What are the Different Types of Internet Marketing Affiliate Programs?
Internet marketing affiliate programs are big business these days. They can be a great way to make extra money from your website and for some people it even becomes a full time income. It works really well for the advertiser too, making sure that their marketing budget truly brings home the bacon. But there are numerous types of online affiliate program. So, how can you tell which type will work best for you?
The Different Affiliate Program Structures
PPC – Pay Per Click
PPC is one of the most popular forms of internet marketing affiliate programs. The premise is simple: every time a visitor clicks on a link referring them on to an advertiser’s platform, the original webhost receives a fee. Merchants will specify the referral fee prior to signing you up as an affiliate, so there can be no confusion over potential earnings. Ads usually take the form of a banner or text link. Simple and fuss-free, with very little effort required – although the more effort you put in, the more money you’re likely to make The only draw back to PPC is that you have to attract a lot of clicks to make it all worthwhile.
CPA – Cost Per Action
Also referred to as CPS (Cost Per Sale), CPL (Cost Per Lead) and PPS (Pay Per Sale).
CPA means that rather than simply following links to generate a fee, your referrals need to take an action while visiting your affiliate partner’s site. For a retailer, this action might be purchasing something. For a dating site, it might be creating a dating profile. Other merchants might be looking for people to sign up for a newsletter. Each merchant will have their own specific requirements, which will be made clear before you become a member.
Tiered – Single, Double or Multi-Tier Internet Marketing Affiliate Programs
Most affiliate programs have a single-tiered structure. This means that when you sign up, the merchant agrees upon a fixed payment for a fixed action, such as PPC. However, there are some variations. With double-tiered affiliate programs you will receive commission for a further specified action – perhaps for referring other potential affiliates to the merchant. It’s the same deal for the multi-tiered structure, but there you’ll receive a fee for a variety of actions – your standard PPC, affiliate referral, maybe sales above a designated figure, or the joining of a premier customer program. Each affiliate network will offer a different criterion, it’s down to you to find the best program for your needs.
Once you know what is on offer through internet marketing affiliate programs, it doesn’t take long to find a format and subject area that will work for you. Before you know it, your website will be earning a profit. And that is really what affiliate programs are all about.