There are many forum posts and affiliate bloggers who are quick to point out when a merchant, network or agency are doing something wrong or not playing by the rules. I wanted to try and readdress the balance a little and share with you what I think affiliates are doing wrong and how I think they could help themselves.

Be a bit more open.

That’s it really, not a revolutionary concept by any means but something I feel affiliates need to understand and embrace. An agency or network is here to help grow their client’s affiliate programmes and for that we need affiliates. We are not here to make life difficult or hard for affiliates, the complete opposite, we are here to help and ensure you are getting everything you need. In order for an agency or network to do this properly we need to understand your business model and ascertain where your sales and traffic are coming from. We can then work with you to optimise your campaigns ensuring better results for everyone involved.

For this to happen successfully affiliates need to meet us, speak to us and general work closer and be open and honest with the agency or network involved. It’s not good enough for an affiliate to say they don’t know where their sales are coming from for a merchant. Regardless of whether or not you own 2 or 2000 sites merchants have a right to know where their brand is being represented online.

The affiliates who seem to receive all the exclusive deals, promotions and extra commissions are the affiliates that understand the importance of transparency. In any business being open and honest is the only way to ensure a log last business relationship for all parties.