Many people find it easy to earn more money by selling products or services that they did not create. This is called affiliate marketing and it can be the easiest way to start making money online.

But what exactly is affiliate marketing? What is meant by the term ?affiliate??

Since the Internet appeared, many people have been able to find lucrative ways to earn money online. One of the best ways is through affiliate marketing. To be an affiliate means to promote someone else's product or service in exchange for commissions.

With affiliate marketing, the advertiser will create a link to the affiliate's web site, the customer will just click on the link and he will be instantly directed to the company's site. If a sale is made the affiliate will be credited for the sale.

dispite its money-spitting features, not all affiliate programs are worth the effort. Some affiliate programs can provide maximum earning potential, while others are not worth the affiliate's time and effort. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right affiliate program to gain maximum earning potential.

Here's how:

1. Look for the best affiliate programs

The simplest and probably the quickest way to find affiliate programs would be with the search engines. You can find thousand of sites that offer affiliate programs.However for newbies, it is best to try out the free to join affiliate programs. They can be very lucrative as well.

2. Your interests

Try to find affiliate programs that are based around your interests. As in advertising, it is not a good idea for a commercial model or an advertiser to promote a product that they are not interested in, It will create conflict.

3. The right price?

Obviously, money is the main reason why you would join an affiliate program. So it is normal to choose the affiliate program that offers the best commissions and incentives. Experts say the best percentage of commissions in affiliate programs would be the ones that offer 25% or higher commissions.

4. Instant statistical reports

Try to choose affiliate programs that offer real-time reports and statistics. Also it's best to choose programs that provide you the ability to track your performance and to monitor the merchant as well. Be on the lookout for tracking software or programs that an affiliate program can provide.

5. Safety is the best policy

Make sure you get paid. Since the dawn of the Internet, there have been countless frauds and deceptions lurking in the virtual sites. Therefore, choose an affiliate program that will definitely pay you the commissions you deserve.

6. In high demand

It is best to promote products or services that are in high demand. After all, you don't want to waste you time and effort promoting a product if it's not going to make you any money. Research your target market to find the products people are looking to buy.

7. Real products to sell

Be cautious of some affiliate programs that lure you to join and make you believe you will be selling a particular product, only to find out that the program is a pyramid scheme.

Given all that, it is best to meticulously choose an affiliate program that will not give you a run for your money. Try to be very picky when choosing the affiliate program you will promote. Choosing the wrong affiliate program can definitely do you more harm than good.