Getting Approved on Offers when You're New to a Network (9)
Hey guys,
I'm new to CPA affiliate marketing and I've set up a few white hat funnels that I've been running on Facebook. All of the funnels are in Lead Gen verticals, so things like insurance, refi, etc. I have tons of experience in Facebook ads as I have done local lead gen for over two years now.
What I am experiencing over and over again is that my affiliate manager will not approve me to run many of the white hat offers I apply to. Reason: I need more history on the network. He insists that I start with less legit offers that don't require approval but which, in my opinion, are low quality offers (payday loans, sweeps, etc.). Many of these can't even run on Facebook. I've shown my AM my landers and ads, so he knows that my stuff is high-quality and not misleading or spammy.
I fully understand that my AM is only trying to safeguard the quality of the leads on his network and maintain their reputation. However, I'm finding it hard to get my start in this industry so long as I am not allowed to take a stab at some of the verticals I know are working well for other affiliates. Furthermore, I'm not keen on going all-in on greyhat verticals like sweeps just for the sake of proving my chops; I want to keep all of my accounts white hat through and through.
So, I've come here to seek out your advice. Am I being too demanding or is my AM being unusually suspicious of me? Is it absolutely necessary that I start in greyhat verticals or are you aware of affiliate networks which allow newbies to run high quality, white hat lead gen from the jump?
Please let me know if you've experienced something similar or if you have any tips on winning over an affiliate manager. Thank you!
P.S. Wasn't sure where to post this, so mods can move it if it belongs elsewhere.
What networks are you currently registered with? Plenty of AMs are browsing the forums, so some of them might be interested to take you under their wings 
It's true that some networks are very careful with certain offers, the affiliate industry is full of scammers unfortunately, so they have to proceed with caution. Especially with certain sensitive offers that are heavily regulated. But still, you should be able to get in somehow.
Originally Posted by zatch bell
Just ask your AM for running test leads for a week or less, of course it depends on your quantity and quality of your leads but it will be enough for both of you. If your AM will say that you are not approved for certain offers, just find another Affiliate Program which will approve your traffic, it's not so difficult
Originally Posted by zatch bell
Next, I'm not sure which network you're referring to and don't need to nor want to know! Good form by not calling them out
On topic of 'calling', have you had a chance to speak on the phone to iron out any concerns?I can understand their end following the motto: "Date before you get married" in this sense or crawl before you run. How long have you been registered to this network? Did they even check out your industry references?
IF not, it appears they may let too many people in and more likely than not have experienced bad quality or fraud issues with other shady affiliates putting their relationship with clients in jeopardy, losing that business and money altogether.
Could be many other underlying issues you may not be aware about: Bandwidth (managing many affiliates at once), Platform Updates / Issues or Client Budget constraints.
Lastly, to touch upon the next stage if your Affiliate Manager does eventually let their guard down and they want to help you test your desired campaigns out-- could be a few reasons why they might not be able to approve you right away. Perhaps they're masking the fact budget isn't even available yet active in the network for applying; it's an under-looked issue when it comes to publicly available offers not paused from network right away due to client account manager bandwidth (human error). If indeed there is budget available and you become concerned about timeframe of approvals, that turnaround time will greatly vary depending on specific client, time of day offer application submitted, client response times, offer sensitivity (traffic types), compliance checks and/or more info (if any) needed by account manager (or) client for purpose of clarity on methods. It is in the networks interest to get you approved so everyone can make money together.
It sounds like you're being totally transparent about your marketing methods including names of traffic sources, landing pages, and any other assets to be used for their client lead generation offers.
That is usually required when it comes to promoting white hat 'legit' offers. Bigger clients have their own legal and compliance teams, so its important to be as forthcoming as possible.
Best of luck!
Brian, Director of Network Distribution
I would forget about them for now, apply to 10 other networks, do some big numbers with at least one, then take a screenshot of my earnings and go back to that network and say "there!"
Amy
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using STM Forums mobile app
Originally Posted by vortex
Amy
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using STM Forums mobile app
Screenshots are only half the battle. I've seen photoshopped and stolen versions before! Not saying you do that, just coming from an affiliate manager's perspective.
Supplement those screenshots with a dedicated contact at the particular network in order for the pending network to verify those claims.
Most networks are friendly with cross reference checks.
- Brian, Director of Network Distribution
Originally Posted by TeamAragon
You're so right - there's not even need to photoshop. Can just change the numbers from within the browser.
Amy
then I guess your AM has no real understanding of the offers he actually has on his network.
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