I recently wrote a column about spicing up the variety of merchandise offered through drop-ship online retail stores, but don’t think I forgot about those of you building your businesses on a strict budget through affiliate programs. Truth be told, you probably need to offer more than one affiliate host provides. You may have all the toys and movies a customer could ask for, but what about those other popular items that provide customers with variety and keep them coming back? These specialty items can help you increase your revenue, which is the ultimate goal, right?There are plenty of other angles to “erotica and romance” that go beyond the basic supply of adult films and sex toys. Most people may visit your online store looking for movies, but if you do your job right then many of them will leave with a variety of gifts or amusements for themselves, or perhaps for their lovers. Remember, you don’t have to use just one affiliate program; you can use several programs on your website to increase your chances of return visits and higher profits.

Flowers are sensuous reminders of a special night or romantic encounter, and promoting a flower affiliate program is a good addition to a site that delves in the area of eroticism and romance. I mean c’mon, don’t take the romance out of sex; most couples got into bed with a little wine and dine. Go to www.flowers.com and check out their affiliate program. You site may or may not qualify for their affiliate program due to that company’s content restriction policies, but there are other flower-based affiliate programs available for consideration if your site is not accepted. I think you’ll find that many of your customers will enjoy that romantic option.

How about lingerie? Many adult affiliate-based retail websites offer little to no lingerie for their consumers. You don’t want to miss out on the profits that could be generated through the excitement of seeing that little leather teddy, do you? A fantastic program is offered by www.fantasyware.com. Don’t miss out on giving people the full package when it comes to romance.

Jewelry, especially body jewelry, conjures up notions of sexuality, sensuality and enticement. Check out www.amber-moon.com, which offers a program that lets you fulfill that particular consumer demand.

Leather products for both the man and the woman are very popular in fetish circles. Missing out on this trend could be a huge mistake; you can add leather products to your website through www.leatherheat.com, which offers a wide range of products.

What about your “swinging” crowd? Those customers looking for intimate encounters should be able to find them through your website. If you’re going to buy the toys then you would probably like someone to use them with, wouldn’t you? Visit www.hotmatchup.com for more info on their valuable and popular program, or look around for other kinds of “dating” websites that you could promote.

The types of programs mentioned in this article are my personal choices for spicing up adult affiliate-based retail websites; implementing some of these ideas should help you diversity your income. Consumers like variety, and you should give it to them. These programs are free and easy to join and can be tastefully added to your site at a minimal cost to you. All you have to do is market your website and then let the repeat business decide which programs work best for your online store.