Affiliate Programs

[simonread]

Does anyone know a good way to promote an Affiliate Program?

We have just finished building one and whilst I have one high volume website who is going to take on the program I want to find others.

Perhaps there a central database where all of the affiliate programs are registered? I assume that there are lots around, so it will be difficult to stand out from the crowd.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks?

Simon

National Business Innovation Centres
http://www.innovationcentres.co.uk/index.php?page=franchiseandaffiliateopportunities

[SillyJokes]

a good forum for all things affiliate

http://www.a4uforum.co.uk

There are about 10 networks and some independent programs you run yourself. They all have different charging - some £thousands for start up, some free.

My best advice is whatever way you go treat your affiliates as your most prized customers and do not take them for granted. Pay them on time, talk to them and listen.

As in all things only about 10% of affiliates will do 90% of the traffic and business for you.

[autolycus]

Simon,

Have a look at:

www.awin1.com
www.tradedoubler.co.uk

HTH,
Dave.

[simonread]

Thanks to you both for the advice and suggestions. I'll check out the suggested sites.

Kind regards,
Simon

[clickprofits]

Hi Simon,

One good way to recruit active affiliates to your program is to search Google for sites which have content which is highly relevant to your affiliate program and to approach those sites directly. You need to be very careful to avoid a 'spammy' approach - compose an individual and personal email (or even better a letter or phone call - use whois to lookup the site owners details) which shows that you have taken the time and trouble to look at their website to ensure that it is a good match for your affiliate program. As mentioned above, only around 5% of affiliates will bring in the vast majority of your sales through that channel, so your time is best spent focusing on people who are likely to be a part of that top 5% - quality rather than quantity is key here. Although this approach is time consuming, it is one of the more productive ways to recruit affiliates.

Another directory where you can submit your program for free is at: http://www.associateprograms.com - however most of your affiliates will not come from an affiliate directory or "central database", but from personally targetting potential affiliates (as above); by making potential affiliates aware of your program through joining a UK affiliate network and by taking an active part in places where top affiliates 'hang out' - like the a4uforum mentioned above and similar forums. Again, care needs to be taken to avoid a 'spamming approach' - avoid plastering several threads with posts which are nothing but ads for your program - better to make one considered post asking for suggestions on how your program can be improved etc, rather than going for the 'hard sell'.

Best regards,

Mark.

[simonread]

That's great advice Mark. Thanks.

I'll check it out.