Q: We’re an online printing company and we have an affiliate program. What’s the best way to get this program known and out to affiliate marketers?
A: There are a few different things I would suggest. First and foremost, communicate in real language about the actual value propositions you have with your affiliate program.
Don’t make broad proclamations that you have the best offer, it’s the highest paying, etc. Those sorts of nebulous touts will alienate potential affiliates.
Explain to affiliates why the affiliate program works for them, not why it’s so wonderful. Tell them your average order size, EPC, and other metrics that will help them assess your affiliate program.
Also, it will benefit your program if you have a presence in the various industry discussion boards and forums, blog and Tweet useful information for affiliates, keep an eye on questions being asked on LinkedIn, etc.
Become a resource and help people. That will serve as a great advertisement for your as an affiliate manager when you take on an active role in affiliate marketing.
And make yourself very available when your affiliates need help. Word gets around about this sort of thing.
Additionally, you can’t duplicate face-to-face meetings online, so get out there to industry events and meet with your current and potentially future affiliates.
Start speaking at conferences to have a bigger presence there, as well as organizing dinners for your affiliates. While you are together with the affiliates, ask them what they want, and if at all possible, give it to them.
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Hi Shawn, I am also finding that branded video emails are helping me a lot. Also, I find it easier to talk and am told much more personal. The only problem is that I have started to have to wear make up, and can’t work in “whatever” anymore. Also, people want to know how I do it. I do agree that we have to be everywhere in cyberspace! Be nice to meet some of you face to face at #ASE10. Rhonda
Hi Rhonda -
I’ve made hundreds of videos with no make-up and a baseball cap and t-shirt.
I watch a lot of videos on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your video. Thanks!!
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Joseph
Even after doing everything SC suggested, you have to remember that whatever niche you’re in, you have a least a dozen competitors. To maintain your slice of the pie, you have to be “out there” 24/7 courting your affiliate base. Something as simple as communications: Just having a work email isn’t enough anymore. Affiliates need your work phone, cell phone, Yahoo ID (Skype and AIM also), you need to be seen on the boards (as a participant, not just plugging your program), Twitter. As Geno points out, besides the links and sales pitch in your Get Links section of your Network, you need your own domain with more tools, more instructions, etc. It’s a LOT of work, yes. But if you don’t do it, your competitors will. All my Best/Billy Kay
The good news is that most affiliate managers don’t bother, so if you’re new to the niche or just want to re-invent yourself, you can jump and do this to have a quick impact.
A word to add about blogs. I am sure you get a lot of these questions/requests, Shawn, and so do I, so I just can’t help but chime in with an important clarification…
Do not waste time looking around for affiliate blogs on which to announce your program. The majority of affiliate marketing blogs do not do program announcements. Instead, start your own blog, and communicate program-related news and announcements through it.
Also, when you have enough data to put together a solid case study, do publish it online too! It’ll give you good visibility (both among prospective affiliates, and among those that can help you market your program further).
Absolutely – start a blog and start sharing. I get lots of press releases and comments to unrelated posts (quickly deleted) about the best new affiliate program ever.
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