Books Direct PPC Prize Pool

[Sarah @ BCA]

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Dear all,
A merchant aiming to build a successful affiliate programme needs to ensure that affiliates are rewarded for their efforts fairly, as well as running an engaging programme that isn’t afraid to try new things in an ever advancing industry.
For some time after launching with Affiliate Window back in April this year we discussed PPC options that were available on the programme. We wanted to explore ways to combat concerns that might arise from allowing varying PPC terms and conditions from affiliate to affiliate on the same programme.

A suggestion then came in the way of two affiliates – Fraser Edwards and Paul Wheatley.

The idea was for Books Direct to close down their privately run PPC campaigns and in place these two affiliates would work together to replace the revenue stream through brand. We would be paying the campaign cost but apart from that the campaign would be run at no profit to these two affiliates. Although both are active on Books Direct through their own accounts a completely new and separate one was set up solely for brand activity. The commissions that would be generated through this Books Direct brand affiliate account would then be put into a prize pool and this money would be re-distributed to active affiliates on the programme.

Therefore since 1st June 2008 all of Books Direct PPC has been run through the affiliate channel. We have allowed it to run for the first two months to give time for the affiliates to stabilise their campaigns and to give us a chance to assess the potential pool fund. The cost of running this account is being paid by Books Direct, while the remainder of the commissions earned plus the network override generated through the brand activity has been stored as a prize pool.

<b>So why have we done this?</b>
The profits generated through private allowances on brand activity will now be shared back to those affiliates who potentially risk losing commissions from their cookies being overwritten by brand cookies.
We are by no means suggesting that the system adopted by Books Direct is feasible for all programmes, or that it is a total solution to these concerns, only that it is a trial we have decided to undergo.

<b>So what does this mean for you?</b>
We plan to run this activity until the end of the year. By which point the prize pool generated will be a substantial amount.

For more of an idea of the amount; activity for June collected a pool of £1,236.97, activity for July collected a pool of £2,627.38 that’s a total so far of £3,864.35.

If you already are a Books Direct affiliate you will be included with a chance to receive this prize pool. If you are not already an affiliate your participation can be secured by joining the programme and generating commissions from now until the end of the year.

<b>How will the pool be distributed?</b>
Each month, all affiliates who have made a sale, or at least 100 clicks, on the Books Direct programme will be entered into a prize draw. Each sale will count as one prize draw entry, so the more sales you make, the more chances you have to win. If you have made more than 100 clicks, but no sales, you will receive one prize draw entry.

Each month, 5 winners will be selected who will each receive a prize of £50, as well as a Golden Ticket to enter the main draw in December, to win the remaining prize pool, which will be divided between 2 winners.

Each month the prize draw starts afresh, but you can enter every month and increase your chances of winning the big prize!

If you have not yet joined up to the Books Direct affiliate programme and would like to do so please <a href=https://www.awin1.com/signup.php?merchant=1952> click here</a>

We would welcome your comments and suggestions so please feel free to get in touch.

Kind regards,
Sarah Day
Online Acquisition Manager
Books Direct


Affiliate Window Account Manager: Anjulie Truong
BooksDirect@affiliatewindow.com

[hpops]

Very interesting idea Sarah, and I certainly applaud the ethos of innovation behind it.
Would you consider sharing the spend data on the campaign. There wouldn't really be any benefit to you guys but it might reveal the profit levels which are currently being created by a small group of affiliates.