Thoughts on Direct Track

[salvo]

I manage two affiliate programs that use DirectTrack technology as their solution provider.

On the AM side, I think their technology is great; in some cases better than that of the big 3. However, I have had a number of affiliates who were interested in the programs decide not to join because of the program using DirectTrack and no other service provider. Some of these affiliates I have seen complain at length about the big 3 providers on this and other forums, but maintain that those are the only networks they will work with.

I understand from the affiliate side that is hard to keep track of all of the different partnerships on all the different networks, but DirectTrack is different. They have real time reporting and they notify both the AM and the affiliate every time a sale is made. With that kind of technology and dedicated affiliate management from yours truly, you almost don’t even need to check your account. Some of our best producers even need me to remind them of their login info.

This is not a promotion piece for DT, but I think that many affiliates need to pay attention to the smaller networks and in-house solution providers. Otherwise the big networks will get more arrogant and gain more of a lockdown on the market.

[Linda Buquet]

Hi salvo,

I understand what you are saying and know how hard it must be. Some affiliates don't like DT but then some don't like and won't work with CJ or LS either. So it's really hard and all I can say is you can't please all the people all the time.

Whenever possible I always recommend that merchants offer a dual program. An indie and a network option so affiliates have the choice. Shareasale or ShareResults is usually my network of choice unless its a BIG brand - then CJ.
But sometimes offering both choices isnt feasable.

I can see LOTS of pros and cons to almost every software program and every network. They all have their plusses and minuses. Savvy affiliates typically only know a few of the up and downsides of each option then choose based on what they know or think they know. Some even have opinions based on old technology that has changed and improved greatly since they had the bad experience.

All we can do is educate and keep the doors open and this thread is a good start.

What do you guys think???