Ready to start your own affiliate program? Here are your options when deciding on a system or software to manage their members and track your links and commissions:

Option 1 – Network of Affiliates: You can use an affiliate network that lets you configure its subsidiary in its online marketplace.

Option 2 – Self-Hosted Program: Use a program that is installed on your own web page server

Option 3 – Shopping Cart and Affiliate of the system: use a system for shopping cart hosting their newsletters, shopping cart, and affiliate program in one place.

So how go about choosing an affiliate management system to use?

This is a question to some of my affiliate management clients struggle with when they began working together. When begins to observe all that there is easy to get confused, frustrated and uncertain about which program is the best option.

Here are some steps to continue to choose the right system. Follow these steps to make your decision:

1. List all the products you are selling through their affiliate program – The product type will be very important for the affiliate program you choose. For example, if you want to sell physical products, ClickBank does not want to choose, since only allow their sellers have information products.

2. Write your plans for later – If you know you will later add different products, write these down so you can plan ahead.

3. Research the program you want – I know it's tempting when you're excited about your product, but not just sign up and start sprinting. It's the best idea to have the program to use for a test run and see how well it suits you and your needs. Many programs offer free trials, too.

4. Ask for help – If the establishment of an affiliate program and choosing the best way to manage members are too overwhelming, seek help from others in a particular forum you frequent or hire an affiliate manager to help you make the decision.

From the above options, here are some options you have. This list is not even close to being exhaustive but is the only sampling a few affiliate programs available.

Affiliate Network:
ClickBank
PayDotCom
CommissionJunction

Self-Hosted Software:
Signatory
Assoctrac
Fantasy

Shopping Cart Software:
1 Shopping Cart
WAHMCart
Goldbar One

Do a search Google, or go to a website such as software partners to find more ways to configure your affiliate program.

While it is very important to do your research starting when you start an affiliate program, do not let that stop you from moving forward. Many programs grow and change over time and it is unlikely that you may end up moving to another system in the future when this happens.

The best thing to do is start now so you can be faithful members enthusiastically promoting their products as soon as possible!

Join an affiliate program with high earning potential!