a good start… but it can also be costly and might not be worth it in the end.

There’s also programs such as Affiliate First:

http://www.affiliatefirst.com/submit/?af1

And do not forget about CJ.com, LinkShare.com, etc…

http://www.rocketprofit.com is another solid program!

I will be creating more information regarding promoting Affiliate Programs later… but, for now, let’s continue.

One of the worst things you can do is not paying your Affiliates… even paying them late. It’s always a good thing to make sure you pay your affiliate on time and make sure you pay them the amount you owe them!

This might sound like a no-brainer but, the fact is, MANY Affiliate Programs have lost their programs because of this… it’s a terrible thing and nobody will trust you later, believe me! I’ve been screwed out of money before and nobody likes to lose money on work they have provided. Your Affiliates work hard to make sure they get that cash - so it’s your job to ensure that you follow through on your end!

Make sure your Affiliates are not spamming… if they are - GET RID OF THEM AND DO NOT PAY THEM A PENNY!

This is one of the frustrations that many Affiliate Managers go through. Spammers who think they’re going to get away with it and the companies they’re affiliated with could end up with a major lawsuit on their hands if they do not be careful!

Rules… check out what other companies have done for their Rules and Policies. This is a great starting point for any new Affiliate Program. You might see that some don’t allow ppc, Trademark bidding, etc.

I, personally, think it’s insane not to allow Pay Per Click Advertising… why wouldn’t you? Let your affiliates do what they do and help make you money!

I never understood why some Managers don’t allow it… that’s like an Auto Dealership’s Sales Manager not allowing a Car Salesman to hand out their Business Cards!

Just crazy.

But maybe some have good reasoning behind their stance on no PPC.

Keep in touch and update your program.

A lot of Managers do not keep in touch with their Affiliates. I think this is pretty normal but why be normal? Those Managers who go out of their way to make sure their Affiliates are doing good, have no problems or questions or just to say “hi” are doing their job and getting better results.

While most Managers are up in the face of their best Affiliates - this is a little “questionable”, in my opinion. Sure, thank them or whatever… make sure they’re having a great day, answer any questions… but keep in touch with those who might be struggling!

Those who struggle COULD BE the ones that you might answer 1 simple question for and see them become SUPER AFFILIATES!

I hope this might help answer some questions? I figured it’s a good topic and, while some might say I’m wrong, I believe I’m doing a good job with the few programs I’m currently running!

Just remember that Markets and Industries are different… treat your Affiliate program the way it should be and don’t copy a Clothing Affiliate Program if you’re running an Auto Parts program… it might be a costly mistake!

Always remember that your Affiliates are your secret sales people who bring you more sales. But they can’t do a good job unless your site and products are backing the traffic they’re bringing in. Make sure your landing pages are in order, be sure that the products have good content that explains what they are, be sure to understand that Customers who land on your site might be your biggest customers… you need to make sure your site is ready for these customers!