Forum Moderators: skibum
When I start my affiliate program I want to make sure I'm in the right directories...
[edited by: Clark at 6:47 pm (utc) on Jan. 24, 2003]
A lot of affiliates try out programs on word of mouth. It's sort of a Catch 22 - you need a successful affiliate program to get the word of mouth going.
Rather than focusing on the affiliates finding you at first, focus more on recruiting quality affiliates to your program (call them on the phone - don't send e-mail to solicit them about your program).
BTW, I don't plan to use linkshare or any of those. The only one I'd think about is CJ but even so...
I had an aff. program briefly in the past, used linkshare and was very unhappy with them. Boy could I tell you stories about what goes on there.
I also advertised on that aussie guy's directory, forgot the name, anyways, got 6 affiliates for I think it was a couple hundred bucks...
Anyways, was just curious cuz u guyz r the best of the best. But in the end I firmly believe in the If You Build It They Will Come. Make an awesome program and don't be cheap and people will find you.
P.S. I'm surprised word of mouth works. Wouldn't you folks be wary of giving your competitor's your golden egg?
My favorite affiliate directory has always been Refer-It.com since it is a part of Internet.com network.
not as dumb as my post looked b4 I edited it ;)
Didn't have my coffee yet :)
BTW, we were writing @ the same time, wasn't trying to make u look bad...
You may also try some of the popular Affiliate Marketing forums to announce your programs. Generally you got to pay for that.
Check Stickymail.
There are ways to identify which sites are linking to your competitors - like searching for link: www.yourcompetitorsdomain.com on AltaVista.
When you've identified some quality sites that are linking to your competition, try finding their phone # on their site, or check out their information in WHOIS.
