5 Star Affiliate Blogs

I’m very excited to have the Google Affiliate Network, formerly DoubleClick Performics, come on board as a Featured 5 Star Affiliate Program. Super excited about the rebranding and what this could do for our industry.

Shawn just announced the Blue Man Group is kicking off Affiliate Summit East with a small show. Here are some videos of the Blue Man Group performing at the AffiliateBash at Summit West last February. See anyone you know?

OK, I’m going to admit it, I’ve hit a wall. I’ve tried SO hard over the past few months to keep up with my business and blogging no matter what, but when devastating health issues

Pre-Summit Fishing Cruise, Whale Watching and Dinner Excursion. The captain of the our ship promises great fishing, lots of cold beer, a wonderful dinner and a fun time!

Here’s a cornucopia of great stats for affiliates, niche marketers & PPC affiliates. Top 10 Online Retailers by Conversion Rate, Top 10 Search Terms in 10 Categories, Average PPC Cost per Click by Category by Month so far this year.

To Inc. or not to Inc. that is the question I often see affiliates asking. He had a great post last week I wanted to share with 5 Star readers.

Please don’t start an affiliate program IF your site is brand new and especially IF the product or business model is new. One of the best ways for retailers to test and optimize conversions prior to starting an affiliate program is to become your own ‘pseudo-affiliate’. Explained below.

I thought this may be a good post for n00bs who may be reading up and trying to learn this game on a Sunday. Tomorrow I have a great post about why retailers should not start an affiliate program until they become their own pseudo-affiliate.

5,000 major etailers and merchants attended. 400 merchants heard a panel discussion rant about what scum-bags affiliates are. No one was on the panel to stand up for the many honest affiliates in our industry. Could the PMA help in situations like this – See my RANT…

OPM and AM ethics is not something I see blogged about very often. However considering the large amount of private information OPMs and AMs have access to that is vital to an affiliate’s survival, I think it’s a really important topic to bring up.

Cool video interview from MediaTrust and blog interview from Pepperjam. Happy 16th birthday Harrison! Being 15 is a huge liability and every day I wish i were 18, or 21. I have people take me for a complete idiot who believe they can just play me to get info out of me etc.

So heres the latest BUZZ, including the PMA (affiliate association) controversy, how to be a good affiliate manager, the excellent ShareASale Pledges and Expectations blog, traits of a successful affiliate marketer and more

predicts affiliate marketing “spending” will hit $2.1 billion this year and grow to $3.3 billion in 2012. The PR says: “In 2008, online marketers will spend $2.1 billion on affiliate marketing fees” That’s not sales, that’s “spending” so I guess they are saying 3.3 billion in commission will be paid out?

the Performance Marketing Alliance, the new affiliate marketing association that is in the formation stages, has put out a call for working groups. The working groups will develop the formation proposals that the FAB will ratify. The working groups are extremely important in this process because they will provide a broad perspective on each area, [...]

Google launched their CPA ads a year ago. Some predicted doom and gloom for the affiliate marketing industry. Andy said: “Sounds like a clear threat to the likes of Commission Junction or LinkShare.” Now it looks like they may be pulling the program or are having 2nd thoughts.

Well now, considering New York State WANTS them to consolidate their suits, not sure it’s a good idea. Why would NY want to combine suits unless it was in their best interest?

Happy Father’s Day
to all the Affiliate Dads out there!
This is one blog I hope you don’t read, because I hope you took time away from the computer today to go have fun in the sun and play with your kids.
If you are reading this – LOG OFF NOW & go Play!
Enjoy your [...]

Affiliates – You Know it’s Friday the 13th When…

There is a survey for affiliates, one for merchants and another survey for Networks. Make your voice heard and let them know what you want out of the Performance Marketing Alliance. This is YOUR association!

NOTE TO NEW YORK AFFILIATES. Since lots of high powered affiliate marketers and merchants will be in New York City for this event, you may consider trying to get a group together to discuss the New York Affiliate Tax problem! Surprised I have not heard anyone talk about a meeting. If someone is already working on organizing one, please let me know so I can publicize it!