Suggestions For New Affiliate Scheme

[fraserdoherty]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and i've already found lots of interesting info, seems like a nice place.

Anyway, I am looking to create an affiliate scheme for my site (www.JamShop.co.uk) and I would be very grateful of any suggestions you can give me for doing this. I'm not very sure where to start so if you could give me any advice on: the actual creation of the scheme and where I could get some off-the-shelf code to do this, recruiting affiliates and anything else you think I should know.

Many Thanks,

Fraser

[Linda Buquet]

Hi Fraser,

Welcome to WebProWorld. Cute site and unique little niche!

My 1st bit of advice is don't call it a *SCHEME*. I know that's common accross the pond, but in the US that word implies scam or fraud or something you don't want associated with your program. So simply call it an affiliate program on your info pages.

I suggest 1st things 1st. Let's get your program set up. After you get your program launched with the right software, then you can announce it here and ask about other recruiting ideas and I can give you some tips.

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.

So my top recommendations are www.Shareasale.com (the BEST small network) and www.MyAP.com - Sharesale offers easy, low cost set-up and pays affiliates for you, so that's one less thing you have to worry about.

MyAP is the #1 rated software. 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.

So with MYAP you get the benefit of private software and can control your own affiliate relationships PLUS you can give your partners the benefits of ease and one central log-in through the network, at no additional charge. Win/Win/Win!

Hope this helps and best of luck!

[fraserdoherty]

Thanks Catalyst,

That has given me a good bit to think about. I will check out those sites, they sound super. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it,

Fraser

[brian.mark]

We're using http://www.linkconnector.com/ for our affiliate program and have been very pleased with the results. There isn't any software to configure, just a little piece of JavaScript to install on each page of your site (in the footer somewhere is easy enough) and they track the rest for you. Or, you can do a standard redirect type affiliate program through them as well.

The real beauty of their program is the link credit that you'll get for organic search results. Using "Naked Link Technology" as they call it, the links go directly to your site with your keywords in them, so you become more relevant for those phrases in search engines while your affiliates start making sales for you. Even if they don't make sales directly, the increased positions in the engines should easily make it a worthwhile venture.

Brian.

[StephenR.]

I'm looking for a good affiliate platform before I launch my product. I'll have to take a look at closer look at LinkConnector. I am an affiliate of some of their merchants such as Text Link Ads and do like the feel of the affiliates side. Thanks for the info.

[photos343]

I am looking for affiliate tracking software through my yahoo store that sells only 1 product at the moment. I have a merchant account through yahoo store, but only use catalog manager and use their web hosting. They tell me PHP is the best to use for yahoo store and I was wondering if it could be integrated with paypal and my merchant account?

Also, can it generate an affiliate code on the fax order or phone order page so I can manually key in the affiliate code when the customer calls in so they can read a code that id's the affiliate off the order page?

[Linda Buquet]

Hi photos343,

While I don't know the answer to your Yahoo Store question, I want to COMMEND you for your pro-affiliate attitude and for thinking ahead to how you can reward them for phone and fax orders!!!

[photos343]

I just wanted to update you all and let you know that I ended up setting up a great affiliate program using idevaffiliate to track all offline orders as well. If you want to see how it works look at goliathlabs.com. Now I just need affiliates!

[Jackie-Lane]

Most networks only support pay-per-sale affiliate campaigns when your sale process finalizes online (while the consumer is still present on your site). Those who can’t do this are forced to run a pay-per-click or pay-per-lead promotion, which introduces potential fraud. Things to think about.

LinkConnector has a thing called Pending Sale functionality--this opens up pay-per-sale campaigns for anyone as long as you begin your sale process online. It doesn't matter where or when the online sale transaction is finalized - you can track the sale, affiliate, etc., and hold these 'unknown-till-the-call-comes-in' (etc) sales as 'Pending', then validate them when you know for sure. This has actually been helpful for many folks who would have otherwise had to run a PPC campaign.

The more ways to reward your affiliates the better - it gives them reason to further promote your campaign. A win-win.