The Affiliate Summit, the single largest affiliate focused conference in the US, is the leading global source of learning and networking opportunities surrounding the affiliate marketing industry. The first of two Affiliate Summits to be held this year was in Las Vegas on January 21- 23.
NETexponent had 6 members of the team in attendance including Chris Kramer, who was recently appointed to the Affiliate Summit’s Board of Directors. While at the summit the team focused on getting RON for each of NETexponent’s clients. Helping with RON were three highlights for both NETexponent and the Affiliates Summit and included a standing room only speech by NETexponent’s CEO Peter Figueredo, the NETexponent booth, and a Vendor Showcase.
Summit Highlight #1 – Top Affiliate Recruiting Tips
Peter’s 3 P’s to Recruiting Speech
Speakers at the Affiliate Summit are given an exclusive platform to give presentations that are specifically directed to educate and inform attendees about online marketing issues directly relevant to affiliate marketers. NETexponent was honored to have super affiliates invite Peter to join the Affiliate Summit Speaking Panel. This standing room only session was a noted highlight at the summit as Peter described 3 factors that affiliates consider when choosing an affiliate program to join.
3P’s – Peter Figueredo’s key factors affiliates look for in a desirable affiliate program:
- People
Who is recruiting for your company and are there reliable, friendly, trustworthy, helpful, familiar, etc
- Paper
What does your program look like on paper and how does it compare to other programs with metrics like EPC, commissions, return days, search restrictions, etc
- Potential
How much money can your program earn affiliates based on assumed metrics and past experience.
- People:
When an Affiliate is considering an affiliate program, who do they come in contact with when they sign-up? When they have a question or concern? Or situation that needs resolved ASAP? The answer to these questions can be a deciding factor for some affiliates when electing which program to join.
Knowledgeable: Affiliates need to be assured their working with somebody who knows what their doing. Whether the issue is tech support or commission discrepancies, affiliates want to be able to speak with someone who’s in the know and can resolve such matters.
Reliable: Affiliates work in an industry that can change overnight, so when they have an issue they need it resolved yesterday. Having a support team that is reliable and prompt is essential for an efficient program.
Trustworthy: Great relationships don’t happen overnight, but there are reliable agencies out there (NETexponent), that can assure affiliates they will receive the assistance they need when they need it.
- Paper: Perhaps the most influential factor for a majority of affiliates when selecting which program to collaborate with, comparing these vital components allows affiliates to determine which program will be profitable for them.
EPC: Probably the most important ratio to an affiliate, Earnings Per Click will tell an affiliate exactly how much their earning for each visitor they send to a merchant. General Rule: The higher the EPC, the more attractive the program is to an affiliate
Commissions: Obviously commissions are important to affiliates, but so is the time and effort it takes to generate. Which is why even though a high commission initially looks attractive, the EPC reveals more about the true profitability of an affiliate program. General Rule: The higher the commission, the more attractive the program is to the affiliate (go figure).
Return Days: This is the number of days an affiliate can earn commission on a conversion (sale or lead) by a referred visitor. General Rule: The longer an affiliate can earn a commission on a conversion, the more attractive the program is to an affiliate.
Search Restrictions: Guidelines, such as No Trademark Bidding, can restrict affiliates into what they can and can’t do within an individual program. Not typically as important as say a high EPC, some affiliates however will choose not to work with programs that have certain restrictions. General Rule: The lesser amount of restrictions, the more attractive the program is to an affiliate.
- Potential: Finally, both merchants and affiliates want to grow and be profitable. Affiliates look at programs that show consistency in results and the potential to grow. Growth is good, but so consistency and the rate. An affiliate program’s history will reveal to affiliates how volatile the program can be, what level of volume a merchant is dealing with, and the overall liquidity of the program (how easy it is to sell). Another way for affiliates to determine if a program is continually growing is to follow a 30 Day EPC trend. General Rule: The direction the 30 Day EPC moves, the program also is moving in the same direction (ex. EPC rises from month to month, program is progressing positively).
A single attribute can sway an affiliate either way, but ideally affiliates and merchants alike, are looking to balance these 3 P’s for the most efficient and profitable program possible.
Summit Highlight #2 - NETexponent Booth
Located on ‘prime real estate’ at the summit, the NETexponent Booth was ground zero for networking. Set in the exhibit hall at Bally’s Hotel, the booth represented all of NETexponent’s clients while being managed by Netexponent team members. Highlights of the booth included business cards that detailed essential information about each of NETexponent’s clients affiliate program, a free iPod laser pointer, and a raffle for a chance to win a FREE NINTENDO Wii. The NETexponent team (armed with these goodies), were successful in connecting with over 1600 of the 2000+ in attendance, 500 of which were publishers.
NETexponent Booth at the Affiliate Summit
NETexponent team members Erica Myones and Brad Rosenhouse take a moment to pose in front of the NETexponent Affiliate Summit Booth.
Winner of the NETexponent Booth Grand Prize: Nintendo Wii
Congratulations to Mike Allen of Shopping Bargains, who won the hard to obtain Nintendo Wii out of the 1200 attendees who submitted to win the much coveted prize.
Summit Highlight #3 - Vendor Showcase
Adjacent from all the hustle and bustle of the exhibit hall, was the vendor showcase. This quieter more intimate one-on-one setting provided a more conducive environment for Publishers to meet with NETexponent and discover the finer details of our client’s affiliate programs.
NETexponent’s Vendor Showcase
NETexponent’s Media Manager Chris Mahoney working behind the vendor showcase, located adjacent to the main Summit Hall, the Vendor Showcase was set-up to provide a more personal atmosphere.
Affiliate Summit 2007 Conclusion: The summit was a success in connecting NETexponent with over 1100 contacts and 500 Publishers. We look forward to these new and strengthened relationships as we continue to move forward in our constant pursuit to improve the Programs of all of our clients.
