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If you are planning to enter the exciting, new world of affiliate marketing, you'll first need to know what this concept really means. Simply defined, it is primarily the referral of a person to a merchant and then getting paid, either to do so, or if the referral results in a sale. Affiliate marketing is what jobs will look like in the future and it is shaping a new, breed of working class right here, right now.

Establish the platform to earn - Making money with affiliate marketing isn't too difficult because there's no shortage of reliable, programs that you can sign-up with. But if you do not have the basics in place, chances are, you won't be earning the kind of money you are looking for. However, if you wish to become a successful affiliate marketer, you'll need to have, among others, two important items - your own website and a newsletter. The website will help you collect e-mail addresses of prospects which can, in turn, establish a good opt-in list. Should you offer a free newsletter, e-book or training course to visitors, you can build on this list and enhance your chance of making more money.

Choose the right affiliate program - There is an unlimited number of options on offer and you can select one that suits your niche. However, beware of those that promise quick money just to implement their banners and links. The internet offers a vast range of online services and goods and while this range is growing rapidly, so is the competition. Your website visitors must therefore be given a very strong reason to click on a link or banner. After all, every click could mean more money coming your way.

Select the right type of banner - Most affiliate programs offer a variety of banner ads to park on your site, however, only a few of them prove effective. Simple banner ads are preferable to those that are graphic-heavy, the main reason, shorter download time. Web visitors are impatient and time-conscious and will miss the banner completely, by scrolling down the page. Therefore, the simpler the banner, the more click through rates you will attain. Animated or rapid flashing banners do attain such rates but can also be annoying to some visitors. If you decide to go this route, use such banners sparingly.

Keep your site's theme in sight - This is crucial, when using a graphical advertising approach because visitors are likely to ignore other elements on your page, should they be distracted by such graphics. Offset this by ensuring that banner ads use a link that opens a new window. In this manner, visitors will find it easy to return to the page and review what they came for, i.e., once they've visited one of your advertisers.

Think pop up, or pop under - Several companies give their affiliates the option of using pop up or pop under ads. While pop ups can be attention getters up front, they are also likely to distract or annoy some visitors. Pop unders on the other hand are more subtle and you are advised to use those that appear just once per visit.

Use Text Link ads - It is one of the most effective forms of advertising in affiliate programs and there are many reasons why. Text link ads do not consume a lot of space, can be easily incorporated into your page layouts and are also brief and informative. This helps your site visitor to focus on an offer without much distraction.

Listed above are but a few options to help you become a successful affiliate marketer and you can operate from the safe, quiet confines of your home. Plan carefully, give yourself enough time and you will succeed. Affiliate marketing does have its rewards. One of the best affiliate programs that I know is http://IMCaffiliateprogram.com. It has high commissions, products that convert, and tons of resources to help you succeed with your promotion.

To your success,

Keith Synan