I have an iPhone app (utility app) currently available on iTunes. It sells for $2.99, I make $2 off each app. With my new found interest in affiliate marketing, it has dawned on me that there is no reason I should not be selling my app on an affiliate program. It has also dawned on me that there is no super efficient way of going about this, the payout is relatively low ($1.50) and there is no real (efficient) way to distribute the app outside of the app store. I currently have an account on an app tracking site that would allow me to track and pay commission for several affiliates, but it wouldn't really allow me to have more than 8-10 affiliates at a time.
Any ideas on if there is an efficient way to set up a program for affiliate's? My only thought was to give the tracking info to a Affiliate Network, then pay them based on monthly installs and leave it up to them to pay the individual affiliates, not sure if that is possible? Anyone??? HELP!!!!
If you limit your app to iOS, there really isn't a choice. Apple controls the distribution and flow of money, making sure they get their cut before you do.
If you want to develop for Android or Windows, you would have more opportunities.
Realistically, unless you have app that is priced much higher, does significant volume, or benefits you through a subscription/rebill program (with a much higher Lifetime Customer Value so you can offer a much higher payout), using an affiliate program isn't going to help. The payout is way too low for affiliates to take the risk/make the effort.