Affiliate Marketing

In only two years, retailers are expected to spend an estimated $4 billion on affiliate marketing, according to Forrester. Here are some trends to watch for to stay ahead of the competition as get you ready for 2014.

Q: “Hello, I’m the co-founder of a new e-cigarette company and new to affiliate marketing. I’m wondering if you could offer some advice and guidance around where to find the best affiliates to promote my product line. Currently I’m running an in-house affiliate program using HasOffers. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!” — Michael Hazard, co-founder and chief marketing officer, Revolution Vapor

Overstock.com today announced that it will award free Club O accounts ($20 value) preloaded with $10 in Club O Reward dollars to top customers in Connecticut, where the company canceled ad contracts because of the recently passed sales tax law.

Today’s digital marketplace is transforming the e-commerce industry by providing a one-stop destination for the creation, promotion and purchase of digital products. This online environment offers individuals and businesses alike a completely new channel to reach highly targeted audiences for their products that they may not otherwise be able to access. In a B-to-B marketplace, it's critical for product vendors to foster mutually beneficial relationships with affiliates because it enables them to access new channels, reach new audiences and increase sales.

Using a multi-store e-commerce strategy can significantly increase customer acquisition, loyalty and conversion rates. Leading online retailers are currently benefiting from an effective multi-store ecommerce strategy, now is the time to learn how.

How do I convince my boss that affiliate marketing is necessary and important, providing a significant return on investment?

Amazon.com Inc. pulled the plug on its marketing affiliates in Colorado after the state enacted a law that imposes new sales-tax regulations on online retailers. On Monday, Amazon sent an email to members of its associates program, who earn a fee for providing links to the online retailer on their own Web sites. In the email, Amazon informed them it was ending its business with them as of that day. "As a result of the new law," Amazon said, "we have decided to stop advertising through associates based in Colorado." The Seattle retailer added that it would continue to sell to Colorado residents and advertise through other channels.

Magazine Space Ads Grab New Names for Paul Fredrick; GreatSkin's Unique Affiliate Program Delivers Prospects; Zappos Turns to Magalogs for Leads.

This year's economic retreat actually stands to help Gaiam, a product and information services company with a heavy emphasis on sustainability, position itself for greater growth in the near future.

New York law defines the term “resident” very broadly when it comes to affiliates. A “resident” includes not only companies incorporated in New York, but also any company “maintaining a place of business in the state” or “doing business in the state.” The new legislation also provides that contracting with an affiliate network provider for a link on a New York Web site will be treated the same as a direct agreement with the New York Web site owner. Remember, the burden of proof will be on the direct marketer to rebut the “presumption” created by the new law. The retailer must show there’s