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Step 1
Develop your plan. First, answer the basic six questions used in the fundamentals of journalism......Who, What, Where, Why , When, How? Next answer the most basic question......with how much (money)?
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Step 2
Refer to the U.S. Copyright and Trademark Officesfor Copyright and Trademark information. You will need legal protection for what is rightfully yours. Also, research and adhere to your local, federal, state and even national laws regarding your area of interest.
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Step 3
Put up a good marketing front and protect yourself in the process. If you are planning on marketing from your own website, you need to register your domain name or names with a domain name registrar such as Go Daddy or 1 and 1.
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Step 4
Start with a quality website. Be very careful not to produce what is known as a "Link Farm" or "Banner Farm", having a bunch of links and banners and no meaningful information. Always give the option to opt-out of receiving any e-mails you send. You don't want to be labeled as a "Spammer". Also, don't overlook pay-per-click, e-zines, newsletters and articles, and e-books. Whatever your marketing stragegy, always be clear, concise and remember to proofread!
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Step 5
Research Affiliate Networks. Browse their websites. What is their philosophy? How long have they been in business? How often to they pay and how are payments made...Pay Pal, direct deposit? Most Affiliate Networks pay once a month. If you contact them, how quick and helpful is their customer service? SHAREASALE, AFFILIATE BOT and LINKSHARE are three leading Affiliate Networks.
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Step 6
Apply for individual affiliate programs by clicking your merchants of choice followed by clicking "Apply To Merchants". Do this after comparing specific information available such as their history with the Affiliate Network. One valuable key to look for is their EPC or Earnings Per Click. The EPC gives you the relative amount the merchant has paid out, on average, per one hundred clicks received. So the higher the EPC, the higher your earning potential!
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Step 7
Begin advertising and start earning. Some merchants respond to your "application" instantly while others respond manually. Manual applications are not answered instantly and may take a couple of days. This response is usually electronic. Some merchants require you to read their "Affiliate Terms and Conditions" and check a box prior to proceeding. However, once you are approved, you can begin advertising and making money.
