Industry guru Dave Taylor offers tech support on technical and business topics, including iPhone, iPod, Microsoft Windows, Sony PSP, cellphones, online advertising, CSS, Web design, business, Unix, Linux, SEO, Mac OS X, and shell script programming.     


How do I set up an affiliate program for my software program?

I just released a new utility application and want to set up a rudimentary affiliate program that lets me offer a commission to people and sites that promote my app. Problem is, there's a free version and a paid version so I'm not sure how that would all work. In any case, is there some sort of low-cost introductory affiliate management system I could use?


Dave's Answer:

I sent this question along to Shawn Collins, who runs the splendid Affiliate Tips Blog and is, of course, the brains behind The Affiliate Summit conference that I regularly attend.

Here's what Shawn suggested:

There are two ways to go about running an affiliate program for your site: hosted on your server or an ASP.

1 Automation WizAs far as the hosted applications, I'd suggest looking into 1ShoppingCart.com and Groundbreak.com's Ultimate Affiliate Software. Both are attractively priced, reliable and robust enough for a basic affiliate program. The implementation for the installed affiliate software is more complex than an ASAP, but it's also more customizable.

On the other hand, affordable ASPs with a good reputation are AffiliateClicks.com, DirectTrack.com, FusionQuest.com and Shareasale.com. Implementation for any of these technologies is quick and easy - a matter of pasting some code on your purchase confirmation page. A little more than that, but not much.

You'll find that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other options out there. I can't speak to the other solutions, as I don't have first hand knowledge of them, but I'd vouch for any of the above.

Thanks, Shawn. Personally I use 1shoppingcart for my own affiliate programs, through its rebranded front end of 1 Automation Wiz, which gives me good hands-on service and assistance too. It works very well for me...


More Useful Business and Management Articles:
✔   How do I trademark my group's name?
Yo Dave! So I'm looking 2 trademark my group's name, and once its trademarked will I get a certain certificate of trademark to...
✔   Export LinkedIn Profile as a PDF Resume?
I've spent the last year or two updating and adding to my LinkedIn profile and it has a ton of information about me....
✔   How do I run a credit card transaction with PayPal Here?
I contacted PayPal and got their little blue triangle card reader for use with the "PayPal Here" application, so I can process credit...
✔   How do I search for a registered trademark?
I'm trying to come up with a new name for our software product, having been informed by a customer that a really big...
✔   I'm unemployed. What do I list on LinkedIn?
I wanna ask you about LinkedIn. What's the best practice to fill out the CURRENT POSITION Field when you are not working and...

Let's stay in touch!
Sign up for my weekly AskDaveTaylor Newsletter and you'll receive even more tech and gadget help right to your inbox, along with exclusive news and industry updates. It's good stuff. I promise!
    Enter your name: and your email addr:  




Categorized: Business and Management   (Article 6890, Written by )
Tagged: affiliate programs, affiliate sales, shareware
Previous: Should I optimize my site for search engine SEO?
Next: How many movies have been filmed at Disneyland?




Reader Comments To Date: 2

Dakota Spain said, on May 23, 2010 5:38 PM:

I have been wanting to get some info on starting an affiliate program for along time. Thanks for the tips!

Peter said, on June 23, 2011 7:34 PM:

Great reply Dan.
The fact you used another source to supplement your response speaks CREDIBILITY in capital letters. Well done.
BTW ... Shawn is a pretty good referral source.

Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











I will never send you any unsolicited email. Ever.






Check This Out Too...

 
Look for Answers
Need Help? Ask Dave Taylor!


Follow Me on Pinterest

Find Me on Google+
ADT on G+
© 2002 - 2013 by Dave Taylor. All Rights Reserved.

Note: This web site is for the purpose of disseminating information for educational purposes, free of charge, for the benefit of all visitors. We take great care to provide quality information. However, we do not guarantee, and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on this web site or on any linked site. Further, please note that by submitting a question or comment you're agreeing to my terms of service, which are: you relinquish any subsequent rights of ownership to your material by submitting it on this site. My lawyer says "Thanks".
"Ask Dave Taylor®" is a registered trademark of Intuitive Systems, LLC.