Its not always easy to keep up with each of your affiliate programs terms and conditions but in my opinion its absolutely necessary. My rule as an affiliate marketer is to do the right thing and follow the rules of the game. I believe it leads to stronger relationships with merchants who may be more willing to work with you. Pay Per Click Advertising: Always follow the merchants policies regarding PPC advertising on search engines. If you dont like them, then pick a different merchant. Merchants have worked long and hard to make their companies what they are. They own all trade names and trade marks and have the right to decide how they are marketed. News Letters: Follow best practices, the law and market with integrity. Im still amazed at some of the emails that I receive on a daily basis that dont follow CANSPAM regulations or affiliate program guidelines. As a consumer I stay away from these types of advertisers. I believe theyre dishonest in their business practices and dont have integrity. I believe marketers should act with integrity and respect in their business dealings. If you are putting together a newsletter, always ask your affiliate manager for written approval. Im still amazed how some of my merchants are so happy that I actually ask for their approval when marketing their programs on newsletters, blogs, etc. Are there that may dishonest marketers out there? I dont think so. I think many affiliate just dont understand or know the rules of the game. I suggest that all affiliates learn acceptable affiliate marketing practices. Theres a lot to learn but its absolutely necessary to know the dos and donts about affiliate marketing. Use of Merchant Banners, Logos and Trademarks: I think its absolutely necessary that affiliates follow the guidelines for the use of a merchants banners, logos and trademarks. Its their property and they have the right to decide how theyre used. Merchants also have a decent idea about what works in marketing their program. Follow their lead and suggestions. Blogs: Blogs are very popular and they provide a powerful way to market an affiliates website. Like other mediums, its important to seek affiliate program approval to market a merchant on a blog. Unless the medium is a sub page of an affiliate sites domain, the right conduct is to seek merchant approval. Ive had very few merchants that have refused my requests to market their program on my blogs, especially if the blogs can be seen as an extension of my site. Ethical & Legal Conduct: It should be obvious that following the law is an absolute must when conducting your affiliate marketing endeavors. I go one step further. I do my best to follow ethical business conduct. I also do what I personally believe is right. Just because something is legal, doesnt make it ethical or moral. I ask myself this question: If I wasnt making money doing this practice, would I think it was right, ethical and moral. If the answer is no. Then the practice is not right for me. I believe that most affiliates are honest marketers and follow best practices in their marketing endeavors. Im extremely proud to be an affiliate marketer Affiliate marketers should think about their potential customers and follow best affiliate practices when marketing to their potential customers. I believe that if best affiliate practices are followed success in affiliate marketing will be much greater. |
