The term "ideas" doesn't necessarily fit. Many, many people everyday discover affiliate marketing and it's potential. What they struggle with is finding a program that fits and is generating demand.

There are many tools out there to help you identify a program that is a good fit for you. Another thing to keep in mind, is there could potentially be more than one program. That can be a good thing. While I would recommend finding one program as your first venture, just to get your feet wet, but just like any other business, economies of scale favor affiliate marketers as well.

Back on topic, how do you find a program that fits?

1. Know your Subject Material

Make sure you know enough about a particular programs area of expertise. It will come through in your articles very clearly whether you know the subject matter or not. People need to feel they are talking to an expert, and that the product you are selling will deliver to them the same as you said it delivered for you.

2. Use keywords and research to identify the right niche.

The key to driving traffic to your site is search engine relevance, or being ranked within the first page or two of a particular keyword search query. The key to making your way to the top of those search ranking is relevance of your site compared to the search term. Google and other search engines are constantly revising their algorithms to ensure their results are the most relevant to the user's search. That said, keyword research remains the most influential and fundemental tool in in affiliate marketing.

3. Identify Demand

Several things can drive customer demand, either up or down. In affiliate marketing it is important to look for programs that offer products that will generate demand over time. Items that are "hot" or "trendy" are likely to hit quickly, however are just as likely to plummet just as quickly. It takes time to setup a successful website that has consistent, dependable traffic. Therefore will prove beneficial to look for a program that has some "legs" to it.

To summarize, any business, affiliate marketing or otherwise, needs a plan. What differentiates you and your competitors? What tools do you use? How do I find a niche that will still be in demand over time? Those are all questions that should be answered before you choose a particular program. If you're able to answer all of those questions, you're on your way to becoming a successful affiliate marketer.