Affiliate marketing is not for the lazy person or someone who needs to see results right away or someone who is looking for a get-rich-quick scheme. You have to have a plan that you can implement over time and show to others so they can follow you.

Get your plan set up. If you don't get things set up right by making sure all your links are working you will limit your success. If you go about setting up your affiliate program in a hodge podge way, you'll be one of those that says, "See, I knew this wouldn't work." There are lots of good programs out there. Keep reading and pick several that you are comfortable with.

If you have a rebrandable ebook (or use someone else's) that gives people links to traffic exchanges, then others can follow your same path and get referrals. Then they will be happy, money-making affiliates. Let's face it, if your affiliates aren't making money, they're not happy and you're not going to get anywhere either. You will need to stick with consistently surfing traffic exchanges (2 hours daily if possible) for 2-4 weeks.

Another idea that keeps popping up in my face is the need for writing articles. People want information! I have even read recently that all the marketing campaigns, banners and ads are great but you don't need them. Write articles and get links back to your site or blog. Then write more articles and get more links. Then your website becomes well know and people will come to you to get information on the topic you have chosen.

The biggest mistake I made when starting out in affiliate marketing was just dipping my toe into the water for a day and wondering why no ripple was happening. Give affiliates something to grab onto and rescue them from drowning in the ocean of affiliate marketing programs and they will follow you for years to come.