Live Merchant Site Reviews

Mike Allen, Shopping-Bargains.comJeannine Crooks, buy.at Affiliate Network

Cresta Pillsbury, Superior Affiliate Management

If you would like your merchant site reviewed,please write the URL on a slip of paper and

bring it to the speakers table.

Live Merchant Site Reviews

. . . from an Affiliate’s Perspective

By Mike AllenChief Executive ShopperShopping-Bargains.com, LLC

Twitter: @mta1

Affiliate/Publisher’s Job1. Attract attention2. Pre-sell the customer

• Provide quality content Reviews Comparisons Endorsements Photos Videos Coupons

• Set expectations3. Send customer to advertiser/merchant

Merchant/Advertiser’s Job

1. Close the sale• Meet/exceed expectations

Site credibility Product quality Customer service

• Reasonable selling price• Transactional convenience

2. Accurately account for sales• No leaks!

Achieving High Sales Rate Detailed descriptions Quality photos/videos Great prices Stellar customer service Professional website tuned for selling

Where are the Leaks? Telephone numbers

• Bypass affiliate links Other affiliate links & ads

• Shoppers leave site Distracting layout

• No clear sales funnel Poorly designed shopping cart

• Abandonment Alternate payment gateways

• PayPal, Bill Me Later, Google Checkout, etc.

Merchant Evaluation Criteria

• Product Presentation– Easy menu navigation– Product Image(s), Larger image available?– Detailed product description– Choices – size, color, design, brand– Price found easily– Easy to find “add to cart”– Product specials

• Shopping Cart– Clean, uncluttered, easy to navigate– Stock availability– Registration Required?

• Shipping information– Easy to find– Calculator so consumer doesn’t have to guess

• Purchase Incentives– Low threshold for free shipping– Discount coupons– Free gift

• Secure Shopping Icons– From known companies like BBB, Geo Trust, Biz Rate, CNET

• Policy Information– Return/Exchange Policy– Order Status– Contact Us– About Us– Privacy Policy– Product Guarantee– Money-back Guarantee

#1. Use a HUGE headline and Results’ Shot! Let your brand be known and understood!

#2. Use Bold impactful People and Video.

Testimonials from “real” people and trusted institutions is key.

#3. Critical Info Above the fold! Force the user to learn more by scrolling down.

#4 Use an easy to complete form with a clear call to action button.

#5. Clearly state all benefits of product and what the customer gets. Benefit statements are key in gaining trust of consumer. Give a “sneak peek” if you can.

Speaker Information• Mike Allen

– President, Shopping-Bargains.com, LLC– mike@shopping-bargains.com– @mta1

• Jeannine Crooks– Account Manager, buy.at– Jeannine.crooks@buy.at– @Jeannine_Crooks

• Cresta Pillsbury– CEO, Superior Affiliate Management– cpillsbury@samopm.com