New to affilate programs

[kosar]

i am new to affiliate marketing. i am searching for a good program for a larger business. i have found linkshare, aprogram our competitor uses. Would it be a bad idea to sign up with the same program or am i creating competiton?

[Drastic]

Are you looking to be a merchant and run an affiliate program, or are you looking to be an affiliate yourself?

[rcjordan]

>aprogram our competitor uses

That's how many find affiliate programs.

The affiliate marketplace is pretty crowded in some (most?) categories. The only question is whether you have traffic.

<added>
>be a merchant and run an affiliate program

Good point, dras. Didn't read it that way at first.

[kosar]

we have plenty of traffic and are looking to be a merchant and run an affilate program.

[Drastic]

There's nothing wrong with using the same network as your competitor, but I would personally recommend Commission Junction over Linkshare.

[kosar]

is it a fairly easy proram to use? why do you reccommend this over linkshare?

[Drastic]

As far as different networks are, I don't think CJ is any more difficult. I am personally familiar with the affiliate side, but know several aff managers. Managing an affiliate program anywhere is not something I would call "easy."

Most affiliates prefer CJ over LS which would be a huge benefit in building your affiliate base. I know many affiliates who won't go near LS.

[kosar]

thanks for the help