Merchant-Affiliate relationships have a lot to be desired for. The lack of valuable communication, nevertheless, has created a gap in what could be one of the best relationship building processes.

Time Warner's acquisition of StyleFeeder in 2009 can only send us all in the affiliate marketing industry a stern reminder that the key is to recognize the need for an efficiently transparent service.

For marketers trying to cut in on the action of PPC campaigns without a website, it is important to understand why they must first take a look at merchant TOS and policies regarding Direct-to-Merchant linking. Although it is possible to make money through affiliate marketing without a website, the methods that do not require a website are paid search, email marketing, offline marketing.

The gravest formula for hitting rock bottom is when you decide to tweak compensation - lowering affiliate commissions - during the life of your affiliate program.