Affiliate programs always look like a great way to add some extra income to your site. Simply place a link or an image on your site and when someone signs up with your referral you get money. For the most part - these are a good idea.

But there is a downside to them. You only make money off of them when someone signs up under you. All the other page views you get where no one signs up is free advertising for the program.

I think these programs are a good idea, but only when you are getting a lot of traffic. Most of your core visitors in the start up phase will not sign up for the affiliate program. Most might click on it, but probably will continue to come back to you for your product.

The other thing to remember is to get into an affiliate program that makes sense for your site. No reason to sign up for an affiliate program selling Florida citrus when your blog is about bowling. If your blog is about bowling, then find a program that lets you earn money from a bowling shop.