I can’t figure out what all of these “big-time super-affiliates” are busy doing other than “copy – paste – click Send’ on their promotions.

They don’t seem to evaluate the products they promote.

They rarely write their own promotional copy.

They seem to parrot whatever they’re told with no regard to its accuracy.

To be sure, it’s a LOT of work setting up an email using copy-and-paste with some text from the Affiliate Center into AWeber and clicking the Send button. (NOT!)

I’m saying this based on the fact that the vast majority of promotional emails I get are all the exact same UNEDITED promotional copy. If there’s one that even looks mildly interesting, I’ll wait to get a few more promoting the same product, then use the link from someone who looks like they DID actually look at the product or software and DID write their own copy and DID make an effort to inform me BEYOND what they got from the sales page and the canned copy.

Another approach I see is where some folks write informative articles on some topic, then stick in a few one-sentence references to products with an Aff link to it, like “That’s why I really love this new product from my friend Joe: xxxxx”.

That’s effective with some readers, and it obviously works for some affiliates. But I always get the best response rates and conversions when I take the time to review something, play with it, and write up my experiences and opinions about it in my promo emails. I *NEVER* use canned promo copy! In fact, I get the absolute WORST response rates from canned promo copy.

I guess it’s nice having 5-, 6-, or 7-figure lists (I don’t). But if you’re simply using copy-and-paste promotional techniques, you’re probably only getting a teeny-weenie fraction of a response rate that you’d get otherwise.

I get that you may be “busy” in your life, but there’s a reason that people seem to care about what YOU have to say PERSONALLY — and I assure you, it’s not because you’ve mastered the “copy-and-paste promotional two-step”.

Some would say it’s short-sighted by NOT giving my affiliates canned copy to use. But for most of my products, I don’t want people to use “blind” promotions — they invariably lead to much higher refund rates, and only marginally higher sales.

In my case, my returns are proportional to the amount of time I spend actually examining a product and describing my thoughts and insights to my readers. Perhaps that’s just based on the relationship I’ve built with them.

It also means I’m not very likely to promote something that I have not actually looked at, unlike most promoters these days.

Nicole I really like the idea of helping the less experienced affiliate marketers. I know product owners are super busy but helping those of us that aren’t making the big bucks goes along way.

Anyway I’m really looking forward to the upcoming Income CPR topics.

I also agree about the 0 payout. I won’t promote companies that have a payout limit and I feel having one is like telling your small potatoes they don’t count. I remember when I first started getting serious about affiliate marketing and earned $50 in commissions that just sat and sat because the payout was $100. I never did get it and I never promoted again – I felt unappreciated for the work I put in to get those sales.

When that happens, it’s very discouraging for me. I can presell, pre-condition and set the stage for buying all I want, but if the sales page is poor, then both the merchant and I miss out. Not to mention my audience, who miss out on a potentially great product.

Okay, when I find a product that I want to promote, I don’t want to dig for my link, a graphic, etc. etc. I want everything in a bundle, easy to grab and go.

That’s why I’m thankful for my peeps, Susanne Myers for her fabulous products, and Tracy Roberts for her fabulous tools. When Susanne launches a new product, Tracy is right there with an email full of goodies, including articles, graphics, and oh yeah, my affiliate logins! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to check my stats and forgot how to get there.

Anyway, yes, I appreciate a good product, but also good tools, as they say, “delivered to your door”… or email. Thanks Ladies! And thanks Nicole for another great Expert Briefs.

I’ve been told that’s why I’m such a good Affiliate Manager. Because I’m also a successful affiliate so I can see things from both sides. Instead of complaining about my affiliates not doing enough, I’ve gone to them and asked what I can do to improve things or overcome an obstacle for them – so they WILL promote.

Regarding payout, I actually don’t like to have a minimum payout at all. So, mine is always set to zero. Just my preference, as an affiliate. 😉 I think cash motivates people. So, the sooner they get their payout, the sooner they get the notice and think — “Oh yeah, I should promote her again!” Of course, I watch for self discounts (and reverse them) and watch for anything that could be fraud. I’ll hold suspicious affiliate commissions for awhile, if I view it necessary.

Thanks ~ great post!

I especially liked what Mason said about looking at it from the point of view of the affiliate. As an affiliate, I like those 4 things too – especially surprises in the mail! 🙂

I also liked Jeannette’s idea of lowering the affiliate payout. Thanks Jeannette!

Peggy