Starting your own business as an affiliate of an established company seems like a great idea. However, like any new business venture there are things to watch out for. A few are just common sense issues, like making sure the company you will be doing affiliate marketing with is a legitimate company. Remember, your time and effort are valuable commodities, so do your due diligence. Here are some tips to help you get started.

After you research the company, do not forget to research the actual industry. Read everything you can about that particular market. If possible, speak to people who either currently work or have worked that particular market. Look at how that market does in a recession. Analyze charts, graphs and trends. These days all that information is online if you just search for it.

Most reputable companies will not mind if you check them out. You can ask them for references of affiliates currently marketing their products. Also, search online for reviews, complaints and comments from current or past affiliates. If you search the particular company name and the words “complaints” or “scam” you will see any negative comments. Checking them out with the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission for complaints is always recommended.

One thing to keep in mind as an affiliate is you are always selling. You are either selling the product or selling other people into signing up as affiliates themselves. The majority of affiliate marketing programs are multilevel plans. You get an override commission for each new member you sign up. It will help you in many ways to learn and practice selling.

There are many ways to market a product. Among these are pay per click online marketing, viral videos, social media, magazine ads and more. It is crucial to learn about all of these and test market them. For affiliate recruitment it might help to join groups like your local chamber of commerce.

We all heard the saying “it takes money to make money,” and this is also true with affiliate marketing. It could be something as simple and inexpensive as business cards or a larger investment in magazine ads. Here is where test marketing on a small scale will save you money. Why spend a large amount when you can spend a small amount to test a particular venue?

Keeping good records of all your income and expenses is also important. Come tax time you want to be able to write off all your business expenses. Consulting with your accountant as you start your affiliate marketing venture will save you money in the long run. There are many expenses which may qualify as tax write offs, which you might not be aware of.

Becoming a successful affiliate marketer involves the same issues as being a successful entrepreneur. Theses include drive, determination and perseverance. Theses tips should help you get started, but as in any business venture, it is you who will ultimately be responsible for your success.