Suggest a Topic for a4uexpo London : Best Suggestion Wins a FREE Pass!

[Michael_Anthony]

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My suggestion was not that a discount be offered to lower earners and newbies to attend the existing event, but that something specifically designed for both their budget and learning/networking requirements be put together in addition.

The super affiliates who attend the regular expo would I'm sure be welcome at such a gathering to share their knowledge and experience, and the merchants and networks would also be welcome, but would be secondary to the main purpose of the event, which would be education rather than simple commercialism.

It's something I've often considered the industry needs - an unbiased meet up for learning and sharing, with no commercial agenda (UNlike the network sponsored events such as Commission Junction University - admirable though it is, it's biased and as a result shows CJ's corner of the market rather than the whole market).

[nickynoodles]

Session Title: Pretty Good Affiliate to Super Affiliate.

Strap Line: Scaling your affiliate earnings from a small time income stream to a thriving business

Description:

Getting started in affiliate marketing is not tough any more. Going from earning a small income supplement each month to growing a successful, full time affiliate business is difficult however. This session would take a look at various ways real 'super' affiliates have taken their online earnings from modest sums to impressive figures. It's focus would be on ways to scale your affiliate business and achieve fastest growth. It would feature 'both sides of the fence' discussions about:

- Making the leap from part time to full time. Real stories and words of advice
- Diversify with many sites or focus on a few sites?
- Getting the SEO / PPC mix right to achieve fastest growth and maximum stability in today's marketplace
- Expand with employees or outsource?
- Generic vs brand, do affiliates need to become brands themselves to survive or are generic domains the smartest investment?
- Conversion rate optimisation for growth, setting clear targets and making more of what you already have.

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I would disagree with Michael Anthony that most people who attend A4U Expo are super affiliates or agency staff. Many of those that I spoke to are 'pretty good' affiliates. People who can justify the £400 to attend, but maybe aren't doing it as a full time business, or just scraping by if they are.

I think that a session like this, if done well, would be hugely popular and appeal to a large section of the attendees .

[hpops]

My suggestion was not that a discount be offered to lower earners and newbies to attend the existing event, but that something specifically designed for both their budget and learning/networking requirements be put together in addition.

The super affiliates who attend the regular expo would I'm sure be welcome at such a gathering to share their knowledge and experience, and the merchants and networks would also be welcome, but would be secondary to the main purpose of the event, which would be education rather than simple commercialism.

It's something I've often considered the industry needs - an unbiased meet up for learning and sharing, with no commercial agenda (UNlike the network sponsored events such as Commission Junction University - admirable though it is, it's biased and as a result shows CJ's corner of the market rather than the whole market).

Perhaps there could be a seperate stream on one day only with Beginners advice only with none of the normal "extras". This could then attract a different fee.

[Sevenhills]

Too lazy to read the whole thread,

But I still think that the market for ppl over 40-50+ is an upcoming market, perhaps it would be good to discuss how to target this "older market" as they are keen to use the internet but dont have the skills and dont use social media (yet)

[pedigreechump6]

Session Title: Dreaming Of A Database

Synopsis:

Wherever your traffic comes from it has cost you something whether in time, effort or cash but so many affiliates neglect an almost free method of making sales by building a database of desperate buyers just waiting to part with the hard earned money. After all, you know these people buy online because you see them doing it every time a commission comes in.

So what would be good is a talk on how affiliates can add value to the consumer by capturing their contact details early on (info on the best ways to manage this), building trust with regular (and high quality) communications that set you up as an expert in the field and ultimately have them waiting by their email inbox (or twitter page or facebook inbox) for your next product recommendation so they can go and buy it.

I just think that this works so well in the internet marketing niche as I myself buy ebooks, tools and products based on recommendations of others that affiliates need to learn how to apply the same techniques to their business.

Shall I book my a4uhotel now then?

[Tobman]

Hi Matt, just submitted several topics via the form.

Including 'Create an empire, not a job'

[Jasonorris]

I have 2 ideas, from a more merchant perspective.

1. Suggested Session Title
The growth of gaming/ Jack and the Farmville beanstalk

2. Suggested Session Description (Synopsis around 100 words)
A discussion on the growth of social gaming via social networks and the next steps people can see in the evolution.
How will Google incorporate Zynga and others into Google Games? How will other portals integrate?
How can affiliates create sticky games and supply content and revenue around existing big names?

3. Suggested Speakers (optional)
Getting input from people at MyOfferPal, Zynga, Playdom and others would be interesting but I am not sure if any plan to attend UK events. Sure any affiliates in UK creating social content could chip in.




1. Suggested Session Title
Group Buying - the new voucher code?

2. Suggested Session Description (Synopsis around 100 words)
Has group buying become the new volume driver in the affiliate market? Will it overtake voucher sites?
Will we see a similar growth of many names before the segment merges into 2 or 3 big names?
Do affiliates worry about big names setting up in the UK from the USA market?
Are smaller affiliates again going to feel the pressure from the big boys taking the click?

3. Suggested Speakers (optional)
Sure guys from crowdity, groupon, groupola and keynoir among others would like to battle this one out.

[Matthew Wood]

Some great ideas, its invaluable to get these... please keep them coming as I am already tweaking current sessions based on feedback in this thread.

The thread itself has gone off topic in the middle and to be honest what you are suggesting we are already doing to a certain extent.

We will once again have free to attend roadshows around the UK in the run up to the event which gives an opportunity to meet the team, fellow affiliates, networks etc - these are based in major cities but not in London so we can get to as many people as possible outside of the usual crowd.

In addition we are, this year offering a limited number of expo hall passes (on day 2 only) for around £50 which will give access to the expo hall and the networking opportunity that represents alongside access to the sessions held within the expo hall on that day.

Matthew

[Mogga]

"When affiliates go grubby" ...

Tax and the affiliate marketer.

[Media_Lad]

Great approach, thank you for asking for this.

It would be great to hear/see the following topic:

1. Integration of Affiliate Marketing with Social Media

2. There is certainly a correlation between the two; how one can boost the other's performance in terms of generating more qualified leads and increasing conversion. Not far ago, many businesses referred Social Media as “fad” or a “chatter”, but they are now looking for Social Media Managers or Strategists. Why?
Affiliate Marketing has been and is ‘social’ to some extent. Doesn’t it mean that we can boost and enhance the credibility; and in fact invaluable contribution of Affiliate Marketing to brands when it comes to customer recruitment and sales; while strengthening the brands.

3. Who do you have in mind? - we can have a chat about this, if you decide to go ahead with this topic, I may have couple of people in mind.

It would be great to hear your feedback on above.

Cheers,
Media_Lad

[Matthew Wood]

All these suggestions are really good.

Difficult to pick some favourites, however becoming an affiliate : a reality check is a great ideas as is the session on making the jump from 'decent' to 'super' affiliate.

Integration of Affiliate Marketing with Social Media is a hot topic too and although I've pencilled it in on the advertiser side (on brand control) this could be worthy of inclusion in addition.

Michaels suggestion on Dispelling the Myth is sound as is Jons on network 101!

I've not mentioned some of the others as they are already included within the agenda.

Thanks again for all your ideas.. you'll see one and maybe two included!

[hpops]

I have to say Matt that I'm disappointed that neither my Sumo Wrestling, or Cookie Clay Pigeon Shooting ideas are being considered.
:-)

[Michael_Anthony]

Thanks Matt. I'd be delighted to run a combined (or two separate) "dispelling the myth" and "from decent to super" session(s), as it's something that we do for many affiliates as part of our day to day business. I genuinely have no hidden commercial agenda here, but rather see it as a way to create more depth and professionalism in our market to the long term benefit of everyone involved, and maybe help more than a few people make the leap from their day job to full time "earning in their PJ's" status.

Look forward to hearing your decisions.

[Acriflex]

I totally agree with the Blackhat suggestion.

Why? Because its easier to get your earning up doing this, this way. And also, it gives more insite into combating against it.

There are tonnes of people who do this, and if it gets mentioned, it would make people and networks more aware of this behaviour on the internet.

You could more or less put them inline with the same behaviours as Hackers (Not the ethical ones).

I started my internet marketing using these methods, and to great success. But now i have the money, i have gone on to not do it, as i have the know how and experience, and more important, money.

EDIT: Also, how can people from a poor background get started in this affiliate marketing when there is not much money they can use to get ahead. I am from that background, and i have learnt a great deal on surviving online and now i do show people the way.

[Matthew Wood]

As I finalise the agenda tonight I can say that I've included at least one of the suggestions here outright and a couple I have used to shape existing panels and their direction

So we have a winner! To find out who it is you'll need to check the new a4uexpo.com site which if all goes to plan will launch around midday tomorrow (friday)

Thanks again for your suggestions everyone.

Matt