Starting 2019 Out Right
For most, the launch of the New Year is all about parties, popping champagne and the ball drop in New York’s Time Square. That’s not to say it’s not, but after the celebrations settle, and the confetti is swept away, January can mean big business. Just like the months of planning devoted to celebrating, we need to be thinking ahead too on how to kick off 2019, setting the tone for success during the rest of the year.
If your brand has a “new year, new me” campaign (beauty, weight loss, etc. – and travel does well too), you should be booking affiliate placements for Q1 2019 now. Cyber Week is behind us and while others will be looking for holiday placements, securing key spots during January-March is just as important. These verticals sell out quickly and those late to the table will find that premium placements are few and far between.
For post-holiday sales, make sure your publishers are informed so they can capitalize on the success of these events. There are some merchants whose discounts are so big, that January sales eclipse even December. Also, if you’re adding a free shipping component to an already big discount, publishers are known to snap up the opportunity in order to leverage a bigger commission check.
No matter what your brand is preparing for the new year, planning now is key. It’s a big deal when existing vanity codes and private commission offers from Q4 will be extended into Q1, so make sure to give ample notice to your partners. Savvy businesses and their affiliate managers use this as leverage to negotiate great placement packages in lieu of a paid ad budget. Which is fantastic because not everyone has big bucks to spend.
Sure, it might seem a little pre-mature, but it’s all about communication and communicating with top partners and influencers during Q4 can be tough. If you can send out January newsletters (if possible) to publishers BEFORE Christmas, it’s sure to make everyone’s life a bit easier. Many publishers are out of office the last week in December, and early notification of your January 1st promotions will help ensure that your offers are set in advance and released in a timely manner. Remember, not everyone sleeps in New Year’s Day – super shoppers are already surfing the Internet for the biggest bargains and you want to be sure to help consumers spend that expendable holiday cash.
Therefore, make your New Year’s Resolution now to guarantee that 2019 performance will surpass 2018 – a win/win for you and your publisher partners!
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At AIM, we specialize in strategic program and partnership growth strategies and proactive management, allowing our clients’ affiliate programs to deliver incremental revenue and healthy ROAS / ROI each year.
Whether you have an in-house program, network managed program or new to affiliate marketing, most brands need a little extra help to discover and implement all existing opportunities.
Learn more about Affiliate Program Management and how AIM can help you with your 2019 goals.
