Many brands struggle with the challenge of affiliate migration. What strategies can affiliate managers use to address affiliate concerns about switching platforms, particularly when emphasizing benefits like transparency, automation, and trust? Here is what 6 thought leaders have to say.
- Build Trust with Phased Migration
- Offer Sandbox Programs for Affiliates
- Highlight Long-Term Benefits
- Replicate Current Setup for Continuity
- Communicate Migration Plans Early
- Establish Clear and Transparent Communication
Build Trust with Phased Migration
Building trust is crucial when migrating affiliates to a new platform. I’ve found that transparency and clear communication make all the difference in easing affiliate concerns. One strategy that works well is implementing a phased migration approach. Rather than forcing an abrupt switch, we let affiliates gradually transition while maintaining access to both platforms temporarily. This reduces disruption to their revenue streams. For example, when migrating one of our e-commerce clients, we first moved our top 20% of affiliates who drive most revenue. We provided them dedicated support and gathered feedback to optimize the process before rolling it out more broadly. Their positive experiences helped convince others. The key is highlighting concrete benefits that matter to affiliates – like faster payments, better reporting, and automated tools that save them time. Raw numbers speak volumes – showing how other affiliates increased earnings after migrating is very persuasive. Remember that affiliates care most about their bottom line. If you can demonstrate how the new platform will help them make more money more easily, they’ll be far more receptive to change. Give them confidence in the migration by having a clear plan and support system in place.
Harmanjit Singh, Founder and CEO, Origin Web Studios
Offer Sandbox Programs for Affiliates
Managing affiliate concerns in a platform migration starts by predicting what problems affiliates care about most – such as lost tracking or access to accurate data. Affiliates are concerned about having the security of knowing that their hard work will be safe during the move, and the way to provide that is by offering a seamless and transparent migration process. A sandbox program for affiliates to experiment with the new platform in advance is also a powerful thing. It allows them to test the tools, do simulations, and have trust in the changes before jumping in. This, coupled with real-world support such as custom walkthroughs or bespoke onboarding, helps remove the unknown when transitioning to new systems.
Just as crucial is being open about it during the migration. And affiliates don’t want just technical updates; they want regular assurance that what they have to say is being acted upon. Schedule frequent check-ins during the transition to give them an explicit avenue to voice any concerns or questions. And by releasing regular reports on how their campaigns are performing in the new system, affiliates experience the ROI of the transition right away.
Matthew Goulart, Founder, Ignite Digital
Highlight Long-Term Benefits
To address affiliate concerns about switching platforms, affiliate managers should focus on clear communication and demonstrate the long-term benefits. One strategy is to offer a detailed comparison between the old and new platforms, highlighting how the new system will improve transparency, such as better tracking and real-time reporting. For example, I’ve seen brands hold webinars or one-on-one sessions to walk affiliates through the new platform, showing them how automation can save time and increase efficiency. It’s also important to reassure affiliates that their trust is a priority. Offering a trial period where they can test the platform without committing fully is a great way to build confidence. By showing the practical advantages, like easier payments or more detailed insights, affiliates can see the value, making the transition smoother.
Adnan Jiwani, Assistant Manager Digital Marketing, PureVPN
Replicate Current Setup for Continuity
If you are transitioning affiliates to a new platform, it is very easy to minimize the anxiety with consistency and continuing to leverage what is already going on. Affiliates might not like the fact that there is a disruption to their process or that data gets lost so it’s important to feel like they don’t lose anything.
I recommend establishing a setup that is as close to their current setup as possible on the new platform, at least during the implementation period. Replicating common structures (such as reporting dashboards or tracking) gives affiliates a sense of continuity and spreads the value of the new system across them incrementally. That helps them understand that the transformation is not impossible but something to cope with.
But, you should also deal with the unforeseen concerns with advice and reassurance. If you can give examples or testimonials of affiliates who have successfully migrated, this builds credibility and proves the move works. Providing on-demand, live training sessions with affiliates is another great way to start affiliates where they are at and enable them to learn as they go.
Anders Bill, Cofounder/CPO, Superfiliate
Communicate Affiliate Migration Plans Early
Moving affiliates across brands and their affiliates can be a complex process. Therefore, an affiliate manager may take the following strategies to address affiliate concerns about changing the platform, keeping in mind transparency, automation, and trust benefits.
First and foremost, communication is essential. Affiliates need to be well-informed about the migration plans ahead of time. This would include reasons for the switch and how the new platform would be more beneficial in terms of tracking capabilities and reporting features that would bring about transparency. Providing all resources, such as FAQs and training sessions, can alleviate fears and ensure that affiliates are well taken care of throughout the transition.
Involve affiliates in the process. Early engagement of affiliates can be one way to reduce resistance to change. Affiliate managers can work with them and ask for their feedback and input to build ownership and trust in the new system. This approach makes the transition smoother and encourages affiliates to adopt the new platform.
Third, show the benefits of automation. Show how this new platform will make processes much more streamlined, allowing affiliates to better manage their campaigns and track performance. For example, showing automated reporting tools illustrates how affiliates will gain real-time insights into their performance without the need for manual effort. This not only makes efficiency better but also builds trust in the brand’s commitment to its partners.
Lastly, monitor the migration closely. After transitioning to the new platform, keeping an eye on affiliate performance and addressing any issues promptly is crucial. Regular check-ins can help identify any lingering concerns and demonstrate that the brand values its affiliates’ contributions. Successful examples from other brands that have undergone similar migrations can also serve as motivational case studies to reassure affiliates about the positive outcomes they can expect.
By focusing on clear communication, involving affiliates in the migration process, showcasing automation benefits, and maintaining ongoing support, affiliate managers can effectively address concerns and facilitate a successful transition to a new affiliate platform.
Sheraz Ali, Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder
Establishing Clear and Transparent Communication for Affiliate Migration
It’s a trendy struggle for brands to adopt affiliate migration, which sometimes becomes challenging, but with an appropriate strategy, it can make your brand a customer-preferred choice. Leading to transparency among different platforms, trust, and automated tasks. Here is how you can help your brand grow with migration: Work on establishing clear and transparent communication with early engagement plans, more details in migration plans, and addressing concerns with an open mindset. Highlight security aspects like data protection, platform reliability, and stability to build trust. Showcase the unique features of affiliated platforms like more visibility into campaign performance, automated payment cycles, reduced manual work errors, and access to smart tools. Make a positive impression with testimonials and existing case studies. Offer incentives to encourage the effective participation of managers as a migration incentive and early bird offers.
Fahad Khan, Digital Marketing Manager, Ubuy Nigeria
Ready to see the difference Cellxpert can make in the success of your iGaming affiliate program, Forex affiliate program, or IB program? Schedule a demo now and discover how our platform can help you achieve your goals and how we’ve learnt how to sugarcoat affiliate migration and make it a smooth transition.
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