When I choose a program I do it based on a review of the site, check that it has a good reputation, and is suitable for a section of my sites visitor base.
Then what I REALLY want from an affiliate program is performance :
– Good conversions,
– Good retention,
– Minimal fraud charges.
– Reliable and regular payout procedures.
This will be a blow to the egos of many affiliate managers … but I don’t really care about the person or “personality” running the brand.
My decisions on whether to continue with a brand are a fairly hard-nosed look at the bottom line numbers – and whether I like, dislike, or can even identify the affiliate manager doesn’t come into it.
A good responsive affiliate manager may be able to help me maximise the brand (and boost revenue for that program) but that has already been accounted for in the cold hard focus on the cash.
A friendly email, or chat is nice, but does not pay the bills or the wages.
Show me the money people.
:hattip:
—-
So in answer to Yvette’s question.
My dream affiliate program belongs to a good reliable site that has a good affiliate front end so that we can do a lot of self-service for banners and promotions.
It provides a steady income stream and is organised enough so that I don’t have to be wasting time chasing up payments, or failing banners, or clickthru errors.
A monthly email informing us of any upcoming changes to the program is also nice.
All the rest – affiliate freerolls or freebies – the affiliate competitions and promotions – don’t register as useful. I’d rather the programs concentrated on getting the basics right.