Affiliate programs are a great way to increase traffic to and sales for your web site. There are several affiliate tracking software solutions that keep track of sales, clicks, and commissions.

Affiliate tracking software solutions come in a variety of packages. Software for a click-based program allows you to pay affiliates a set rate for each visitor to your web site. Look for click-based software with helpful features including click-through tracking, link code generation (keep banners current and linked correctly), referral tracking, and detailed stats.

Other software lets you set up a commission or flat rate pay for each potential customer sent via your affiliate member. You can also customize the commission schedule for individual affiliates. Commission-based programs can be more economical because you only pay affiliates when their referrals generate sales.

You don't have to choose between click-based or commission affiliate tracking software. Programs are available that let you use both pay arrangements.

Many affiliate tracking software solutions now have private affiliate network capability. This feature is helpful for those with multiple web sites. It lets you run one affiliate program for all your web sites on your own private network as opposed to setting up affiliate programs for each site.

How does it work?

The basic premise of affiliate programs is the same for all affiliate tracking software solutions. An affiliate joins your program by logging into the member area on your web page. There the affiliate can get the tools needed for linking to your site such as banner codes, text links, and product images.

When a visitor clicks from the affiliate's web page to yours, the tracking software places a cookie on the visitor's computer to track him as he browses your web site. If the visitor buys a product or service from your web site, the tracking software notes the affiliate responsible for said visitor and records the sale in a database. The Administrator and the affiliate are both notified of the sale via email.

Affiliate software makes its easy to monitor the success of your affiliate programs by tracking the number of times banners or links are displayed, number of visitors who linked to your web site, and how many of these visits resulted in a sale. In addition, the software keeps account of commissions earned by and payouts to affiliates.

Helpful Features

Software packages are easy to install and manage. However, software companies will gladly lend a hand to technically challenged web entrepreneurs. Look for affiliate software tracking solutions that provide reliable tech support and don't charge setup fees or monthly charges. The software should be easy to customize for your specific needs.

Other helpful features include:

Unlimited affiliates categories
Automated fraud protection
Performance rewards for your best affiliates
Lifetime upgrades
Multi-level marketing (affiliate program promotes itself and your web site).

Sources

Cosmicperl (cosmicperl.com)
Affiliate Wiz (affiliatewiz.com)
Quality Unit (qualityunit.com)