Why do you join a poker program?

[gregdpowell]

Looking over some posts here last week I was wanted to get a feel on what really matters to you when choosing an affiliate program. There are so many rooms online now that the choices are endless.

What things do you look for most when choosing a poker room to promote? Rooms that accept US players, offer rakeback, offer CPA, revenue share, new banners, promotions, etc.

I am sure the feedback would help managers here make their programs custom for affiliates and better service the industry in general.

[deanh12]

Since I only promote revshare poker rooms that's certainly a major factor (amount of payout)
Also the particular poker room is also important, i.e. how reputable is it amongst online players (I don't want to promote a room that's too popular, but also don't want one that has very few players and not yet got a solid reputation)
After that it's mainly down to wether they accept USA players and their payout speeds.

[gregdpowell]

Great points made here. I feel that most affiliates who do a fair share of SEO want to be able and market to US players. Even some of the largest UK poker affiliates I know have a lot of US players and prefer those rooms.

What do you prefer on deposit bonuses and reloads? Like rooms who offer these as well? Of course the deposits are a given, but reload bonuses boost retention.

[deanh12]

Signup bonuses certainly help with the initial signup. However I find a good sized player base and a good name increases retention rates rather than just bonuses. Although I think it's important to have good bonuses (initial and monthly) if you're a new poker room.

[Rachna06]

Hi Greg,

reload bonuses boost retention

This is good input! As are all other posts in this thread.

I will be managing a new poker affiliate program soon as this type of feedback really helps me a lot!

What do you think of affiliate promotions such as cash bonuses for number of depositing players referred? (in addition to any rev share or CPA the affiliate is already on, of course.)

Also, in terms of affiliate incentives, what about an affiliate freeroll for all affiliates who refer a certain number of depositing players?

Looking forward to your response.
-Rachna
rachna @ incomeacess.com

[gregdpowell]

All these special promotions help some. I don't think that a cash bonus for reaching a certain number help that much though. An affiliate freeroll is nice if you have new software and what to get the affiliates in there to trial it and write a review.

What I would suggest is setting up a tier for affiliates where they got an additional 5-15% revenue share based on how much they bring in. I wouldn't do this for CPA unless they have proven that the players are good.

Affiliates cant always control the quality of players that are coming through their links. However, if you want to encourage them to promote more then I would add a revenue share plan that rewards those who send GOOD players.

For those on CPA say that if their players rake $X amount then they get an additional $50 per player the next month. (They will send more)

[Rachna06]

An affiliate freeroll is nice if you have new software and what to get the affiliates in there to trial it and write a review.

This is certainly something that is in the works.

For those on CPA say that if their players rake $X amount then they get an additional $50 per player the next month. (They will send more)

These are great pointers, Greg! The freeroll is certainly something that is in the works.

If a poker room is lesser-known and the affiliate program is new, what would prompt affiliates to begin promoting? Regular content, regular affiliate promotions, regular payments...anything else?

Your feedback is much appreciated.