Hey Guys,
I've built up a network of advertisers in my niche and I finally have the volume to cut out the affiliate network and go direct to the advertiser.
However I'm a bit worried that I won't be paid for whatever reason. How do I protect myself as an affiliate to ensure that I don't drive thousands of leads and end up not getting paid by the advertiser? Should I have a contract put in place between myself and the advertiser? Where can I find a template/sample contract?
For those affiliates running direct to advertiser, do you have any tips you'd like to give out?
So, my point of view.
Why would you treat a network any different than a advertiser. The risks are the same either way. Networks are not a sure bet.
Is your traffic good, nice and clean? Does it back out well for the advertiser? Are you checking in and asking them how things are?
If your traffic is clean, you start small and scale with the advertiser directly, just as you would with the network.
Extend credit as you see fit. If the advertiser is paying on time, then weekly bump up the amount your willing to risk.
Stock contracts, from Legal Zoom for payment of services, a insert order, same things you'd use for a network, nothing really complex.
Perhaps if this is LARGE volume, get on a plane, go visit in person the advertiser.
Check them out, can you meet them in person?
Just my 2cents.
Make sure you sign an agreement that is fair to both parties. If you go direct to the advertisers of which you ran through the networks, obviously there is a history of the advertiser paying the network. The advertiser doesn't want to not pay you if you are bringing them in long term profits.
What's that saying about it's easier and less costly to sell to a current customer than to find a new customer. The same goes for an advertiser that has a good core of producing and trustworthy publishers.
Outside of paperwork, be transparent in your marketing and develop a deeper relationship with the advertiser. Give them feedback, audit their offers, provide suggested improvements. 99% of the time, they'll look at you as a strategic partner rather than just a blind subid they can't contact.