BEST PRACTICES Review your Creative & Touchpoints by Penny Mather, Marketing Manager Are you properly positioned for Q4 and aligned with your other marketing channels? Now is a great time to freshen up your current creative inventory and implement new link types. Specific creative & set end dates - It is important to have seasonal creative. Affiliates want fresh, "call to action" creative that will attract consumers and convert clicks into sales. Consumer promotions, such as vouchers, free delivery or complimentary gifts should also have a strong presence in the content of your creative. Keep your Create Links page updated with new banners and program information as your company's current promotions change. The Create Links page is the first place your partners will go to get the latest program updates, promotions and links and is therefore an important communication tool. Keep your Join Programs page updated with recruitment-focused content that will attract potential Affiliates and entice them to apply for your program. The content should educate Affiliates about your company, provide program information (ex. baseline offer structure, return days, contact info, etc), and should also review your company's policies and guidelines. Use your Q4 newsletters to their full potential - We recommend that you send communications out to your Affiliates at least once a month; however, during Q4 bi-monthly newsletters are recommended. Remember, you need to differentiate your newsletter from other Merchants, so make sure your content is eye-catching and relevant, with call-to-action copy and promotion details. Communications Merchants...include all the key information Christmas Key Message for Christmas Gift Guide (For her, for him, top 10 bestsellers, ...) Delivery dates & costs Gift Wrapping Content about dedicated on site offers / Christmas products Free delivery code (example: "XMASDELI"), last minute code, dedicated affiliate offer Highlight if you do not use Royal Mail for delivery (due to planned postal strikes) Basics Commission structure / cookie window / tools Link to your LinkShare Create Links page Contact details PPC / Search Guidelines Incorporate new creative types to give your program a boost. If you currently only use banners and text links, consider implementing new creative types such as Merchandiser, Easy Links and Flex Links to diversify your creative inventory and attract new and cutting edge Affiliates. Keep in mind that certain high-tier Affiliates will only work with Merchants who offer technologically advanced link types such as Merchandiser.