There are numerous aspects to starting an affiliate program.
You've got to do all kinds of research and footwork to get the
ball rolling, and the work doesn't stop there. Assuming that
you've already done your research, found a great product, and
enrolled several affiliates, you've now got to decide on how to
run and manage your program. There is a long standing debate on
whether it is better to use a pre-set network management program
or your own software based program.
The benefits of a network based program basically come down to
this: With a network based program, you don't have to do a lot
of work. You sign up with a network program, and the network
system basically runs your whole system for you. It runs your
sales tracking, your affiliate communication, and your
commission structure. Network systems even promise to bring in
new affiliates for you. You just sit back and watch the cash
flow in. Sounds great right? Great if you don't have a lot of
time, or great if you're involved in several other ventures, but
if you're counting on your one program to really work for you,
using a network management system is selling yourself short.
Now I'm not saying that using a network system is bad, a network
can be really helpful for someone who's short on time. I'm just
saying that if you have the time and energy to manage your own
program you should do so. As with any other business, when
someone offers to do something for you, they generally want
something in return. Network management systems are no
different. In exchange for their services, they will expect a
percentage of your commissions, and with the reigns taken out of
your hands, they also will effectively have control of your
affiliate relationships.
If you want to truly manage your affiliate program to the best
of your abilities, you've got to do it yourself. By using an
affiliate management software system, you can keep total control
of your program, and keep all your commissions. You can decide
how often to get in touch with your affiliates and make it
personal rather than relying on group e-mail. Your affiliates
will be impressed, and may even work harder for you. And as for
recruiting, you're far better off working on your own. The
network programs that offer to sell your program to potential
affiliates do that for ALL their customers, so the people who
are being notified about your program are also being notified
about countless others. You may get lost in the shuffle.
So make a little time and take a little initiative. With just a
little extra work, you can run your own affiliate program
without sacrificing your personal involvement and your
commissions to a network. Running your own program may seem
intimidating now, but once you get the hang of it you'll be glad
you did.
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