Survey: What is a Good Affiliate Offer for Web-Hosting Leads?

[jlw]

I am organizing a new hosting company, and I'm designing my affiliate program. I am wondering what would motivate website publishers to run my banners/links.

I can structure the program's rewards as a percentage of revenue forever, with the affiliate's income potentially unlimited; or as just a sign-up bonus for each new customer that an affiliate refers to us; or a mixture of both.

1.
Which type of plan would most potential affiliates like to see?

2.
If it's a pure revenue share, what percentage would site publishers regard as usual and customary?

3.
If it's a pure sign-up bonus, what amount would most potential affiliates regard as usual and customary?

4.
If a hosting company were to offer an affiliate program concept that was new, original and compelling, and that would spark your interest, but that you have never seen before, what might it be? (As a site publisher, what have you wanted but not found?)

I am interested in reviewing a range of opinions before deciding how to set up my program.

Thanks.

--- Jordan

 

[enlytend]

Most other web hosting companies offer a sign up bonus of anywhere from around $50 to a little over $100.

Here's what's important to *me* when I choose a program to promote:

1) That the merchant's product or service is good !
2) That the merchant's landing page is compelling and the sign up process is easy to complete.
3) That the landing page doesn't feature a prominent "call our 800 number to sign up" message, adsense, or any other distractions that would line the merchant's pockets and drain my revenue. (The exception would be if affiliate leads are tracked for phone signups - I have a few merchants that do that and it's a BIG plus!)

(Those 3 factors influence my conversions - if the program doesn't convert then it's useless to me no matter how much it theoretically pays per signup!)

4) Accurate tracking and prompt payment.
5) A good affiliate manager is always welcome!