New affiliates are often under the impression that it doesn't take much to earn money with affiliate programs - when nothing could be further from the truth. Top affiliates buy the product they're selling. It's important to know what you're selling. First of all, you want to be sure you're selling a quality product that offers great value. You have to really KNOW the product in order to describe it honestly to others.
Top affiliates take the time to learn.
It always amazes me when I receive email from someone who joins an affiliate program, but then asks me exactly what it is they're selling and what they're supposed to do. Know your product. Know the website. Spend some time surfing through the site to familiarize yourself with what you're getting into. Top affiliates are fresh and original.