|
|  |
| |
|
| | The Internet Marketing Tools Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Would like to add an affiliate program | Views: 548 | | Apr 08, 2005 6:16 pm | | Would like to add an affiliate program | # | 
Rick Davis | | Hello,
My name is Rick Davis, I am new to this list. I have an online skate shop business at http://rollerwarehouse.com. We are interested in adding an affiliate program to drive additional sales.
I'd like to get some feedback from others in the following areas:
1) Has anyone had success with an affiliate program?
2) What, if any, unforeseen problems came up when launching your program?
3) Which third-party affiliate program companies would you recommend?
Our plan is to initially offer this to existing customers only and allow them to accrue "points" that will get them discounts on future orders. Phase two of the plan calls for paying cash commissions to any interested affiliates.
If it matters, our site is 100% asp.net. We run off of a MS SQL server backend.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Rick D.
Private Reply to Rick Davis | | Apr 09, 2005 6:30 pm | | re: Would like to add an affiliate program | # | 
Garland Coulson | | Hi Rick,
Here are some answers to your questions.
1) Has anyone had success with an affiliate program?
It worked wonderfully for eBay and Amazon! :) My affiliate
program is also working well for me
2) What, if any, unforeseen problems came up when launching your program?
Because I teach Internet marketing, there weren't any unforeseen problems for
me, but here are some things my clients and students often find they hadn't
fully thought out.
- What commission to pay to encourage good signups.
- What tools to offer to help make affiliates be successful.
- How to market the affiliate program once you've set it up.
- Who in your organization is responsible for making the affiliate marketing
program a success.
3) Which third-party affiliate program companies would you recommend?
I use software called
Marketer's Choice to run my own program. You can find more
affiliate
marketing resources on my web site under the resources tab.
Garland
Coulson, "The E-Business Tutor"
Download my FREE e-book, "Promote
Your Web Site for Free"
Moderator, Internet Marketing Tools Private Reply to Garland Coulson | | Apr 11, 2005 9:29 am | | re: Would like to add an affiliate program | # | 
Jonathan Clayman | | Rick,
If you are looking for a solution which is hosted, i.e. you don't need to install it yourself etc. etc. then I came across a company a while back that was very helpful and that I would recommend located in the USA - www.interneka.com.
I make this suggestion as someone with no association or business interest in this organisation.
To gain the maximum level of flexibility I would not recommend going the hosted route, but this may suit you best and it should remove any technical hurdles that you face, since in most instances it requires little more than the insertion of some code.
Affiliate programs can be very successful but don't fall for the hype. I had some exposure to them about 4 years ago when the "build it they will come" talk was at its peak. If you have the resources to properly promote and manage one and you have a site that is a proven seller, then it is worth pursuing.
Don't bother otherwise because you'll be landed with a headache and remember that unethical practices by your affiliates can hurt your brand and land you in hot water.
Service and prompt payment is extemely important since you need to think of your affiliates as your sales team and make them feel valued and wanted.
Hope this helps and good luck with it.
Jonathan Clayman Private Reply to Jonathan Clayman | | May 13, 2005 6:48 pm | | re: Would like to add an affiliate program | # | 
Biana Babinsky | | Hi,
Affiliate programs, when implemented correctly, are great win-win situations for both the owner and the affiliates. Having studied and consulted in affiliate marketing for a while, I recently launched my second affiliate program.
Just like with everything else, you need to provide great affiliate customer services, provide tools and help your affiliates along the way.
A few third party providers are CJ, LinkShare, Share a Sale.
Biana Babinsky
Earn Money with Avocado Consulting Affiliate Program Private Reply to Biana Babinsky | | |
| |
| |
