Internet marketing using affiliates offers a "high return" for businesses that invest in it, it has been suggested.

The news follows the publication of an affiliate marketing advisory booklet by search engine marketing company Bigmouthmedia as part of its Top Secret Series.

David Sheill, co founder and managing director of search engine marketing agency Web Liquid, remarks that it is important to "incentivise" affliliates.

Commenting on Web Liquid's most recent affiliate project with Travel City Direct, he told Precision Marketing: "It's also important they incentivise their affiliates, to push bookings and get affiliates talking about the brand.

"Affiliate marketing offers high return on investment and low cost per sales, so we believe it can be an extremely effective channel for Travel City Direct."

The scheme allows affiliates to display text and image advertising, which it is hoped will drive more consumers to its website.

Other successful affiliate marketing campaigns have been run by large companies such as British Airways, which has been described as a "fundamental part" of online strategy by the airlines online partnerships manager, Eve Ireland.

Online Marketing specialists Business Feet help create value from business websites