Starting an affiliate network.

[NwS]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone can provide some info/tips and hints about people who are thinking about starting their own affiliate network.. Like what they have to know, what software and stuff will need and other similar stuff.

Thanks for your time,
NwS

 

[Templatechicken]

... well that depends don't you think?

We offer a template affiliate system. But if you're not planning to sell templates, well then our system isn't what you need.

first define what you want to sell (and make people sell) and then build on that!

Marien @ Templatechicken.com

 

[NwS]

Actually i meant affiliate network like CJ, Azoogle etc etc..

 

[weblord]

as for the affiliate network tracking software, you can either host the entire script in your server:
http://www.leadhoundnetwork.com/
or remotely host it;
http://kowabunga.com/products.asp
HTH

 

[NwS]

Hmm thanks for the info :P

 

[5starAffiliates]

If you don't know what you need then you REALLY don't want to start a network.

I have worked with top companies in the industry that tried to launch their own network with lots of tech savvy and lots of $$ and could not pull it off.

Aside from all the tech and marketing and support aspects there is one fundamental problem you will have.

You can't get enough affiliates until you get enough merchants and the merchants won't join your network unless you have lots of affiliates.
It's a HUGE catch 22!

BELIEVE ME it's TOUGH and there are already too many networks out there.
If you really want to try www.directtrack.com is the software most of the smaller new networks use.

 

[NwS]

If you don't know what you need then you REALLY don't want to start a network.

I have worked with top companies in the industry that tried to launch their own network with lots of tech savvy and lots of $$ and could not pull it off.

Aside from all the tech and marketing and support aspects there is one fundamental problem you will have.

You can't get enough affiliates until you get enough merchants and the merchants won't join your network unless you have lots of affiliates.
It's a HUGE catch 22!

BELIEVE ME it's TOUGH and there are already too many networks out there.
If you really want to try www.directtrack.com is the software most of the smaller new networks use.

Talked with other ppl about this i actually KNOW what i need where i will target it what i will target and all that info..

IMO the hardest part is to find the idea about what products or style you want to follow and how you will do that. And i have thought and analyzed of those things..

Getting affiliates would be the easy part (i can start with around 500-1000 well thats something for a start? :/) getting merchants should be easy enough.. I was just wondering if its simple to work with bigger networks for the start like CJ, Azoogle or others like those? Do they work with other networks? I remember i read somewhere that they do.. Any ideas on this one?

I really don't like for some reason DirrectTrack.. I tried some time ago to go for a custom one but seems like noone is interested into making one :P lol

Cya,
NwS