Reader mail: Appropriate affiliate programs

A reader writes in with a question about affiliate programs:

In the article "10 under $20: Legitimate businesses you can start on a shoestring" and under the heading Webpreneur, you say "find ... appropriate affiliate programs" for your web site. Can you please define what is meant by "affiliate programs" and provide examples for me?

Thanks, Sue

Thanks for the question, Sue. An affiliate program is an arrangement in which you, a Web site owner, promote the products of another company. You receive a portion of the profits when a sale is made to a customer referred by you.

For example, on your Web site, you may want to promote books that are related to your products or services. By setting yourself up as an Amazon.com affiliate, you can allow your readers to quickly and conveniently purchase the book, and you receive a small percentage of not only that book, but anything else your visitor buys during that one shopping session at Amazon.

Here are a few resources that will help you learn more:

Home Business Savvy: Affiliate Programs — A little more detailed look at affiliate program, plus an offer for a free 5-day email course. Also check the sidebar articles for links to more resources around the Web.

How To How to Really Make Money on the Internet With an Amazon.com Affiliate Site — A step-by-step guide to creating a profitable affiliate site with Amazon, the most popular affiliate program on the Web.

About Affiilate Programs — Our Online Business Guide offers links to more articles and resources about affiliate programs.