Finding a good affiliate program can be sometimes daunting and overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. Luckily the web is filled with excellent resources for identifying the best affiliate programs. Here are a few tips for finding your dream program:

1. Ask the Experts

Expert affiliate marketers are readily available on many industry forums, including affcommunity.com. These forums feature not only the latest information on affiliate marketing, but also tips on which programs to join and how to promote them effectively.

2. Learn the Lingo

Affiliate programs have their own lingo for breaking down what you will be paid, when and how. A quick guide is below:

CPA - Cost per acquisition, pays when a customer is acquired.
CPM - Cost per impression, pays based on the number of impressions from banners.
CPC - Cost per click, pays every time a person clicks on the link.
% - revenue share, pays based on a percentage of revenue from each sale.
Threshold - Minimum commission needed for a check to be cut.

Each type has its benefits depending on how much effort you want to put into promotion.

3. Poll Your Traffic

After all, your visitors will ultimately dictate your success with an affiliate program. Be sure to get a pulse for what they like and provide products and services that match those needs. If you have a way to communicate users (newsletter, forums, etc. ) ask them what things interest them. You can also check your web stats to see what keyphrases are most popular.

4. Find a Great Resource

Just because a program is listed as the "best" doesn't mean that it is. Find a directory resource that only lists quality, legitimate programs, such as affiliateprograms.com. Most directories only list the owners 2nd tier programs, which make them money when you click to sign-up. There is no guarantee that it will produce or that you won't get scammed.

Making the leap from web spectator to business promoter is an important business decision. Think of every program you join as a mutual partnership. The support and services your affiliate program can offer is a huge part of your success.

Shanon Lewis is a web marketing specialist with over 7 years of search engine placement, e-mail marketing and affiliate management experience. She is part of the expert team at affiliateprograms.com, the premiere affiliate programs directory online.