Five Top-Tier Tech Affiliate Programs

As the world's leading manufacturers compete for shares of the explosive tablet computer, e-reader and smartphone markets, only one thing in the technology industry is certain at this point - consumers will spend more on gadgets in 2011 than any year prior. Another safe assumption is that no matter what the primary focus of your business website may be, few if any visitors this year will be impervious to great offers on tech products.

So Website Magazine searched the crowded field of online technology retailers and came up with the following top-flight affiliate marketing programs. In no particular order, below are the five we recommend most for claiming a piece of the 2011 technology spending pie:

Newegg
The accolades for Newegg's competitive pricing, selection of gadgets, customer service and ease-of-use abound throughout the consumer electronics (CE) industry, making it one of the most trusted names in the retail technology space. Its affiliate program is managed through Commission Junction and offers up to 2.5 percent commissions on more than 60,000 products in the online, computer, communications, CE and IT fields. Newegg provides its affiliates with daily deals, product spotlights, weekly newsletters, RSS feeds and easy-to-use text and banner links to help its partners sell more product, and has a dedicated affiliate team for additional support when needed.

TigerDirect
This program is managed through the LinkShare network, and TigerDirect affiliates can earn up to 6 percent commissions on more than 50,000 tech products and gadgetry. Rated one of the top 25 online retailers in the world and regarded as an industry leader in computer parts and accessories, TigerDirect provides its affiliates with instant credibility among tech-savvy visitors. The giant retailer also gives partners 24/7 access to online reporting through its affiliate interface website to help them assess the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.

Geeks.com
Originally operating exclusively at the dealer and corporate levels, Geeks took its online computer and technology business to the consumer retail level while somehow maintaining the value normally limited to large-volume commercial buyers. In short, this 13-year-old ecommerce business for gadget fans provides its affiliates with some of the hottest tech deals on the planet. Managed through the Commission Junction (CJ) network, the Geeks.com Affiliate Program offers a minimum of 3 percent commissions on all sales and frequently provides its partner sites with new and relevant content.

ZipZoomfly
Also managed through the CJ network, the ZipZoomfly Affiliate Program was built on providing online consumers with the latest cutting-edge technology gadgets and gear at some of the best prices available anywhere. Launched in 1999 and experiencing double-digit growth soon after, ZipZoomfly has climbed to become a top 20 Web retailer and a preferred choice for high-performance computer components and consumer electronics. The company's award-winning creative team provides affiliates with all the necessary banners and text links to promote their products and start earning generous commissions.

Best Buy
Considered by many as the top consumer electronics retailer in the world, the Best Buy brand adds respectability to any website. Another Commission Junction product, the Best Buy Affiliate Program pays out $25 on mobile phone sales and $10 on Geek Squad services, and affiliates can earn up to 6 percent commissions on other products. Because Best Buy has physical stores throughout the U.S., any pending state Internet sales tax laws will have no impact on the affiliate program. The retailer provides its partners with a library of text links, weekly banner ads, widgets and an open API for the Best Buy product catalog, as well as weekly newsletters and special announcements to help partners promote some of the best offers on gadgets.