11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Best way to set up an affiliate program for a service...

by Megas
9 replies
Hi, I am a part time web designer and copywriter and have been looking to get more freelance work, I've been thinking about setting up an affiliate program where someone finds me contracts for a percentage of the payment or a flat fee.
Any suggestions on how to best set this up for a service as opposed to a product?

Thanks
#affiliate #program #service #set
  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    The answer depends on your response to these questions...

    Do you want to pay affiliates for repeat customers? Or only one time for the lead?

    Will you charge the same flat fee over and over again for the services? (ie press releases for $79, mini sites for $169, etc.) Or will prices be dynamic?

    If prices are dynamic and you want to offer lifetime commissions, there really isn't a way without a custom solution or paying for something like InfusionSoft.

    If prices are fixed, then you can use something like RapidActionProfits to sell your services. The affiliate cookie is stored for 365 days. Commissions are paid instantly via Paypal. The problem here is the affiliate contact info will be visible to the buyer. As a designer, that can raise confusion.

    Last recommendation is Post Affiliate Pro. Check it out.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808391].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Megas
      Originally Posted by Jesus Perez View Post

      The answer depends on your response to these questions...

      Do you want to pay affiliates for repeat customers?

      Will you charge the same flat fee over and over again for the services? (ie press releases for $79, mini sites for $169, etc.) Or will prices be dynamic?

      If prices are dynamic and you want to offer lifetime commissions, there really isn't a way without a custom solution or paying for something like InfusionSoft.
      Thanks for the suggestions, it will be fixed pricing for the most part, and I will pay per job so yes, they will be paid if they bring the customer back.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808718].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
        Originally Posted by Megas View Post

        Thanks for the suggestions, it will be fixed pricing for the most part, and I will pay per job so yes, they will be paid if they bring the customer back.
        Fixed pricing and return sales are going to make this very easy.
        You have a ton of options available. I mean a ton.

        Here's some advice that will help down the road...
        As a vendor, if you pay affiliates directly, you'll be responsible for getting 1099's on any affiliate that earns more than $600 per calendar year. If you don't want to bother with this accounting headache, then consider any Paypal Instant Commission Payment system like $7 Secrets | 7 Dollar Secrets | How I Made Over $3,000 in Only 7 days with a Simple 30-Page report., Rapid Action Profits, PaySpree.com - The Instant Commission Affiliate Marketing Network. I would throw DigiResults — Work Less, Sell More in there, too, but I'm not sure how their new system works with 1099's.

        Payspree and Digiresults will get you up and running the fastest. This is a great way to "test the waters" with no up-front money.

        RAP will require a script purchase and some help from John (aka GlobalPro) to install if you're not a techie. But it's really extendable and puts everything under your control.

        Clickbank isn't recommended in this case because they are extremely liberal with their refund policy and some buyers will purchase your services with their own affiliate link. Since you're offering services, this sucks. They get a no-questions asked refund...you lose 1 hour of work. However, it's also an option since they handle refunds and 1099s for you.

        Final important disclaimers:
        I'm not a lawyer.
        Buyer beware.
        Do your research on the WF.

        Good luck!
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808933].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author carolbacken
          Originally Posted by Jesus Perez View Post

          Fixed pricing and return sales are going to make this very easy.
          You have a ton of options available. I mean a ton.

          Here's some advice that will help down the road...
          As a vendor, if you pay affiliates directly, you'll be responsible for getting 1099's on any affiliate that earns more than $600 per calendar year. If you don't want to bother with this accounting headache, then consider any Paypal Instant Commission Payment system like $7 Secrets | 7 Dollar Secrets | How I Made Over $3,000 in Only 7 days with a Simple 30-Page report., Rapid Action Profits, PaySpree.com - The Instant Commission Affiliate Marketing Network. I would throw DigiResults -- Work Less, Sell More in there, too, but I'm not sure how their new system works with 1099's.

          Payspree and Digiresults will get you up and running the fastest. This is a great way to "test the waters" with no up-front money.

          RAP will require a script purchase and some help from John (aka GlobalPro) to install if you're not a techie. But it's really extendable and puts everything under your control.

          Clickbank isn't recommended in this case because they are extremely liberal with their refund policy and some buyers will purchase your services with their own affiliate link. Since you're offering services, this sucks. They get a no-questions asked refund...you lose 1 hour of work. However, it's also an option since they handle refunds and 1099s for you.

          Good luck!
          Thanks for this suggestion / information. I have since then learned something outta from here....
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2809089].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jewin
    Can you share some more detail. I'm not exactly clear on what your business model is. You want other people to refer clients to you? If you have a decent site setup, I would suggest using iDev Affiliate for tracking referral commissions.
    Signature
    JoshEwin.com - Marketing & Success Blog.
    Earn up to 125% Rev Share with DedicatedDollars
    Is Your Website Secure? Find Out at HostingArmor.com
    Web hosting uptime ratings & coupons
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808392].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author goodman441
    ClciBank is the best way to get an affiliate army, your product has to be good though.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808649].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Megas
      Originally Posted by goodman441 View Post

      ClciBank is the best way to get an affiliate army, your product has to be good though.
      It's not a product, it's a service though.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2808706].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author takeiteasy
    really any AM you sign up and get approved for will give you the ability to do so...how you manage your army is really up to you...all that any affiliate manager cares about is the conversions and that the quality of the traffic is good...get those 2 in the bag and any affiliate marketing network will be content with your efforts.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2809151].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author digitalguy
      Hello everybody,

      There are some affiliates where you can setup your affiliate program for the services.

      Vcommission
      Rocket CPA
      Click bank

      These all are really helpful for the affiliate programming.

      Thanks.....
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2809216].message }}

Trending Topics