The following is what Jackie Bates of Link Connector had to say in response the the question, What is the Future of Affiliate Marketing?

The current affiliate marketing industry, I believe, is a system that provides positive results for many; however, I think it is an industry that lacks a strong trust factor.

While affiliate marketing generates great revenue figures for numerous marketers, it is also filled with questionable traffic quality and ethical practices.

The industry, in large part, lacks the trust and vision necessary to keep a trade alive and thriving in the future. For a start, I think the future will mandate higher quality fraud protection systems in affiliate networks.

I think this will be necessary to ensure the integrity of the networks, and more globally, the affiliate marketing industry as a whole.

Today, an honest network that has earned the trust of both affiliates and merchants is difficult to find. If ethical practices begin to take higher priority, I think we will witness the top most talented affiliate marketers taking the lead and stifling out the weaker group. The cream will rise to the top.

The future of affiliate marketing also will need to take technology to the next level. In its current state, a trend of mediocrity prevails. I think often, affiliate marketers and networks feel comfortable and complacent in their current tools and roles.

Many have not stepped up to question the system. I think the future will see affiliate marketing networks stepping up to the plate in terms of services and added value provided, better reporting tools, pricing schedules and sophisticated tracking tools.

I think that affiliate marketers will need to become more creative and inventive with their types of promotions in order to please both online customers and the search engine algorithms.

How would you answer the question, What is the Future of Affiliate Marketing? There are no right or wrong answers.

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