Chicken or egg? Site, or affiliate network?

[TheEditor]

I'm noticing that a lot affiliate networks require you have a site to signup. Or if they don't they require a phone call and vetting process to join.

How did you first join your affiliate network? Did you create a site, then join? Or did you join, then create a site based on a niche market target-able by the network? If the latter, how did you convince the network to let you join?

I already have a site (but not yet a part of a network), but I think a lot of newbs would be interested in how you first got associated with a network

 

[imkazu]

I had quite a few sites up and running already when I first applied, so I just used one of them.
I think having an affiliate related blog helps quite a bit, even if its updated every other week; you could simply 'log' what you do and use that domain when you signup.

 

[pmpknhd]

I already had many sites, I really don't think you would have any problem signing up with pretty much any site. They will give you a call, ask some simple questions about how you drive traffic and things like that, then you're good to go.

Just submit the site you have currently along with your application and wait for their call, you will get approved no problem most likely.

 

[Otinsdale]

i've gotten approved without putting a real site...i've put "will be a site that..blah blah blah" and it has worked but that is just my experience.

 

[Indecent]

I've run several affiliate networks in various industries, and my personal philosophy is that I want to see that you've already put some effort into the niche. If you only have promises, and NOTHING to show me as far as examples of your work, then I have to assume:

1. You are signing up to use a traffic source that I don't approve of, and you're hiding it.
2. You've never done any online marketing, and in this case I would want to assign a rep to you who can give you the basics and feel you out (if i have those resources available).

So my suggestion: Throw together something, just to show that you're serious about pushing my content/goods. I would still not hesitate to say that you're new to the market though, as they might have some resources ready to help you get a jump start.