{"id":6254,"date":"2021-07-07T06:43:08","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T06:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/?p=6254"},"modified":"2022-03-09T08:51:17","modified_gmt":"2022-03-09T08:51:17","slug":"how-to-start-an-affiliate-program-for-your-online-store","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/blog\/how-to-start-an-affiliate-program-for-your-online-store","title":{"rendered":"How to Start an Affiliate Program for Your Online Store"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re running an eCommerce store, it\u2019s likely you already have your fingers in many different marketing pies. But you may be able to stick them in one more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most methods of marketing depend on targeting potential or even actual customers who are looking for what you sell, like an email list. While marketing is about reaching out and engaging, it\u2019s also vital to be <\/span>agile<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agile marketing values flexibility, collaboration, and speed above all. By being flexible and collaborating to change a plan when it’s not working, failing campaigns can be turned around. It\u2019s like cooking – tasting as you go helps you build a better flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a new business or want to grow beyond the same old audience, the question is this: how do you do it? By starting an affiliate program and partnering with influencers, you can promote your products to a brand new, established audience and broaden your pool of potential customers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning how to start an affiliate program is the first step toward incorporating this cost-effective marketing strategy into your campaign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is affiliate marketing?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing. Affiliates get rewarded for each customer referred to a business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if your eCommerce store sells books, you may ask an influencer to promote your products and provide them with a referral link. If someone clicks on the link, they end up at your store where they can purchase from you.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can see the customer was sent to your store via a tracking code in the referral link. This tells you the influencer converted them, and they get a commission from the sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

With this type of marketing, you only pay an affiliate if they convert potential customers by referring them via a link or discount code. If no customers get referred, you don\u2019t pay anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is an affiliate program right for you?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An affiliate marketing program is a cost-effective way to grow your online business, whether you sell a digital product like <\/span>intelligent SAP RPA<\/span><\/a> or physical products like books. However, it isn\u2019t the right model for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Affiliates get a portion of the sale when they refer a customer. If your profit margins are slim, you could end up with an unsustainable profit margin<\/a> or no way to maintain your profit, risking your business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you find out how to start an affiliate program, take a minute to discover if you should. Look at your profit margins and the wider industry to see if you need to make pricing adjustments and what commission you can provide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Affiliate<\/p>\n

Image source<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Benefits of an affiliate program<\/span><\/h2>\n

Affiliate marketing does have benefits for your business. Consulting influencers and reviewers is a large part of purchasing products for most consumers.<\/span><\/p>\n

An affiliate campaign, like other forms of marketing, will increase your sales, but there are a few key benefits specific to this type of marketing:<\/span><\/p>\n