Learn the lingo

Cost-per-click, cost-per-lead, merchant, affiliate: Before you become an affiliate, get a grip on the terminology and the basic how-tos.

I recommend: To learn the basics, see Powerhomebiz's Understanding Affiliate Programs and Taming the Beast's Successful Affiliate Marketing.

Know thy customers

Why do people visit your site? The answer will help you determine what types of affiliate programs you should join.

I recommend: Keeping track of where your site visitors are coming from and the keywords they enter into search engines to reach your site will give you clues as to what they're looking for. Sign up for StatCounter.com (it's free) to keep tabs on your visitor stats. (Some affiliate programs do the work for you by automatically delivering ads that are targeted to your site's content; see below.)

Choose a program

After you decide what kinds of products and services will be the best match for your site and your visitors, find an affiliate program that lets you offer them.

I recommend: Popular affiliate programs include Amazon.com Associates (books), ClickBank (digital products), Commission Junction (products of all types), Google AdSense (ads targeted to your site contents) and Yahoo Publisher Network (ditto).

Pump up the visitor volume

Attracting visitors to your Web site is always important — but it gains even more importance when you're trying to earn income as an affiliate. The more site visitors you have, the more chances you have to earn commissions from click-throughs, leads or sales.

I recommend: Entrepreneur.com offers a advice on boosting your page visits. To optimize your site to rank higher in the search engines, try the free optimization tools at Agentinteractive.

Buyer beware

Don't get duped into joining a pyramid scheme or MLM program disguised as affiliate marketing. Also, never pay for the privilege of selling someone else's products on your site.

I recommend: See All Merchants' "affiliate red flags" and Translation Directory's tips on Affiliate Marketing Scams.