I think this may be what's happening. I read someone else proposing this theory and it does fit with the odd fluctuations. I just have to say to CB: If you are actually doing things this way -> WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!?!
I just cant see how this can be the case. I have questioned all of them from one time or another. I have high clicks on CJ and linkshare as well with very low conversions. I think all of them are flawed based on security additions to browsers. I think this is where they all lack - testing with all browser versions with various settings enabled. Restrictions from cookies, etc are all things that can screw up proper tracking and sale credit. There are very few things that can be done. I have contacted affiliates directly and they have all consistently ensured me other affiliate marketers are converting. Some of the fluctuations in traffic could be search engines following links incorrectly, other programs spidering for automated forum postings, etc. They can all follow links incorrectly. Keep these things in mind. And Alexa - I would use CB to sell your product because you might get tons of sales but not have to payout anyone due to horrible tracking!!! Take care all.
Well said +rep. You can always try a few CPA's, and try a bunch of them and other networks - not just one or two. You'll see that each has perks/consequences. I'll say this though, for all the bigger or consistent affs out there on CB. You'll never get away with probably 75-80% of the tactics you use on CB, each merchant is strict with guidelines/clean traffic, you get penalized and interrogated for your clicks, AM's aren't always peachy keen, reversals/chargebacks/refunds are still there too, etc. etc. Best thing to do though - is to learn for yourself, by yourself. Even deeper than marketing is your risk management, and situational awareness with covering your over all fluctuations of your business; Not just a CB account(s) and a few bum/ppc campaigns. CB isn't the do all end all - your marketing prowess is. Learn to predict, prepare, diversify, react quickly to market shifts, seasons, tracking problems, and or bumps with networks... Both aff's and pubs suffer to some capacity no matter what network they are on. In fact I just got off the phone earlier with a cpa network rep that wants my offers on their network 'risk free'... I said no at the end of the day because I've been through many as a publisher (which they call advertisers, and publishers are their aff's... bassackwards). It's a different ball game, different model, different barriers to profit really. As for other digital networks, PDC would still be my second choice despite their wonky pros/cons as well. Other newer digital networks still have a long way to go before they are compared to the top 5 imo - This internet connection to the world should be like a playground to profit through as many creative ways as you can think of, not just one or a handful. Each will always have a 'shit happens' clause and wall in front of it, mine your paths to success with a broader picture of what you're trying to do. /ramble. N.
I wouldn't know where to begin nor would I want to endorse or single any out - I think simply looking at affiliate marketing and considering all the advantages of each angle, how to automate what you're trying to do, and how to diversify your risk as aff, pub, designer, coder, media buyer, support, analyst, professional servicing, etc. is much better than focusing on a few cookies (no pun) for a few years trying to crack the case of who stole the cookie from the CB tracking jar Literally all will have pros cons. You guys should take a look at other forums too (not mine) where some of the bigger CPA/MMO/INHOUSE players hang out (not warrior either) to see how CPA's work, how in-house/private progs work, how exclusives and boutique agencies work, etc. You'll see tons of pros/cons/scams/people owed five figures for simple traffic mishaps, and random other shite - but you'll also see opportunity and have to balance the risk with it. Some pre-new years drinks are in me, pardon the postage. ** Some forums/reviews of forums - http://www.norbsmoney.com/affiliate-marketing-forum-reviews-the-fcuking-truth/ N.
I just don't know WHY CB can't get their act together. I've always heard server problems, software issues, etc. You'd think that they were making enough money to get some of this stuff taken care of. If they don't, I see them loosing lots of affiliates. I just registered @ paydotcom, so there may be one on the way out right now.