There is an interesting post on Income Access' blog regarding what affiliates look for when deciding to join a program.

Income Access recently gathered information for its Income Access Affiliate Survey 2008-2009 and it went over some of the results.

"As one might expect, relationships were seen as very important—relationships between affiliates and anyone promoting the program (either other affiliates or affiliate managers)," the blog posting said.

"Secondly, the reputation of that program and its brand were also important factors. However, when it comes to actively promoting a program, factors such as commission structures and affiliate promotions tend to have a greater effect on an affiliate's decision."

According to the survey, 40 percent said that suggestions from affiliates were a major source of new program information while approximately 33 percent cited affiliate managers as "top sources" of information.

90 percent of survey participants said that a program's earning potential and commissions were two major factors taken into consideration when deciding whether to join the said affiliate program.

Poker and casino promoters were said to rely on a program's reputation according to the survey while mobile and sportsbooks take more factors into consideration before joining.