Question: Why arent my affiliates promoting my affiliate program? And, how do I get more to sign up?

Dear Affiliate Manager:

I can tell you in a heartbeat whether or not your affiliate program is attracting loyal, motivated affiliates. Its easy. Just put yourself in your affiliates shoes. If youre not creating loyalty in your affiliates, theyre going to look for a better program to promote, and youll be left in the dust.

Now that Ive got your attention, lets go through some key components of making your affiliate program attractive to affiliates, so they dont start shopping around.

1. Reputations are on the Line.

Of course, number one is quality. Do you have quality products and customer service? An affiliates reputation is on the line every time we consider promoting a product or service. If your products are junk or youre making our referrals upset in any way well drop you faster than something *really* hot.

2. Lay the Money on the Table.

Its not just about the percentage commission. That wont motivate and make loyal affiliates, but, it is a start. Are you talking 5%? Then, unless you offer millions of products at great prices and have a solid reputation, youre not going to be getting a whole lot of affiliates.

3. Whos getting credit?

Show your affiliates that you value them by setting long cookies and theyll keep sending you traffic. How long are your cookies? The longer the better.

4. Closing the Deal.

If your affiliates are sending you traffic, I hope you have a newsletter (or ecourse) on that sales page for two reasons. 1. It means youre smart and know how internet marketing works, and 2. It means that the affiliates get more than one chance to close the deal, because youre going to be following up with the lead and closing the sale for us. This shows us that you take your business seriously a very important indicator.

5. Like Frosting on the Cake.

Assuming all things are equal, if your program is two-tier or residual, youll have affiliates lined up to promote you.

6. Are you even trying?

There is nothing more frustrating than joining an affiliate program that youre really excited about, logging in and seeing nothing but a couple of links. No content, no ebooks, no videos. Zip. This is especially disappointing if you know the author or owner is sending out a weekly newsletter. Share your articles with your affiliates, allow them to be rebranded, and I guarantee youll get loyalty.

7. Thats just Rude.

Almost more insulting than not providing any content is providing leaky articles. Yes, I have seen affiliate programs that so generously provide articles for their affiliates. But, the articles had plugs for their other programs in the body of the article. Now, Im not naming names, but I do feel thats pretty cheap to be stealing from your own affiliates.

Those are just a few ways to tell if your affiliate program stinks.

I hope you read and reread this advice. Treat your affiliates like partners and theyll plaster your link all over the web. Youll have affiliates lined up to promote every new product you offer, and theyll sing your praises every chance they get.