Re: Affiliate Junk

From: Kim M. Bayne <editor_at_marketingwirelessly.com>
Date: Fri 05 Oct 2001 11:22:56 -0500

I've been reading with interest everyone's comments on
affiliate programs. Granted, affiliate programs need a
major revamping. And yes, in case you're wondering, the
same revenue vehicle has made its way to wireless sites
as well. I anticipate the same annoying issues with
wireless affiliate programs as wireless deployment
continues and companies seek ways to make their wireless
presence pay off.

It's tough to make decent money relying on just affiliate
links as a revenue stream, but many sites appear to make
this their sole financial model. Phew! I wish them luck.
Affiliate sites are competing with all levels of
e-business. How can a small business Web site (linked to
Barnes and Noble, for example) compete with the breadth
and depth of Yahoo! (also linked to Barnes and Noble)
or another heavy-duty portal? In a very specialized
market, perhaps.

To the Web user, one affiliate site link is the same as
the next. If your site links to the same thing, at the
same price, from the same vendor -- just like every
other affiliate site on the Web -- why should anyone
buy from you?

Affiliate sites can lose the sale to the buyers themselves,
too. Users have said they see the links and then sign on
as affiliates themselves, if only for that purchase.
Some sites have so many darn affiliate links, you wonder
if they're creating a personal affiliate mall of sorts
just to save money on their own purchases. Too much time
on their hands, I guess.

Regards,

Kim M. Bayne, mailto:editor_at_marketingwirelessly.com
Author, Writer, Speaker +1 719-593-8032
Presenting at COMDEX Fall 2001:
"Marketing and Branding in Today's Turbulent Economy"
http://www.webeventregistration.com/registration/session_home?v_session_id=9723
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Received on Fri Oct 05 2001 - 11:22:56 CDT