Many falsely believe that the only way to participate in affiliate marketing programs is to have your own website. That is changing and now there are programs that make it possible to earn commission and participate without one. One way to earn commissions is to steer traffic directly to the merchants website instead of your own.

The appeal of Affiliate Marketing programs is that you can make money quickly online from the comfort of your home. This method does not involve inventory, order taking, payment processing, customer relationships or any other related business function.. You just find a niche or product you would like to promote, start generating sales and earn your commissions You get to pick opportunities and products you want to promote and the niches you want to participate in.

To start is an easy process with no difficulties.. The question is how can you become an affiliate marketer without a web site?

1. Use pay per click (PPC) advertising to drive traffic directly to the merchants website using your affiliate link. When the merchant has a sale it will be credited to you hence earning a commission.

2. Another method is to actively participate in online forums, blogs and user groups and use as your signature your affiliate link.

3. Many Web master allow you to write product critiques and post them on their website if the website is related to your niche. Following your product review you can include your affiliate link.

4. A method that is totally free and has become popular is starting your own blog. You simply sign up for a free account in a site such as Wordpress. The objective here is to post constantly about your product and include your link. This a cost effective way to promote your products or niches. You can then also promote your blog in such places as Blogger.com

This is not an all inclusive list on how to participate in affiliate marketing programs, but it will give you some ideas.. This methods have in common that they are free and the only requirement is your effort. Is one way better than the other? Depends on the niche and affiliate program involved. Nonetheless, there are ways to start participating and making money online through affiliate programs that do not require the set up of a web site. How you choose to proceed from here is a matter of personal choice.