How often do your customers return?

Do they ever?

[lowfaresmaster]

Hi All,

I am about to launch quite a large affilaite travel site with expedia, priceline hotwire and orbitz. Can you guys tell me the following:
When a user eventually does buy and ends up on their site(eg expedia), the next time they purchase will they simply by pass my site and return the next time to expedia?

If so is it a case that an affiliate site has to cover up the fact that its only an affilate which would require costly expertise?

I'd appreciate you opinions!

[Karakorum]

Hi Lowfaresmaster,

Depends on who you are selling and how long the cookie is they are giving. If your customer does not delete them too often then in theory the site, say Expedia, should recognises the visitor as yours and pay you commission.
On my scheme I give 30 day cookies to check a new affiliate out, but worthwhile ones I will boost to 365+ to keep them interested.
Otherwise, give them a reson to come back- flag specials from the main sites so that there is a benefit in visiting your site and saving them the hassle of surfing around.

[Essex_boy]

On my aff site I only have them visit once, future visits go through to the main site

[buckworks]

The odds are that the majority of "your" customers will go directly to the merchant next time they make a purchase. This is a reason to build your own mailing list (double-opt-in, pleeeeease!), because it gives you a legitimate reason to keep in touch with people, let them know about special deals, etc. and get your links in front of them once again.

Building your list is easier to say than to do, but over time an opt-in newsletter can become a productive tool in your marketing toolbox.