Steps to building a successful affiliate program

In order to develop a successful affiliate program it is essential that you have the right plan in place before you launch on the networks. If you launch with a half complete program you will miss out on

Network Newsletter

When you join most affiliate networks make sure that as part of coming onbaord that they will include you in their daily/ weekly affiliate newsletter. Most networks will give you the option anyway- but if not- make sure you get included in this. This will be one of the most significant aspects of your campaign launch as it gets through to all affiliates and if done correctly will give your company the perseption it needs.

Sourcing your own affiliates

although networks do have large databases of affiliate partners, never rely on them to actively seek affiliates for you. As you know your business better than anyone else, you will also know what partners would benefit your business.
- make a list of websites that you think could help your business as well as helping theirs

- send an email to each outlining your websites, the services you offer and how partnering with your
website will benefit their business (commision, increased traffic etc)

Keep your affiliates informed

Once your program has developed and you have a database of affiliates it is very important to keep the communication channels open with them. Send a monthly update on your program which could include banner changes, commission changes, bonus incentives, etc. As affiliates are actively promoting your business it is essential that you ask for feedback as this will help you manage your program but also make affiliates feel important and that they are apart of the program process.

Landing pages and Banner Creative

When larger affiliates look to add your program to their websites one of the most important aspects of their decision is the banner creatives and landing pages. although you might have the most impressive offer and program structure, if your landing page is a failure, affiliates will be turned off your program. Things to keep in mind when setting up your affiliate landing pages are:

NO Telephone numbers

as affiliate marketing is based upon online referrals having a telephone number on a page that an affiliate has referred a customer to will probably anger the affiliate as there is a small percentage that the customer will call the company rather than going through an online purchase/ signup.