Other Feedback Mechanisms

Besides the feedback and communications vehicles of a newsletter, discussion boards, and a chat and e-mail discussion list, you can create a more selective program that could tap the advice and experience of certain affiliates.

Do

DO show your affiliates that you appreciate the work they do for you. Give your top affiliates prizes for the most products sold. Hand out discount coupons for products to all affiliates as a gesture of your appreciation for their hard work. Even send a simple thank you note when an affiliate makes a sale.

One way is to build an affiliate advisory board made up of some of your best affiliate partners. Use them to test new affiliate program features, contests, new commission rates, or anything else you’d like to have their opinion on before you decide to incorporate it into your program. Another idea is to conduct a concise, comprehensive survey representing a broad array of your affiliates—new ones, old ones, successful and struggling ones. Ask them their opinion of your program—their strengths and weaknesses. This information will give you insight into how to better serve your affiliates. When you survey your affiliates, provide an incentive for them to complete the survey for you. While it is in their best interest to provide feedback to you, their time is valuable, and a token of your appreciation will definitely increase the response rate.

Finally, try thanking your best affiliates for the sales they earn for you. Send e-mails to your top affiliates and thank them for their support by offering them the opportunity to pick out anything on your site as a gift. It’s a nice gesture of appreciation that would be very appreciated.