I’ve had lots of requests to write a part 2 to this post because it was clear I had missed some types (which is obvious, it’s purely my own opinion and what I see around me so I can’t please everyone). If you missed the first post then go read it first.
When I wrote the first post I really didn’t have the intention to make a big deal of it but apparently a lot of people feel the same way as me and in turn it got a lot of people talking. I missed many types of affiliate managers out there and I will never be able to list them all because it’s impossible. Please don’t take what I say personally.
Affiliate Manager Type #4 – The Newbie with support
Alright I will be honest this type I see everywhere and they are OK. Not someone I would necessarily want to spend time working with because they probably couldn’t provide me with much value. This is not to say that they are no good but let’s be honest, I’m not going to hire my buddy to be my accountant just because he graduated college – he just doesn’t have the experience for the job I need done. On the flip side they can be good and should be paired up with newbie affiliate marketers who know very little and need some time to digest information. Both of them will benefit as they can learn from each other over time. I remember one of my oldest managers didn’t know a whole lot back when I was starting out but she was still helpful with the basics that I needed, and that meant a lot.
Affiliate Manager Type #5 – The Crooked
I like to think there aren’t many of these types out there but I know there is, and it makes perfect sense in our little world of monies. If you’re making 40k a year and sitting around all day talking to people working from home making millions would you not want a piece of the action? Of course you would. Does that make it right for them to do it? Of course not. You should be able to spot these types out simply by how shady they act. If I EVER hear my affiliate manager tell me something about another publisher I am done working with them and most likely that company. Many of these types have been fired from companies for running the same campaigns as their publishers and or sharing private information. If you are sick of your 40k a year and want to do what your publishers are doing then QUIT! Go out and do it on your own for all I care but don’t leach off of other peoples data and screw them over.
Affiliate Manager Type #6 – The Ghost
This is the type that you might hear from once in a blue moon and in some cases maybe never. You might email them to place a pixel and it never happens. I personally haven’t had much experience with this type but I do know they exist. I have AM’s at networks I’ve never done anything with who are like this but it’s perfectly normal because I simply haven’t had a need to run anything with them. On the flip side theirs people who have this type of AM and run lots with them and still run into this crap. If this is happening to you than you need to get a new manager or work with a different company. Don’t take anything for granted in this business, people will hound you all day long for your business so don’t think you NEED to work with ANYONE just because of loyalty. If they aren’t doing their part to help you then don’t waste your time with them.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Straight from a publisher’s perspective both of these articles are a great read. Thanks for the insight bryn and I’ve personally paid attention to the ghost part because with everything going on AND being a manager I think honestly that I probably slip into that category from time to time and never really realized it until it was typed out and right in my face.
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It’s tough to find a decent AM these days. Smaller networks start out well, but then they blow up and BOOM there goes your quick support. Gotta make their monies too though, so I can’t blame them.
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I agree with Justin, in that its very difficult to find a good AM these days. I met all of the ones on your list, maybe not so much the ‘crooked’ but I have heard some stories. The ones that I find the best are those they have published before and have a prolific background in something other than internet marketing. They can provide interesting insight to things you might have overlooked. As for the smaller networks, which are generally started by former publishers, they are more superior in service quality and attention than the larger networks.
Lastly, I am thankful that I got to learn from some-of-the-best myself. You guys know who you are and I appreciate the time and patience you afforded me.
Thank you Bryn and I will see you in the new year!
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