Greetings “Ask Kirsty” fans.  I can think of no better way to round off the working week than with a bit of affiliate question asking type fun. Unusually, this week’s asker is an affiliate manager.  Dave Bunyan is the affiliate manager over at Haiths, who sell all things bird care and bird food related, and wanted the low down on what turns affiliates on (work wise!).

Hi Kirsty,

I run the newly setup Haith’s programme, which has just launched on Webgains. I came across your blog (which I have to say is pretty damn good!) I’m relativly new to affiliate marketing but have been in ecommerce for a while now.

I was hoping for a bit of advice. What do affiliates look for in a merchant? How can we help affiliates convert?

I have a basic understanding, but hope to fully understand what makes a good programme.

Kind Regards,

Dave

Well, flattery will get you everywhere!

I reckon you’ve already taken those first steps to being a decent merchant just by being prepared to be open to communication and suggestions from affililiates.  From my own point of view, an accessible affiliate manager who I can work with on a programme is a BIG help in getting those conversions.

I think getting yourself out and onto the A4U Forum would be an excellent first step.  There are surprisingly few merchants participating regularly on there, and as thousands of affiliates are members it does mean you’ll pop into their heads a bit more readily when they’re thinking about new areas to explore or which new merchant to do a bit of work on next.  You don’t even really need to be on there selling your wares all the time.  Just jump in for a chat and make yourself approachable.  You’d be surprised how much that helps!

Also, get yourself along to some networking events like A4U Expo.  Not only will you learn a lot, but you’ll meet a lot of affiliates face to face, giving you a good opportunity to get feedback and make great contacts (and have a really good time too).

The other things are pretty obvious, regular newsletters, banners updated, good and useful product feed that is easy for affiliates to manipulate.  Oh, and making sure your tracking technology doesn’t break every time your technical team makes an adjustment to your order confirmation page, lol.

Take A Look At What Others Are Doing…

If you want a programme to measure yourself against, I’d go and take a look at what Prezzybox are doing.  Their programme is run by the lovely Zak Edwards, who has won A4U Awards for his innovation 2 years running.  BuyaGift & Dead Good Undies also have really good proactive affiliate management.

I’d also recommend giving a wee go at promoting some affiliate offers yourself.  It will give you great insight into what affiliates need and the issues and frustrations they face (although we do lose a lot of affiliate managers to the “dark side” every year as a result of this, lol).

I hope this helps you in your quest to become a good affiliate manager.  I’ve just popped down the absolute basics, I’m sure other affiliates and managers will want to pop their thoughts down in the comments to help you out!

A Programme Plug For Our Askee Being Game Enough To Let Me Publish His Question!

Haiths is on Webgains and offers a commission rate of 10% to 12% – their affiliate info page is here and it seems like a good niche programme to me.  David’s contact details are on that page if you want to give him a shout.  He’s keen and ready to go!

• Ask Kirsty – Two Clicks, Which Gets The Commission?
• Ask Kirsty – When & How To Negotiate More Commission?
• Ask Kirsty – Is There Still Mileage In Affiliate PPC?