When consumers interested in becoming an Internet affiliate marketer begin researching the world of opportunity it can provide, the first thing that may come to mind is running a web site that links to places like eBay or Amazon, and that their profits will rely on other consumers purchasing a book or CD, or being involved in online auctions.
Another misconception with Internet affiliate marketing is that you sell a product once and your moneymaking opportunity with that one customer ends with that single sale.
While money can be made through those methods, there is another side of affiliate marketing called residual affiliate marketing, where you can earn continual money from the same customers on a recurring basis.
Simply by linking to a site that requires a membership fee, such as personals sites and gym memberships, you'll earn a commission when the customer signs up as well as each time they pay their membership fee.
Web sites that require memberships have differing membership billing options; some require monthly membership fees, some require annual membership fees, etc.
This means you could potentially receive residual commissions from one customer for years to come if they stay a member.
Of course, if they cancel their membership after only one month, you will receive only one month's commission, which is why it is of utmost importance to link to quality membership web sites, should you decide to promote membership web sites.
A great thing to bear in mind when choosing membership sites is whether or not you would pay for a membership to the site you are considering promoting.
If you would not, the chances are that others wouldn't pay for one either.
The best way to maximize your effort towards residual affiliate marketing, and your profits, is to choose carefully the web sites you link to.
High quality consumable products, such as vitamins, are a great opportunity for residual marketing because the product is expensive, so there are higher commissions associated with sales, and consumers will develop brand awareness and build trust in your site as a reliable reference.
If they are happy with the site you recommended them to, they will become regular customers, thus bringing you a constant stream of revenue.
As an Internet affiliate marketer, making wise choices and promoting only quality products and services will turn your customers into repeat business.
With little time and effort, you'll be amazed at how substantially residual affiliate marketing can increase your revenue.