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Affiliate Programs - Good, Bad and Ugly

By Vickie J. Scanlon


What do you need to be aware of, if you want to become an affiliate marketer? You need to be aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly in the affiliate realm.  I would have to say the good is, making money from reputable businesses.

But the bad/ugly side of affiliate marketing are those companies or individuals that are not reputable and whose only purpose is to cut and run with the money, 
leaving customers and affiliates alike with nothing.

So how do you choose an affiliate program and what do you need to be aware of in the affiliate world?


Where do you begin

Be aware of what types of programs are out there. For instance, some people have thought that they have just joined an affiliate program when in fact, they have joined an MLM program. What is an MLM program?

MLM programs -- these are not true affiliate programs. MLM programs first and foremost, want you to recruit people. Yes, your customer has to buy the product to join. But the keyword here is "join". And, in most cases, the products are not the best, or of much value to many people. 

Translated, MLM is a legal pyramid scheme, in which the majority of the people will fail, while those at the top--the owner of the business who supplies the products, will see the majority of the profits. Look past the hype, and think long and hard before you put time, energy and money into an MLM venture.

You may be agreeing with me, but at the same time thinking, "yes, but they offer so much". Granted they may offer a website (which has your name, but of which you have no control over. Who knows, they may even offer leads. Think twice about "leads". 

For the newbies out there, you need double opted in leads. Why-To protect yourself against being called a spammer and from being hit with a fine. The best way to get double opted-in leads is through your own hard work on your own website. Building your list person by person.

If you have to pay to get into an affiliate program - it's not an affiliate program! 


Check the affiliate program out

Here are some helpful hints when checking out an affiliate program.

1) Check for the length of time the business has been around. If it is new (less than six months) and not a brick and mortar business before opening up shop on the Internet, a red flag should go up. Why less than six months? If the site is legitimate, it will still be there, but if it is up to no good, you will quickly find others on the Internet getting the word out to warn others.

2) Reputation of the business or individual (ebooks)
3) Customer service (for products)
4) check out their website - Do they have a method in which you can contact them?
5) Send them an email. Do they respond? 

Commission Rates

If you see a commission rate that is extremely high, warning bells should be going off. Granted, ebooks and software is one area in which you can possibly get 30 to 50% commissions. But, you still need to do your research. Why? Even though you are anxious to make money, you still have to protect your business, and with it, your reputation. 


Check the Affiliate Program For:

1) Holding time before getting your commission check
2) Customer satisfaction (please realize that not everyone is going to be satisfied with the service. But if you see more complaints than praises) you might want to back off.
3) Minimum amount you have to reach before getting your commission check.

Some companies even offer 2-tier programs. 2-tier programs gives you the opportunity to earn both commission and residual income. The residual income, comes from those who you referred to the affiliate program. The residual income is small, but it can add up slowly, since it can be reoccurring.

My advice with 2-tier programs -- do not suggest or encourage others to join the program until you have seen a commission check yourself. If the company pays, then promote the affiliate program.


Checking On An Affiliate Program

Before putting an affiliate banner or link on your website, you should first do some research. Which means checking for proof of the quality of the affiliate program, product and business. How do you do that?