When to say "When" to an affiliate program

Let's face it, no matter how well a particular product may do on other websites, it just might not be right for yours. Statistics show that only a small percentage of affiliates for any given program actually make any money. What happens if you are one of those that falls into the category not making money? Is it time to take down the site and let the domain name registration expire?

No way! But it just might be the right time to make some changes to your strategy. Analyze your website and the programs that you have signed up for. Determine which of those REALLY appeal to your target audience. I said REALLY because I want you to look at the programs from the viewpoint of your visitors, not from the viewpoint of which ones are supposed to make you the most money.

There's a lot of advice out there on which programs to pick for your website, highest commissions, monthly payout, online reporting, etc, etc, etc. The fact is that you don't always have that choice to make. You need to concentrate on the products that your visitors will be the most interested in. What programs compliment your website's content and theme are much more important than signing up for every program promising to make you rich with only one sale.

I'm a great example of the above information. One of my websites caters to a highly targeted audience. I have tried many affiliate programs and advertising solutions on that site over the past two years. You know which program consistently beats all others? Amazon.com!

I get paid quarterly not monthly (make that a month or two after the quarter has ended), I only get credited for that visit, not repeat visits, and up until about a month ago had to wait until Monday of each week for my emailed statistics.

Believe it or not boys and girls, Amazon.com doesn't fit into the 'model affiliate program' mold that we read so much about. Now, I'm not trying to be hypocritical here, I too feel that you should do your best to find quality affiliate programs that offer all of the above benefits and then some.

I'm just trying to tell you that if you find a program that really appeals to your target audience, you CAN make some money with it. Don't pass up products that your visitors would really be interested in just because they don't pay you enough. Because if your visitors really do purchase from a particular program and you can show consistent sales you will be able to appeal to the merchant and ask them to increase their payout to you.