Using the Merchant Scorecard to Find the Best Affiliate Program

The world premier of Jeremy Palmer’s secret formula on how to find the best affiliate program was at Affiliate Summit West during a session with Jeremy, Wade Tonkin and myself called: Does your affiliate program have the Juice? Wade and I discussed it last week on the Affiliate Juice podcast and posted the merchant scorecard for everyone to download.

Affiliates should use this to determine which program is the best fit for them, merchants should use this to compares themselves to competitors. It works both ways but in the end, go with your gut. If there are any red flags that worry you, follow your instinct. But don’t just blindly start promoting or you’ll have many more lessons to learn. When you download the merchant scorecard, fill in 3 competitors side by side and complete as much of the form as possible. You can change the weighting of the score to fit your own needs. Here is the simple 12 point checklist that has helped Jeremy become a super affiliate and helps managers like Wade and I improve our own programs.

1. Commission: Is it competitive?
2. Conversion rate/EPC: How does it stack up against competitors? What can be done to increase conversion?
3. Checkout process: Is it clean and clear? How many steps in the funnel? Can you deep link?
4. Reversal rate: What is it? Is the number acceptable?
5. Phone Numbers: Is the number prominent? Is phone tracking offered?
6. Trademarks: What is the trademark policy? Is enforced?
7. Cookies: How does it compare? Does your strategy benefit from longer cookie periods?
8. Average Order Size: What is the Average Order? When combined with conversion and commission, which merchant presents the best long term earnings potential?
9. Promotional Material: Are banners relevant and updated? Which ones convert best?
10. Payments: How often are affiliates paid?
11. Tracking: Is the tracking from a trusted network or industry standard?
12. Affiliate Support: What communication channels do you have open for affiliates? Is it transparent?

Tagged as: Affiliate Support, Best Affiliate Program, Best Fit, Checkout, Communication Channels, Conversion Rate, Funnel, Instinct, Merchants, Periods, Phone Numbers, Podcast, Point Checklist, Promotional Material, Red Flags, Score, Scorecard, Summit West, Term Earnings, Tonkin, Trademark Policy, World Premier