Affiliate Marketing • 8 min read
Unlock the Hidden Assets: A Comprehensive Guide to Second-Tier Affiliate Policies
Have you been dismissing second-tier policies as the “benchwarmers” of your affiliate marketing team? If so, it’s time to reconsider. At E5A, we liken second-tier affiliates to a company’s R&D department—undervalued but critical for long-term success. They add depth to your affiliate roster and enrich your business relationships in more ways than one.
Why Second-Tier Affiliates Are Your Unsung Heroes
In the affiliate marketing world, second-tier partners go by several names, from Parent Affiliates and Referral Parents to Sub Affiliates and Connectors. Think of them as the “supporting actors” in a blockbuster movie; they may not grab the headlines, but they’re crucial to the storyline.
The Golden Rules for Treating Second-Tier Affiliates Like VIPs
- Don’t Ignore the Small Fish: Vendors, junior affiliate managers, and administrative staff can serve as your “business scouts,” spotting opportunities you might otherwise miss.
- Reward the Scouts: Just like you would incentivize a top-performing sales team, second-tier affiliates should be compensated for their efforts.
- Lifetime Benefits: Offering ongoing commissions is akin to a pension plan for your affiliates—a continuous reward for their loyalty.
- Due Diligence: Audit your second-tier commissions like you would a financial statement, ensuring every line item and referral is accounted for.
The Ethics and Guidelines: Know Who You’re Drafting
It’s crucial to distinguish between contractors and employees when enlisting second-tier affiliates. Clearly outline your policies to ensure you’re on the right side of ethical norms.
Suggested Commission Structure
- Information Products: 10%
- Coaching: 5%
- Supplements: 5-7.5%
Unlocking Opportunities in Unlikely Places
- Affiliate Manager Partnerships: It’s like forming strategic business alliances; both parties can benefit by cross-referring opportunities.
- Underrated Assets: From gatekeepers like personal assistants to industry vendors like copywriters, these are the “diamonds in the rough” in your network.
- Look Internally: Sometimes, your existing team can be a goldmine for new affiliate opportunities.
Ready to go the distance in the affiliate marketing arena? For more in-depth strategies, join our affiliate mastermind community, Traffic Tribe.
Need Support Creating And Scaling Your Affiliate Program?
Supercharge Your Affiliate Revenue with everything you need to know to grow your partnership marketing channel in a free mini-course, Everflow of Partner Connections.
You’ll get 15 lessons and 7 actionable tools designed to meet you at any level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and help you build a steady affiliate revenue coming month after month, year after year!
Administrative Staff, Affiliate Manager Partnerships, affiliate marketing, Business Scouts, Coaching, commission structure, Connectors, Due Diligence, Ethical Norms, Information Products, Junior Affiliate Managers, Lifetime Benefits, Parent Affiliates, Referral Parents, Second-Tier Affiliate Policies, second-tier affiliates, Sub Affiliates, Supplements, Traffic Tribe, Unsung Heroes, Vendors
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