Those actually selling goods (virtual or otherwise) on the Internet are
finding that launching an affiliate program is an inexpensive, effective way of
generating sales and acquiring more Web traffic. While there are hundreds of
affiliate networks that merchants and vendors can employ to recruit affiliates
willing to sell or resell product, the other option is to go it alone, creating
and managing an affiliate or partner program without the assistance, guidance
and support of these networks. The downside to using an affiliate network is
that it can be expensive to get started and you may just end up paying a share
to the network. If the cost is too prohibitive, there are several affiliate
program software solutions worth looking into.
Post Affiliate Pro
is one such offering. For $149 (actually the cost is $99 for a limited time),
you'll receive a fully customizable affiliate software solution that will help
to get an affiliate program up and running in minutes. The software is
compatible with nearly all merchant accounts payment gateways, shopping cars and
membership systems and the feature list is enough to convince even the most
critical merchants. Some of what stood out the most for me were the ability to
support unlimited affiliates, ability to offer multiple commission types, refund
and chargeback management, a rich communication platform and quite extensive
flash reporting.
I'm interested in learning whether the merchant-readers of this blog utilize
affiliate programs and what software (proprietary or otherwise) is being used.
Login or register now and share your comment!
Related reading on affiliate programs from Website Magazine:
affiliates
affiliate program
affiliate marketing
affiliate software
affiliate program software