Getting affiliates to my affiliate program

[Gomvents]

I have a great affiliate program and Commision Junction runs the affiliate program for. What do all of you recommend to attract new affiliates?

- Justin

[edited by: eljefe3 at 4:48 am (utc) on Feb. 10, 2007]
[edit reason] edited out specifics [/edit]

[Marcia]

Are you on CJ just as a network, or are they doing the actual program management for you?

[Gomvents]

Just on the network although they offer a la carte options... are there any that you may suggest? It's for a client on a fixed (low) budget, but they get great conversions.

[Marcia]

>>It's for a client on a fixed (low) budget, but they get great conversions.

I assume you're doing some other marketing for them, but not managing their affiliate program, which someone in-house would do.

I kind of wonder how low their budget is, since it costs a bundle to set up and run a CJ program. But if they convert well and it's a marketable line of goods, a very good option would be to take on an OPM (outsourced program manager) who's already got experience in managing programs and recruiting affiliates. Some of them have a following that will promote pretty much whatever they take on, because the trust is there.

[Gomvents]

where can we find an outsourced program manager? Is that something CJ offers? Thanks!

[Gomvents]

regarding their budget it's enough to run a real business (not the craziness you sometimes see on these forums people expecting to get rich off $500 etc.) but most of their marketing budget is taken up by our SEO / link building work for them along with Google Video Ads, and other banner ads.

[gamiziuk]

A lot of publishers/affiliates do not like CJ.

CJ does not like us either.

[marketlogos]

advertising always was a good idea, plus you may want to get people to write about your program on their blogs or to post articles about your program :)

[zorde]

My customer reciprocation business needs to target affiliates directly (as customers), so I too have that same need. "How to communicate your offering to all the affiliates out there"

here is a couple of tips:

Why not invest your efforts in converting your customers into affiliates. After all the best affiliate is someone who has tried and believes in your product. Often people will recommend something they believe in when there is a financial incentive.

You could try sponsoring affiliate forums or newsletters with ad's, banner campaigns etc..

[CannonFodder]

You could try emailing sites that are related to your product. I had an email form one such company about 2 years ago and now enjoy a very good relationship with that merchant. Not all of us Webmasters have time to go out and sort through all the opportunities available.

Good luck!

Dan

[Chuck Hamrick]

Here are several ways to recruit affiliates:

Press Release your web site, if you spend in the $200-$300 range you will be allowed to use links. These get syndicated quickly and affiliates promoting specific products read about them.

Submit your site to the free affiliate directories, there are over 50 and each will bring several new affiliates.

Contact non-competing affiliate managers and talk to them about cross promotion ideas. As long as you are not competing you can trade newsletter banner space.

Google your top products and brands. Top affiliates will be ranked well as well as spending on PPC ads. That's how they make money!

Offer coupons and promotions, there are several forums/blogs that will let you list for free. Coupon/Deal sites are at the top of every program and tremendous affiliates. Many programs are restrictive so this class of affiliates are open to good offers.

[edited by: eljefe3 at 4:59 am (utc) on Mar. 1, 2007]

[lipets]

Hire an OPM, but not someone who wants a fixed monthly fee, they range 1,000-7,000 and it's hard to know what if anything they do.

I just hired an OPM on a performance based commission, his income is based on my sales.

IMO any other way is a waste of $$

[Chuck Hamrick]

I hear of companies that work exclusively on a performance basis, but reject 90% of the opportunities that come their way. They also require management over PPC campaigns which are run on a rev share. They do not jump into affiliate until the PPC is converting.

[edited by: eljefe3 at 3:27 am (utc) on Mar. 18, 2007]
[edit reason] edited out specifics [/edit]