One of the easiest ways to make money from a web site is to become an affiliate for an online ad network.
You've worked hard building your web site. You're proud of your work,
having poured your heart into making your site relevant to your market with great, useful content. You've got decent traffic, solid PageRank, and the satisfaction of knowing you've done your best.
But you're missing the boat if you're not making money from your site.
Some estimate that nearly $20 billion will be spent in the U.S. this year for online advertising, and you deserve a slice of that pie.
Now there are a number of ways to turn you site into a cash cow and the method demanding the least amount of work is to become an affiliate for online ads. It's easy. Just put a banner on your site and you'll be paid every time someone buys an ad using your affiliate code.
When deciding on an online ad affiliate program, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Does the affiliate program offer a flat fee or a percentage?
The problem with programs offering a flat fee (usually about $25) for every sale from your site is that their cost to the advertiser is usually a lot higher, so your chance of making a sale is lower. Programs offering a percentage of each sale depend more on volume, so their prices are less expensive. This means your chances of making sales are greater, and more sales translates into more income.
Look for an affiliate program that offers an easy, timely method for you to check on your sales.
Most affiliate programs make you log on to their stats program and this takes time, and time is money, as the saying goes. Look for an affiliate program offering a desktop application that will alert you whenever a sale has been made through your site. This way with just a simple click of your mouse, you instantly know how much money you have coming.
How often does the online advertising affiliate program pay?
The great majority of affiliate programs pay once a month. Usually they will calculate how much you are owed at the end of a month, and then pay you either by the 15th, or in some cases, the first of the next month. This means you may have to wait up to two months for the money your site has earned. There are a few affiliate programs that pay on a weekly basis. Look for one of these programs and you will be paid in a much more timely fashion.
How does the affiliate program pay?
Nearly all affiliate programs will pay through PayPal, which has pretty much become the industry standard. Some offer to mail a check to their affiliates based in the U.S. Nearly all of these require a small minimum (usually $25) before mailing a check due to the increased costs involved. Some will send a check regardless of the amount, but will deduct the bank fees and postage. Let your own financial situation determine the best method of payment for you.
By taking advantage of an online advertising affiliate program, soon your web site will not only pay for itself, but it could turn into a real moneymaker.
