Based on a scale of 1-5; five being the best possible score, one being the lowest. Ratings are based in comparison to other networks similar to the network being reviewed.
Commission Junction
** Customer Service
***** Selection of Offers
*** Conversion Rates
*** Payment Options/Speed of Payment
**** Site Layout, Ease of navigation
**** Reliability
When I think of Commission Junction, I think leader of the pack. Commission Junction definitely sets the standards when it comes to affiliate marketing.
There are hundreds of merchants to choose from including some major retailers like Best Buy and Overstock.com.
What I really like about Commission Junction is the ease of navigation. All merchants are categorized according to their niche. There are a lot of categories to choose from so you are sure to find a merchant to promote.
When you find the merchants and/or programs you wish to promote, there are a great number of ad tools (banner, text, etc.) to select from. And if you are needing any additional assistance, many of the merchants have an affiliate program representative in which you may contact. Also, when new offers are available you have the option to be notified through email and this is helpful especially if you are a member of many affiliate programs.
The one thing I feel Commission Junction could improve on is their customer service. I have had some difficulty getting help with my account and it took longer than it should to get everything straightened out. There is no phone number or any other method of contact rather than email. I feel if they had messenger or their phone number displayed, this would help publishers and advertisers. Also, payment has also been a little slow, however, I have been helped and I have been paid so I really can't complain too much.
http://www.cj.com
Commission Junction has a ton of merchants to choose from, easy site navigation and lots of great features.
Overall Rating: ****
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Affiliate Network Review: Commission Junction
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Marketing = Advertising?
Nope.
Many people say that marketing is advertising and advertising is marketing. Only part of this is partially true.
Advertising is only a small part of marketing.
Advertising is the part that involves getting the word out concerning your business, product, or the services you are offering. I had a college professor reiterate that fact over and over again. Having it drilled into your head does help to remember the difference!
Not only that but, advertising involves the process of developing strategies such as ad placement, frequency, etc.
Advertising includes the placement of an ad in such mediums as newspapers, direct mail, billboards, television, radio, and of course, as affiliate marketers, the Internet.
According to About.com, the best way to distinguish between advertising and marketing is to think of marketing as a pie, inside that pie you have slices of advertising, market research, media planning, public relations, product pricing, distribution, customer support, sales strategy, and community involvement. Advertising only equals one piece of the pie in the strategy. All of these elements must not only work independently but they also must work together towards the bigger goal. That definitely makes sense to me.
Now when you think about marketing, it does involve a lot of work! No one ever said anything was easy. And, so it goes for affiliate marketing.
Marketing does NOT = Advertising, but
marketing + advertising + hard work + patience = $$$$$$$
