Launched Your Affiliate Marketing Campaign… “Okay, Where Are The Sales?“
Does the following scenario ring true with your business?
You’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching affiliate marketing, evaluating which networks to speak to…. taken the time out to have meetings with a range of different networks… chosen the network which suits your business proposition best… integrated the software…. built the banners…. launched the campaign… right! where are the sales?!?!?!
Unfortunately for many, the affiliate marketing industry has developed away from being a simple “launch and go” mentality. To drive sales, to instigate the interest of the UK’s superaffiliates (the guys that started in their bedrooms and are now driving millions of online sales for the UK’s biggest retailers) you need to pitch your product or service to the sites that will earn you revenue.
The problem is, if you’re a startup or relatively “small name” you are battling for presence with the big names within your industry. The affiliate site is going to ask “why should I promote you?“.
You need to have the answer…. “I will earn you more commissions than retailer x“. Without the confidence to provide this answer, whether from a short-term or long-term perspective your business will struggle to make a success out of affiliate marketing.
In particular, your time is precious, how do you know WHICH affiliates to target? You may find yourself battling for presence within a website which neither has the levels of traffic required to attract turnover, alternatively, your links will be hidden within a range of competitor links neither standing out nor earning the revenue that your time has justified.
The relationship with your affiliates is a partnership. You cannot make assumptions, you cannot expect them to do the hard work for you. Launching your campaign is the easier bit, making it a success is where the time really does potentially take its toll.
