Discussion Boards or Forums
Everyone has an opinion, and you can use this bit of human nature to improve and enhance your affiliate program. Set up a discussion board or forum for your affiliates on your site where they can discuss issues relating to affiliate programs in general, yours in particular, and ways for them to improve their site and increase the traffic that flows to it. By moderating and participating in these posted discussions, you can learn more about what affiliates want, the problems they might be having with your program, and even recommendations from them on how to improve it. These posted discussions can even act as content for your affiliate newsletter.
Do
| DO Build Your Community with No Programming. “Build Your Own Community” offers software that lets you build guest books, discussion forums, polls, and many more great interactive features, including start pages for visitors that direct them to your site. Find “Build Your Own Community” at www.buildacommunity.com. |
Creating a space on your site is only one way to invite and enter into a discussion with affiliates. By volunteering your program to be evaluated by your affiliates, with AffiliateVoice (www.affiliatevoice.com) you can gauge how well your affiliate program is doing from your affiliates’ standpoint (see Figure 12.2.). AffiliateVoice is an independent rating system that enables affiliates to voice their opinions about the programs they participate in. This independent rating system enables merchants to better understand how well their affiliate marketing programs are operating and provides affiliates with valuable information about a program before they sign up. Through a satisfaction survey, affiliates can give anonymous feedback and provide you with valuable insight for affiliate program development.
Figure 12.2. AffiliateVoice is an independent rating system that enables affiliates to voice their opinions about the programs they participate in.
In addition to the fact that AffiliateVoice allows affiliates to candidly provide feedback on your program, it also provides an opportunity for you to gain more exposure for your affiliate program. A favorable rating can attract countless new affiliates willing to market your product or service, because the programs that earn “Top-Rated” Program status are featured on CashPile.com and in the CashPile Newsletter.