With the expansion of the internet has come an expansion of so-called “money making” opportunities. Chief among them are affiliate programs, where a producer and an affiliate team up to sell a product or service, and then split the proceeds. But, all affiliate programs are not created equal. Here we take a look at 3 steps you can to take when reviewing an affiliate program provider.
Test the Product
If you are going to sell a product, it is a good idea to test the product for yourself. As goes an old anecdote: You wouldn’t want to purchase a Ford from a guy who drives a Toyota. This is because psychologically a person promoting a product, that they would not use themselves, seems disingenuous. This idea doubtlessly gave rise to the famous line “I’m not just the president of the hair club for men, I’m also a member.”
Test the Company’s Payments
The primary reason to affiliate with a company is to make a profit. But that profit will do you little good if the company has frequent payroll problems, or likes to find reasons not to pay its affiliates. One of the best ways to test the product and test the company’s payment system is to have a friend or relative purchase the product through your affiliate link or other method. This will not only give you a chance to try the product and become an expert, but it will help you ensure that you get paid for your efforts.
Test the Communications Platform
When you call the company, does someone always answer? Do your emails receive a quick response? Do the company’s representatives follow up with you, and do what they say they are going to do? Every affiliate program requires efficient communication in order to function. Test the communications system of your prospective affiliate company before sinking in a large investment while promoting their product or service.
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