q The first step is to sign-up for the Decentrix AffTraq system.  You will find the sign-up form at:  http://www.afftraq.com/aff_form.jsp 

q Once you have signed-up for the program, you will be emailed a link that has a questionnaire form that has the AffTrac program setup questions such as, and "Do you want a 1-tier or 2-tier affiliate program?"  Your answers will be sent to Decentrix for the initial configuration and establishment of your system.

q Shortly after you have signed up for the AffTraq system and answered the set-up questions, you will find a link to your private system within your Decentrix Intranet.  There is another layer if security for your AffTraq system, therefore, once you click on the AffTraq link within your Intranet you will be asked for another username and password to login to the system. Once you are into the AffTraq system, read about all the functionality and review and check all the settings.

q Select the person in your company who will be your Affiliate Program Coordinator. Review the Program Coordinator responsibilities.  A list can be found at: http://www.afftraq.com/program_coorinator.jsp

q Read and edit the promotional web pages provided by Decentrix AffTraq for your website and make any edits.  You will find this on your website shortly after you sign-up for the program.

q Finalize your Affiliate agreement with your legal advisors and copy it into your website.  There will be a sample Affiliate Agreement already in your website as a place holder and you can just paste over it your website.
 
q From the Administration Panel within AffTraq, select the "Autoresponders" feature and review and edit the various email messages such as your Thank You email and Sales emails.  Although we provide you with samples, you will want to know what they say and personalize these emails.
 
q Activate your program by checking the new pages of your website and "re-publish" your site
 
q Create and send press releases to your customers and other contacts

q Seek to be listed in Affiliate Program directories. A good source is check is www.affiliateannounce.com

q Search out and contact other websites that can provide related links the products and services you are offering

q After your program is off the ground and you have several affiliates in your system, create a plan for follow-up messages to Affiliates and decide when you will use them.  Prepare a set of follow-up messages for new promotions, breaking news, new pricing.