In addition to becoming familiar with the fundamental concepts and principles that under guard affiliate marketing, and knowing the most common payment models, or the end user actions for which we can get compensated as an affiliate. In this post we will answer three very specific questions which pertain to your freedoms and limitations as an affiliate.
How exactly will your payments be handled?
Affiliates choose the payment threshold, upon reaching which, your payment will be remitted. Most affiliate networks and in-house affiliate programs either preset the threshold, or allow you to choose the payment thresholdand you will also choose the currency in which you will be paid. In addition to selectingthe payment method. In the payment information section of our affiliate account interface you can see the minimum payment amount (50, 100, etc..), the currency (USD, SAR, JOD, etc..), and the payment method (ACH Direct deposit, check via postal mail, bank transfer, PayPal, eWallets, Payoneer, etc..). Remember that payment terms and options are highly dependent on the platform specifics. Keep in mind the locking periods and possible reversals.
Can I be an affiliate without a website?
While most affiliate programs will require a website for approval, technically, one may be an affiliate without a website.
For example, you could be a paid search affiliate who runs paid search campaigns linking your ads through affiliate links directly to merchants’ websites, or you may be employing email marketingor have a popular social media channel or page. However, it is always a good idea to still have a website where you will explain the marketing methods you use, because many merchants will not even consider your application if you do not have a website. They usually require you to have a website in order to verify your identity and make sure you are serious about what you do.
The website can be very simple, even if you don't have a technical background there are many tools and services online that help you build your personal website in minutes and for as low as the price of the domain name which is usually under 20 USD per year. Always double check with each individual affiliate program if your website-less methods are okay with the merchant. Do it before applying for the affiliate program. It is always better to have clarity on these things before your commissions are reversed, because your methods could turn out to be incompatible with the merchant's strategy for its affiliate program.
May I promote more than one merchant from the same niche?
Absolutely YES. As a free marketer, you are the one who chooses the merchants into which you are going to invest your effort. You are also compensated only when performance occurs. Merchants know this. It is very very rare to see a merchant who requires exclusivity. An exemplary case of an affiliate whose very business model is based on promoting multiple competing merchants would be any comparison shopping engine, or a blogger who compare and review multiple competing products in the same category.
To recap when it comes to payments, affiliates choose the payment thresholds, currency and payment methods. Even website-less affiliates should have a website. Advertisers do not require exclusivity. Speaking of any other limitations, please read our blog post about affiliate agreements.
