My 1st stupid question
 

Probably won't be my last! I'm going to create a niche site ... okay very little is truly 'niche' these days but you get the idea ;) and I'm wondering if I can approach relevant affiliate programs and use their promo stuff to populate the site from scratch? In other words if I have an actual site (registered domain and live on the web) with a design but no content, will affiliates be happy to get me started with their promo stuff or, in terms of application approval, do they expect to see the site already populated with content and some traffic stats?

I've emailed a couple to ask, awaiting feedback, maybe their silence should tell me something?!?

Some sites would accept you, some not. But it is better to have a site already populated with some content or you can atleast contact them and tell them that you just made this site and show them your other sites.

Many thanks for clarifying, I'll get my site up and running and populate it as suggested.

I think Jerkules is spot on there. It will vary by program but a populated site and an example of your work makes it a lot easier for programs to take you seriously as an affiliate.

Good luck on the new site!

cheers :thumbsup

Good luck with your site! :thumbsup