Affiliate-Run Blogs

[Simon IA Cash]

Does anyone know a good hub site that links to actual blogs run by actual affiliates, that doesn't allow sponsor-run blogging? As a sponsor, I can understand the value of putting up blogs for promotional purposes, but what, if any, is a place to connect to multi-sponsor-promoting blogs, of reasonable quality?

Side-question... it seems to me that between link lists, tgps, and blogs, blogs (due to their easy-to-make nature) are the most sponsor-run. What do you guys think? What does that mean for the long term success of the medium?

[walrus]

Not sure I understand your question. I run two blog directories and most of the blogs on them are affiliate run blogs. A sponsor ran blog, I would hope would be a hosted blog that I could add to the directory with my link codes.

[virgohippy]

I think I understand the second question... you're asking which is more common, a sponsor run Blog, LL or TGP? Right?

In my very small observations, I think I've see more "bigger" programs run their own TGP's.

I've seen a number of "single girl" type blogs.

I've haven't seen too many LL's operated by sponsors... I think Chop's is the only I know of...

As Walrus mentioned, these should all have affiliate codes embedded through-out.

I notice you've been asking a lot of questions about how to provide tools to affiliates. I applaud you on that, but what is it exactly you're looking for? What type of skills do you have the easiest ability to exercise?

I ask because in case you're trying to make a decision about how to spend your time and money giving tools to affiliates I think you might save a lot of time/money if your affiliates nudge you in the direction that might be most efficient for you?

[Simon IA Cash]

My interest in affiliate tools is two-fold. Firstly, as affiliate manager here at IA Cash, I'm trying to keep my affiliates as happy as possible, which involves knowing what makes them happy, what makes them tick. Secondly, in the spirit of getting into the head of the affiliate, I've explored what it's like to actually be an affiliate for programs we're partnered with.

As for the blog discussion, I think I may have underestimated just how many are affiliate-run. I've just found that a large proportion have sponsor written all over them. Affiliate-run blogs are more likely to be flexible in their promotion than sponsor-run blogs. As a guy always on the lookout for new, good affiliates, it would be nice to have a centralized network of specifically affiliate-run blogs. But, I suppose, at the end of the day, a blog is a blog and if a post/blog can make a sale, a network will list that blog, sponsor made or not..

[walrus]

You fucking lost me again. Seriously, I have no idea what the fuck your talking about. You want to know what, as a blogger, I would like to see from a sponsor to help me promote your site? Cool, I've got a large laundry list of shit.

You want to know how to pimp your site via blogs? Cooll, I've got a bunch of fucking advice.

But damn, I've yet to figure out what the fuck it is your looking for...and I used to consider myself an fairly intellegent person.

[virgohippy]

Originally Posted by walrus

But damn, I've yet to figure out what the fuck it is your looking for...and I used to consider myself an fairly intellegent person.

I'm impressed! You have to be pretty good to stump the Walrus.

Simon IA Cash, I think your questions have been very specific, which is good because it gets right to the point. However, us affiliates have a wide range of experiences and techniques, and most of us have more than a few fresh ideas spinning around in our overworked heads.

If you start with a more general question, like, "How can I help you bloggers?" you just might get some creative solutions to problems you hadn't even considered before.

Then, if you get a huge list of options, you can try to find out which option(s) the most bloggers like best.

[Simon IA Cash]

Hehhe thanks for keeping at trying to decipher my posts.

Basically, there are two kinds of blogs, as far as I can tell. Sponsor-made blogs from which they just pimp out their stuff, and affiliate-run blogs, made by people who take various sponsor content and post it in their blogs.

I very much want to find the affiliate-run blogs, so I can say "Hey, please give us a try. Maybe you can throw one of our sites into your next post, hmm?" That being said, there seem to be blog networks of various kinds. I would like to find a nice list of affiliate-run blogs so I can try to contact their owners and get them promoting (although most blogs don't seem to have a contact link, which baffles me).

Although, if you have all kinds of other ways to use blogs to pimp out my stuff, I'd be happy to hear anything you have to say. Thanks! I hope I was clearer this time...

[walrus]

Got it....I don't think your going to find anyone with just affiliate blogs but directories are a good place to start. Think of it as a link list for blogs. Cant remember which sites I have in my sig but XXX Blog Index would be one directory you could start at.

Also, not sure you would get much, if any response. The best way to get bloggers attention is to develop some RSS feeds, hosted blogs, etc. Developing good feeds is the most sure fire way to get our attention.

Originally Posted by virgohippy

I'm impressed! You have to be pretty good to stump the Walrus.

Sounds like a game show....Stump the Walrus and Win!!!

[Simon]

Originally Posted by walrus

Stump the Walrus and Win!!!

I know it's wrong to have thoughts of bone saws and tourniquets. But hey, winning is winning.

Actually, "Stump the Walrus" reminded me of one of the old 'perfect' jokes (one with the setup and punchline all in one):

"A baby seal walks into a club..."



--tools for stumping a walrus:

[DJilla]

Originally Posted by walrus

The best way to get bloggers attention is to develop some RSS feeds, hosted blogs, etc. Developing good feeds is the most sure fire way to get our attention.

DITTO!

BTW: The best way to get attention around here for your program hands down is to develop some hosted freesites.

PS.
How did you get to be an affiliate manager if you've never been an affiliate?

[Simon IA Cash]

I started reading up early, and have been reading and reading and asking questions ever since. As my knowledge grows, so do my responsibilities. I've been taught much, and am learning most by just keeping my affiliates happy. Find out what they need, and accomodate. Fact is, affiliates were well taken care of before I got here, so the handoff of responsibility was relatively seamless.

[DJilla]

BTW: Though my post may have sounded critical I didn't mean it that way. That's great! Your obviously dedicated to your customers and are putting the time in. I'm sure you probably love the job too. Wish you all the success in the world.

Seriously though, have your designers start building some hosted free sites and I'm sure you'll get some serious attention around here!

[Simon IA Cash]

Oh I wasn't offended. Fair question, really. I'm really enjoying myself, actually. I'm getting lots of great, honest help, for the most part. Always new things to try, and new suggestions.

I'll have some free hosted blogs up not too long from now. Then I'll have a whole new batch of affiliates to support. Love this stuff.

[walrus]

Originally Posted by Simon

I know it's wrong to have thoughts of bone saws and tourniquets. But hey, winning is winning.

Actually, "Stump the Walrus" reminded me of one of the old 'perfect' jokes (one with the setup and punchline all in one):

"A baby seal walks into a club..."



--tools for stumping a walrus:

What a demented soul....