Is it Easy to make money with affiliate programs?

No. You can't just sign up with a program and expect to start earning money right away. To be successful with affiliate marketing, you need a website and a newsletter. Your opt-in list (newsletter) is a major contributor to your eventual success.

What Comes First - the product or my website?

The answer is: neither one. The FIRST thing you want to decide is what your website is going to be about. What are your interests? Base your website on those interests; then go find affiliate products to compliment your site.

How Can I Tell if an affiliate program is worth promoting?

Do your research. Affiliate programs that you find through affiliate directories, such as Commission Junction, have already been investigated - to a certain extent. Find out how long the company has been in business. Read their affiliate agreement. Does the program have "tools" that you can use, such as pre-written ads or articles? Try comparing the company with others who provide a similar product. Which would yield the best results for YOUR website? Do they have an effect sales letter? Read it, and see what your reaction is.

How Much Money Can I Make with Affiliate Marketing?

You can make any amount from a few cents to thousands of dollars. It all depends upon the products you choose and how much time you're willing to invest. If you do your research, seek out dependable, well-established companies, and have a website that PRE-sells, you can earn a substantial amount. For a free download of a step-by-step method get this free download of the Affiliate Masters Course.

What Way is the Best Way to sell an affiliate product?

Don't sell it - PRE-sell it. All you need to do is get your readers to click on a link. The affiliate company's website does the actual "selling" of the product. (See Question 3 above)

How Much Promotion do I have to do?

As much as possible! Submit your site to search engines. Advertise in ezines. Write your own articles. The more you promote your website, the better results you'll get.

What About Banner Ads?

Have you ever been to a "Banner Farm?" Those sites have banners and flashing ads everywhere. A limited number of banners can help sell a product, but text links, incorporated into your site (or an article) is a much better choice.