Win a Gold Pass to Affiliate Summit West 2012
In July of 2007 I attended my first Affiliate Summit in Miami. It was a fantastic experience. I learned so much, and that was certainly part of the chain of events in my wandering string of jobs to convince me that I liked this industry. The following year at Affiliate Summit East in Boston, I made the decision that I wanted to continue in Affiliate Marketing and build a career rather than just meander along at different jobs. Considering this is light years away from what I went to college for, that was a major decision in my life.
And attending Affiliate Summits helped solidify that for me.
So I want so spread the love and help someone else drive into this dynamic and awesome industry feet first. So I’m giving away a Gold Pass to Affiliate Summit West 2012. This year’s western version of the conference will take place January 8-10, 2012 at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, which I’m excited about since it’s one of the few larger hotels in Las Vegas that I’ve never once set foot into. The Gold Pass will allow you access to the Meet Market, Exhibit Hall, Keynotes, Sunday educational sessions, and online access to all recorded session videos and PowerPoint presentations. Right now we’re still in the Early Bird registration phase, so the Gold Pass is valued at $279 and after October 21st it goes up to $529, so winning this Gold Pass is definitely in your best financial interests!
How do you win this awesome opportunity? Here’s what you have to do. Please post 1 separate comment for each entry. Each entry received one point. The more entries you receive, the higher your chances of winning are.
- MANDATORY: Follow Affiliate Summit on Twitter. Post a comment below with your Twitter ID confirming that you’ve followed @AffiliateSummit.
- Follow GeekCast on Twitter. Post a comment below with your Twitter ID confirming that you’ve followed @GeekCast.
- Follow FeedFront on Twitter. Post a comment below with your Twitter ID confirming that you’ve followed @FeedFront.
- Follow TrishaLyn on Twitter. Post a comment below with your Twitter ID confirming that you’ve followed @TrishaLyn.
- Tweet the following message to your users and post a comment below with a link to the post. “Just entered to win an #ASW12 gold pass from @TrishaLyn. You can enter too! Here’s how: http://linq2.us/asw12gp”
- Join the Affiliate Summit group on Facebook. Post on the group wall that you were referred to the group by me and post a link to that post here in the comments.
- Join the AS Forums and introduce yourself in the Online Meet Market. Post a comment below with a link to your posting.
Here’s the fine print. You have until October 15th at 6:00 PM Pacific to complete this mission, should you choose to accept it. I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner from the posts, so I won’t be approving trackbacks or commenting on posts until the contest is over. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have 48 hours to confirm that they can attend Affiliate Summit West, then I will provide them with the code to register for free. Don’t scam the contest or I’ll out you on Twitter and the blog!
Good night, and good luck!
Read MoreCJU Course: I Wish I Had Known… #CJU2011
We’ve all had experience with 20/20 hindsight. Here’s your chance to stop looking back and start looking forward. Learn from veteran advertisers, agencies, and publishers about the most important things they wish they had known when starting out in the affiliate marketing industry. Join us to find out how to avoid marketing pitfalls in this informative session for all levels of attendees. The panel consisted of:
- Isabelle Meyer Stapf, Sr. Director, Advertiser Development West at Commission Junction (Moderator)
- Carolyn Kmet of Groupon, Phil Ayers of Hotels.com, Brook Schaaf of Schaaf-PartnerCentric, Jennifer Nissenberg of Upromise, and Mike Allen of Shopping-Bargains.com
This was a great session to kick off the conference. I always appreciate when industry veterans share what they’ve learned along their affiliate marketing careers for newbies. I think I can say I’m not a newbie anymore having been in affiliate marketing since late 2006 myself, but I still learn something new when I go to sessions like this.
Bullet Point Review!
- Do what you want, not what people expect you to do.
- You can’t always recreate success at one company with another company in the same niche.
- Mike had enough sense to get outside help, but not enough sense to evaluate that help. Don’t trust a salesperson off the bat, but do your homework and due diligence to read the fine print & make sure it’s best for you.
- Affiliate programs take time, it’s not a get rich quick.
- You can’t expect to build a business overnight, affiliate marketing isn’t a one trick pony.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, diversify your portfolio & traffic strategies.
- New customer acquisition isn’t the end all be all, affiliates bring more than new customers. Don’t ignore the value of repeat consumers.
- Mike would have had a better plan and been more focused on the plan. It ended up working because of persistence. Don’t ever give up.
- Really get to know who you’re working with and their business models and what’s important to them in what they want out of the relationship.
- Play the newbie card & don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- This industry is so vibrant & fun, and people are so personable and approachable and willing to share knowledge. Never be intimidated by someone just because what their brand is, they’re just a person.
- Spend more time on the things that are actually going to drive the business. Invest the time in things that are really going to grow things, not day to day stuff, delegate.
- Everyone is an expert at or passionate about some thing. Find that thing and put that energy behind the business and focus on that.
- Work on developing your relationships with your partners. It’s not just important from a business perspective but from a personal perspective & having a personal relationship goes a long way, and you’re more top of mind.
- Respect the value of your own time. Distraction is easy, so be focused but do indulge those distractions and see a pattern in your own life and really decide what you put your time into.
- If you have the inclination, you can figure something out. Anyone can find a solution. Don’t bang your head against a wall; try a different path to get there. Try a different road.
- Don’t get attracted to all the shiny marketing objects. They’re usually not a long term sustainable strategy.
- Come up with a different twist to something, don’t just try to go do what someone else is doing successfully.
ThinkTank Remix 2011: ‘El’evated Marketing Tools
This is the one other set of notes I still have from May’s ThinkTank Remix conference. Next week I’ll share the way more recent CJU notes with you 🙂
- IAB has new standard sizes and de-listed a bunch of common sizes. Most managers agree that it’s more important to listen to your affiliates as to what they need first.
- A lot of blog templates automatically included spaces for 125×125 & 468×60 so you should include those or you might lose a lot of bloggers.
- Must be very responsive to your affiliates and what their needs are.
- If you’re going to have an extensive text link library, be sure to include all the various landing pages.
- Being able to customize where links land … Deep linking is critical.
- Optimize the first still image in the video…call to action, not commercial so it doesn’t scream ad, most users drop off video at 45 seconds so get your offer across in 10, main point in 30, make sure your background soundtrack isn’t too loud.
- ShareASale uses Flash & sometimes the browser needs to upgrade to the latest version of Flash, so including a small text link suggesting the viewers upgrade flash on their browser is a good practice.
- As an affiliate, I’m not going to use the video if you have a 800 # that’s not tracked or mention your website a bunch of times (thus encouraging viewers to type it in instead of clicking on the site’s affiliate links. Mentioning the product is much better.
- Giving your affiliates content standards & suggested content makes it easy for them. The merchants did the research to know what works.
- Experience with the product helps, so if you can get the product into their hands, that’s beneficial.
- The content you need is already on the merchant’s site. That’s the content that converts their customers. Don’t copy it blatantly but replicate it and improve upon it.
- Give affiliates a heads up on media exposure of your product.
- People spend most of their time on the web on published content (53%). 23% social media, 7% email.
- Create your own surveys & share the results.
- 66% of content is shared via email. 28% social networking, 4 IM, 1 message boards, 1 personal blog.
- 99% of people sharing through social media are sharing via multiple platforms.
- Start collecting emails (double opt in) start small but start today. Email is very neglected in affiliate marketing. Instant traffic.
- 20% of sales coming from the links people share what they bought.
- Include the social sharing!
- People are still comfortable with the brand advertising/ sharing on their news feeds on Facebook.
- If people know who’s behind the business, they see those notes as sharing not as advertising.
- Engage people because Facebook pays attention & burgs things that don’t get interaction.
- Just asking a question & tell them what to do (Like this) is better than nothing.
ThinkTank Remix 2011: Quinn’s Tax Law & FTC Compliance
You might be asking yourself “Wasn’t ThinkTank, like, 6 months ago?” Well, yes, almost… ThinkTank did take place at the end of May. I’d taken these notes, but never got around to posting them. So, now that I’m rededicating myself to the blog, here they are for your enjoyment!
- We’re pissing off Walmart as they’ve made it their goal to “take down Amazon”.
- Sacramento bill sponsors had a press conference Wednesday as a direct result of our meetings on Tuesday. They’re scared.
- The PMA blog is all facts, no opinion or speculation because we’re being watched.
- It definitely helps to make a relationship with your state reps. It will help us win the war.
- There’s a waiver if an affiliate signs an affidavit that they only advertise online. NY affiliates can give ShareASale their docs to assist getting into programs.
- In other states there’s no compromise, but that’s okay for Rhode Island & North Carolina as we’re aiming for repeal.
- There are stories from North Carolina about the state going after people under the laws.
- ShareASale is attempting to keep their merchants in the loop but there’s always the chance they may be late to the game.
- In Arkansas they included language to apply the law to the previous 12 months.
- In some states you can trip nexus just by sending staff to conferences for a specific number of hours or exhibiting with a booth at a trade show.
- You’re not going to give them an idea… They already know, so go take them on.
- Some states are in support of a federal streamline tax but that’s been in the works for 10 years & isn’t necessarily close to anything.
- It’s different in certain verticals, but generally it’s supported when a merchant decides to just charge tax.
- Merchants doing local deal stuff create nexus under existing laws as they accept money & act as a sales agent.
- As an affiliate, you need to state that you’re getting paid.
Live from CJU 2011
So far, CJU 2011: THE Network Effect is great. Their new CJUniverse, powered by Pathable.com.com, was a fantastic new way to connect with partners and schedule meetings. I wish every trade show had this. It’s been incredibly productive for me and, of course, good to see familiar faces.
Huge thanks to RingRevenue, who Invited me to their 3rd Annual Golf Tourney & Wine Tour on Monday. It was fabulous, and I’ll definitely blog more about it in detail later, with some great pictures.
Yesterday my schedule was busy with meetings and session, and more of the same today (except I actually remembered to eat lunch)! THE Beach Party yesterday was incredibly well done, though i wasn’t prepared enough and left early due to being barefoot in the sand hurt my already aching back. If they do this next year I’ll be sure to pack flip flops and shorts! Tonight are THE CJYou Awards – For Me To Coupon’s sister company Schaaf-PartnerCentric is nominated for Agency of the Year, so everyone cross your fingers for them!
Well right mow I’m missing THE Cocktail Hour and 1/2, so I better run. I hope to get more great pictures and live tweet the winners, so be sure to follow me at @TrishaLyn
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Industry Conferences
Guest Post by James Martell
Do you ever hear about conferences for your particular industry and wonder if you should go?
Do you worry about whether a trade show is worth the time and expense involved?
I was struggling with those issues when I went to my first affiliate marketing conference in 2002. I had been an affiliate marketer for about three years, and I wanted more information on growing my business. Yes, I enjoyed the travel opportunity. Yes, the weather in Santa Barbara was gorgeous and the hotel was nice as well.
Seriously, though, if I were only looking for a short vacation, Seattle is closer and Portland is much more affordable.
Specific to my situation, I would have had a hard time convincing my wife Arlene to cut me loose for three days if all I could promise her on my return was a suitcase full of dirty laundry.
Fortunately, I was able to attend the conference because both Arlene and I knew why I was going. Better yet, our expectations for the trip were met and then exceeded.
Reasons to Attend Online Marketing Conferences
When I returned from my first Commission Junction University, Arlene and I were more than satisfied with the benefits I brought home. That’s why, when I returned to CJU the next year, I was accompanied by Arlene and 40 other people.
These days I attend several marketing events every year, and I advise all of my affiliates and colleagues to attend at least two per year. The primary reasons include;
- The time spent at these conferences is actually an investment. When you get back to the office, you’ll be working better, working smarter, and you’ll be far more motivated.
- The money you spend attending these conferences, to include travel and meals, is normally tax deductible. If you happen to own the business, I don’t have to tell you how important that is!
- You’ll have the opportunity to speak with and listen to leaders in your industry, and will probably come away with a few new ideas.
- You’ll be able to tap into a knowledge and experience base far larger than anything you would be able to accumulate on your own.
- The most important reason to attend an industry event, however, is the same reason I kept going back to the Commission Junction Universities; We need to grow.
Over the last decade, I have attended many trade shows and industry conferences, and I have listed a few of my favorites below. I have personally attended each of these events, and I have been invited to speak at several of them as well.
Whether you are an affiliate marketer, or are just interested in what the Internet can do for your business, one of these events offers something you can use.
The Best Online Marketing Conferences 2011
Affiliate Summit
This event is described as the premier affiliate marketing conference, and with good reason. The Summit is held in New York and Las Vegas, and offers a variety of educational events in addition to top industry speakers and acres of merchants and vendors.
Blog World Expo
The Expo gathers bloggers from the four corners of the earth to Las Vegas for three days so they can take advantage of networking events, presentations, and of course, vendors and merchants galore. You don’t need to be a blogger to enjoy this conference, though. If you are just looking for a way to use social media to promote your business, you should plan to attend.
Webmaster World’s PubCon
Most people expect this to be a publishing convention, but the first one was actually held in a pub, so the name actually describes a group of colleagues around a pub table. Well, Webmaster’s World has outgrown the pub, but it still provides an informal, relaxed venue to share marketing strategies and advanced SEO methods.
Commission Junction University
I cut my teeth, so to speak, on this event, and if you actually need a reason to spend three days in Santa Barbara, this conference is a really good one. You’ll get a chance to meet with over 800 industry leaders and top Commission Junction affiliates, like me. You should attend just to find out what affiliate marketing can do for your business.
AffCon
The cool part about newer industry shows is that they’re usually inexpensive, and this one is free, for the moment. This may not last long, though, because AffCon is still packed with leading panelists, all the usual vendors and merchants, and lots of great information for beginners as well as experienced affiliate marketers.
ShareASale Think Tank
What is the difference between a Think Tank and a regular conference? Imagine the level of creativity inspired by great parties, a sports event or two, and one of the best assembled brain-trusts in the industry. Affiliates, managers and merchants would all benefit from this event.
Every business relies on marketing, so it’s likely that your business would benefit from any of these events. If you’ve never attended these or any other online marketing conferences, 2011 might be the year your business really takes off.
Of course, if you aren’t a full-time marketer, there are probably other gatherings which are more focused on your specific industry. You should also least check out the ones that sound interesting.
Shopping for Your Own Trade Show
Matt Papas is an associate of mine who has a weight loss website. Matt could benefit from nearly any Internet marketing conference, but he could also get some great information at fitness or medical conferences. For instance, he could learn more about how to market to clients who are looking for a Medifast coupon code, or looking for the right answer, complete with details, to the question, “Does the Nutrisystem diet work?”
Arlene, of course, attends some events with me, but occasionally she should take in other events as well. Arlene’s website, epliepsymoms.com, offers support and information for parents of epileptic children, so she could also benefit from medical conferences. She could also add conferences specific to epilepsy support organizations and other childhood diseases.
Regardless of your industry or interest, finding the right trade show could only take a minute or two on your favorite search engine. Search for a phrase like “Restaurant Trade Shows” and you’ll find a list of events and probably a Facebook page or Twitter account you can connect to as well. Someone out there is dying to show you how to attract more customers using Google Plus or how the right color of interior paint will keep customers in your store longer.
Will You Be Attending an Industry Conference This Year?
Well, why in the world not? If you have yet to attend one of this year’s online marketing conferences 2011 is not quite over yet . The amount of time and money you’d put into a conference will be more than justified by the ideas and motivation you’ll bring home. The only real question, then, is;
Which of these conferences will you attend?
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Author and website developer James Martell is the President of Net Guides Publishing Inc. and is a popular speaker at many national events all over the country, including Commission Junction University and the Affiliate Convention. When James isn’t working or traveling, he enjoys the coastal life just south of Vancouver, BC with his wife, Arlene, and their four children.
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