So, you have decided to become an affiliate. But with so many companies out there to choose from, you need to be sure you choose a reliable, trustworthy and profitable scheme.

The main features you need to look for when choosing an affiliate program, are:

Frequent payouts – When are payments made? How often? Is there a minimum balance you have to earn before the company will pay out to you? There is no point in earning the cash if you have to wait months on end to receive it. Make sure any minimum balances are low, and payments are regular. You should look to receive payment at least once per month.

Cookies – If you sign up a user, but they do not purchase for say, a year, will you still get your commission? Some affiliate programs will put a limit on this – this means they avoid paying you your commission, even though you still referred the customer! Again, steer clear. The best affiliate programs are those for which cookies never expire. This means - however long in the future it takes a customer to purchase – you will still receive your commission!

Fair commission – Make sure you are getting enough money for the time and effort you put into your advertising. Steer clear of so-called “get-rich-quick” schemes – if something looks to good to be true, it usually is. Equally, do not accept a pittance. Remember – without you, there would be no sale – so you are entitled to a fair share of the commission.

Key point to consider:

Be sure of what you are getting involved into before you sign up. It is worth chatting to current affiliates to see what they actually earn, and to find out if the scheme is worth joining. Find out if you will have access to your statistics so you can work out what you are owed – this is essential to make sure you are being paid correctly.

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