If you’re like most website managers or owners, you didn’t create your website solely for the purpose of generating revenue from an affiliate program. But the many of the same principles apply for both running a site that’s attractive to an affiliate and running one that will be successful for your own purposes.

Both require the following: Understanding the site visitor and why he/she is attracted to your site. The products? Information? Sense of community? Having good content, no matter what the purpose of the site is. Make sure information is highly relevant to your site visitors and changes frequently.

Using both offline and online ways to attract site visitors – such as newsletters, reciprocal links, and opt-in email campaigns. Continually taking a fresh look at your site, being certain that you are using the latest conventions and that it is easy to use. Stay abreast of your competitors to check their direction and site additions, as well as the new affiliates they may have added.

Continually checking your numbers to understand where you’re making money (translate: serving your site visitors) and where you’re not. Making adjustments to fill in the gaps in your product and service offerings. Capitalizing upon the fun factor. Make using the site so much more than reading a magazine article. You have the advantage of being interactive, so use it! Have a give and take with your site visitors, so you know what they want.

Karen Kari's articles and more information on the affiliate business can be found at:

http://www.affiliatebandit.com
http://www.advertisingcellar.com
http://www.billionfreeads.com