Q: I have recevied many requests for joining our affiliate program. After I accept them, I hardly find my link on their site in most of cases. I don’t understand why?
A: I think part of the problem is that you’re asking me, instead of asking your affiliates. If you are typical of most affiliate managers, you are not conducting any sort of activation initiative for your affiliates.
They apply, you accept them into your affiliate program… now what? There are some affiliates that will take the initiative to login, pick up their affiliate code, and promote your affiliate program.
But most affiliates aren’t going to do anything. That is, they won’t do anything if you just sit and wait for them to activate.
You have to reach out to them in any variety of ways: e-mail, phone, direct mail, etc. to encourage them to get active with your affiliate program. Ask them what you have to do to make your program more attractive – different sizes/types of creative, direct product links, new landing pages, etc.
Affiliates join dozens, if not hundreds of affiliate programs. What are you doing to stand out and merit real estate on their sites or in their newsletters?
If the answer is nothing, then it’s time to change.