This article is SAGE and worth the read. In fact, we independently recorded a podcast on this topic several weeks ago. Great minds. Couple main points here:
1. Apply the same affinity-building logic that you do with your prospective and current customers to your PARTNERS. Appealing to emotions and shared values as a brand is a very strong drive for affiliates to work with you, too. A good affiliate manager uses this strategy in THEIR businesses when assessing what brands to get behind and promote, so you should take the same care and effort to appeal to THEM. Build that genuine connection!
2. “Don’t just market your offers, build affinity around your affiliate program brand.” To piggyback on the above – this means finding an actual, strategic fit and personalizing your program communications – not just taking a cookie-cutter approach with your partners. Assess your product offerings in terms of integrity, quality and value – then focus on building RAPPORT from the get-go, removing logistical OBSTACLES from onboarding as a partner, being TRANSPARENT and MANAGING EXPECTATIONS, and being CONSISTENT with payouts.
So, quit with the BS. Construct a meaningful and authentic voice and your affinity marketing will, in turn, attract and convert like-minded and passionate affiliate partners.
To find out more click here to visit Forbes.com
Image Credit: Getty