Affiliate Marketing Programs are one of the most popular ways to earn money online, but not many persons really understand what affiliate marketing is. Simply put, affiliate marketing is the sharing of revenue between a website owner and a company or individual who sells products and services online. The website owner either sells products for or directs buyers to the merchant’s website. In so doing the website owner earns a percentage of profits from the merchant.

There are three main types of affiliate marketing programs, namely:

1. Pay Per Click (PPC)

Each time a website user clicks on the merchant’s link on an affiliate’s website, the website owner earns. The earnings per click are decided between the merchant and the website owner.

2. Pay Per Lead

A commission is paid to the website owner each time a customer or potential customer signs up for the merchant’s products or services based on the advertisement (link) on the website of the affiliate.

3. Pay Per Sale

The website owner earns a commission every time a sale is made because of the advertisement on the website.

Best Affiliate Marketing Programs

There are many affiliate programs, many of which are quite successful. Nonetheless there are some than are consistently better than others. Some of those that are almost always named in any top ten list of best affiliate marketing programs are:

1. Amazon.com (Amazon Associates)

A consistent performer, affiliates with Amazon generally see their greatest returns leading up to holidays. Affiliates can easily choose between two fee structures with Amazon Associates. The vast array of products for sale make AA an amazing option.

2. MarketHealth.com

This is reportedly the largest affiliate market program targeting the beauty and health products market online. The company is also listed among the highest paying affiliate marketers when it comes to commissions.

3. Commission Junction

One of the old-timers in the business, CJ despite some earlier problems with class action suits continues to deliver. They also work with new affiliates to get started so as to build their business.

4. Google Adsense

This program enables website owners to show ads targeting a specific niche on their sites. Each time a website visitor clicks on one of the ads, money is earned. In addition, users on the website can also search online using Google which also enables the website owner to earn.

5. eBay

eBay’s affiliate marketing program was recently overhauled, but the ability to earn from this affiliate program has not lessened. You can generate income by selling products or you can also be paid for new accounts.

6. Panda Software

Available through Commission Junction, this is one of the biggest anti-virus affiliate programs available.

7. Revenue Wire

Revenue Wire is in the business of digital products that sell. They are said to pay one of the highest commissions on their Pay-Per-Sale model. The good thing is the products they list are goods that people really need and tend to buy.

8. Fast Click

This company is listed among the top affiliates because of their ad service technology. Many beginning affiliate marketers start off with them because of the easy to use features and support.

9. Hydra Network

One of the selling points of Hydra, is the ready availability of support if needed. This support includes tips on how to improve earnings. In addition, they provide frequent updates to affiliates about which merchants are performing best.

10. PepperJam

While getting mixed reviews, this program appears frequently enough in top ten listings to be included here. It is easy to join and works well for those willing to put in the work needed in the beginning.

Not everyone may agree with all the names on the list, however, these are the names that frequently make the grade. It is important to know as well, that some programs may be great at one point and six months later begin to do badly.

While looking for affiliate marketing opportunities online, it is also important to avoid scams. The caveat that if it seems too good to be true it probably is, is best observed when it comes to affiliate marketing.