Affiliate networks act as mediators between affiliates and merchant web sites with affiliate programs.At its core, it is basically a form of broker. A merchant will sign up with an affiliate network as part of their marketing campaign. The affiliate network then allows affiliates to sign up with them, in order to promote the products or services provided by the merchant. Essentially, the it is a middleman.
This may sound like a complicated process, but in reality, it's actually fairly straightforward - and it provides great benefits to everyone involved. The merchant doesn't have to pay any additional advertising fees - as the cost of acquiring new customers becomes the job of the affiliate. However, the affiliate marketer doesn't have to provide customer service, or even have a product or service of their own to sell.
Finally, the affiliate network usually benefits by taking a small part of the commission from each sale generated by the affiliate. Additionally, they may also charge the merchant a fee to be listed within their network.
So what types of affiliate networks exist? For every major market and industry you can imagine, there's likely to be affiliate programs available. Commonly, most online retail stores have affiliate programs - many of which are run by Commission Junction - who are one of the largest affiliate networks in existence. Online giants such as Amazon also run their own affiliate program. You will also find many affiliate networks which cater to specific markets, such as beauty, fitness, health, and many more. However, affiliate networks aren't just limited to physical products. One of the largest networks you'll find is called Click bank - and they primarily specialize in the sale of digital products such as ebooks, software, and educational materials.
Basically any web site can join an affiliate program and, if it chooses well can also be very lucrative. Usually, the only requirement will be showing that you own a well build, informative website with non-offensive content. You will also have to agree that you'll use appropriate marketing tactics - and you won't venture into controversial sales tactics, or even illegal spamming.
Next, you will choose which particular product or service you wish to promote. Often, you'll already have a website, so you will simply choose offers that are relevant to your current readership. You will then be able to choose from various banners or text links, which you can place on your website.
Once these "affiliate links" have been placed on your site, all of the clicks will be tracked independently by the affiliate network. They will often provide you with comprehensive statistics which show clicks, sales, and conversion rates. You can rest assured that every sale will be tracked - so all you need to do is send the buyers, and you'll soon see a great financial return.
The business model of affiliate marketing can seem confusing at first - but when you realize it is simply an online equivalent of being a commission-only salesman, it quickly becomes understandable. Additionally, affiliate networks have made thousands of people extra monthly income - and it's even generated it's fair share of outright millionaires.
About the author: Dr Aggrey Marami is a Medical Doctor deeply involved in affiliate marketing online. For more information on this subject visit: http://www.clinmoneyonlineinfo.com
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