I'm looking for recommendations on good software for managing an affiliate program. I have several clients that are interested in in offering affiliate deals but can't afford using a outside party like Commission Junction. One of my clients was actually turned down by CJ because they're not pulling in enough traffic. Anyway...two clients would offer traditional affiliate deals where subscribers feature their products and receive a commission, but I have another client who's interested in doing something a bit different (offering credits or points that can be redeemed for services or cool schwag). Any comments? Recommendations? Suggestions?
Schlottke is this a program you've actually used, or are you just pushing an affiliate deal? I'd like to hear from folks who have personal experience (or client experience) with programs. That would be most helpful. Gracias!!!
Search script resources site such as hotscripts.com. You can find tons of affiliate software, some even free.
Hey henry....thanks for that tip. It's of course where I started (I do web design for a living so I'm familiar with all the general resources). I was really hoping for personal recommendations and details. LOL I guess I'll keep hoping.
Personal recommendations help but I suggest you start with a more comprehensive review of your needs and then try narrow down to a few options. There's over 200 features in affiliate tracking systems and over 25 options available to you, including networks, MLM software, and shopping carts with built in tracking features. I have some personal experience with vendors re their responsiveness. Feel free to contact me via my site if you want some input. Regards, Peter
i have been using affiliateshop for a while but havent been overly impressed, does anyone have one that might erally generate some genuinely tourism based affiliates?
Hi Dreamshop and all, I have personal experience with most of the main solutions out there and have worked with most of them from the affiliate management side of things. I'm an affiliate management consultant and have worked with most of the popular solutions out there. I also work with thousands of affiliates and know that one of the most important considerations in selecting tracking software, is to use a program that partners not only trust, but are used to - so it's easier & faster for them to get links and check stats. The strong affiliates you want are pros that value their time and traffic. They want a comfortable interface they are used to, with all the reports they are accustomed to and hopefully one place to log-in and check several programs at once. Having a top name program they trust to do accurate tracking is a must. So my top recommendations are www.Shareasale.com (the BEST small network) and MyAP from Kowabunga. Sharesale offers easy, low cost set-up and pays affiliates for you, so that's one less thing you have to worry about. www.shareasale.com really is the best small network! Only one of my client's is on SAS right now but I wish more were. We have many big CJ clients. But many of our smaller programs are set up on in-house software. A lot of affiliates prefer a network and many of them prefer SAS, so it's a good place to be. MyAP http://www.myap.com/ is the #1 rated software if you want to own your own software and have more control. One of the BIG benefits to MYAP is that once you have their software you can be added to their new Kolimbo network - and their Affiliatecash directory at no additional charge. They just raised their prices though so are almost as high as CJ. There's a lover cost version of MYAP called www.affiliateclicks.com If I was going to set up my own program PERSONALLY - out of all the solutions out there I would set-up with www.Shareasale.com. For MANY reasons. It's only $150 set up too but the main thing is most affiliates LOVE & TRUST SAS! Hope this helps and best of luck!
5Star, Sorry I missed your question earlier. I work with iDevAffiliate- find it a very quality solution when managing a smaller program (50 or less niche affiliates)
Dreamshop - your original posting was months ago. What did you end up doing? I know of a couple vendors that offer a multi-merchant solution so you could host it for your clients. Linda - thanks for that thorough post based on your experience. Cheers, Peter
Hi asr_guy, Oooopss I didn't even notice the original thread date. Just picked it up when someone else bumped it. (Shoot just saw a bunch of typos in my post. - Wish I could go back and edit!) I'm sure by now Dreamshop has a solution. Which one, let us know.
Hey 5star...no problem on the date, you posted some very helpful content. I was not looking to run an affiliate program myself, only to find referrals to good programs that I could recommend to my clients and others. I get a lot of questions through my website from various sources. Anyway, I created a short list and Shareasale is on there along with MyApp, plus IdevAffiliate software. if it comes to stand alone budget software I haven't come across anything that seemed as well put together as Idev. I do of course recommend to anyone that they test various demos first to ensure they're getting something that fits their needs. Thanks for your input!
Re idev yes it's good value and another product that matches idev in price and functionality is Post Affiliate Pro from Webradev. Both vendors have been responsive to my queries and they each have a few neat features that the other doesn't have, so compare carefully. Cheers, Peter
Hi Marco - no I haven't done that. I have been in touch with their management re other topics but nothing technical re Paypal. I sent you some suggestions via email.