I've researched a lot of online business programs within the last couple of years forever searching for that one business that will aid in creating that needed income. The same is said of most individuals out there that perform the same research. There are programs out there promising riches beyond your wildest dreams and some with more of a realistic approach. I personally tend to shoot for the more realistic approach.

Click here to learn more ways to earn money with affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing for online businesses is an area that I have ventured across on more than one occasion and I have found a couple of advantages within this area of marketing that most new people to this business are not aware of.

1. Zero inventory

With affiliate marketing for online businesses, there is no inventory to worry about. I've looked at a lot of businesses that entail purchasing a set amount of products that would end up being my job to get rid of. This was always a serious drawback for me. My hesitation stemmed from various reasons. The major reason was always lack of money and the ability to move that inventory out the door. This is not the same for everyone. There are some people out there that not only have the extra money a venture like this would entail but also possess that unique social ability to get people to buy the product.

2. Zero fees

There are a lot of businesses these days that, instead of forking out thousands of dollars in advertising expenses, contract with processors such as ClickBank to market their product or service. Now there are a ton of processors out there aside from ClickBank that have the same services but I'm using ClickBank as an example because it is the one that I'm most familiar with. You basically setup an account with ClickBank, free of charge to you. You then select the product that you wish to market. After you have selected the product a unique website link is created with your user ID embedded into it. This website is what you will use to market the product so that when the consumer clicks on that link and purchases a product the percentage in commission that the business has designated for their affiliate marketers goes to you through your ClickBank account. You are in essence selling somebody else's product. Not only are there no payment processing fees but there are also no domain or website fees. All costs of running an online business is placed completely on the shoulders of the business requesting the affiliate marketing services.

Click here to learn more ways to earn money with affiliate marketing

Now, of course, some shy away from this type of service due to the fact that your job is to market that product or website. This can be a scary thing for the newbie out there that has never marketed a product in their life. In reality, it's not as difficult or as scary as you think. In fact it can be really enjoyable once you get the hang of it. Plus, there are tons of ways to market without having to spend a dime. Earning income doing something that is basically free to you is always a perk. You don't need professional references to do this or prior experience. Anyone can do this.

The key to affiliate marketing is knowing how to market the product. There are hundreds of ways to go about this. All you have to do is take the time to learn.