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Seeking Advice For Setting Up an Affiliate Program on One of My Websites

by markament
8 replies
I have a question for those of you who operate an affiliate program.

I have one site that sells some specific natural health products. Because of my affiliation with the source of the products, I'm able to offer the best prices around, which certainly helps sales.

I'm currently researching how to set up an affiliate program for my site and am looking for feedback from warriors who've done similar things.

Here are the options I've uncovered so far:

  1. My product is not digital so I can't use Clickbank.
  2. I've looked at "Share-A-Sale" but the cost seems very high
  3. I've considered "Commission Junction"
  4. My site is built on WordPress and there is a nice affiliate managing software program available for just $50. The advantage of this approach is that I won't have to pay a monthly fee to a program like Commission Junction or ShareASale. The disadvantage is that I need to find affiliates on my own.

I'm wondering what you guys can share in this regard. Does an affiliate network make a big enough difference to be worthwhile, or am I better managing my own program?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences.

Mark
#advice #affiliate #affiliate programs #program #seeking #setting #websites #which affiliate program
  • Profile picture of the author LMC
    Mark,

    Well, one barrier for you in getting into CJ would be that your not making already $10,000/M from your online business.

    Each network has requirements it's not just about the fees, but if you can get in, yes it will bring a good amount of business as long as your site is converting and your program is respectable.

    What is your product?
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    • Profile picture of the author Perihelion
      It's a pity more people didn't drop some answers to this question, I'm facing the same dilemma. I was eager to get an affiliate marketing program up and running but after calling and emailing several services I'm seeing there is a stark barrier to entry for new or small businesses not already making a good deal of money. If I was already making a good deal of money, then why would I need an affiliate network:confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author markament
        I actually ended up going with WP-Affiliate-Program from Tips and Tricks HQ. I use Wordpress for my site and this is a plugin that is very easy to use and friendly.

        I've gotten it set up and am in the testing phase now. Looks to be very robust.

        Hosting my own affiliate program means more work in recruiting and paying affiliates, but in the long run I think it will turn out better especially since I have such a nichey product for sale.

        You can find the above mentioned affiliate platform plugin just by searching Tips and Tricks Affiliate Program.
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        http://www.raworganicmaca.info
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        • Profile picture of the author Perihelion
          Thanks Mark. Do you have any ideas about how or where you will promote your affiliate program?

          Originally Posted by markament View Post

          I actually ended up going with WP-Affiliate-Program from Tips and Tricks HQ. I use Wordpress for my site and this is a plugin that is very easy to use and friendly.

          I've gotten it set up and am in the testing phase now. Looks to be very robust.

          Hosting my own affiliate program means more work in recruiting and paying affiliates, but in the long run I think it will turn out better especially since I have such a nichey product for sale.

          You can find the above mentioned affiliate platform plugin just by searching Tips and Tricks Affiliate Program.
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          • Profile picture of the author markament
            Sure,

            Here's my list

            1. Already have 5 or so people who have contacted me over the past year. Will start with them.

            2. People in my niche and related niches with newsletters, ezines, websites are next. I have been compiling a list of them over the past months.

            3. Listing on affiliate program directories (don't expect much from this, but maybe).

            4. Contacting practitioners who would recommend my product (it's a health food).

            5. Looking for JVs on Warrior Forum and other IM forums in my niche.

            That's what I've got so far.
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            http://www.raworganicmaca.info
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  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    If you want to host your own program you can try www.getdpd.com they will run it all and you don't have to install anything...
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  • Profile picture of the author Zaney
    Try using e-junkie. I personally use them to pay my affiliates.
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    • Profile picture of the author Perihelion
      Zaney, do you know if you can you use e-junkie just to host your affiliate program if you are using a different solution for your shopping cart?
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