If you are a Web site owner, it is a very good idea to consider participating in one (or more) of the affiliate marketing programs available on the Internet. Basically, affiliate programs are straight commission sales opportunities. You promote a certain vendor's product or materials on your Web site. When visitors to your site buy the product or materials, you get rewarded with a percentage of the value of that sale.

If you have already launched a Web site, you can add an affiliate program to whatever products or services you already offer online. You can also choose to start a site for the specific purpose of promoting the affiliate program or programs of your choice.

A variety of programs are available to site owners. An advantage of choosing to take the plunge into affiliate programs is that it helps you create more than one source of income from your Web site. You can be in the business of selling a product without having to concern yourself with the logistics of storing inventory, billing, or shipping.

While you may be tempted to choose the programs that offer the highest payout, keep in mind that if your customers don't buy the product, you will not make any money. You would be much better advised to choose a product that is somehow related to what your Web site already offers your customers. That way you can tag team your product or service with the affiliate program you choose and have a greater opportunity to generate income.

When trying to decide which of the many affiliate programs to become associated with, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

1. Be sure that the program you choose pays a minimum of at least 25% commission per sale. A variety of program that pay well that will complement many types of Web sites are available.

2. Find out whether you will be able to access information about the number of site visits and sales you have generated so you can track your progress.

3. The best programs offer several ways to advertise the program on your Web site. Consider those with banner ads, buttons, graphics, and text links.

4. Be clear about how often you will be paid and what payment method will be used.

5. Educate yourself about what type of assistance is available, should you need it. Do you contact the affiliate company by email, by filling out an online form, or do they provide a toll free number for support?

Once you get your affiliate program up and running, you have the potential of generating quite a handsome income. If you take the time to educate yourself well about the nature of affiliate marketing, you will greatly increase your chances of making this venture a great success.