As we talked about last time, it is possible to earn affiliate income without a list. But some of you may be asking, “What is an affiliate?” An affiliate is someone who promotes a product or service to potential customers, in exchange for a commission on the sale when it occurs.

A good place to get started would be ClickBank. ClickBank is an affiliate network–this means lots of people are selling their own stuff through ClickBank and by signing up there you put yourself in a position to become an affiliate for them. Later on, as you grow your list, you can even put your own products up and have other people promote your product for you.

Just a few tips:

1: Being an affiliate means running your own business. Treat it like one, take it seriously and you can make serious money. Give it the time and attention it deserves, this isn’t a get-rich-quick business… no matter what you may have been led to believe.

2: Promoting only higher quality products will make you more credible. If you wouldn’t consider buying it, chances are no one else would either… for good reason.

3: Find something you can really stand behind. Preferably in a market you know and can appreciate. Its easier to promote something if you have a passion for it.

4: Thou Shalt Not SPAM!! don’t do it, ever, for any reason. If anyone suggests you should…. runaway, runaway very fast.

Soon we will be discussing ClickBank a little more in depth (its a personal bias) and we will be talking about other methods for earning affiliate income as well. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post on the tools you absolutely must have to become a truly effective affiliate.