Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
There comes a time when you need to sit down and assess your performance as an Affiliate Program Manager. I mean- REALLY take a good hard look at how you are serving your affiliates. It is not an easy job and is often truly thankless. Being a Program Manager is not for you if you thrive on appreciation, acknowledgement from the higher-ups and the occasional pat on the back.
.
You are in the trenches, and are responsible for a lot of factors seemingly out of your control. But by staying focused on improving the program, and creating relationships and keeping a good rapport with your affiliates, your program will thrive. Your affiliates will be more loyal, and more likely to communicate with you and voice their concerns, wishes and even ideas to help grow the program. It is up to you to keep them motivated and converting for your parent company.
.
Here are the Top 10 Rules to be a Good Affiliate Manager
1. Always Be Available to Your Affiliates
There are many avenues of communication in the world now- USE THEM! Give them your phone number, email address, and befriend them on Facebook and LinkedIn. They are your allies, and you want to be there if they are in need. If you are not there for them, they will find another manager who is.
2. Stay True to the Parent Company
You are the middle man here – you have to keep both the merchant and the affiliate happy. If you are ever up against a wall, remember both the merchant and the affiliate should have the same goals – to generate revenue and to grow while achieving a positive ROI.
3. Do Not Tolerate Stealing
Affiliates should be on the up and up, and if you find they are using pirated software, or anything of the sort, you need to ditch them ASAP. Rule violators include those who use adware, spyware, or who violate PPC rules, and using other black hat tools to get conversions.
4. Keep Yourself In Check
In the world of Affiliate Programs, word spreads like wildfire. If you are ever party to a negative campaign or for committing questionable business acts, you will be found out – trust me. Keep your hands clean from the start and you will sleep easier…
5. Go To Bat For Your Affiliates
As Program Manager, it is your responsibility to give the affiliates in your programs a voice. You will need to take a diplomatic approach, and at times be the devil’s advocate. Be sure to educate the C-level management in the value of an affiliate program – market position, brand awareness, additional revenue, etc.
6. Timely and Fair Payments
Affiliates are your employees, and just as Mom always said – treat others how you would want to be treated. This includes a check that is on time and one that is written for the correct amount. High producing affiliates keep their eye on their conversions daily, sometimes hourly, and will know if you try to pull one on them.
7. Communication Is Key!
There is not a faster way to create a discord with your affiliate base by leaving them out of the loop, either intentionally or not. Be sure to communicate any changes in the program, even if you deem it insignificant. Wherever possible, give them advance notice of changes, and reiterate the message at least three times, since that is what is proven to finally “sink in” with readers.
8. Keep Abreast on Industry News and Technology
Don’t just research the industry or your competitors upon start-up. Continue to find new sites, forums, and other alliances that will help you stay ahead of the game. Becoming complacent as a Program Manager will prompt affiliates to leave you for more cutting-edge programs.
9. Don’t Divorce For Low Performance
If an affiliate is not producing or is not taking action to get your materials up on their site, contact them. And, not just with an email – call them! It is your job to get them up and going and to provide the support they need. They have already shown interest in being a part of the program, so help nurture that affiliate.
10. Be Proactive In Recruitment
Don’t become idle once you have a base of affiliates. You will need to continue to research and try new angles in your recruitment efforts. Reach out to potential affiliates and don’t sit around waiting for them to contact you. GO GET THEM!