Affiliate programmes: how to choose an affiliate programme
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There are thousands of affiliate programmes, but not all of them suit your audience and not all of them pay fairly. An affiliate programme is a contract with a seller: the seller undertakes to pay a commission for the sales you bring in, and you undertake to follow the seller's rules.
This part of the guide covers what to compare when choosing an affiliate programme, how direct programmes differ from affiliate networks, and whether Amazon affiliate suits a Lithuanian audience.
In short
- First choose a product that suits your audience, and only then the commission.
- Compare the commission, the tracking period, the length of the check, the payout terms and the materials provided for affiliates.
- The Amazon affiliate programme works separately for each Amazon site, and there is no separate Amazon store in Lithuania.
What to compare
| Criterion | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Commission | A percentage, a fixed amount or a threshold? Does it differ between products? |
| Tracking period | For how long after the click is a purchase still attributed to you? |
| Codes | Can you get a personal discount code? Which takes priority – the code or the link? |
| Check | How long is the waiting period and what happens with returns? |
| Payouts | When and how is payment made, is there a minimum amount? |
| Statistics | Can you see clicks, sales and commissions in real time? |
| Materials for affiliates | Are there ready-made texts, photos, ideas on when to promote? |
| Rules | What is prohibited: search ads, coupon sites, sending emails? |
Direct programmes and affiliate networks
A direct programme is one where the seller runs the affiliate arrangement itself. Usually this means a closer relationship and the chance of an exclusive code or a higher commission. An affiliate network is a platform where you can join many sellers' programmes in one place, see combined statistics and receive payouts in one place.
track.lt works as a network for several sellers: one account holds the links, statistics and payouts of all the programmes, and every product has a description of how and where it is best promoted.
Amazon affiliate and Lithuania
The Amazon affiliate programme works separately for each Amazon site, for example the German or the Polish one. There is no separate Amazon store in Lithuania, so such programmes are of limited use for a Lithuanian audience: buyers have to purchase on a foreign site, where delivery and prices may be less attractive. For a Lithuanian-speaking audience the programmes of local sellers usually work better.
How to recognise a poor programme
Warning signs
- you are asked to pay for joining or for a “partner package”;
- unclear payout terms or a very high minimum payout amount;
- you see no statistics at all on clicks and sales;
- the product promises unrealistic results – promoting it can damage your reputation;
- commissions are paid for recruiting new affiliates rather than for sales – this is a sign of a pyramid scheme.
How many programmes to have
To begin with, one or two programmes whose products you really know are enough. Once you see what works, you can add more – but only ones that suit the same audience.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find an affiliate programme?
Check whether the sellers of the products you already recommend have affiliate programmes, or join an affiliate network that has many programmes in one place.
Do you have to pay to sign up to affiliate programmes?
No. Honest affiliate programmes do not charge a sign-up fee.
Does Amazon affiliate work in Lithuania?
Amazon affiliate programmes work for separate Amazon sites. There is no separate Amazon store in Lithuania, so they are of limited use for a Lithuanian audience.