Follow the following simple rules.
Ask questions first before you join any affiliate program. Visit forums and ask for people already doing or have tried the program. "Google" it and add the terms good or bad to your search. Example, if the program is called XYZ, just type in the name in the Google search bar and add scam, good or bad. This will bring you a lot of info on the program. If the program is not real or good, someone who has tried it would have posted some negative feedback on the program. This is one of the great things I like about the Net. Research is so easy and fast if you know what you are doing.
Spend a day reading the write ups about the program. This will save you a lot of headache. If nothing negative can be found about the program, and it has been there for at least six months, that is a good sign. You may want to proceed further in your research.
Find out, will it cost you anything to join? Most affiliate programs being offered today are absolutely free of charge. Do not write off an affiliate program just because it will cost you something to join. But never ever pay to join a program. The only cost is for you to register a domain name and pay for hosting of your affiliate website. Do not ever join a company that charges you some dollars before joining. You may in most cases loose this if you do not produce any results. This is why I do like the MLM companies.
Consider when they cut that all important check - your commission checks. Remember this is the whole essence of the whole thing.
Every program or company is different. Some issue their checks bi-weekly, some once a month, every two months or even quarterly. Select the one that is suited to your requirement. I like a company that pays me at least monthly. If you can pay me every two weeks, I like that even better. Many affiliate programs set a minimum to earn before being paid. Let this not be higher than $100 - $200. Any company that wants you to earn $5000 before paying you is a scam. Run from such company.
You my want to go with a big and reputable company like Commission junction or Clickbank.com
With these reputable affiliate management companies, you can be sure you will be paid for your efforts. No one will try to cut you off with their reporting or tracking.
You may want to know if the affiliate program pays one tier or two tiers. A single tier program pays you only for the sales that you have personally generated. A two tier program pays you for your sales and for that of the affiliates that you recruit for the company. Some will pay you residually i.e pays you for other purchases made by the customers that you introduce to the company.
Lastly, what is the amount of commission paid? 50% - 60% is the commission I go for in any program. It is not much considering that I am bringing a customer who may in most cases purchase more from the company.
These are just some of the questions that you need to ask and consider first before you enter into any affiliate program.
