Things to look for

[blah23]

My business partner and I are consider adding an affiliate program for our web site. And I was wondering what affiliates look for in a program. Obviously high comissions and a high conversion rater are important, but what else do they look for?

Our company sells (or most acurately, will sell) Mac OS software, what can we as a company do to attract successful affiliates to this niche?

Thanks for the help

[rocker rokstar]

I suggest Clickbank. Really it is the most popular for digital products and has the most affiliates promoting stuff.

Just check out what other similar products have as far as landing pages and commisions. You want to check out the best products in your niche.

Then make yours as good or better so that it attracts affiliates.

This includes the landing page. Really that is the first thing Affiliates look at when deciding on product to promote. If the sales page looks like it will convert then we are more likly to promote you. Versus ones that look bad most people will not even try.

[ErinClickbooth]

I agree that landing pages are key in getting affiliates to promote. Also you want to be sure you have a large selection of creatives for all the different channels you'll want to market in.

For example you'll want banners that match your landing pages in all of the most standard sizes (728x90, 160x600, 120x600, 468x60, 300x250 to start). You want it to be a smooth transition from banner to landing.

Another important thing to look for is an ad rep who really knows the industry. At Clickbooth we have an objective A/B split test that we run all our offers through. The ones that convert get pushed to our publishers and the ones that need some help your ad rep works with you to get the offer to where it needs to be.

Hit me up if you're interested in talking to an experienced ad rep about your product. I can get you some good contact info :)

[zoobie]

I suggest Clickbank. Really it is the most popular for digital products and has the most affiliates promoting stuff.

Just check out what other similar products have as far as landing pages and commisions. You want to check out the best products in your niche.

Then make yours as good or better so that it attracts affiliates.

This includes the landing page. Really that is the first thing Affiliates look at when deciding on product to promote. If the sales page looks like it will convert then we are more likly to promote you. Versus ones that look bad most people will not even try.

I agree. Best of luck to you.

[NCmedia]

Interesting thread.

My .02 as a veteran from many seats of the table (merch/aff/am/consultant).

*Great product/functional/professionally packaged and great branding treatment.
*If it's a digital product with no overhead, yes don't be shy to offer 75% or more.
*Don't go exclusive with anyone.
*Make sure you offer your affiliates an amazing ARC (Affiliate Resource Center). Not just banners and landers, but everything under the sun that you can utilize in a marketing campaign. When rendering my clients ARC packages, we do Videos, Banners split test in 3 campaigns all sizes each campaign, Rich Media Landers (audio/video/flash), Print Templates (yes actual print with a blank www.-- affiliates add and print or plug into publications), 4-10 PLR articles aff's can re-write and submit, PPC Templates, Email Campaigns, Launch campaign material, multy reply auto-responders, standalone sales pages, pre-launch recruitment and about 52 other smaller techniques...
*Treat your top performers well, your retention campaigns are just as important as your initial recruitment.
*Personal attention, spend some time on msn/phone with your aff's if you can. Start a forum/centralize them to eliminate the divide that networks create for you to aff's. IF you're an experienced and technically savvy guru, you should be able to deal with affiliates directly without needing to retain a monthly management package, and other CPA networks will prove useful if your site is multi-network ready (that eliminiates CB/PDC and others)... Or you duplicate the site(s)/new domain just to enable gateways/tracking...
* Mingle with other merchants and specialists with top converting products and inspect resource centers.
* As above - Competitive intelligence is key, look for your comps and really analyze the top 2-3 money makers. You'll see a pattern, follow suit but do it better and offer your solution for less.

Cheers, there are thousands of ways to attract, incentivize and retain your affiliates but it all comes down to being a great person and understanding relationship building for true long term earners. Don't think for a second it's all automated, as the more success you get the more customer support and aff support you'll have to offer (a great problem to have...).

Norb.

[CristianR]

I like your advices NCmedia. I like them a lot. Thanks for offering this information, I haven't had too much experience with affiliate marketing till now.

[Yeyi]

Greetings, Community!
I am new to this site - just joined in!
At the moment, am filled with hope to
find some great folks that I can be useful to,
as well as some great ideas on how I can
advance to be useful in the future.

My door is always open for a great, mutually-beneficial,
rewarding conversation!

Everybody is welcome!!!
:weird:

[a2hosting]

If you have a great product, affiliates will probably be willing to promote you. Make sure to cater to your affiliates because a great affiliate program reputation is worth its weight in gold.

[Cpauling]

try clickbank. this will definetely help.

[Planning Family]

I second the personal attention. I've found that good customer service is a big differentiator between different programs. Affiliates like it when you'll work with them to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Increased payouts for your best affiliates, two-tier referral options, etc. These are good ways to show your affiliates (or potential affiliates) that you're serious about working with them.