If you’re new to affiliate marketing, here is one of the most comprehensive lists of affiliate networks I’ve found: http://www.paulsonmanagementgroup.com/affiliate_center/affiliate_networks.php. Most of these networks require that you apply to them before you can use the ads; but this is just a way to make sure you aren’t misusing the ads and that your website is not doing anything illegal that would affect the retailers’ reputations.
Assuming you have already joined a network or ten and you’ve chosen some ads, how can you make the most of your network to ensure you’re earning money on your blog? One of the best ways is to stay in contact with your affiliate marketing rep. The majority of these companies assign each site owner to a live person who manages your account with them. These individuals work on a commission as well, and they are highly motivated to help you earn money from advertising. Once you develop a relationship with them, they will make sure you get the best information about the ads in your network; and this includes inviting you to be part of special promotions that will earn you higher rates per click or per action.
Another important tip is to review your affiliate networks daily for new promotions and banner art. Changing up your ads on your site can help keep things fresh and catch the eyes of visitors who come there regularly. You want to shy away from making your site into a single wall of blinking, rotating graphic banner ads. The reader will be overwhelmed and it will end up defeating the purpose of the ads by causing them to lose focus on your website. A couple wisely chosen and placed ads can be just the thing to augment your site design, and grab attention.
If you have other forms of electronic communication with your readers or members, such as a regular newsletter, ezine, or email list, you can incorporate links to your affiliates in these as well. Each program within an affiliate network offers several choices in links—banners of every shape and size, text links, and even codes to build forms so that you can be creative with your advertising.
Of course, the most important element in making money with affiliate advertising is getting enough traffic to your site. These ads are absolutely a numbers game, and you need to do everything in your power to get people to you website to view them in the first place.
The bottom line is that earning money from affiliate marketing isn’t just about throwing up a few banners here and there. You need to think strategically and make sure you are using all the tools provided to you. You also want to make sure you stay in compliance with any regulations that the retailers have about advertising. You will void your affiliate network membership if you engage in spam or other unscrupulous advertising practices.
Here are my Top 3 favorite affiliate networks to join and would highly recommend you join (the customer service and product network are top notch!):
Motive Interactive
Never Blue
Market Leverage