Choosing the right affiliate

[Shoda]

I represent a mid sized business preparing to take their first steps into online sales. Products range from real estate to gift cards. They are interested in exploring affiliate programs as lead gen for real estate, and selling some product as well.

There is a truly overwhelming number of affiliate programs out there.

I have read about some of the positive and negative aspects of using affiliates. I'm just not sure on where to start when looking for the right affiliate (besides here of course ;) )

Any nudge in the right direction would be great.

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

Hi Shoda,

You said:
I have read about some of the positive and negative aspects of using affiliates. I'm just not sure on where to start when looking for the right affiliate...
Glad to help give you some ideas, but not real clear on what you need. Are you saying they want to sell products themselves and start their own affiliate program - in which case they would be a merchant looking for an affiliate tracking solution???

Or are you saying they may want to sell other people's products on their site - then they would be looking for "affiliate programs".

I get the feeling you are asking about the 1st option. Is that correct?

Linda

[Shoda]

You said:

Glad to help give you some ideas, but not real clear on what you need. Are you saying they want to sell products themselves and start their own affiliate program - in which case they would be a merchant looking for an affiliate tracking solution???



Sorry, I'm not too familiar with the language. :o

Basically, we have products, ranging from quarter ownership real estate, to gift cards for our resort network. We don't have much of an online sales presence, but we're developing a strategy to change that.

We want to use 'affiliate marketing', in that we want other people to sell our range of products, and generate leads, while we pay commission for results.

There's so many companies out there - like CJ, that new azoogle program you talked about in another thread, and 1000 more that I've never heard of. It's hard to know where to start when there's so much noise out there.

Hope that illustrates a little better

Shoda

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

Hi Shoda,

OK I thought that's what you wanted to know - but just wanted to confirm. Although there are thousands out there - there are only a few top ones to consider. (Just like search engines and directories - there are tons but only a few main ones count.)

I have worked with most of the popular solutions out there. I also work with thousands of affiliates and know that one of the most important considerations in selecting tracking software, is to use a program that partners not only trust, but are used to - so it's easier & faster for them to get links and check stats.

The strong affiliates you want are pros that value their time and traffic. They want a comfortable interface they are used to, with all the reports they are accustomed to and hopefully one place to log-in and check several programs at once. Having a top name program they trust to do accurate tracking is a must.

CJ is considered the leader, and if you were a BIG established brand I would recommend CJ, but the fees may not be cost justifiable. They are also very particular about who they accept these days and I am sure one thing they look for is seasoned Internet marketing sites with a good track record.

So my top recommendations for smaller programs are www.Shareasale.com (the BEST small network) and MyAP from Kowabunga or the lower priced version of the MYAP software which is AffiliateClicks. One of the BIG benefits to MYAP is that once you have their software you can be added to their new Kolimbo network - and their Affiliatecash directory at no additional charge or with AffiliateClicks you can pay to join the network.

Hope this helps narrow down your choices and point you in the right direction.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions and I can go into more detail if needed.

Linda

[Shoda]

Thanks Linda, that helps a lot. :D

[Marcia]

Just a few of the things you want to offer:

>Competitive commission
>Competitive return days
>Parasite-free (very important nowadays)
>Leak free site (very important)

There is SO much to it, you might check into attending a seminar that's coming up that provides some of the best training available for running a successful, ethical affiliate program

http://www.andyrodriguez.com/Affiliate-Manager-Certification-Miami-05.html

[5starAffiliatePrograms]

"There is SO much to it..."

Yep Marcia is right. I was only addressing the SW question but when it comes to all the other things and especially the "people" part there is a lot to learn. Andy is great and I've heard good things about his class. Definately worth checking out for anyone new.