Chapter 2
Why Should You Be an Affiliate?
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the requirements of a traditional business
Looking at the advantages of affiliate marketing
Setting realistic expectations before you begin
Although there were earlier private affiliate programs, Amazon was the first to offer affiliate marketing to the public in 1996 with its Associate program. Through this affiliate program, Amazon offered associates coded links to thousands of products. The associate would put one of these links on his own website, and when a purchase was made, the associate made a referral commission. Amazon still has a very large and growing affiliate community.
Affiliate marketing is constantly changing to adapt to and take advantage of new opportunities. The growth of social media has been tremendous with sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram as well as other social media platforms. In fact, some people do all of their affiliate marketing using their Facebook page or Instagram page. (Note: Some affiliate marketers believe a website is no longer necessary since social media has exploded in importance. Having a website still offers some unique advantages, though, as you ...
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