Affiliate programs allow affiliates to market their products/services for a commission. For example, Widget Company A recruits an affiliate named John. John gets an affiliate link that is personalized to his account, and every time someone clicks through his link and purchases a widget, John gets paid a 40% commission.
Companies will hire an in-house affiliate manager to manage the program, use an agency or join an affiliate network website to promote or manage their affiliate program.
Affiliate Managers
Affiliate managers support and manage affiliate marketing programs. They can assist with affiliate tools, guidance and expertise. This role can be outsourced to an Affiliate Management Agency/OPM.
First, they want your contact information including an e-mail address. Next, they will want to review all the websites that you own. Do you promote with banners, newsletters, coupons, blog content?
If you are rejected, reach out to the manager and communicate your concerns. The manager might go ahead and approve you following the discussion/e-mail.
Some of the reasons you might get rejected include the merchant preferences like if they don't like coupon sites. If your site is all banners, they might reject you. Some managers don't like to see "click here to see code" affiliate sites.
Managers will send out a newsletter to let you know about updates and promotions. They will also post information like this on their social media accounts as well.
Affiliates
Affiliates don't like seeing canned e-mail spam, especially if their product/service is not a right fit for your site. Instead, explain to the affiliate how it is a fit with their site and their audience and how they can both make money.
Explain what is different about your program compared to your competitors like if you have a higher conversion, etc.
Both sides can negotiate placement of ads, types of content that will be created (video, social media posts, blog review, featured merchant, etc.), and where it will be syndicated. You can work out how many times they will be promoted on social media and the frequency.
