As a publisher I have had good and bad experience with all of the networks in Australia and recognized a lot of opportunities and room for improvement, which is half the reason behind starting Digital Lead Network.
Don't be disillusioned with Australian affiliate providers, we are changing how publishers think about networks and are really making a positive impact on the market.
By offering better service we've been able to secure better deals for a lot of finance, insurance, travel and mobile offers. I'm just looking for the right publishers to support these campaigns.
Why a network would ignore publishers based on that logic dumbfounds me.....
100% Agree, it seems you started Digital Lead Network for the very same reason we did. As Affiliates being the change we want to see is sometimes the only way.
To everyone, we don't really want to beat up the current networks rather we want to lead by example in developing Affiliate Marketing in Australia to be at the professional level that we as former Affiliates have experienced in the UK and US. The amount of negative stories and experiences we hear or read everyday from Merchants and Affiliates about other well established networks it is remarkable and it is no wonder why the industry has not moved forward. It spurs us on and lets us know we are one the right path when we receive a complement in the same conversation about our service, platform or progress. It also a good sign when we see established networks making changes based around the new competition. Ultimately competition is good for Affiliates and industry, Affiliates will ultimately go where they are treated well, paid on time, the technology is good and they are interested in the offers.
On the topic of competition, the networks in Australia are all slightly different in their approaches/niches/verticals so everyone can co-exist and even work in partnership toward developing the industry.
Email turn around in this day and age should almost be instant, after all Affiliates are the lifeblood of any network, why you would not want to offer your 100% I don't know. You can have all the offers in the world but without Affiliates to promote them no one makes any money. Our philosophy is to treat both the Affiliate and the Merchant as the customer, not just the Merchant. The relationship needs to be balanced with all parties getting the support, encouragement, and advice from us as the network.
Ask yourself:
• Have you ever had a Network Rep send you an email or call you to say "well done, good month, thanks for your handwork"?
• Have you ever had a Network Rep send you some ideas on improving your site or ideas on promotions you could run?
• Have you ever had a Network Rep tell you that you have unmonetised links on your site and where/how they could be monetised?
• Have you ever had a Christmas Card or Gifts from a network?
• Have you ever had a Network Rep fly to meet with you, even if you are not making them a cent yet?
If you haven't then you will be excited to work with us, and ultimately this is the way Affiliate Marketing will go in Australia and what Affiliates will start to expect.
I know it's all a bit biased and feels like a sales pitch, but there are new networks like Digital Lead Network and us that really want to see local publishers working with local networks on local offers. The only way forward to everyone is to try the new networks and make up your own mind.
Don't be disillusioned, change is happening.
