Lead Generation - Is it worth it?

[sortedgifts]

I have been asked by an affiliate network whether I want to sign up to their lead generation service (I.e. Gain newsletter sign ups etc.) and if I do, the sign up fee is waived for the CPA side of things.

My question is: Is this a good thing to go for and how can I be sure that real people are signing up? My worst fears are that they could quite easily set up and auto subscriber and rake in the money.

 

[Jason L]

Hi sortedgifts

So you mean you are not currently signed up with the affiliate network? Is it one of the well known ones? And the offer is that you only pay for sign-ups rather than a joining/monthly fee?

 

[sortedgifts]

Yes I am not currently signed up yet and they have mentioned that there will be a set up fee unless I sign up for their lead generation service also.

I believe it is one of the top 10 companies in its field of expertise.

Essentially my question is: Have you had experience with lead generation services for newsletter sign ups and has it proven to be worthwhile?

My website is ecommerce

 

[Jason L]

My experience of affiliate marketing is on both sides of the fence - running affiliate schemes for online retailers and also being a publisher.

I'm very surprised they would waive the set-up fee as this can be £1000s!

Working with other retailers, some would offer commission for newsletter sign-ups and a publisher could then advertise this specifically if they wanted. So yes, it is perfectly viable and does work. I think it's mostly about the quality of the publishers and how much you are prepared to pay for newsletter sign-ups.

If it's one of the big networks I wouldn't be worried about auto subscriber. Also, you could also monitor to see if the quality of sign-ups via this route is any good (do any of them go on to purchase, do they unsubscribe more than your other sign-ups etc)

I would definitely be investigating further - although as I say, it sounds like there must be some catch somewhere - I can't believe they would just charge you commission only.

 

[leveldisc]

I have been asked by an affiliate network whether I want to sign up to their lead generation service (I.e. Gain newsletter sign ups etc.) and if I do, the sign up fee is waived for the CPA side of things.

My question is: Is this a good thing to go for and how can I be sure that real people are signing up? My worst fears are that they could quite easily set up and auto subscriber and rake in the money.

Presumably, there must be some kind of validation, just as affiliate sales have to be validated before payment.

 

[darkest-pro]

I have been asked by an affiliate network whether I want to sign up to their lead generation service

Surprised they are going after Gift companies, but I guess its cash in the bank. Personally, having dealt with practically every merchant out there eg: affiliate window, doubleclick, CJ etc, you'll almost certainly be spammed onto forums, blogs and low-level publishers sites totally inappropriate to your needs, with promises of high inventory, no problem sir and all that fake cobblers the affiliate scheme (cough - scam) they come out with.

Youll be hassled by their sales staff (if you haven't already) and so will the poor publishers - my god they'll so get this. The publisher/s soon works out there's sod all to be made and will remove you so fast, you think you've been shot into space, meanwhile you've just shelled out £1000's for this amazing deal - welcome to the world of the affiliate partnership scam.

To make this work requires a ton of traffic and a site built for this specific affiliate purpose.