10 Things to Know When

Selecting an OPM1) Does the OPM Have Experience Where It Matters? As a merchant you're naturally going to want to work with an OPM that has experience in your niche. You may or may not find that - but the experience you really want to look for is experience in key functions of an OPM - which includes affiliate recruitment, affiliate activation and affiliate program optimization. Look for case studies and client testimonials that demonstrate expertise in these areas. 2) Does the OPM Have a Sterling Reputation? Affiliate marketing is all about relationships - so, it's key that the OPM that manages your affiliate program has a strong reputation in the affiliate marketing community. Ask for references and check them. Don't just ask for a client reference. You also need to know how affiliates feel about the OPM - so ask to contact a few affiliates to get their input as well. 3) Does the OPM Set Clear Expectations and Outline the Plan to Meet Them? Don't trust any OPM that makes big promises because as is so often the case, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The truth is that affiliate marketing takes time, and any experienced OPM should be able to chart clear expectations for attainable, sustainable growth (along with a plan for how they'll make it happen).

(888) 854-7770

Continued on next page >>>

4) How Will The OPM Ensure the Affiliate Program Attains and Retains Quality Affiliates? Will the OPM you're evaluating manually approve all of the affiliates that will be recruited for your program? That's preferred to ensure quality. Allowing affiliates to automatically be approved into a program means sites that won't perform (or that violate your terms and conditions such as gambling or pornographic sites) might be allowed to join your program. 5) Is the OPM Covering All of the Bases When It Comes to Affiliate Recruitment? Recruitment is one of the most important tasks the OPM will perform for your program so, you need to make sure they are doing it correctly. Will this OPM leave no stone unturned in the search for strong affiliate partners, or will they simply recruit within the affiliate network(s) where the program resides? Will the OPM reach out to a variety of affiliate types (deals, loyalty, couponers, paid search affiliates, etc.?). 6) Is the OPM Capable of Managing Your Affiliate Program on Multiple Networks? There are several big affiliate networks and many more niche networks. Any one of them (or a combination) might work best for your affiliate program. You need an OPM that is capable of managing your program on multiple networks. Look at the OPM's client list. Is it focused on one or two networks or does it manage programs on a wide range of networks? An OPM that "always works" with one network probably isn't the right choice for you.

(888) 854-7770

Continued on next page >>>

7) What Procedures Does the OPM Have In Place to Protect Your Brand? You need to be sure the OPM you select will enforce any policies you put in place. This include your trademark bidding policies and any terms and conditions. Ask how the OPM monitors a client's affiliate program for trademark bid policy violations and make sure you feel comfortable with the answer. 8) Is the OPM an Active Participant in Industry Discussions and Events? You'll want to make sure the OPM you select is tuned in to the ever-changing affiliate marketing industry. Check to make sure the OPM attends industry trade shows such as Affiliate Summit, ad:tech, CJU, Google Affiliate Network Summit, LinkShare Symposium, ShareASale Think Tank, etc. Also check to see if the OPM is active in affiliate forums such as ABestWeb. 9) Communication is Key: Are You Speaking the Same Language? As you're talking to OPM companies to evaluate their skills and services, pay attention to communication. Is it clear? Do your questions get answered? Do your calls/e-mails get returned promptly? More importantly, are the people involved listening to your needs and presenting solutions to fit that need? You need an OPM that can become a virtual arm of your business - and listening is a critical skill. 10) During Your Evaluation Process, Keep Asking Yourself: Are These People Adding Value? The best OPMs employ seasoned affiliate marketers who become an essential part of your team. They help to devise and implement the strategies and tactics that drive success for your affiliate program. They hear your challenges and present solutions. Look at client testimonials and ask to interview a current client or two. Ask about this when you call.

(888) 854-7770

About Schaaf-PartnerCentric Schaaf-PartnerCentric is one of the oldest and largest outsourced affiliate program management agencies. Our expertise is in launching new affiliate programs or managing existing affiliate programs on one or more affiliate networks. We’ve got the most experienced team of affiliate program managers in the industry – and we pride ourselves on becoming an integral part of our clients’ teams, driving the strategies and tactics that create success for the affiliate channel. Contact us today to learn how Schaaf-PartnerCentric can help you and your business: Brook Schaaf CEO, Schaaf-PartnerCentric

(888) 854-7770 Follow Us to Learn More about our Services and the Affiliate Programs We Manage: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schaafpc Twitter: https://twitter.com/schaafpc LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/1017783 Visit us online at www.schaafpc.com to see our full list of affiliate program management clients and to meet our team of affiliate program managers and marketing specialists.