Can I edit the anchor text of the CJ text links? Also when/how often does CJ payout? Any other basic advice you can give me about affiliate marketing in general?
You can sometimes edit the anchor text in links you get from CJ advertisers - the key is it is UP TO THE ADVERTISER - so check the specific terms and conditions. If you can't stomach reading the T&C - just email the affiliate manager for the advertiser. Most will let you change it if it is something reasonable - some will not - as they are trying to test effectiveness of a particular wording - but they may ADD CODE to create another link with the text you suggest - if it is a good idea - so they can track it. CJ pays out monthly - provided you are over $50 i think... they are pretty good on payouts. Basic advice on affiliate marketing - be prepared to spend ALOT ALOT of time on it - or it earns less than PPC - it can earn more - but is very labor intensive.
Actually, CJ's terms and conditions state that the advertisers' links are the property of CJ.com and they (CJ.com) do not allow you to alter them in any shape or form. However, they do not enforce it. They will not ban you even if you do alter the banner ads or the links the advertisers provide. I guess they leave it up to your conscience to decide.
Make sure to email the advertiser BEFORE you change a text link. You may get some sales and then have them taken back because they didn't like what you used. Good luk. -Patz