What Are Affiliate Programs? How Do Affiliate Programs Work?

An affiliate program is simply a way for companies to use online advertisement to boost their product awareness and sales. Traditional door-to-door sales, the use of product fliers, telephone solicitation and billboard advertisement remain vital and continue to be very affective in boosting company sales in today’s society. However, Affiliate programs are economical and have been shown to be quite successful. Companies are able to attract and accurately target sales of their product to an audience more likely interested in their product. Additionally, they are more likely to attract more return customers. Advertisement online is as diverse as it is offline. Billboards are replaced with company banners. Posted product reviews, newsletter sign-up and email solicitation replace word of mouth, door-to-door sales and company fliers. Affiliate programs work because companies are willing to pay a portion of their sale revenue to anyone willing to effectively advertise their product online. Rewards received may arrive in any form or combination. Most often rewards are given as free product, discounts, prizes and / or cash. Most affiliate programs are free to join, open to most everyone and very easily managed once setup is completed. The list is endless. If you are new to this concept and would like to participate I would suggest first joining the better-known online giants: Google, Ebay, YouTube or Amazon. They offer detailed setup guides, online help and strategies to effectively manage the program. I love comments and input. If anyone knows of some great affiliate programs, tools, tips or has any advice, please share!