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Starting a business affiliate program is a great way of boosting your products and services online and it's extremely cost effective too. But not all business affiliate programs are successful and in order to create an affiliate program success story you got to follow certain rules.

Rules of running business affiliate program

Go for a good affiliate network service provider

The toughest option before an affiliate merchant is to decide between a self tracking software and an affiliate network service provider. But self tracking softwares can be tough to manage and only leads to additional burden. So for starters it's always recommended to go for a good affiliate network service provider. There are many service providers and the popular ones being, commission junction, be-free, linkshare, dynamictrade etc.

Create an advertising strategy

No matter going for a network provider will solve all your affiliate recruitment problems, it's always better to advertise your service in your website, newsletters and if possible in related print media. Giving adverts in related forums/boards and listing in affiliate directories isn't such a bad idea either.

Decide on a lucrative commission strategy

Commissions are the reason why affiliates join you and their commitment to your business increases on how much commission you pay them and your commission schemes. A two tier commission scheme is better than a single commission scheme and life long commissions are better compared to one time referral commissions.

Keep affiliates informed

Keeping you affiliates informed of latest developments in products and services is a good idea. Starting a newsletter service is better if possible.

Never cheat your affiliates

Your affiliates are your greatest assets and you got to manage them properly by giving out payments as agreed at proper internals. In ability to do so will only spoil your name and may lead to your affiliates leaving your business.

An affiliate program can benefit your business effectively only if carried out in the correct manner. So make sure you do it right.