Archive for the ‘Affiliate Program Services’ Category

Affiliate programs are one of the most powerful marketing tools for building revenue. For the merchant, it is a chance to grow sales with no risk.  Why is it said “with no risk?” Because your affiliates are not paid until a sale is made. This is the total “pay for performance” model that business owners crave.

For the affiliate, it is a chance to flex his or her marketing muscle and make sales with unlimited commissions.  An affiliate is happiest when a good product or service exists to which their innovative techniques can be applied, and for which they are greatly rewarded.

The use of Affiliate Sales programs, also known as “reseller,” “partner,” “publisher” or “associate sales” programs, are taking the top position for an internet marketing sales channel.  Affiliate Sales are one of the primary reasons Amazon.com pulled into profitability with the launch of their affiliate program in 1996.

Learn more right now about the phases of launching an Affiliate Program with our Complete Affiliate Program Services .

Affiliates put their efforts out there, and usually their money too, before anything is returned to them. This makes them very selective and diligent to scout out a good offer. Here are some of the features that are important to affiliates:

• Great sales copy and professional website
• Affiliate marketing tools: banners, links, sample landing pages
• Good Payouts and Reliable payments
• Some merchants offer data feeds with product pictures, descriptions and availability
• Attractive offers
• Good relationships with the merchant or affiliate manager
• Articles, videos or other “viral” marketing material

Established networks can provide merchants with peace of mind and speed of implementation (speed to market).  Sales tracking, payout software and economies of scale savings make an existing network the first choice for many merchants. Also, an existing affiliate virtual sales force can be very compelling.

Here is a more detailed look at the top reasons an affiliate network can be attractive to a merchant:

• Affiliate management staff:  this staff knows the ins and outs of setting up and running a successful campaign. These professionals can help you avoid difficulties and can become key to growing your sales success.  Often, affiliate managers can help you with your offer and with getting affiliates interested.
• Software for tracking sales and commissions. Complete with link tracking and detailed reporting information. Payouts and paperwork filing (such as 1099s) are also handled by the networks.
• Networks have existing affiliates.  Affiliates are available and motivated to helping make sales. Also, affiliate payouts are only made when a sale is made, a very low-risk sales model to the merchant.
• Many networks help with credit card and transaction processing, thereby eliminating the need for the merchant to attain a merchant account.  ClickBank is an example of a network providing this service.