How to choose the right affiliate email marketing program: 7 parameters
Navigating the expansive world of affiliate marketing can be challenging. So, let’s explore things to pay attention to when picking an affiliate email marketing program.
Relevance to your audience
An affiliate program should resonate with the people you’re going to promote it to. It’s not entirely about the highest commission rate. Instead, it’s about promoting an email marketing solution potential referees will genuinely benefit from. Relevance builds trust and increases sign-ups.
For instance, imagine you’re catering to an audience of experienced marketers. A customer like this probably requires advanced online advertising services or specific email newsletter tools. In such a scenario, opting for an email marketing platform that offers such things would be best. It proves that you know the needs of the audience you’ve built.
Quality of the offer
Beyond being relevant to your audience, the offer needs to be a high-quality one. For example, the platform may have direct email marketing features that your audience needs. But if these features are poorly made, your followers may be disappointed. This, in turn, can worsen your relationship with them.
In general, it’s highly recommended that you personally try out the affiliate program you’re about to start promoting. Experiencing the tool’s functionality, user-friendliness, and effectiveness firsthand can give you genuine insights and confidence when recommending it to others.
Cookie duration
The majority of affiliate programs are cookie-based. How does it work? Once you sign up for an affiliate program, you get a special affiliate link. If someone signs up using that link, you receive the commission. Simple enough, right?
Now, imagine that someone clicks on the link and then leaves without signing up. After a week or two, they change their mind and decide to sign up. Unfortunately, they do so using the service’s home page, not the link.
In other words, while their initial exposure to the service was through you, they ultimately didn’t sign up using the link you’ve shared. So, you receive no commission, right? Not if the affiliate program you signed up for is cookie-based!
In such a scenario, a cookie will be stored in the browser of anyone who clicks on an affiliate link. If they don’t sign up during their first visit, but then come back later, you still get the commission! They have to do it while the cookie is still active, though.
Cookie duration varies depending on the affiliate program you’ve signed up for. If a person signs up after the cookie expires, you get no commission. So, if possible, go for an affiliate program with a longer cookie duration.
Payout method
When choosing an affiliate email marketing program, consider how you’re going to be paid. Different affiliate programs offer varying payout methods. For instance, one program might offer a wide range of methods, while another might be limited to PayPal and Stripe. You want to ensure that the methods provided are accessible and convenient for you.
Available tools and support
From banners and content ideas to tutorials on using AI in email marketing, a good affiliate program will equip you with the necessary materials to succeed.
Consider the program’s support structure. Are there dedicated managers to assist affiliate partners? Are there training sessions or webinars? A program that invests in its affiliate partners often indicates a reliable and rewarding partnership.
Potential earnings and transparency
Everyone wants to earn well, but it’s essential to gauge the potential earnings realistically. Unlimited commissions sound like the offer of a lifetime. However, one should also consider the pricing structure of the email marketing services being promoted. If the services are too expensive, getting people to sign up for the program you’re promoting isn’t going to be easy. Try finding a balance between the commissions you can earn and the potential of the offer itself.
In addition, transparency is vital. The best affiliate programs provide clear terms, ensuring there are no hidden clauses that might affect affiliate partners’ earnings. In case you’re new to affiliate marketing software, it might be best to check how a program is perceived by seasoned affiliate marketers.
To give an example, imagine that you’re considering signing up for a specific affiliate program. You could look up its name on online discussion boards dedicated to affiliate marketing. By doing so, you can make sure that it’s actually worth getting into.
Diversifying and staying updated
Relying solely on one program or platform can be risky. With that in mind, consider signing up for a few different affiliate programs. Sure, it might be tempting to heavily invest in one promising program. Nevertheless, it’s wise to spread out and explore multiple avenues.
Think of it as a safety net. By engaging with various marketing programs, you can mitigate the risks associated with market shifts. It also prevents you from dealing with unforeseen changes in a particular platform, such as unfavorable policy changes.