The better performing affiliates typically earn $10,000/mth. They usually have additional tricks up their sleeves. Rather then just referring a customer to a merchant, high performing affiliates usually have skills in "Email Marketing, Traffic Generation, List Building, Viral Marketing" just to name a few. The better ones will normally be skilled in PPC better known as Pay Per Click Marketing. Very few affiliates are actually good at PPC because it takes money, and those that master the skills of PPC usually have very sound business models in place....which enable them to be well rewarded financially.
If you're looking to get started in affiliate marketing, it is as simple as signing up for a program and sending targeted traffic to that program. There will be competition in most niches but, the best way is to pick a niche that you have knowledge about so that you can share your indepth knowledge about it.
Affiliate marketing is a business that earns a full time income. There are things to be learn in affiliate marketing and if your skills are better then the next affiliate, you can expect to earn a larger pay check at the end of the month.
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