There are four steps involved in launching an affiliate program.  They are: (a) evaluating potential affiliate networks and tracking platforms, (b) implementing and testing the tracking code, (c) developing your creative inventory, and (d) promoting your newly launched program.  I’ll review the first two steps in this article.  As a merchant launching a new affiliate program, you should be able to complete these two steps in a month or so.

That will leave the final two steps, which I will cover in next month’s installment.

Evaluating Potential Affiliate Tracking Solutions

There are two types of affiliate tracking solutions: affiliate networks and independent tracking platforms.  Both track the essentials: impressions, clicks, conversions, and sales amount.  The main difference is that affiliate networks have an established base of affiliates that you can immediately recruit from.  This is helpful for small-to-medium sized retailers and new companies, because it gives them an immediate recruiting channel.  One strategic decision is understand if your competitors run their affiliate programs on that platform.  If they do, and their programs are successful, this would be evidence that affiliates on that platform are relevant to your own efforts.  Leading affiliate networks include AvantLink, Commission Junction, Google Affiliate Network, LinkShare, and ShareASale. – href="http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/3825-Launching-a-New-Affiliate-Marketing-Program-Part-1-Tracking-Platforms">Launching a New Affiliate Marketing Program, Part 1: Tracking Platforms by Carolyn Kmet

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