Offline affiliate programs that will work for print publications

5 replies
What major affiliate programs are constructed so that they will also work offline, specifically in a print publication?



Background:
I am about to do a print publication that is a crossover between online and print (multiple crossreferences in the print material).

I will produce some ads in this publication myself, similar to the online affiliate system.

The problem with print is that there is no way to track a click or a sale with traditional link or cookie.

One system that will work is with codes or cupons.

For example iHerb com has a system where all new users get USD 5 credit by entering the affiliate code of the referer. The custumer therefore has a strong incentive to enter the affiliate code that will be tracking.
This way I can make an ad in the publication myself and print my iHerb code for readers/customers to use. This can for example be done as a coupon.

An ad for a custom Amazon store, go to... "astore" astore amazon com will also work, but not quite as well as iHerb (as there is no incentive as such to enter the code).

We need more creative ideas.
I am also pretty sure this is a field where there are opportunities (I have searched for solutions but not found much.)

Is there a general name for such programs as iHerb? Where the customer gets something for entering a cupon code with affiliate tracking?

Thanks
#affiliate #offline #print #programs #publications #work
  • Profile picture of the author myob
    Maybe I'm missing something here, but I've never used anything such as iHerb, although coupon codes or other incentivized offers can be very effective. Actually just about any affiliate program can be promoted in niche-specific offline print publications, since most offline publications now have online components. It's as simple as driving traffic to a landing page for preselling and/or an incentivized optin to an autoresponder promotion sequence. This method is being used quite successfully for Clickbank, Amazon, CJ, and perhaps dozens of other affiliate programs. There is actually very little principle difference in offline marketing, and those who are ignoring this traffic source are leaving a whole lot of money on the table.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      Maybe I'm missing something here, but I've never used anything such as iHerb
      That's what he says in public, anyway.

      Between you and me, I heard they smoke all sorts of stuff, over in California ...
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        ... I heard they smoke all sorts of stuff, over in California ...
        Adding a bit of iHerb in the mix for my marketing homies could take our "joint ventures" to new highs.
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  • I think the better type of offer, good for a paper publication, is one offering a free thing or a coupon to reduce the price.

    For example if you offer a hosting coupon on a web editor's magazine, this will rock.
    Or again, if you are able to offer a free dentis visit on a health magazine, this works the same.

    You need to give value to your readers.
    That's all!

    See you soon,
    Alessandro Zamboni
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  • Profile picture of the author sokapo
    I would do the same with my code Health Designs
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