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Sharing Commissions with Referral Sites
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A Merchant's Primer of Affiliate Programs
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
E-Commerce Consultant
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Ever since Amazon.com developed its Associates program, online merchants have dreamed of the day they could develop a network of thousands of sites pointing to products on their site -- at least to the site itself. Merchants are happy to share a percentage of the sale -- so long as there is a sale. Paying for "page views" and "impressions" gets expensive.
In the past few months software programs and service bureaus are now available to help you set up an affiliate program. But what's the downside for the merchant? In this article we describe what's involved, so you can prepare for the challenges on your way to the promise of an affiliate network. No, this isn't simple, and there are some deceptive twists you need to know about. We've tried to chart the possible landmines for you.
We specialize in providing vital information to merchants and developers which will save them lots of time, wrong decisions, and ultimately a good deal of money. We think you'll agree this kind of information is well worth an annual subscription to Web Commerce Today. READ THE ARTICLE
SOFTWARE REVIEW
How ViaWeb and ShopSite Pro Incorporate Affiliate Program Support Functions
Two store-building software programs have recently incorporated affiliate program capabilities. We review these functions in ViaWeb 4.1 and ShopSite Pro 3.3, and let you know if we think they'll do the job. Read the review.
A Wealth of Information
FREE Links to Associate / Affiliate Resources Slanted towards Merchants
We're offering a free "shelf" in our Web Commerce Today Research Room which links to resources and articles about Associate and Affiliate Programs. No, we don't link sites that offer such programs. Instead, we link to articles which give the merchant and developer insights into how to use this marketing approach to increase sales -- and steer clear of the problems.
Click Here for FREE Affiliate Resources.
Ideas You Can Put to Use
Webstore Tips and Innovations
In this column we list brief tips and well-done elements of online stores we have visited. Some of these you'll want to incorporate into your site. This month: making your customers feel at home with a real -- well, er, virtual -- clerk. Click here for Tips and Innovations
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| Take Full Advantage of Online Sales Strategies |
Strategies to Lure Web Shoppers away from Traditional Retail
by Tom Vassos, IBM Canada
How can online merchants effectively compete with their retail cousins in the local strip mall? Tom Vassos, Director of Internet Marketing for IBM Canada, spells out the unique strengths of selling the Web, and outlines strategies to help you maximize your sales potential. This article is an excerpt from his trailblazing book Strategic Internet Marketing.
Read the Article
Japan Update
One of the fastest growing Internet markets is Japan. Chris Beck shares his impressions following a recent trip. Read the Article.
E-Commerce Book of the Month
ng Digital Markets: Battle Plans and Business Strategies for Internet Commerce
by Walid Mougayar
(Second Edition; McGraw-Hill 1998)
If you're trying to understand they way e-commerce is headed and build corporate strategies for Web commerce, then ng Digital Markets is important reading. This book, which reads like a graduate-level business text, examines the factors influencing the future of e-commerce. Timing is an important part of making businesses changes. Mougayar will help train your e-commerce eyes to discern the trends coming up, so you can make your move at the right moment.
The author spent 14 years with Hewlett-Packard and led HP's Internet initiatives in Canada. He is the founding chairman of CommerceNet Canada, and president of CYBERManagement, Inc., a management education and consulting firm.
You may purchase this book directly from Amazon.com by using this link.
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The E-Mail Marketing Handbook