Help selecting affiliate network provider

chris atkins
Procurement Officer at Personal

30 June 2009 16:19pm

Hi, I was wondering if there are any digital marketing experts out there that would be able to provide me with some advice on the world of affiliate network marketing?

My organisation are lauchning a website selling services relevant to B2B professionals (training courses) and I'm trying to ascertain a) if joining an affiliate network would be a good tactic and b) which of the leading players would best suit our potential customers.

Any help really appreciated!
Jake Hird Staff
Director of Research and Education at Econsultancy

30 June 2009 23:54pm

Hi Anonymous,

I strongly suggest you use our 2009 Affiliate Marketing Buyer's Guide as a starting point.

The report has been written for those either investigating, or already engaged in, affiliate marketing... and contains details about the various trends and issues within the sector (many of which apply worldwide), as well as profiles of all the leading UK affiliate marketing networks and agencies.... [it also] contains tips for those seeking a network or an agency.

Although you haven't given your location, many of the companies profiled have a global presence - and the trends and advice is pretty much universal.

Hope this helps.

Jake
Chris Bishop Gold
Founder & CEO at 7thingsmedia

19 July 2009 14:32pm

I'd second Jake's comment and review the Affiliate Marketing Buyer's Guide - after all that is the main intention of the Econsultancy guide.
Further to that I personally review your objectives and expectations for your affiliate channel. Do you have resource in-house to manage the programme? Are you looking for the affiliate network to fully take this on (again, review who manages them).

B2B affiliate programmes tend to be far more challenging than their B2C counterparts so ensure you review the competency of the network with B2B campaigns – maybe ask for case studies in the area or similar (or even competitors) in your vertical.
Thanks
Chris