Choosing the right affiliate program can mean the difference between making the time you spend promoting an offer profitable or a complete waste of time. There are literally thousands of affiliate programs on the internet that you can join but if you want to make sure that you are picking the best ones here are 10 tips you can measure your choices against.

1. Find Affiliate Programs You Are Interested In.

The best way to know whether or not you’ll even promote the product or products that the affiliate program is attached to is if you like the product/s in the first place. Chances are if you like the product/s, there are many others who will also be interested in the same program and products.

2. Quality of the Products.

Look for products that have favorable endorsements from reputable sources. This way, you are assured that the program you choose to promote meets a relatively high standard..

3. Join affiliate programs that offer real and viable products.

How do you know this? Do some initial research. If possible, track down some of the members and customers to give you testimonial on the credibility of the program. You can do this by going into related forums and scanning for posts about the quality of the program. You can also post questions about the program you’re considering to get the feedback you need to make the appropriate decision.

4. Does the affiliate program cater to a growing market?

An affiliate program featuring a quality product that is in demand will ensure a continual stream of income for you. You can do keyword research to see how often people are searching for the kind of product or offer your promoting. Forums can give you an idea as to what the markets interests are.

5. Recurring or residual income and a payout of at least 40% or more would be a great choice.

Quality affiliate programs that offer this type of payment plan can become profitable set it and forget it streams of income for you. Look closely for one. Two tier affiliate programs with lifetime commission payouts are the premiere programs to promote as you will earn income from your efforts and those whom you enroll. Do not waste your time with programs that do not reward substantially for your efforts.

6. Be wary of minimum quotas that you must fulfill or sales targets that are too difficult to achieve.

Some affiliate programs have pre-requisites that must be met before you can get your commissions. If you choose to join these kinds of programs be sure that you are capable of meeting their requirements.

7. Choose a program that offers plenty of tools and resources that can help you grow the business in the shortest possible time.

Not all affiliate programs offer this so if you want to make it easier to promote your chosen affiliate program choose one with lots of helpful tools you can use.

Good affiliate programs offer tools like, articles, blog posts, forum signatures, solo ads, free brandable reports, video promos, ppc ads and relevant keyword lists to name just a few. Some programs offer affiliate training videos to get you into profitability as soon as possible.

8. Stats and Commission Tracking

The affiliate program you choose to promote should offer tracking features that allow you to measure the effectiveness and profitability of your promotions. Profitable programs allow you to gain access anywhere, anytime to check on your promotional campaigns.

9. Offers strong incentives for members to renew their membership each time.

The affiliate program that provides continuous incentives, help and upgrades for its products has the tendency to retain a higher ratio of its member base. These things are necessary for assuring the continual growth of your income.

10. Be aware of things that members may not like about the program.

As mentioned above, you can check for customer feedback at discussion forums. If you know someone in that same program, there is ho harm asking if there are any downsides involved.

To promote your chosen affiliate program effectively it’s good to have thorough knowledge about it. The best way to acquire this knowledge is to become a member if possible.

Knowing the kind of program you are getting involved with will help you to anticipate and prevent any future problems you may encounter.

By: Nando Morales

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more free exclusive high quality internet marketing information visit: nogurusnecessary.info Fernando Morales is an internet and affiliate marketing coach, consultant and editor of the No Gurus Necessary internet marketing newsletter.

Choosing affiliate program