Five Statements to nix when recruiting Affiliates
Often in this industry you hear hype. Everyone is trying to sell each other on ideas, products and business opportunities. As an Affiliate Manager I talk with Affiliates daily and attend several events yearly. I have found that there are several catch phrases that tend to make their way around the recruiting circuit that are not always the best tactic for Managers to use.
Anyone can sign up and Auto Approve-
While this statement may help you accumulate quantities of new Affiliates, it you might stop and look at what benefit that has to your program. I have found it to be more beneficial to look at every Affiliate that applies for my programs. The benefits of this are that I am familiar with the Affiliate and can see if they bring value to the program. Also this allows me to see if they are compliant with the current terms and if not I can then address it with them if I feel they are otherwise a good fit. While this method will not increase your overall total number of Affiliates quickly, it will increase your amount of “quality” Affiliates.
Crazy Commissions-
Stop with the Crazy! A seasoned Affiliate will know if what you are offering as a commission is fair and where it stands within the market your product exists in. Set your commissions within a financially stable position and make sure it is on par with your competitor’s.
Guaranteed Sales-
How can you guarantee that when the ball is in their court? Instead, offer them the means to be successful. Discuss what they are hoping to accomplish with their site and where they see it going. Then follow-up review where that fits in your program and tools that you are providing them to use, whether it is product feeds, banner creatives, text links, giveaways, items to review, custom coupon codes etc.
No competition-
There is always competition. When people see success there’s always someone that would mimic it and attempt to duplicate others work. As an Affiliate Manager I encourage new Affiliates that find the market to be competitive to not be afraid to try different unique tactics on their sight that might make them stand out when compared to other’s sites. Their unique inspiration could become the next “big” site/idea.
Instant Success-
Nothing is instant in this business. This, in my eyes is the biggest reason that new Affiliates give up and bail. Veterans know that it is a process that takes time, a lot of work, and more time before sites start converting. Let them know that the more time they spend working on their site the better chance they have of success. Then refer them again to the tools you have available to help them in that process.
Finally, be positive and also honest while recruiting and you’ll find great Affiliates who see those two things reflected in your program.