Online agencies in The Independant

[hpops]

In the Independant today theres a guide to the biggest and best new media agencies. As well as featuring our very own OMG and mentioning affiliate marketing a few of the others mentioned work in the affiliate space, I-Level, Media Contacts, Wheel and Zed Media are the ones I noticed.
It got me thinking - what value do you think agencies add (or sometimes take away) to the client/affiliate relationship?

[Hitchen]

My experience in Europe is that there are some French and German agencies who have specialist teams focussing on affiliate programs for clients. Their approach is professional and they will tie their remuneration to performance. Of course you run the risk of losing in-house knowledge by using an agency, but if you work closely with them they can prove both successful and cost-effective.

Does anyone have experience working with agencies in the UK? We're assessing possible partners atm and I'd be grateful for any advice.

[Malcolm Cowley]

Hi Mate

You can give me a call if you like as we work with a lot of agencies.

Mal

[ian]

When you go to visit the agencies on your shortlist, ask to meet the actual account manager that will run your account. The company might be great with 99% being excellent account managers, but you will be off to a bad start if you get the weak link.

Talk shop with the account manager and make sure they know their stuff, and take a good Buzzword Bingo sheet when you meet the pre-sales guys.

[Matthew Wood]

Nice post ian - couldn't agree more!