Geof

No affiliate system is perfect and usually affiliate managers work hard to improve its functionality. But it seems many affiliates disregard what they have at hand. It's probably because they have to deal with many different systems and i understand it can be a hassle. But i thought i would share here a couple of tips which would work on most programs.

1. Use the hosted creative gallery if you can.
The affiliate program will update the banner for you on your site to ensure the most accurate message is displayed. In some cases rotating banners programmed to display such or such banner depending on your visitor's behavior will boost conversion rates. But use it if you're confident that the hosted gallery is reliable (no downtime, ...)

2. Login into your affiliate account regularly.
And look for promotional texts. They might be hidden in some programs but usually they would give you valuable information about the hot stuff to promote.
Usually you would also find there the latest news from the program, ie. newsletters, etc...

3. Use the right tracking URLs.
It seems to be a no-brainer but a tracking URL landing on the sportsbook page will not convert as much if your site is poker oriented. So test the tracking URLs, check where they land and use the best one for your content. If the systems propose deeplinking use it!! Imagine your content is dedicated to poker tournaments; sending your traffic to the tournament schedule page of the room will convert better.

4. Use different trackers for your different campaigns.
Campaigns can be a newsletter to your members, a specific banner placement, a particular editorial, your different URLs... This concept of campaigns is infinite, just be creative. Ask your AM to give you more if you used all the default ones allocated to you. In some cases you can create them at will.

5. Analyze your stats.
They can tell you much about what converts and what not. And as per point 4. you used different trackers for your different campaigns you can fine tune your strategy by analyzing what works or not. Ask your AM if she/he believes a specific tactic would work or not!

6. Update your details.
Enter or update correct contact details so your affiliate manager can get in touch easily with you. The more info you give to your affiliate manager the better she/he can support you. Don't hesitate to tell your AMs what you currently work on and what are your goals.

7. Be nice to your affiliate manager.
Yes, we are human beings but work all the time with the system itself. Naturally you'll get better support when relations are good

Which innovations would you like to see in affiliate systems?