Step 2 - Set Up Rules for Your Program

This step involves the setting up of your affiliate program structure and requirements. You don't want people to come across your affiliate platform as a brand that lacks organization.

How much commission should an affiliate earn for each sale? What is the payout threshold that must be met before they request their earnings? Will there be a flat rate or percentage-based commission rate?

These and other related questions have to be addressed at this point before proceeding with your program. For commission, you will need to offer a rate that you are sure to meet up with.

If your business sells physical products, then you have to compute the total cost before deciding on the commission rate. For those selling digital products or services, they can afford to offer higher commissions to affiliates.

Your affiliate terms and conditions and other legal documents have to be prepared and made available.

Step 3 - Engage Quality Affiliates

You will need to recruit trusted affiliates to promote your offers to their audience. One of the ways to ensure success is to set up a vetting process that helps you get the right people.

You should look out for affiliates that have their own publishing platforms (blogs or websites). The vetting process should include checking out the traffic they attract and the quality of content on their platforms.

Other things to look out for are those in your niche or industry and affiliates that have successful track records.

Step 4 - Promote Your Affiliate Program

This is where you tell the whole world about your newly setup affiliate program. Social media is the most ideal channel to use for reaching your target audience with the message of your network.

You can also directly make contact with those that are members of your personal network. The more people you are able to reach through your promotion the better for the takeoff of your program.