Review copies and possible JV partners

[Laura B]

The thread started by Kevin Riley Getting Someone To Promote For You - Don't Do This
brought this question to mind: When approaching someone about a possible JV, do you think most prefer you send a link to the review copy in the initial e-mail, or would they rather just request it if they're interested?

[Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter]

You need to send them the product, a product summary (so they don't have to read the whole thing), a clear summary of what you are offering them, the sales page and promotional emails. If you have any verifiable conversion stats and other affiliate testimonials, those are helpful too.

Is all this required? No, some people will promote without all this, but if you want to grab the attention of someone with a decent sized list this gives them all the info they need.

Before I sold my business in 2007 (along with 50,000 double opt-in subscribers) I was getting 3-5 joint venture offers a week. Only the ones that were well put together got any attention.

[NikkiG]

Great advice so far.

Don't make a possible JV partner work to get the answers they need. Everything needs to be there, as much as possible, to answer any questions they might have.

Plus pick up the phone, or jump on Skype or whatever means you may have to get a real conversation going.

[Tom1985]

That is really good advice Nikki! Especially if you are targetting people who have large influential lists you will want to give them everything they need but also be available to answer any questions.

[Dennis Gaskill]

To answer your question without a lot of side commentary, I think it's better to send a link to the product in your first query. If the link is there, they may check out your product immediately. If they have to ask you for it, they may well pass on your offer. You want to make things as easy as possible for them - making them write back to ask for the product adds an unnecessary step for them.

[Laura B]

Thank you guys for the answers and the extra info! As long as we're at it, I have another question: If a potential JV partner does decide to promote your product, do they usually just become an affiliate of yours, or do you make specific arrangements with each one to compensate them?

[ChrisJamesG]

I've tried both and noticed that my replies nearly quadrupled when I sent more info and the review copy first.

If people get a one text email requesting a partnership they often won't bother replying - they don't want have to work to research the opportunity, it should be laid out in front of them so they can make a quick decision and get on with the tons of other emails they have.

Thank you guys for the answers and the extra info! As long as we're at it, I have another question: If a potential JV partner does decide to promote your product, do they usually just become an affiliate of yours, or do you make specific arrangements with each one to compensate them?

A lot of people will say maybe to promoting but you'll never hear from them again. In this instance it's best, IMO, to give them a few days then offer them a higher % commission than your standard affiliate program to try and entice them in.

Hope this helps,
Chris

[RentItNow]

I would think it is like writing an ad for a rental or house for sale - PUT ALL INFO IN IT. In other words, dont ever use the phrase, "Call or Email for More Information"...cause they wont! They will go onto someone else or in this case, not waste anymore of their time.

[R Hagel]

Another vote for "just send them the review copy" (so they don't have to jump through hoops).

As for this...

Originally Posted by Laura B

Thank you guys for the answers and the extra info! As long as we're at it, I have another question: If a potential JV partner does decide to promote your product, do they usually just become an affiliate of yours, or do you make specific arrangements with each one to compensate them?

That depends on how you're set up.

For example, if it's a Clickbank product, most potential partners probably already have a Clickbank ID. So you can give them the link and tell them where and how to insert their ID.

Same goes for PDC or other affiliate systems. Generally they can just sign up as an affiliate, which makes it easy for both of you.

The only thing is that if this is a partner who's getting a special commission rate, then you need to make sure you set up an account (i.e., give them an aff link) that will award them a higher commission than the regular affiliates. But again, you can just set this up directly using your existing affiliate program or software.

The reason it's nice to get partners under the same system as everyone else is because it's easier. You can keep track of everyone in one place. And your partners will have access to their tracking and payment info.

Cheers,
Becky

[RentItNow]

By the by, I never understood how someone can endorse a product they have never seen. Have this problem with clickbank products/authors (very stingy with evaluation copies).

[LaunchWorkshop]

It's like any business proposal. The onus is on you to provie all the information you can in a succinct manner so they can make an informed decision.