Affiliate programs are a great way for you to make money because they are usually free to get into, and with the right affiliate programs, you can make a lot of money.

The problem is, if affiliate programs are such a great way to make money, why are only about five per cent of affiliates making any real income?

It's because they may know things you don't know.

First, if you haven't built a web site, you need to. With your own domain name, and paid web hosting, customers are more likely to take you seriously than if you are only marketing an affiliate url.

Second, with your own domain name and web site, you can market more than one affiliate program so that you increase your chances of making a profit, and you can generate multiple income streams.

Third, you can build a list and recycle your traffic. It usually takes about seven contacts with your visitors before they buy. By building a list, you can contact your visitors with multiple offers, as well as expose them to your offer several times.

(If you're looking for a simple way to start your business, then read my ebook, 1 Hour Business. It's 13 pages long, and it's easy to set up.)

These are the four things I highly recommend you do if you want to make more money from your affiliate programs.

1. Write your own ads.
You've probably seen the same ads 1000s of times. If you're like I am, you've probably clicked away.

If you write your own ads though, you are giving the potential customer something fresh to look at. You are more likely to get the click.

2. Build your own web site.
I've already mentioned this one. Having your own domain and web site gives you credibility. Customers are more likely to take you seriously if you have your own domain name and paid web hosting. Another point to remember here is that some sites, like article directories, don't accept affiliate links, even in the resource box.

3. Provide original content.
You can write articles, reviews for your affiliate programs, a newsletter and create interactive content. Offer your potential customers something they can't find anywhere else.

The best thing you can do here is create a newsletter, even if it's only once a month. The advantage is that you can capture the name and email address of the person who might buy from you. This gives you a chance to market to this person again and again.

4. Create something of value.
If you are selling a product from an affiliate program, you are offering your customers the same thing everyone else is. If you have your own web site, you can offer your customers something they won't find anywhere else. This could be a free report, a free ebook, or a piece of software.

The important thing you should do is create something no one else is offering. Create something original and exclusive customers can only get from you.