5 Common Mistakes Brands Make With Self-Run Affiliate Marketing Campaign

As the affiliate marketing industry continues to grow and flourish – it’s projected to reach $40 billion by 2030 – brands are jumping at the chance to be a part of the action. To get started, brands must decide whether to run an in-house program or work with a specialized agency. While affiliate marketing is highly effective at spreading brand awareness and driving conversions, it requires time, in-depth knowledge, and strategic planning to develop a largely successful program. The self-run approach can be effective when executed correctly, though we often see brands encounter common pitfalls that interfere with their success. Let’s dive into the most common mistakes brands make with self-run affiliate marketing programs and how to avoid them.

1. Neglecting Relationship Building

There’s a reason affiliate marketing is also known as partnership marketing, relationships are everything in this industry. Successful affiliate marketing relies on a symbiotic relationship, where both parties benefit. Brands often make the mistake of treating affiliates as just transactional partners, missing the opportunity to foster loyal and long-term collaboration. Establishing open communication, providing regular updates, and offering incentives can go a long way in building a positive affiliate partnership.

2. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Affiliate marketing stands out as a highly effective strategy, but like most things in life, achieving immense success overnight is rare. While brands might expect instant results or a sudden surge in sales, patience is key in affiliate marketing. It takes time to build momentum and see significant results. Setting realistic goals and timelines will help manage expectations and prevent disappointment. The end results are well worth it so don’t give up!

3. Lack of Training and Resources

Brands often assume that affiliates will be experts in their products of services right off the bat. Without providing proper training or resources, affiliates may struggle to effectively promote the brand. To avoid this, brands should take time to educate affiliates about the company, its products, target audience, and marketing strategies. Equipping affiliates with the right tools and information will set them up for success in spreading brand awareness and driving sales. 

4. Ignoring Compliance and Regulations

While legal jargon is not the most exciting part of affiliate marketing, it is extremely important. Underestimating the importance of compliance can put a brand at risk of legal repercussions and harm their reputation. From disclosure requirements to data protection, brands must stay informed and ensure that both they and their affiliates are following all relevant laws. Regularly reviewing and updating affiliate agreements is a crucial step in mitigating potential legal risks.

5. Overlooking Analytics and Tracking

What sets affiliate marketing apart from other methods is its ability to efficiently track and analyze campaign performances. Overlooking key information leads to a lack of understanding that’s required to optimize an affiliate program. By implementing tracking systems and regularly analyzing key metrics, brands can identify successful strategies, improve underperforming campaigns, and make data-driven decisions to enhance their affiliate marketing strategy.

Looking for Affiliate Management Support?

At Advertise Purple, our dedicated team of affiliate managers can help extend your reach and generate high-quality leads. We have a network of best-in-class publishers who create engaging content that’s aligned with your strategic objectives. Plus, you’ll benefit from our industry-leading technology, Purply, which makes tracking and reporting a breeze.

Our experienced team of professionals is always up-to-date with the latest developments in affiliate marketing. We can help you to set up a brand-new affiliate program or manage an existing campaign to maximize results. Contact us today.