From bingo operators to travel companies, from footwear retailers to fast-food firms, successful companies in the UK and throughout the world are increasingly turning to affiliate marketing as an important part of their sales and marketing strategy.

To follow are five simple tips to consider when implementing an affiliate marketing campaign:

one) Be sure to use a reputable affiliate agency or network for your campaign. You can capitalise on their prior experience, knowledge and relationships with affiliate partners.

2) Prepare well. Make sure you have the tools you need for an effective affiliate marketing campaign. These include creative and clear messages regarding what you want to achieve.

3) Know your competition and the key drivers in your industry. You can use the information to your advantage.

four) Always keep affiliates informed. You can use various communication channels to keep them up-to-date on any upcoming online and offline marketing campaigns or other relevant developments. Make it a two-way channel so that you listen to what they have to say too.

five) Monitor the campaign closely to make sure that affiliates are not earning commission through sales that your brand would have gained besides through or email marketing or online search.