Affiliate Marketing – is it still a dirty word?
Our Client Director Matt Bailey was recently involved in a Podcast interview, conducted by Fraser Edwards of www.affiliateblog.co.uk fame. The discussion revolved around several of the major concerns that affiliates have with networks and vice versa the concerns that networks and merchants have with affiliates.
Affiliate marketing has had its ups and downs over the years and unfortunately there still seems to be a negative perception of the market in some quarters. The primary areas of concern appear to be activity that goes on from unethical affiliate activity to the lack of transparency from networks which affects the trust between affiliate and network / merchant / agency.
Here at dgm we see 2008 as being the year when affiliate marketing will mature further and become increasingly professional. The consolidation that is going on within the industry at present means that networks are going to come under increased scrutiny and affiliate marketing will become taken more seriously in the overall online marketing community. At dgm, we are committed to doing whatever we can to work towards improving the reputation of the industry. The IAB Affiliate Marketing Council is already making great strides to get the key stakeholders together and address the issues we are currently facing in the industry. But what can we do as a network to be more transparent?
We appreciate that there are things that we can do to make things clearer. There is a requirement from networks to ensure that terms and conditions are crystal clear so that all parties know exactly where they stand with relation to what is permissible and what they are not allowed to do. Then if affiliates are aware what is ethical and what is not, then some of the unethical behaviour we have seen previously should be outlawed.
Unethical affiliate activity has been an issue in affiliate marketing ever since its conception. Why is this? The majority of affiliates in the industry are hard working, honest and ethical but there is a minority that do flirt with the darker side of the industry, and in many cases consistently breach the rules or not adhering to what most of us would deem as ethical practice.
So what is ethical and what is not? It is easy to spot the very “black” practices such as black hat SEO and use of spyware but it is much harder to spot and address the “grey” areas such as the use of approved adware and breach of brand bidding terms.
At dgm, we have a newly formed affiliate management team and one of their many roles is to monitor and investigate any possible unethical activity. We have a black list of affiliates that have been removed from the network and also a grey list of affiliates who are being monitored or investigated. The next conversation to have on this is whether this should be something that is shared with the rest of the industry, most significantly perhaps, other networks?
When we speak to affiliates their frustration is always that they see unethical behaviour from affiliates continuing without any intervention from the network, so they see them benefiting financially from this behaviour. Their response is always that if it is not cracked down on then why shouldn’t everyone do it?
In defence of ourselves and other networks, it is extremely difficult to firstly identify any unethical activity (remember we have thousands of affiliates and hundreds of clients!). We often rely on other affiliates spotting any suspicious activity. But then the next step is gathering the evidence to make sure we are correct in any accusations that are made. This is why it can take time to resolve or be left unidentified. However, we know there is much improvement to be made and at dgm this is a key focus for us in 2008.
Negative publicity is detrimental to everyone involved in affiliate marketing and all stakeholders need to all work together to improve the image. We will never be rid of all unethical activity and once we think we are on top of it a new way to beat the system will arise, unfortunately we will always be playing catch up but there is definite room for improvement and a chance to clean up the image of affiliate marketing. We appreciate any feedback, comments or ideas you have on this subject. So please feel free to contact Matt or Helen.
Click here to listen to the Podcast
News
Bumpto3
The bumpto3 programme now has a product feed available. Perfect for any retail sites aimed at this sector.
The feed:
There are 330 products available in the feed and dgmAffiliates now have a tool which will allow you to pull products by product/product type so that you can pull relevant sections of the feed.
For example:
If you were particularly interested in promoting bumpto3’s Grobag products:
All you would need to do is log into dgmPro.
Click on the datafeeds tab at the top. Tick the bumpto3 feed box and search for in “grobag” in the searchbox. This will bring up all products with the term “grobag” in the product description. You can then download all details for these products inc’ image url’s, product name, description, and your individual click through url in either CSV or XML formats.
Couple of important stats:
EPC on the programme for Feb = £0.27
Validation = 100%
If you would like more information on the product feed or the programme in general please feel free to contact me Kevin Sutton
Pipex Affiliate Program Closure: 31st March 2008
I would like to thank you for your contribution to the Pipex affiliate program and efforts leading to the successes of Pipex over the past few years.
As you may be aware, Pipex Broadband is now part of the Tiscali Group, following the sale of the business in July 2007. Tiscali is currently realigning its business and as part of this rationalisation will no longer be actively seeking residential customers under the Pipex brand.
This means that the Pipex affiliate program will be closing on the 31st March 2008. Following closure, any cookie sales will be honoured for the full 30 day cookie period up until 30th April. Please note that no single session sales will be paid for during the period 31st March to 29th April and so affiliates are advised to remove all links on 31st March.
Alamo
Introducing a New Affiliate Manager- Nina Stemson
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as your new Affiliate Manager for Alamo.co.uk. I have been involved in affiliate marketing for over 2 years now, mainly working on campaigns in the travel and finance industries. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you and working with you on the Alamo program.
There is much that can be done to improve the program and this will be one of my key objectives over the coming months. Your feedback is valuable and welcome at any time - please feel free to contact me directly or through dgm if you would prefer. Equally please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or require further information on our program.
I would like to share the following important news with you and will keep you updated as I make further changes to the program:
Site Improvements
We have made improvements to our reservations engine and our new site went live last week. This means the rate inclusions are much clearer as are the additional items and the costs associated with each. We have also added the approximate cost in GBP to all pay locally rates as these are shown in the local currency. These changes will make the booking process easier for the customer and we hope to see more online bookings and a higher conversion rate as a result.
New Alamo Locations
We are pleased to announce the opening of the following UK locations, all available now to book online, with great rates from just £16 per day and £112 per week:
Bolton Bradford
Grimsby
Middlesboro
Oldham
Stockport
Basildon
Bracknell
Guildford
Harlington
Harlow
Birmingham, north, south, west
Maidstone
High Wycombe
We have also opened a new location in Arkansas, USA at Fort Smith Airport, bookable online now from just £17.74 per day and £124.17 per week.
(The rates quoted are correct as at 4th March 2008 and are based on an economy car)
Exciting new promotions
There will be some new promotions over the coming weeks so keep your eyes peeled for these.
Nina Stemson
Internet Marketing Executive
Alamo Rent A Car
tel +44 (0) 1162 173858
fax +44 (0) 01273 739390
email: stemsonn@goalamo.com
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New Campaigns
More Chances to Win
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new competition & prize website, More Chances to Win.
MoreChancestoWin (MC2W) is one of the UK’s leading competition & prize websites, with dozens of prizes & rewards to give to its members absolutely free!
MoreChancestoWin is a great earner as every new full member you send over we will pay you 70p. For affiliates that perform well there is a tiered commission structure that offers additional revenue. Registration is short, simple and free; with numerous competitions to attract all areas of interest.
New competitions are uploaded monthly, so content will be kept fresh along with prizes for every individual taste. Each competition is categorised to ensure that when the creative and prize changes each month, it is still relevant to your target audience.
We have produced a great range of creative for each competition and will be updating this frequently to keep prizes and interest fresh.
Current competition themes we have available:
- Nintendo Wii
- iPod Touch
- Mini Cooper
- £1000 Cash!
The tiered commission structure is as follows:
- 0+ : £0.70p
- 100+ : £0.80p
- 250+ : £0.90p
If you would like further information then please contact dgm Account Manager Michelle Birkett or Nikul Patel at DLG.
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William Hill Bingo
We are delighted to announce that William Hill Bingo has launched on the network.
Affiliate Rewards
For each referral who goes on to stake over £20 in the William Hill Bingo room, a reward of £25 will be given to the referee.
And with online Bingo a fast expanding market, astute affiliates can maximise the potential of a rapidly growing segment in online gaming.
About William Hill Bingo
The William Hill Bingo room was launched in January 2007, and now offers three bespoke Bingo rooms on the non-download platform.
In addition to a market leading Bingo product, William Hill offers a selection of supporting amusements in an ever-expanding mini-games portfolio.
12 mini-games are currently offered, including 10p Roulette, the jackpot slot Clover Rollover and the distinctive Crystal Balls, which takes bets on the next Bingo game.
On top of this, the fun atmosphere of the room combined with the friendly chat, means players keep coming back - which can only be a positive for your profits…
What Next?
It’s simple - visit DGM to register for the affiliate programme and pick up a range of supporting creative.
The creative will be developed and added to over the coming weeks, so keep a check on for updated banners to keep your site fresh - and your revenue maximised.
The William Hill Bingo campaign cross tracks with the sportsbook campaign that is also available through dgmAffiliates.
For more information on this campaign, please contact Matt Swan.
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Vonage
Vonage are offering new affiliates double commission on their first sale. Any affiliate who makes their first sale before 30th of April will be awarded an additional £40 at the end of the month.
In addition, we are offering all new affiliates a £150 bonus if you hit 10 sales per month in any month until the end of April.
To qualify, you must have never made a sale on the Vonage program before.
The extra commission will be uploaded as a lump sum bonus at the end of the month the sale was made in.
There has never been a better time to start promoting Vonage!
About Vonage:
The Vonage service is for customers whom already have a broadband connection, but want to make huge savings on local or international phone calls by using their connection to call friends, family or colleagues.
From as little as £5.99 per month your customers will be able to make unlimited landline calls across the UK and Ireland. Plus there are also plans available that provide free unlimited calls to select international locations like Canada, US, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.
The service works just like a normal phone service.
Affiliates earn £40 commission per sale and the campaign operates on a 30 day cookie period.
Log into your dgmpro account today to start promoting.
Gray and Osbourn
Save 10% on the new Summer Range at Gray and Osbourn
The new Summer collection from Gray & Osbourn is now available and all affiliate customers can claim a 10% discount. Now is the time people are looking for wedding outfits and our summer collection includes some beautiful clothes that are ideal for those special occasions.
NEW
You will find new Summer creatives offering 10% everything from the Gray & Osbourn website. Please login to your account via www.dgmpro.com to download these and to view additional information regarding the campaign.
Our commission rates are as follows
Base Rate - 5% of the Basket Value
£5,000 - £10,000 - 5.5% of the Basket Value
£10,000 - £20,000 - 6.5% of the Basket Value
Over £20,000 - 8% of the Basket Value
If you have any questions regarding this campaign, please contact Matt Swan
XL airways
Everyone knows about last-minute discounts, but how about a first-minute discount?
Although spring is barely upon us, we already have our winter 2008-2009 holidays on sale with fantastic early-booking discounts available on the widest selection of hand-picked hotels and destinations.
With availability at its best, you can snap up a winter sun break for only the price of the £30pp deposit (with the balance collected 10 weeks before departure), and lock-in on the best prices and the widest choice!
7 nights in Lanzarote
Self Catering at the Lomo Blanco Apartments from £280.00 (per adult, based on 2 adults sharing)
HG Lomo Blanco, located in the most privileged area of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, is a complex built in a typical Canary Islands style, situated at only 200 meters from one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. The resort centre shops, bars, restaurants & nightlife are within 700 meters. The aparthotel is 8 km from the airport, 150 meters from the beach and 250 meters from a fishermen village.
7 nights in Fuerteventura
All Inclusive at the Lobosol-Paradise from £445.00 (per adult, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing)
A gorgeous complex is placed in 10,000 square meters which is surrounded by Natural Parks and wide open places. Lobosol Paradise apartments are situated at 7 minutes from the harbour. Five minutes away is a big shopping mall and restaurants, 400 meters away is the El Baku, where you have a 200,000 meters park zone with a big water park, golf, bowling, and a lot of others activities.
7 nights in Gran Canaria
All Inclusive at the Turbo Club from £390.00 (per adult, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing)
The hotel is located in the resort of Maspalomas, approx. 3.5km from the long dune beach. The distance to the shopping centre II Faro is approx. 1000m. A daily bus service runs several times a day from the hotel to Maspalomas beach. The hotel is located 30km from the airport.
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Club Med
Club Med offer super summer savings
Places are limited, so don’t miss out: promote it now!
From 1st March, discover fantastic summer deals from only £450* per adult and £266* per child!
> 6 GREAT RESORTS TO CHOOSE FROM:
Kamarina (Bungalow and Hotel), Gregolimano, Metaponto, Beldi and Kemer (from 18 years).
> MAY AND JUNE: from only £479* per adult
Outside the peak periods, our resorts offer a perfectly relaxing break for couples and parents with young children.
> THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER: save up to £220* per adult
and up to an amazing £670* for a family of four on selected destinations!
Discount offer is valid on 7 and 14 day packages* from London.
Gregolimano, GREECE
7-day packages from only £669pp* incl. transport from London
Save up to £221* per adult and £111* per child!
Departure dates: 20 - 27 June.
Kamarina, SICILY
7-day packages from only £499pp* incl. transport from London
Save up to £220* per adult and £110* per child!
Selected departure dates from 4 May to 19 Oct
Metaponto, ITALY
7-day packages from only £450pp* incl. transport from London
Save up to £171* per adult and £86* per child!
Selected departure dates from 31 May to 13 Sept
* Click here for terms and consitions
Great affiliate incentive from Fair Exchange,
For every unique registration you generate for Fair Exchange we’ll give you an entry to win your own Guinness fridge full of cans of Guinness.
The registration can come from any of the promotions we are currently running and any that go live between now and the end of this incentive.
This will finish on 31st March 2008.
Good luck from Fair Exchange.
Commission Changes
Equifax
Equifax would like to wish affiliates a happy new year and for January they have decided to reward affiliates with a cool 22% of basket on all products. This is a 9% increase on current commission rates. There is a strong possibility that this increase in commissions will continue through Q1 and possibly the rest of 2008 if results reflect a noticeable percentage increase in sales.
This means that you will earn the following on their products:
Yearly Credit Watch Gold* - £15.40 commission
Equifax Credit Report - £2.63 Commission
Equifax Credit Rating - £3.30 Commission
* subject to 3 month minimum
Equifax are very open to feedback and suggestions on improving their programme on the whole, so please feel free to contact Kevin Sutton if you have any.
Meet the Team | The Affiliate team
At the end of Q4 2007, dgmAffiliates reinstated an affiliate management team which is being headed up by Helen Southgate. Working alongside her are Catherine Rudkin, who started in October and Jessica Nathan who started in December. It became obvious that there was a need to spot new opportunities on the affiliate side as well as on the client side and therefore the affiliate management team was re-established.
Their role as a team is to account manage dgm’s expansive affiliate base to make sure that their affiliates questions are answered and their problems are corrected as soon as possible. They are therefore acting as a point of contact for all affiliate enquiries, however big or small. Individually, Helen has a complete overview of affiliate activity while more specifically Catherine is managing cash back affiliates and Jessica is looking after the voucher code affiliates.
Please find the affiliate management team’s details below should you wish to get in touch:
Helen Southgate 020 7943 4270
Catherine Rudkin 020 7943 4238
Jessica Nathan 020 7943 4269