e-Business-Formula Internet Marketing Discussion Forum

[Keith Winton]

I'm new to the marketing game and have been trying to learn whatever I can, this forum has provided me with some inspiration and from this I am now dabbling with selling a few products on eBay.

But now I feel I am ready to make the next step and it appears to me that I need to consider marketing as an Affiliate.

So in reviewing potential affiliate programs what are the core things I should be looking for?

Your comments would be appreciated.

Regards

Keith Winton

[Chris (cat)]

Hi Keith,

Try this post - http://ebusinessformula.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=456&highlight=affiliate

Main things to consider are....

cookie length/time
2 tier
many affiliate tools
good tracking
payment - how often/how
quailty of the product/service
can you contact other affiliates before joining for references


Cheers, Chris
Anam cara

[Rick Wilson]

Hello!

Here's how I look at it.

If I may use Chris' list of things to consider:


[b]Cookie Length ...[/b]

Longer the better. I usually don't go with a program that has cookies set for six months or less. If it's a special or limited time offer then I would consider less.

[b]2 Tier ...[/b]

If it's a higher ticket item (over $100) then I don't mind 2 tier. If it's a lower ticket item (under $100) then I prefer just the 1 tier. But it could also depend on what the TOTAL percentage of the product cost is given out as commissions AND if it's a good product/service.

[b]Affiliate Tools ...[/b]

Clean product graphics
Sample ads
Stats/Tracking that actually work properly. In other words, accurate tracking stats.

[b]Commission Payment ...[/b]

At least monthly and NO minimum to get a payment. Check and/or PayPal seems to be the popular choices.

[b]Quailty Of Product/Service ...[/b]

Hopefully the products and/or services are excellent and work "as advertised".

[b]Can You Contact Other Affiliates Before Joining For References ...[/b]

Personally, I don't believe most affiliates would be willing to make their contact info available to the general public. I know I wouldn't have time to respond constantly to any inquiries properly. As an affiliate I personally wouldn't worry about having access to other affiliates of the same merchant.

The above is just my criteria but you might want to be more or less flexible as to what you feel is warranted.

My 3 cents anyway.

Rick Wilson aka CorpRebel

[CarrieGee]

You also have to keep your target audience in mind, and what their spending habits may (or may not) be.

I've had a really difficult time trying to get any sort of affiliate success when my end users are required to make purchases, except for one single merchant. I've had to use survey sites, points programs, and that type of advertiser to realize any kind of return on the ad space.

Of course, your mileage may vary! But I really receommend trying several different types of ads, products, and affiliates to see what the best fit for your own site would be.

[Trevor]

Just a thought here...

Whilst I understand the logic behind being sure that an affiliate program is going to provide you the things you need and desire is it not also sensible to consider the type of product and the potential market for it?

For instance, the affiliate program (management side of things) may be great but what about their products?

Maybe I'm a little off beam here but I personally believe it is important.

Regards

Trevor

[jimmys devoted]

I have been to comission junctiona dn then to the comapnies themselves. Is theer a benefit frrom affilliating a business or a direct company or in my casse a reatl environemnt?