Joining Affiliate Networks
It is crucial to know how to join affiliate networks for those in affiliate marketing. The following tips and recommendations provide guidance on joining affiliate networks and can assist both those new to affiliate marketing and those looking to join more networks.
Some big affiliate networks to include Amazon and ClickBank often give automatic approval for those wanting to join. With a large selection of products to promote, they are good networks to join both for those new to affiliate marketing and more experienced marketers. Many affiliate marketers start out with these programs and use them as tools to gain experience and build sites. 
However, most marketers eventually want to join additional networks to obtain a greater variety of offers and products to promote. This also gives marketers access to further resources and other unique advantages.
With the increased popularity of affiliate marketing, many networks have become selective with whom they will accept. The process of joining affiliate networks can range from a mere formality to an extremely difficult procedure. However, all networks want serious, experienced marketers who will send them quality traffic. As evidence of this, networks usually want to see at least one web site belonging to the marketer.
Make a Site
The criterion varies, and the type of web site required can range from a simple blog to an established site with heavy traffic. In most cases, networks will verify the ownership of the site. Usually, a reasonably attractive web with some unique content will be acceptable. The site should include at least a few pages containing 300-500 words, but larger sites with longer articles, as well as videos and other content, are much better. Blogs, especially WordPress blogs, can also be sufficient. However, the blog should target a market niche. Since blogs are often good SEO tools to improve search engine rankings, they can also be used to support future sites a marketer may build.
If purchasing a domain name, select a name related to your niche. If possible, obtain a “.com” extension, but others are fine. Never use a “.info” extension since these extensions are favored by spammers. Consider the advice at domain names when choosing a domain.
When applying, use an email address containing your name and corresponding with your domain. It is best to avoid using free email addresses but to use an address of the site being submitted. Any application not filled out carefully, accurately and with proper grammar and punctuation will be automatically rejected by some networks.
Do Research
It is recommended to research affiliate networks before applying to them. There is a wealth of information on the web about affiliate marketing, both free and for a fee. Since successful affiliate marketing requires a degree of knowledge on the subject, it is a good idea to research in advance and be prepared to answer questions affiliate networks may ask a potential marketer. The following link is to a forum containing useful information about affiliate marketing: Warrior Forum.
After applying, call the network and ask to speak to someone about obtaining approval for your application. Most networks eventually call to verify application data, so it is best to show initiative and call first. The contact information is often located on the automatic response email. Affiliate AIM List is a site containing contact information for a number of networks.
The following are examples of questions affiliate managers may ask potential applicants:
1. What type of promotions will you do?
Acceptable promotions include article marketing, search engine optimization, pay-per-click, email and banners. Incentive advertising is not an acceptable promotion.
2. How long have you been doing affiliate marketing?
Most networks want people with industry experience who have been involved in affiliate marketing for a year or more.
3. What other networks do you use?
Starter networks such as ClickBank, Amazon and LinkShare are good networks to use if not yet a member of other networks.
4. How are things progressing with your current networks?
Marketers should always plan to join new networks to build on success with current networks.
5. What other niches are you interested in promoting?
Popular niches with networks are health, dating and insurance.
Following the above tips and recommendations will open the doors to most networks.
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