Affiliate Marketing: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Almost everyone who uses the internet has interacted with affiliate marketing in some way, though you might not have realized it. Affiliate marketing enables merchants to partner with a third party, or affiliate, to promote their products and services. It seems like a match made in heaven: the merchant gets free advertising, and the affiliate makes a commission on each sales. And in many ways, it is a perfect set-up. But before you jump in with both feet, make sure you’re making an informed decision.

The Good: A Beneficial Partnership

Both merchants and affiliates can reap huge benefits from an affiliate marketing program. Amazon, one of the largest affiliate marketers in the world, has more than a million affiliates happily making money from their ads. Let’s take a look at the pros for both parties:

  • Merchant Benefits: Free ad space, broader audience, greater brand exposure, and—did I mention?—free ad space. Merchants benefit from placing their ads on a wide variety of website types, reaching a much broader audience than they otherwise could—all for free (mostly—see below).
  • Affiliate Benefits: Cash, cash, and cash. Affiliates can make money at home, at work, on the golf course, or on the beach. Just by devoting a small square of their website to advertising.

The Bad: A Risky Proposition

Just as both sides can benefit from affiliate marketing, both sides assume some risk as well. Don’t assume that affiliate marketing is all a bed of roses. Grit your teeth and take a look at the cons:

  • Merchant Cons: False advertising and commission costs. An unscrupulous affiliate can use shady methods to promote your advertisement, causing significant damage to your brand’s reputation. Merchants can also take a hit in the commission department, especially if the advertisements require significant investment of time and resources to create and maintain.
  • Affiliate Cons: No cash, low cash, stolen cash. Fraudulent merchants may end the affiliate program without warning and refuse to pay what they promised. They might also hook affiliates into the program by promising high commission rates and paying less than promised. Finally, affiliates face the risk of getting hacked and having their commissions stolen.

The Ugly: Schemers and Scammers

Because affiliate marketing offers potentially high dividends, it has become a target for nefarious internet bandits. Schemes and scams abound, but if you do your homework and know the risk, you can still benefit greatly from entering into an affiliate marketing agreement.

While affiliate marketing does carry risks, the potential for earning money and gaining exposure far outweigh the negatives. The key is to know as much as you can about the company you’re dealing with and talk to people who have dealt with them before in order to avoid the scammers.

Did you know that eConnect Email has an affiliate program?  Visit the following link for more information on the eConnect Email affilate program.

Rob Ridgeway Joins eConnect Email

Spring is just around the corner and we’re already growing.  Rob Ridgeway has recently joined the eConnect Email team as a Marketing Consultant in the Austin area.  Rob, a Montana native, completed his undergraduate studies at Montana State University and received his MBA from Gonzaga University.  He previously spent 6 years in banking and insurance and has experience working with a variety of businesses.  An entrepreneur at heart, Rob recently invented Spontuneous, a party board game that’s perfect for those suffering from “Musical Tourettes.”  It’s quickly becoming a hit with families across America and just might be the next big party game.  His entrepreneurial experience and creative “out of the box” thinking will bring another dimension to the eConnect Email team.

Happy Holidays from theCrew

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”!  During this holiday season we at eConnect Email will be enjoying some time with our family and friends.  And we hope that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  We are so thankful to all of our wonderful clients this past year and we truly appreciate your business.  Looking forward to an awesome 2012!

Holiday Hours:

We’ll be closed December 23rd – 26th…until the start of the day Tuesday, December 27th…and again Dec 31- Jan 2…until the start of the day Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012!

Anna Clendennen Joins eConnect Email!

We’re excited to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Anna Clendennen! Anna, a St. Edward’s University alum, joins eConnect Email as a Business Consultant. Formerly she was a project manager, copy writer and social media star for Huckleberry Creative. Apart from her creative endeavors she is also perusing a Master’s degree in Global Policy Studies. Check her out on Twitter @annaclendennen

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Introducing Amy Kauffman!

We’re excited to introduce Amy Kauffman, the newest member of the eConnect Email Team.  Amy, a University of Texas alum, comes to eConnect Email with an extensive communications background and agency experience. She previously headed up a boutique public relations firm in Dallas and has worked for clients and companies in a variety of industries, ranging from the from nonprofit, real estate to technology space.  You can follow Amy on twitter @AmyKauffman

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eConnect Email Receives 2011 Best of Vista Award

NEW YORK, NY, October 19, 2011 — eConnect Email has been selected for the 2011 Best of Vista Award by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

WE’VE EXPANDED: NEW LOCATION IN AUSTIN, TX!

We’ve officially expanded and opened a second location in Austin Texas.  You can find our new diggs at 2705 Bee Cave Road – Austin, TX 78746. We’re currently getting the new office setup and running and we’re really looking forward to branching out into this local community. Below are a few photos from our new space. Are you located in the Austin area?  If so feel free to drop by anytime!