Affiliate Managers

[Dianna Vesta]

I think an AM should not only sign them up but work closely with them to help them develop their business. Too many sign you up and don't put enough follow up into it.

[Hell Puppy]

The job description almost certainly varies from company to company.

For me, as an affiliate, all I want from 'em is a timely answer to an email if I have a question. Period. Nothing more, nothing less. If I want or need help, I'll ask for it. And my definition of prompt? 1 business day or less. The faster the better.

As a program owner, in a AM's spare time, I might like to see a board presence. Get them known to the community, sig ho a bit, and be available to answer questions in threads and chime in as needed. AM's also make good trade show reps for all of the same reasons.

Now what I might NOT expect is for an Affiliate Manager to do P.R. work or marketing. Some AM's in the biz do that and do it well, but I really think it's a separate skill set. In a large company you wouldn't have the same person who answers first tier customer service calls also writing press releases. Again, in some small companies this is done and done well out of necessity because everyone must be able to do everything, but it's not ideal.

As for compensation, pay 'em a base that is consumate with the duties assigned and current market rate based on how many hours a day you require them to work. Give 'em opportunity to make bonus by paying referrals on new webmasters they bring in.

[Dianna Vesta]

Timely emails are very important as well as actually answering your questions.