So you are making money with affiliate programs, now what? Make more money! Here's how

Get To Know Your Merchants

People do business with people they know, right? You need to establish relationships with the merchants you are affiliated with. This can be easy or difficult depending on your market. Credit card merchants, for example, are almost impossible to get in touch with as most use outsourced affiliate programs. Other affiliate program directors may be easy to contact and open to negotiations. Remember, solid relationships take time, so be patient and persistent and don't be afraid to make the first move.

Be a Top Affiliate

Merchants are almost always willing to award top performing affiliates. Higher bounties are handed out to continue to entice and reward the affiliates who send the most business. It is only natural - you make more money for them, they have more money to share with you. Stand out from the other affiliates as the top of the heap, and you will get noticed and (hopefully) rewarded.

You Have to Ask

It is very rare to receive a commission raise without asking for one. Unless you are a top performing affiliate, you will not get paid more per click/sale unless you ask, beg, or bribe. Okay, maybe bribery is a little far, but you will have to ask nicely and offer the merchant something in return - like increased traffic, better traffic, or more sales.

Taking the initiative to establish or improve relationships with merchants and affiliate program directors can pay off in the long run with higher bounties and better commissions. Don't settle for mediocre commissions. If you are a good affiliate you deserve more.