Today I'm going to talk about getting started with affiliate marketing. Signing up as an affiliate is easy: let's face it, they make it as easy as possible! But once you're on-board and ready to get started, it can be a little overwhelming. A lot of affiliate websites are pretty big, and although it's wonderful to have so many resources available, for those who have just joined it can be a little overwhelming to say the least.

So I'd like to make sure that you feel confident to make those first few critical steps and start earning. Some of the well-established affiliate sites are fantastic companies to associate with, but the range of things you can do to market them can be bewildering, and I don't always think it's easy to get off the launch pad.

In this little article I'm going to tell you about something you can do that's FREE, and that you can do RIGHT NOW to get started.

But first, can you do something for me please? Can you check the following:

1. Have you opted-in to the site? Many sites need to hear from you that you are registered and ready to become a fully opted-in affiliate, not just a casual browser.

2. Have you set up your profile? It is not intrusive, and even the basic information in your profile can really help your upline to help you. But not only that - thinking about your profile will actually help you to focus on your goals and channel your energy in the right direction.

3. Have you chosen a focus? Remember that your focus is the product or service that you wish to concentrate on, that you feel best suits your goals and temperament. Down the road you can still continue to sell any or all of the other things that the site provides to you, so be sure to refresh your memory frequently regarding the possibilities available to you.

Now, to the good stuff. How would you like to be able to do something right away that's free, requires nothing more than your email program, and that will start you on the road to success? Well, you can. No website? No problem!

Without further ado let's take a look at: e-cards. They are an excellent way to get started with nothing more than your own email address book. They are an ideal way to tap into your "warm market," suitable to send to colleagues (where appropriate!) friends and family.

But what exactly is an e-card? Why, it's an email postcard of course, and you are going to use it to introduce your new online business to people who may be interested in enrolling as a referral. No doubt you have a bunch of addresses in your email address book, and today you are going to send them a friendly message letting them know that you've just launched your own online business, and inviting them to take a look.

Keep the content light and friendly: a subtle message is the order of the day, and if you can pique their interest, who knows - you may get a few people signing up to work with you. And all this for free.

Here are some suggested e-cards that you could send. Just make sure you update as appropriate to match your affiliate scheme, and (this is VERY IMPORTANT) make sure that you specify your own personal gateway or website at the end of the message, to make sure that if your friend does sign-up, you get the referral credited to your account.

Sample 1
Hi ,
I wanted to let you know there's a new entrepreneur in the family...me! I'm now officially an affiliate with . They have a really interesting business model that allows you to earn extra money working at home on your computer. I'll let you know how it's working out for me the next time we get together. If you want to check it out before then, I've listed their Website below.

Sample 2
Hello ,
Have you heard of ? I just signed up as an affiliate with them. They have a really interesting business model that allows you to earn extra money working at home on your computer. I'll let you know how it's working out for me the next time we get together. If you want to check it out before then, I've listed their Website below.

Sample 3
Hey ,
I've been seeing some good results from my new home business...thought you might be interested in checking this out as a possible business of your own.

Sample 4
Hi ,
I had almost given up on finding a REAL home business on the Internet...but here's one that IS legitimate and has actually been working great for me!

Now: ready to give those e-cards a try? Go and make it happen! Believe me, the buzz you get when someone places an order or joins your team is quite something. Not to mention the fat commission checks coming your way!