Comments on: Will the last affiliate network please switch out the light?

By: Sam Sinton

Sam Sinton — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:31:35 +0000

Interesting article indeed; although i believe that the Google online monopoly has gone way to far it is nice to see them giving the nod to affiliates and acknowledging the strength of the industry as a whole (by investing time and money in the concept)

By: Izzy

Izzy — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:25:40 +0000

Good post. I think it will turn out to be a good move – hopefully getting rid of some of the less desirable affiliate networks, allowing small affiliates to get their first foot on the affiliate ladder without fear of getting ripped of by one of the many make money scams out there.

I don’t think that it will have a detrimental effect on the high quality affiliate networks as their target market should remain in tact – but only time will tell.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:43:56 +0000

I think it is an interesting move by Google, there has always been the chance that they would turn their back on affiliates and shut them out but setting up their would suggest that they support affiliate networks and their promotion long term. I do think as said networks will need to watch Google and try and stay ahead of the game. Hopefully everyone can stay happy!

By: Ami

Ami — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:44:01 +0000

Not sure about this new Google affiliate network thing. Really do not think it will greatly change the way we do business. The big affiliate networks have been around for a while and have established a relationship with their affiliate army

I am watching this space

By: Matt Bailey

Matt Bailey — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:19:07 +0000

Hi Paul,

Interesting article but I think we need to wait to see how this pans out over the long term. I see this as a positive move in that the big G have finally signalled their stance re affiliate marketing. The big danger was that Google would decide that they didn’t like affiliates and effectively kill the industry overnight. However this move seems to indicate that they believe in the channel and will look to “support” it going forward.

We obviously all appreciate the power that Google holds and whether they will initiate a sea change in the industry as we know it going forward remains to be seen. However this is a resilient industry and at least they seem to be condoning the model.

If it goes as you say Paul, then the networks will indeed need to sharpen up their game. However I think the Google network will always be an auxiliary channel for both merchants and affiliates, rather than the be all and end all. I think that the large networks will need to more visibly be seen to add value through their account management and individual relationships with merchants and affiliates.

It’s an interesting development though, and one that I’m sure we’ll all be watching intently. An interesting point to note will be whether Google set themselves up as an affiliate on the network and look to be rewarded on a CPA basis rather than CPC??

Matt