If you've been looking for free affiliate software then I MIGHT have something for you.

I say "might" because "free affiliate software" can mean a few things:

• free software, used by affiliates
• free software, used by merchants to track affiliates

In this case it's the first definition BUT even if you're a marketer looking for some sort of affiliate management solution that's low cost, read on because obviously you want to sell more of your products ... and the concept I'm reviewing below might still meet your needs.

A software programmer I recently met has produced a product that makes it easy for you to create your own software.

He uses "affiliate software" as an example of a software tool he created using his Tiger platform.

In fact he's giving away this affiliate software product because he knows there's some savvy people out there who will see beyond his freebie offer, and realize there's more to it ... and buy.

I'll explain further and there's links below where you can pick up his free affiliate software product and learn more about the Tiger system.

You see, people are looking online for all kinds of free things. Information, reports, services, and products.

If you're selling a product how do make money giving it away for free?

Well normally you don't, but if you can create a product that appeals to your market, and it's free, then this can be a good way to get them in the door where you then sell them your actual paid-for product.

This Freemium concept has been recently promoted by Chris Anderson, the author of "The Long Tail" and Wired contributor.

One type of free product you can create (or heck you could also sell it) is a software application.

The problem is that it's hard work to create a software package, and even if you hire someone it can be a nightmare finding the right programmer, getting the specifications right, and getting it done on budget and in time.

Well this has now changed.

Thomas has released a tool that lets you create a software product. It allows your application to have tons of features and you can either give it away or sell it.

It can also be used as a list building tool.

So for example, if you're selling some real estate coaching program, you could make a little utility for realtors to calculate their commissions and track listings.

Pretty well anything is possible.

Now I've been talking a lot about giving away your software product, but of course you can put a price on it and sell it. And because it's software you can sell copies over and over with little cost per copy.

To see what I'm talking about, visit Thomas' page here.

You can also get a copy of his free affiliate software example product from that page.

If you're a merchant with affiliates, you could create a unique application that they can give away for free by linking to your site via their affiliate link.

When a sale is made, they get their commission.

You might also get some ideas for actual software products that you can sell direct, and increase your revenues. They could also be bundled in with your product, so that the value to the customer is increased, thus increasing your conversions.

Check out Thomas' system here and you'll discover that "Free" can turn into "Profits."

--- (Edited on 3/19/2009 10:44 pm [GMT-0500] by Peter) ---