Affiliate Application Best Practices

[BozakAxel]

Question for my Fellow AM's and Marketers:


AM's:
What do you think are the best ways to verify a new publisher applying to your network? Copy of license? Skype conversation? First born child? haha


Marketers:
What do you expect to have to offer? What do you think is fair to be required for application?

 

[Jay Wessman]

As a marketer I fully expect to have to answer a few questions when applying to a network. Things like an example website, contact details (name, email, address etc) and questions like "What Types of Traffic Do You Run?".

Most other affiliates that I talk to seem to feel similarly and are happy to answer these questions. They understand the need for a screening process and know the nature of the industry and that networks have to somehow weed out scammers and fraudsters.

I actually get a better first impression if a network asks these types of things as it shows professionalism and that they're serious. In the past I've joined networks that accepted pretty much anyone without any questions at all and have paid for that "convenience" down the track when the they've screwed me over by not paying me just generally acting shady. Some have just closed shop without a word and run with everyones money.

That being said though if a network is asking for a life story I'll just pass unless they have an offer that I REALLY want to promote. I get pretty put off by things like having to do a phone call (especially because I'm in Australia and the time zones are never really compatiable) or having to go and scan a drivers licence. Yes these things are not that hard but I unless I really want to join I just wont bother.

 

[PeterOBN]

Skype and phone conversations are rather unnecessary lately, since almost everyone can "ask a friend" from the US to talk for them or simply pay someone for that "service" (which btw makes a really BAD impression down the road and is ALWAYS noticed)

That being said, I'd suggest you just verify if what the pubs have filled in their application is the truth, like if they say they're in the business and they've promoted with Network1 and Network2 via Display for 2 yrs now, where are their banners then? If they say they've promoted email only and Financial offers only then why are they jumping on all of the offers that allow Display, PPC and Search only?

I'm noticing a bunch of networks are missing detailed descriptions on their offers, but damn - that doesn't mean a publisher shouldn't check first. It's a guarantee for both ends the pub will be able to keep the offer if they promote it the right way and for the network that the publisher has some brain..

There are plenty of methods, tools and gadgets to check your pubs - personally I've designed a bunch of scripts of my own to verify all that I need

And once again - honesty is key. Don't lie to the AM/publisher and you should be fine.

 

[CPAInfinitySteve]

We do a phone call, as well as ask certain questions that only the applicant would know.

Skype conversation + phone call pretty much.

 

[blackbarbie]

AM's:
What do you think are the best ways to verify a new publisher applying to your network? Copy of license? Skype conversation? First born child? haha

We ask questions about which traffic sources you run and the types of offers you promote. Then, the best way to verify a publisher is through referral, preferably a traffic source or a credible person in the Industry.

And once again - honesty is key.

I definitely agree. For example, if you've said you've used Facebook or POF to run dating offers, then you should have no problem getting a representative to vouch for you. All we ask is that they email me or another AM.

And, in addition to your first born child, we're also going to need an arm and a leg, your mother's maiden name and social security number ;p

 

[Emvee]

All applicants should be tested for their knowledge of how to promote offers. As an affiliate I would look for a variety of offers, the payouts for offers and the payment reputation as the primary factors to be considered while joining a network.