Understanding how to manage affiliates effectively is key to building strong, long-lasting partnerships that drive results for your brand. And let’s be real, if you can give your affiliates what they really want, they’re going to go the extra mile for you. But what exactly do affiliates want from their partnerships? Here are six key things that will make all the difference when managing affiliates.
1. Product
Affiliates love promoting products they believe in. But here’s the thing: to become a true brand fan, they usually need to experience your product firsthand. Sure, you might get lucky and find a unicorn affiliate who already uses your product, but for most, sending samples is essential. This is where being selective in your outreach really pays off—you don’t want to send freebies to just anyone. By targeting the right affiliates, you ensure they’ll love your product and share it authentically with their audience.
2. A Better Commission Rate
Looking to get more out of your current affiliates without busting your budget? Consider offering a better commission rate, especially for your top performers. A tiered commission system is a great way to incentivize affiliates to drive more sales. Even a temporary boost in commission can be a powerful motivator. If you’re wondering how much you should offer, we’ve got you covered—check out our free commission rate calculator to figure out what works for your program.
3. Flat Fees
Let’s get real—many influencers aren’t just looking for commissions; they want flat fees. It’s a pretty common ask, especially among influencers with larger followings. If your budget allows, consider offering a hybrid deal: a flat fee upfront plus an affiliate commission on the back end. This setup gives influencers the immediate payout they’re looking for while still encouraging them to promote long-term.
But how much should you pay? Shopify has a helpful guide that breaks down fees based on influencer size:
- Nano influencers (1,000-10,000 followers): $10-$100 per post
- Micro influencers (10,000-50,000 followers): $100-$500 per post
- Mid-tier influencers (50,000-500,000 followers): $500-$5,000 per post
- Mega influencers (500,000+ followers): $10,000+ per post
Keep in mind that other factors, like engagement rate, also come into play. If you’re going the flat fee route, make sure to develop clear briefs and expectations. Our DIY Affiliate Marketing Kit even includes a contract template to help you get these agreements in writing.
4. Discounts for Their Audience
Affiliates, particularly influencers, love offering their followers exclusive discounts. Why? It’s simple—discount codes feel like a personal gift from them to their audience. Plus, it makes tracking easier. Instead of relying solely on affiliate links (which may get lost when followers leave a social platform), codes are more memorable and effective. Providing a unique discount code is a win-win: the affiliate’s followers feel special, and you get clearer tracking on their performance.
5. Creative Brainstorming Support
Affiliates love when brands help them figure out what works best. Once they’re on board, they’ll often ask what’s worked well for others. Have a few examples ready to share, and explain why certain campaigns were successful. But don’t stop there—get to know your affiliate’s platform and audience, and brainstorm ways they can naturally integrate your product. The more creative and collaborative you are, the more likely you’ll land on something that feels authentic and performs well.
6. Creative Opportunities
If you’re wondering how to manage affiliates when budgets are tight, we’ve got you covered. Offer creative perks that don’t involve money. For example, if your affiliate is a blogger, you could offer them a guest post on your site with a backlink to theirs. This kind of visibility can be super valuable, especially if your site has a solid domain authority. You could also repost their content on your social channels or feature them in your email newsletter. Even without a big financial incentive, these gestures show that you’re invested in helping your affiliates succeed.
Conclusion
Managing affiliates successfully means knowing what they want and finding creative ways to deliver it. Whether it’s product samples, better commissions, or even non-monetary perks, these six strategies will help keep your affiliates engaged and eager to promote your brand.
If you’re still wondering how to manage affiliates, our Partner Marketing DIY Affiliate Kit has everything you need to streamline the process. From commission rate calculators to contract templates, this kit is packed with the tools to help you build a thriving affiliate program. Grab your kit today and take the guesswork out of affiliate management!
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