A simple enough question to ask but certainly not a straight forward one to answer. With so many different “classes” of affiliates ranging from the part time “spare bit of cash” through to the full time professional and of course the emerging corporate types. Trying to pigeon hole any kind of individual affiliate certainly isn’t going to work so what can be done about this?
During November and December 2006, E-consultancy in association with Affiliate Program Advice sought to put together the most accurate reflection of the UK’s affiliate industry and did so with the support from virtually all the leading UK networks.
The response was fantastic with 1,536 completed surveys and the resulting data surprising in many areas.
I was particularly surprised by the following related stats:
- Just under half of all affiliates are educated to at least bachelor degree level (48%).
- 50% of affiliate marketers say that their education has ‘not at all’ helped their present knowledge and understanding of affiliate marketing.
What can we conclude from all this? Well I think it’s fair to say that there is a large contingent of highly intelligent and self taught individuals operating within the UK affiliate scene. The stats in the report only support what I’ve been saying for a long time when talking to clients, Affiliates are entrepreneurs, can adapt much quicker to market changes and given the opportunity will deliver a significant volume of sales. This ridiculous idea of a spotty teenager churning out shabby websites on his dad’s computer is nothing but down right insulting and misleading.
You can download the UK Affiliate Census for free and discover the most accurate answer to date to the question “who and what is an affiliate?”
A big thanks to all those who took part.
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Interesting that “Just under half of all affiliates are educated to at least bachelor degree level (48%)”. I have found that the standard of English in the affiliate community is decidedly mediocre and can’t remember the last time anybody mentioned reading a book.
I don’t know what that says about our education system!
Love your blog – the best :)
Oh, and when I was talking about mediocre English was certainly not talking about you Paul. The reason I love your blog is it is so well written.
Keep up the good work.
Haha, keep on digging Nadeem. :)
I have to admit that English was my worst subject by far when I attended school so double checking for typos is second nature these days (although admittedly I’m just as guilty as others). Now affiliate marketing on the other hand, well that’s just a case of practice makes perfect ;)
Whoever said affs are spotty teenagers anyway?
It’s a common theme that I come across when talking to companies who don’t understand that affiliate marketing is a multi billion pound industry and not just a bunch of part timers earning a bit of spare cash on the side. It for this reason that I try to drag all my clients down to the official affiliate get2gethers so that they can meet many of their affiliates in the flesh.
Great report, Certainly helps to know who the other people in the business are and how they are doing.
I suppose this just highlights the fact that affiliate marketing is a serious business that needs to be approached professionally.
I think the benefit of having a formal education in whatever is the organisation and research skills that you gain during your training. Also for those with higher degrees, the discipline required to attain these degrees will probably help towards your affiliate marketing business.
A very good report from e-consultancy. One i will refer to timt and time again
Thank you
Affiliate Marketing Introduction