First I started with affiliate programs using direct linking and made several sales, then I created a website using one of the MoreNiche templates and I have much better results.
For both affiliate sign-ups and for sales we use landing pages. The homepage is used for other puposes in our marketing, but for specific actions we use landing pages.
If you check my blog currently, Color your conversions I'll be testing direct linking, landing pages, then clever colored landing pages. So far, I've tried the direct linking only and that has been a dud. Not a single conversion on a campaign with extreme volume. I'll be doing all 3 side by side shortly.
Apparently landing pages which review a few products, pointing out the best, work well for PPC. I don't know from personal experience though because I haven't gotten into PPC yet. I would like to know what people use for their landing pages.
Yeah, they do well for some things. Fat burners, different companies but they all have to be related products. I personally won't be using direct linking anymore for most things. Just doesn't convert. You have to rely solely on the advertiser to keep their pages updated to convert better.
I used landing page to collected email address, so if they don't buy anything from the first affiliate, I can send another affiliate link into my list.