e-Business-Formula Internet Marketing Discussion Forum

[Kevin Robb]

Hi All,

There are many different Affiliate programs around and most run similar structures.

My question is this, apart from the obvious high monetary return what are the other key features of an Affiliate program that you desire?

And does your needs from any program change dependant on the product being marketed?

I would appreciate your comments.

Cheers

Kevin Robb

[LizTomey]

Having ad copy provided is something I really look for. I am terrible at writing ad copy, so when someone can give me ad copy, I am way more apt to promote a product for them. Especially tested ad copy that works..

Liz

[Chris (cat)]

High ROI - 2 to 4%

Lifetime cookies (very important)

Pay on time - every time

Good support to me and customers (important if I am referring people - reputation at stake)

Quick affiliate & customer response rate

Good sales copy for ezine ads - newsletters - website

Good product or service


Cheers, Chris
Anam cara

[Lynn Terry]

Key Features I like are:

- Multi-tier (at least 2)
- Recurring Commission structure
- Articles, ad copy, loss leaders & images available
- solid, focused landing page with good conversion rate
- flexibility & communication (I dislike a lot of ridiculous restrictions, and affiliate managers that are hard to get in touch with and never give you a complete response!)

[viper]

I find that the ready made web pages and splash pages are good for newbies that don't yet know how to make their own.
Full support and training in the back office with advice on promotion is also good for newbies in my downline and is a good excuse to email them without pressure to ask if they understand the training and if they need any help.
If there is a problem where the upline can't help, then emails to the company must get answered. Some companies I have been with just do not answer emails as they say they are "to busy" If they can't answer emails then don't start an affiliate company.
Of course they must pay on time and don't ever, ever tell lies.

[Kevin Robb]

Viper,

You make some valid comments in your post.

It would however be appreciated if you could drop by an post an Introduction.

Tell us a little about yourself, What market you are in and your experience to date.

Cheers

Kevin Robb

[Teena]

I've been looking into setting up my own Affiliate Program, and these posts give me tons of info on what people want.

Thanks Kevin!

Question - If I'm selling a product/service where I get paid once by the client [no ongoing monthly fees], I want to pay an Affiliate a one-off referral fee.

If I have an annual product/service fee, would it be expected that I pay the Affiliate again when the product/service is renewed? Sorry if this sounds *basic* but I'm new to this ...

Lynn - can you please explain what "2 tier" means?

Thanks,
Teena!

[Lynn Terry]

[quote="Teena"]If I have an annual product/service fee, would it be expected that I pay the Affiliate again when the product/service is renewed? Sorry if this sounds *basic* but I'm new to this ... [/quote]

Different merchants handle this differently. Some pay recurring commissions, others just pay on the upfront lead/sale. That is entirely up to you... but of course, the more benefits you offer your affilitates the harder they will likely work for you.

[quote="Teena"]Lynn - can you please explain what "2 tier" means? [/quote]

2 Tier programs not only pay you per sale, but they also pay you a percentage of the sales made by any affiliates that you refer to the program.

Let's say I tell you about a particular program that is 2-Tier and you sign up. We both earn 50% of the $100 sale price for every sale made - or $50 per sale. BUT, since I referred you, I also get 10% on all of YOUR sales. So you make $50 per sale, and I make $50 for every sale PLUS $10 every time YOU make a sale.

It's a great structure, because instead of promoting products... you can turn around and promote [u]programs[/u]. Your referrals do the selling... and you get a check as long as they are actively selling.

Let's say you do very well with that program I recommended - earning $10,000/month. I may never touch it again myself... but I would continue to earn $1,000/month just from your sales alone. Nice, huh?

[Teena]

Lynn, Thanks for explaining this so clearly!

This has given me lots to think about before I launch an Affiliate Program, and you've helped me understand how it all works.

Much appreciated!
Have a faaabulous week!
Cheers
Teena

[Teena]

Hi Map378,

What questions do you have about affiliates? It's such a friendly group here, we'd love to know more about you.

Cheers
Teena