Affiliate Tracking

To get started with your own affiliate program you have two options:  You can either join an affiliate network, or purchase affiliate software to conduct an affiliate program on your own. Let's discuss the benefits of each so you can decide which affiliate tracking program solution is better for you. (Or, you might like to do both!)

Joining an Affiliate Network
The benefits of joining an affiliate network include: (1) you don't have to purchase software, (2) you don't have to use up your server space for tracking and affiliate management, (3) they pay each individual affiliate - you just pay the network, and (4) they have a huge base of affiliates ready to market your product.

Affiliate networks also have personnel and programs in place to teach you how to run your affiliate marketing program to its full potential. Commission Junction (CJ) has excellent stats so you can pick and choose the highest performing affiliates ('super affiliates' as we called them earlier) to be your advertisers.

The drawback to affiliate networks is basically commission. Affiliate networks require a commission on top of the commission you pay your affiliates, so you can't usually offer as high of commissions to your affiliates and so the total venture can cost a bit more.

Affiliate Tracking Software
The first benefit of using affiliate software is control. You have total control of your program. You can customize stats pages, communication with affiliates, set your own pay rates and incentives easily, and you don't have to pay a huge commission to a network. You simply purchase the software and 'go to' on your own.

The downside to using affiliate software is you miss out on the network affiliate base, training and easy payment.

The Best of Both Worlds
My Affiliate Program software has combined the benefits of software and affiliate networks together. For $999 you purchase the MyAP software which gives you total control of your affiliate program. But, along with the affiliate tracking software, MyAP also provides free networking through Kolimbo Affiliate Network, and free affiliate marketing training.

In Summary
Here's where to go to start your affiliate program:
If you have a good budget: Go to Commission Junction for an Optimal Experience
If you have a good budget, a staff, and a streak of independence: Go to MyAP
If you have a small budget: Go straight for Groundbreak's Ultimate Affiliate Software.

Related Article: My Affiliate Program Review >>