So what exactly is an affiliate? Basically, an affiliate owns a website and refers visitors to other websites, called ?merchants.? When these visitors make purchases, the other websites pay the affiliate a commission, which is determined by internet tracking devices that keep track of web users? purchases.

If you decide to be an affiliate, you need to make careful choices about which websites to refer your visitors to. First, they need to be websites that you're sure will be around a long time. Look at records to make sure they've been consistently successful - in other words, make sure they won't go bankrupt after you put your time and energy into seeking out customers for the product.

Secondly, choose the websites based on what they offer, and think of the product long-term. For instance, an online library membership is something you can sell to a person one time, but people go back to the same places to buy clothes they like. This doesn't mean you shouldn't link to an online library, you just need to be aware of its differences from the clothes company. Take into account the fact that libraries may be more popular than one clothing site among thousands. If you can, research the company's records to see how much money they've made.

You also want to choose websites based on what your website is about. Think of what kind of people come to your site, and then imagine what type of sites they would want links to. If your site is about American history, it would be better to advertise a website that sells history books or American paraphernalia than a website offering contact lenses.

Something many affiliates don't think about at first are consumer tracking methods. Some companies use the cookie method - putting a cookie on the customer's computer. This isn't as reliable as the site putting your affiliate information in the database along with the customer's record. The cookie method is popular and may be completely safe, but it doesn't have the successful track record of the other method, so choose only after you're well-informed.

To advertise the product on the other website, write a recommendation. Research the product and test it out. If it's purchase-worthy, write a few lines explaining why. Think of who would be most interested in the product and try to target them. For instance, if you're advertising a face wash and you think women would be most likely to buy it, talk about how clean and fresh it leaves your skin feeling and smelling, and how your spouse loves how soft it leaves your face.

A direct advertisement is a teaser. This gives people an idea of the product and entices them to click through for a closer look. Remember, if you're advertising for a large website, it most likely has other affiliates, so make your teaser stand out from the rest to get more customers and thus more commission. Creatively target the product's market.

Becoming an affiliate is a great way to make money, but it does require work. However, if you put in time and effort, you can make money from the comfort of your own home.