Thread: What factors in determining a merchant?

I would have said a bit of everything, kind of like top trump cards.. you get a better score on one area and lower on the other but if it balances out then I say get promoting

Just thought this poll would help newbie affiliates in choosing which merchants and networks to inform merchants what we think are important.

I know we're all not big-headed or self-indulgent enough to think that merchants design sites based on affililiates wishes but perhaps they should see us as internet marketing/usability/seo consultants that they don't have to risk a monthly fee on?! (Don't tell my clients that!)

Actually many of the smaller to mid sized merchants want to hear what we have to say. I spoken to a few and even supplied them without charge my thoughts and views on what I think could be changed or done better. The surprising thing is the ones that are open to this kind of commentary are already doing most things correctly and are as about as affiliate friendly as your going to get.

The only stupid merchants in my books are the ones not open to new ideas and advice, and by that I mean they will listen to what you say and at least give a reason if they think you are wrong. The same applies to affiliates and networks, only way forward in my books is to listen to all your partners, get a nice balance of ideas plus you are getting them for free, not many industries I can think of where that happens.

I had better add that the merchants who take part in this board and actively engage our advice, even if it can come across as a bit harsh at times are the ones you need to watch in the future as they will be the next superstar merchants in affiliate marketing.

Plenty of big merchants with lots to learn IMHO. Checking fares on a certain major airline website last week. Absolutely terrible site.

I suppose I ought to give them a chance to respond to my queries before naming them on this board!

James

Hi,

I always try and visit a site to see how easy it is to purchase
a product. A couple of years ago I visited Dialaphone and
loved the no-nonsense direct approach to selling - they
*were* a great merchant to promote.

Amazon has great usability too - I buy most stuff there
nowadays even if I can get it cheaper elsewhere.

My other criteria is to link to a merchant in a low-key way
and see if I start earning a decent commission. If I do, then
I promote that merchant a lot more despite the fact that
the site might be terrible to use.

So, I guess this is a long-winded way of agreeing with
Supercod.

Steve