Affiliate Selling: Building Revenue on the Web [Taschenbuch]

If you want to get up to speed quickly in affiliate marketing and affiliate programs, this is a good place to start. But you can skim this book in a few hours to get

what you need. Then its off to the Internet to get the latest information. In about two years, this book will be quite dated.

I think the authors are correct in their enthusiasm for affiliate marketing in general, but their treatment is superficial cheerleading. The mechanics of an affiliate program are pretty straightforward. It's the marketing that's difficult and they offer no insights here other than warmed over cliches.

For those who are new to affiliation, this book is the perfect starting point, though this must not overshadow the fact that "Affiliate Selling" is perhaps destined to become the bible of its category due to the forward-looking ideas and excellent creative tricks (combined with all the basics) that will have affiliate veterans getting out of bed in the middle of the night to try something new on his or her site. Don't miss this one!

Merchant companies large and small have set up elaborate partnerships with linking companies and others to market their products and services. Bags, books, clothing, computers, flowers, food, music CD's, and toys are among the more popular items marketed through referral programs today. Readers will learn about affiliate marketing companies who make a living by bringing merchant companies and individual Website operators, companies, and organizations together. BeFree, LinkShare, and Commission Junction are some of the leading affiliate solution providers cited in the book that readers should know about.

The readers of this book will learn how they can enhance the value of their Websites by linking with merchants offering products and services directly related to their own Website objectives. Consider a pet store owner linking up with a respected brand of high quality, high-protein dog food. Travel agencies can team up with manufacturers and distributors of name brand travel bags and luggage sets. A book reviewer could link up with an online book dealer to provide quick sales and delivery of books to his readers at substantial savings over traditional methods of buying books!

This book offers a great amount of technical help to business operators and Web developers by demonstrating how easy it is to set up effective Web page links. Banners, graphics, text, scripts, strategic placement of logos, and affiliate membership criteria are covered to make setting up shop easy. Screen shots provide readers with some outstanding examples of actual Websites that offer various forms and styles of affiliate linking!

Affiliate marketing through referral programs has a lot to offer merchants and their affiliates. Prospects are good for them to generate a lot of money in the years to come. Whether readers are merchants or prospective affiliates, this book will help them get linked up with the people they are looking for. The authors cannot guarantee success but they do a great job of preparing and encouraging their readers. Do you have what it takes to be the next Amazon.com?