How to Choose the Best Affiliate Software?
Though there are many affiliate management software available in the market, it takes an eagle’s eye to separate the wheat from the chaff. To help you make a smart decision, here are a few tips worth taking into consideration.
› No long-term contracts:
If the software is imposing a long-term contract, then it’s better to avoid that for sure because in case the software fails to meet your expectations, you would still be forced to stick with it till the term gets over. Instead, go for the one that charges you under the “pay-as-you-go” scheme so that you can cancel the subscription at any time you want.
› Use of own domain:
The software should give you the option of using your preferred domains. Some affiliate tracking software has its domain, and thus like to use that for affiliate programs. The software can give that option to the sellers with little modifications in its setting. Also, there are few affiliate software available in the market that help affiliates in purchasing a new domain without hassling on other websites.
› Free Trial period:
If you have never used any software like this before or don’t want to rush into a final decision, it is better to go for a trial period. Even a 7-day trial period will allow you to understand the usability of the software well and will enable you to make a quick decision. Though that may require your card information to be locked for auto purchase post-trial period, you should definitely go for it, as you can withdraw yourself from the deal at any moment.
› Easy to get started with:
The first thing that is important is the ease of setting up. The software should be easy to install without requiring any tool or plug-in to work. The ideal software will have all the necessary tools integrated into it so that you will not need any HTML knowledge to get started with.
› No need for any additional helping hand:
You should be self-sufficient to install and run the affiliate management software by yourself. In case, the software needs the additional support of the developer or any third party software (that is payable), it is better to cut it loose from your list. Otherwise, every time you want to make some small changes in campaigns, you have to look for a helping hand to get the job done.
› Should be able to run multiple campaigns:
Often there would be situations when you have to run more than one campaign under a single time frame. It can be for different products or services or any special occasion. Unless your software allows running more than one program at a time, you have to again look for alternatives. Therefore, always go for the software that allows unlimited affiliate programs to run in one installation.
› Mobile compatible:
Mobile devices are in more use these days than PCs. So, you can think of catering to more affiliates through mobile compatible affiliate tracking software than the other. It will help you manage the campaigns, check the commission reports and take care of other aspects even if you are not in your office.
› Securely hosted:
Make sure the software does not need any separate server for hosting. It should have its server to take care of the same. It will guarantee you the best security and reliability. Also, it will eliminate the need to look after other periodic aspects related to software such as backup, update and upgrade.
› Easy to Integrate:
The software should provide a natural means to integrate it with other systems such as a merchant site or a payment gateway system. Enquire about the same beforehand. Most people do not know about such requirements and end up paying more to the software makers as add-ons.
› Total Management Control:
Unless you can have full control on your campaign starting from running multiple sessions to managing back-office stuff, the software can hardly fetch you a good ROA. No matter whatever your purpose is, the software should be providing total management control in terms of bringing tech support, integrating it with other software systems, sending email newsletters etc.
› Full tracking even without cookies:
Usually, the cookies of the software help in identifying the successful affiliate links and thereby enable the software to do third-partyHowever, if the buyer clears the cookies, the software fails to guarantee on authenticating the same with surety. Thus that creates a big loophole in the system. Most affiliate software provides cookies for a certain period of time. However an ideal software program uses more than one type of cookie to track the referrals, in case one fails, the other gets the job done.
› Phone and ticket Support:
As you would have invested in the software, you certainly would not be able to afford downtimes due to technical glitches as you may lose business for that period. Thus, make sure that the software has a 24/7 support system through phone and chat to handle any type of downtime almost immediately.