In the world of affiliate marketing, it's easy to focus on the super affiliates, the powerhouses driving the majority of sales, leads, and clicks. However, this doesn't mean that other affiliates should be overlooked. Many affiliate managers neglect the majority of their affiliates due to time constraints. This article will explore strategies for effective time management, ensuring the longevity of an affiliate program.
Super affiliates are a finite group. While it's crucial to maintain communication with them, it's equally important to allocate time for other affiliates. These include the Up-and-Comers, targeted sites that generate multiple checks each year, and the Onesies, low traffic and low revenue sites that earn one check per year. Avoid the Untouchables, sites with no focus, content, or traffic.
Time constraints often lead to a focus on super affiliates. However, creating shortcuts can help service all affiliates without neglecting the top performers. One strategy is to compile canned answers to frequently asked questions. This not only saves time but also ensures consistent and accurate information.
Many questions from affiliates could be answered by a comprehensive FAQ document. However, not everyone reads them. To address this, email the FAQ to your affiliates two to four times per year. This proactive approach can reduce the need for affiliates to contact you directly.
Providing educational resources, such as e-books and tutorials, can further reduce the need for direct contact. Resources like "Affiliate Marketing 101" by Wayne and Kim Porter can provide a basic education for new affiliates. Another useful resource is "Search Engine School", an e-book designed to help affiliates achieve better placement in search engines.
In conclusion, it's crucial not to disregard any affiliates. By managing your time effectively and providing resources, you can maintain a successful affiliate program. As Francis Bacon once said, "knowledge itself is power."
