An affiliate program is an automated electronic program that involves a Web advertiser and recruited websites. The websites, as affiliates, place the company’s advertisements on their individually owned websites.
The ads in affiliate programs are linked to company websites and are referred to as affiliate links. Affiliates generally have to apply for the affiliate programs, though the majority of the affiliate programs cost nothing to join. When an online visitor click the affiliate link, the visitor is redirected to the advertiser’s website and if the customer/visitor makes a purchase, the affiliate is then paid a commission.
You have to pick products that would be of interest to the visitors to your website and are consistent with the value system of your organisation. Don’t expect to make a fortune, just some handy passive income.
A pretty safe option is the Amazon Associates program. As well as books there are a range of other product categories you could promote. if you are outside the United States they will only pay you by cheque or Amazon gift vouchers. The minimum cheque amount is USD100 and there is a USD15 processing fee. The minimum amount for the voucher payment is USD10. You can use the vouchers for prizes or to buy items required by your organisation. The typical commission / advertising fee is 4% of purchases sourced from your website. See Amazon Books dispay on this website as an example.
An Australian affiliate program is Commission Factory. It has a range of advertisers to choose from. The typical commission rate is between 5% and 10%. Money will be paid directly into your organisations bank account but a threshold amount of $50 is required. See our Commission Factory banner display page.