Q: We have traditionally put affiliate sales on the back burner, but as our market matures, and we try to squeeze more profit, we have started looking to attract more affiliates. We currently use Commission Junction to handle our sales, and that is where most of our affiliates have come from. I am working on attracting more affiliates, and have been just searching online for sites that would be a match for our affiliate program. However, the response has been pretty low. I was wondering if there is a more efficient way to get more affiliates?
A: I’m not sure from your question how you are soliciting your affiliate prospects, but if you’re like most affiliate managers, you’re using e-mail.
If that’s the case, it’s time for a paradigm shift. Yes, e-mail is easy and low-cost (especially if you aren’t investing in CAN-SPAM compliance – which you must for unsolicited e-mail), but the results stink.
Since you’re already spending the time to identify these potential affiliates, utilize an approach with more impact, such as a piece of direct mail about your affiliate program followed by a telephone call.
Also, try some targeted recruiting via paid search and ads on blogs.
If you don’t have the time and resources for ongoing affiliate recruitment, check out the affiliate recruiting services from Syntryx.