If you run an affiliate program, you know the importance of motivation. Some of your affiliates will try their hardest no matter what. On the othe

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r hand, some need motivation. What can you do to motivate them? Host many contests.

When it comes to hosting contests for your affiliates, you have many options. If this is your first time hosting an affiliate contest, please continue reading on for a list of dos and don’ts.

DO advertise your contests. Contests serve as motivation for affiliates. They are more willing to put that extra foot forward if they know they are rewarded for their hard work. For a contest to work and improve affiliate moral, your affiliates must know about it. Highlight your contest on your affiliate program’s website, in a company newsletter, or through emails.

DON’T forget to clearly state the contest rules and restrictions. For example, if you are rewarding the most improved affiliate, describe how you will select that individual. Is it the affiliate who sees the bigger increase in sale frequency or do you want to base your winner on the highest dollar amount of sales? Outline the prize, whether it be a special mention in an affiliate program newsletter or $25.

DO host contests and as often as possible. The more contests you hold, the more results you will see. For example, affiliates are more likely to work harder when they know they have the chance to win compensation every two months, as opposed to once a year. In terms of affiliate contests, it is best to opt for short-term results.

DON’T focus on the same individuals month after month. This is most commonly seen with rewarding the highest earning affiliates. They tend to fluctuate between one or two individuals. Mix it up a little bit. In fact, offer a few contests aimed at new affiliates. These are the ones that truly need the extra push and something to strive for. Occasionally, offer a contest for the new affiliate who generated the most sales or the most improved affiliate.

DO share tips on how to improve sales. You want to do more than just say “We have a contest for the most improved and top earning affiliates.” Underneath the mention of your contests and above the various rules and restrictions, provide tips. These tips can help your beginners. Not only can it improve their chances to win a contest, but these tips should automatically increase the affiliate earnings. Share tips on internet marketing and stress the direct link between increased commissions and well-marketed websites. Focus on add placement. All links and banners above the fold are likely to get more clicks.

DON’T forget to recognize those who won contests. At the close of a contest, you may just pay the winner their extra $25. Do more than that. List the contest winner on your website or in a company newsletter. For starters, it improves moral. The winner of the contest would have been pleased with the extra $25, but having their name published now gives them pride. They know you and other affiliates appreciate their hard work. Finally, newcomers to your program want to see proof that the contests are legitimate. New affiliates who can see a list of past contest winners and know that you do deliver the prize are more likely to put forth that extra effort.

DO think outside-of-the-box, in terms of contest themes. As previously stated, popular contests for affiliates include the most improved affiliate and the top earning affiliate. These are good, but remember there is more to running and making money through an affiliate program. In the above mentioned tip section, it was stated that high traffic websites and good add placement translate into sales. Reward your affiliates for these. Have a contest for the best-marketed website, the best-designed website, or the website with the best ad placement. If your affiliate program relies on sales pages, instead of banners, reward affiliates with the best sales page design. Your options are endless. Basically, anything remotely related to affiliate program and internet market can turn into a contest.

Do you want to use Twitter as an internet marketing tool? If so, it is important to proceed with caution. Developing a brand on Twitter is importan

t, but if you are not careful, that brand could come with a bad reputation. So, what are the biggest Twitter dos and don’ts?

Do register for a free account and now. Unfortunately, many new internet marketers put off registering for a free account. Yes, there are no guarantees that your Tweet messages will lead to increased traffic or income, but you won’t know until you try.

Do not send personal messages to potential clients. Do you already have a Twitter account for personal communications? If so, do not send personal messages to prospective clients or site visitors. This is very unprofessional. If you are trying to sell a product, don’t talk about how much fun you at a college party.

Do create two separate accounts for personal and business use. As previously stated, avoid sending personal messages to prospective clients. You can send private messages to your friends and family, but this can be a time consuming process. Instead, create two separate accounts, as you will save time and there will be no confusion.

Do not spam. Spam is a big violation on Twitter. You may find your account banned. If that wasn’t bad enough, think about the consequences. Your name, website, and products may be attached to your messages, resulting in a bad reputation.

Do use clever forms of advertising. Spamming is prohibited on Twitter, but advertisements are allowed in moderation. If you do not abuse the privilege, you will not find trouble. Even still, use clever forms of advertising. Instead of highlighting your services as a professional web content writer, ask readers to review your samples or give you input on your rates. Be sure to include a link.

Do not pressure your followers to buy. Your followers are those who signed up to receive your Tweet updates. They chose to do so of their own free will; however, they can also choose to end these updates. That is why no pressure should be applied. Users do not want to feel used; therefore, use clever forms of advertising, as there is less pressure.

Do include a link. When sending Twitter updates to followers, include a link. Do not over abuse links, but use them to your advantage. Once again, it is important to be clever. Do not spam your followers with advertisements highlighting your writing service rates. Instead, answer the Twitter question of what are you doing. Your message could say “Writing articles for a client.” Then, insert your link. You aren’t soliciting business, but making it know you work for hire.

Do not send late night tweets. It is no secret that home based and online workers work flexible hours. Yes, many may work the traditional 9-5, but others are up till the early morning hours. If you are one of those individuals, know that most are not on the same schedule. For that reason, avoid late night Tweets. Followers with mobile web alerts may be awoken from sleep.

Do visit Search.Twitter.com and use @replies to your advantage. Many people Tweet about what they are doing, but others ask questions. With a search, you can find members who are looking to buy a product you may sell, looking for a service you may offer, or looking for advice you may offer on your website or blog. If so, send an @reply with a personal message and a link.