Where to go and where to start?

[Snoopy_inc]

Hi
I am struggling atm with feet to my forum... i am reading SEO books and dealing with some of you guys here but i really need to find out if there is a decent affiliate program out there?

I know of a site called TAZ that has a internal structure... you have to post 10 good posts and they will include you in the listings.

Maybe we should start one here?

Let me know your thoughts and ideas plz.

[daniel]

Hey there

It all depends on the location of your potential customers and what you will offer your affiliates.

A good idea would be to talk to Shelly at traffic synergy (http://www.trafficsynergy.co.za)

Daniel

[Snoopy_inc]

Interesting link Daniel.. Thanks for it ill look into that... i find this affiliate thing to be a burdon to say the least. I personally run wellinformed.co.za out of my own pocket.... dont make anything from it and do it for a greater good. So when i see the affiliate linking costs money it makes me sad to say the least.

I would like to introduce you guys to my idea on this and see what you think.
I am developing a solution that will allow interlinking of forums and migration to each forum a breeze. The user wont even notice the change over and the other forum will allow him to post without any issues. This will not interfer with google reproci links algo etc. Its going to be script based and work with various models ie : SMF , VB, Phpbb2 etc.

What you guys think of something like that?

If not i have another idea... same kind of thing that TAZ uses...
They have a group and what you do is post 10 valid posts on a persons forum and that forum in turn posts on yours and so it forms traffic and people get interested etc. They in turn build a group that helps and when needed can be called upon to help out.

I think this could work VERY well for DM since its in its field and with this could come the backlinks ;)

[Glen]

your idea sounds a bit like zoints?

[Snoopy_inc]

hrm... not really it wont have tags for threads and such. Not using a cloud formation which cant be controlled... the people that are part of the NFSA would be like a commity.

[Chatmaster]

In terms of joining an affiliate program. Most affiliate programs charge money upfront in order to distribute or promote you. I do not know or understand exactly your business model but perhaps rather look at a Viral marketing campaign to get some feet to your forum. Something that will get people to buzz about it. This has worked for several forums. I would also suggest that you get a few mods there to help you out with posts. A forum is a tough one and alot of hard work.

[Snoopy_inc]

I see.... Getting mods isnt easy. No one really wants to help out or possibly i havent approched the right people yet.

What you mean by a viral marketing campaign? Give me an example so i can grasp what you are talking about.

Thanks

[Snoopy_inc]

What about the other idea i put down? With regards to post help.... thought it would work well for DM? Anyones thoughts on that?

[Gavin Levin]

Hi Snoopy_inc
Why not become an affiliate(Its FREE|) and make some money off the traffic you do have?

[Snoopy_inc]

How is it free.... Shelly affiliate program charges?

Explain how this would work... im kinda new to this concept.
What are the reprocussions of joining... what would i have to do? what does one have to give in return for a so called "FREE" join.

There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Thanks

[Gavin Levin]

I think you are confusing being an affiliate and a merchant:

As a merchant , yes, there are costs ,those are based on your campaign. The budget (or quick start solution) is adrands.co.za

To become an affiliate is FREE to join and there are never any charges, EVER!

As an affiliate you can run campaigns on your site or through PPC ,email etc. and make money from your traffic when your visitors click or purchase through your affiliate links.
You are under no obligation to run the campaigns and can swop, change or even stop whenever you want. As long as you stick within the rules of the campaign (example PPC rules) and network rules( no adult sites etc.) you will be fine.

So maybe "There is no such thing as a free lunch", but in this case a fully paid-for buffet :-P

I hope this sorts out the confusion.

[Snoopy_inc]

Not really... its only spikes my curiosity.

What exactly are the rules of the campaign... and what would one have to stick to with regards to rules?

Is one subjected to only staying with your affiliate program for instance?

I appriciate the full explaination as im interested in joining something like this.

[Gavin Levin]

Hi Snoopy_inc
As said before when you sign up you agree to the terms of being an affiliate within the system and thereby showing respect to the merchants agree to not placing their banners on adult, racist , violent sites ,click fraud etc.

Most campaigns are very open, but for example some may have PPC rules of not being allowed to bid on a brand name or use their site as the display_url. All these would be clearly marked on the campaign when you pick up the code for it.

We do not set any restrictions on who or what other affiliate programs you join.

Sign up and join the thousands of South Africans making money from affiliate marketing. No obligations...

[Snoopy_inc]

Thanks ,

I will look into it... im assuming its the link in your signature.

[Gavin Levin]

Yes, just hit the Join Now button under the affiliates section, fill in your details and you will be emailed when you have been approved.
Looking forward to having as part of TrafficSynergy Affiliate Network.

[Chatmaster]

I have the urge to just join in on this discussion. In the past 4 years I have helped many affiliates making good money online. An affiliate program can earn you serious money if you understand the concept and get into the right products. I prefer supporting affiliate programs with lifetime earnings models and not just earning per single referral. Another very good earner is a model where you get paid per click.

An affiliate program can at the very least give you additional income from your website and at least carry the operating costs for you. I honestly can't understand why more webmasters doesn't make use of them.

Gavin, just a question in terms of your website. Do you offer any kind of information or detail with regards to the earnings model? It is all well and good to know about CPC, CPL and CPS, but what about the actual value paid in percentage, so that we can make some projections for ourselves? Also I would like to know which of your advertisers pays the best commissions or referral fees.

[Snoopy_inc]

Thanks Chatmaster, I was wondering the same thing :)

[Marc]

Hi Guys,

I can vouch for Traffic Synergy, they do a good job and run some decent campaigns.

We are presently registered as a publisher, we plan to get an advertiser campaign going in the near future.

Gavin, on that note, please have someone contact me regarding a CPA/Lead campaign.