Operating an Affiliate Programme
In most cases starting up your own affiliate programme will involve joining an affiliate network and then choosing affiliates that will work for you as this is the easiest way to get up and running.
Here you simply source a suitable network and then apply to join it. There will usually be charges payable here which will vary according to the network that you choose. These can, for example, include:
- A joining fee
- A deposit (which will be used to start paying affiliates)
- An annual membership fee
- A percentage of the payments you make to the network's affiliates
The costs you incur here may well be worth your while as the network will manage nearly all of the affiliate process for you so you don't need to master the process/issues for yourself.
But, if you want to set up your own network then you will need to:
- Buy tracking software to set up the programme
- Find and recruit suitable affiliates to work on your behalf
- Set up a process that allows affiliates to make links to your site(s)
- Establish an accounting system that will work with the tracking system to work out payments due to affiliates and then pay them
- Be available to help out affiliates if they have issues or need help