ShareASale Experience
Like many of you just starting out here, and thinking things will be a piece of cake, well, the truth of the matter isn’t exactly like that.
One of the things I did when I joined up here was sign up for Amazon to become a millionaire. I read so much about success stories that I thought it was about time I had my fair share, and the sky was the limit, or so I thought.
The signing-up process with Amazon was a long and complicated one, but after several attempts, I managed to boast that I had become an Associate, and I even had my ID to prove it.
Fantastic!
Little did I know that it wasn’t going to do me any good at all.
I had managed to get one sale during the six months of ‘grace’, a period in which Amazon expects you to start making sales. Initially, I thought one sale was sufficient, but then Amazon raised that quota up to at least three sales. In any case, I thought it was a sufficient period until traffic starts to come round the corner. I could afford to wait.
However, within that period, I changed from theme to theme, from niche to niche, followed countless tutorials and advice about which road to take, and how to get there. I was confused, frustrated and angry at the same time …by which time, the six months had gone by.
Amazon had indeed kept their side of the agreement, and my head went flying.
I didn’t worry such a great deal at the time as I was still juggling between niches and themes. Traffic was zero in any case, so it was pretty pointless applying again before I had any form of traffic.
To cut a long story short, I’ve now taken a shine to this particular theme, and this particular niche, and following the training here at WA, and along with the guidance given by Bo, I feel like I’m on the right track.
With that, I needed an affiliate program, and I heard of so many, but a dear friend of mine suggested I go for ShareASale as they are easy to sign up with, as opposed to all the headaches I had to endure to sign up with Amazon previously.
With that thought in mind, I eagerly hurried over to http://shareasale.com/ and filled in my application. They came back saying they will consider my application and I should receive an answer from them within a day or two.
In the meantime, ShareASale sent me a Signup Confirmation email, thanking me for my recent application, and I was even invited to sign up for their complimentary interface training, which was more than wonderful.
Things were indeed looking up.
I was so excited. I even started getting familiar with how ShareASale operates so when I become their affiliate I will know what to do, and how to go around their merchants etc. I happily worked on my site, even more, knowing that I will have affiliate links to insert there and make a commission on sales.
ShareASale’s commissions are much better than Amazon’s apparently, which is all the more reason why I had become super excited, and couldn’t wait a day or two for their approval.
Later that evening, I decided to log in to my not-yet-approved account, and my heart stopped!
I had to read the message again, just to make sure I was reading it correctly…
My application had been denied!!! Aaarrgghhhh!!!!!! I just couldn’t believe it…
WHY on Earth was it not accepted?? My site’s in English, there’s no porn and no other illicit material…so why did this have to happen? I was kindly told to apply again at a later date. And that was it…
I was gutted and died inside without realizing it.
I contacted my friend telling her about this, and she suggested I send them a direct email asking them WHY my application was declined. Perhaps I read their rules incorrectly, or I made a mistake while filling in the application…anything was possible. However, there was no point in re-applying if the same thing was to happen again, by which time I would have been put in their black books, and all my future attempts at re-applying would be just discarded without them even being considered.
With all this going on, I remembered having seen a member here mentioning ShareASale and offering her help should this be needed.
The member’s name is JeannineC.
I contacted her telling her what happened, and she kindly said she’ll check my application for me the day after to see why I was declined, which she said was the best place to start.
She was like an angel in disguise. My only hope of salvation. If she couldn’t do it, I might as well throw the towel in.
I had no other option but to wait, and hope…still in shock at the outcome of things, but hopeful that JeannineC could help me out.
True enough, the next day I got an email from ShareASale saying I’ve been approved – YIPPPEEEEE.
I was so grateful for this, and I could start breathing again.
JeannineC saved my life as far as I’m concerned, and I will remain grateful for her help…
So far, I’m getting into the ropes of things as I was away for a few days after I received my acceptance email, but the fact that there are actually humans at ShareASale is a blessing on its own.
JeannineC was kind enough, yet again, to let her know if she can assist me in any other way should I need it.
The purpose of this post is to let all you guys out there who have either been kicked out of Amazon, don’t wish to go with Amazon, or even are on the lookout for another affiliate and are not sure where to turn to, I do, with all my heart, suggest you give ShareASale a go.
Should you have any problems with network or merchant suggestions, please feel free to contact JeannineC, and I promise you she will do all she can to help you out, just like she helped me…
Thank you once more, JeannineC.
James
Recent Comments
42
Hi James
Thank you for sharing this!! It is posts like these that makes WA worth a hundred times its subscription fee.
I had previously made a note that JeannineC can help out with Awin (if I should ever need her help), but I didn't know about ShareASale. I often see her lovely and helpful comments when we "bump into" each other here on WA. :-)
A big thank you to Jim (techhound) too for the hint engaging with the affiliate managers - that is priceless information - thank you Jim!
It is members like all of you that makes WA such an awesome community! I'm humbled and grateful to be able to learn from all of you! :-)
Sharlee (Chocolate IceCream)
Hi, Sharlee.
I'm sorry, but I get so many emails that I don't always get round to reading them all. As much as I try to, but time is usually against me.
It seems like you had come across JeannineC as well, but with Awin. Apparently, she has control over both Awin, as well as ShareASale, which is fantastic.
Yes, sharing such information is priceless, and I heed such knowledge brought about by the experience of others, which is really awesome :)
James
Aw thanks, @JamesJB, I'm so glad I could help you. Now you are eligible to apply to any of the 4,000+ affiliate programs available via ShareASale.
I wanted to clear up some confusion I see in the comments below.
ShareASale.com (and Awin.com too!) are affiliate networks - that means that we work with literally thousands of different merchants offering affiliate programs through our network. You must first be approved by the network before you can apply to the affiliate program. The merchants count on the network to screen prospective affiliates, to ensure that everything on their site meets the network's standards. That way the merchants know they can already trust the affiliate when they apply to the merchant's program. It is a huge and vital step in the process to ensure affiliate quality.
Here for everyone, anytime!
Jeannine
You're more than welcome, Jeannine. I will carry on with getting the feel of the situation, and with any luck, things will get moving again for me pretty soon.
Thanks once more for everything, Jeannine :)
It is always a good idea for people to contact affiliate managers when they get denied. Most of time, affiliate managers deal with scammers and unsavory characters who won't follow the rules. That is usually the main reason for denial. When you call up the affiliate manager and let them know that your intentions are good, they are usually more than happy to approve you. If nothing else, they can give you reasons why they denied you along with tips on how to turn it around to get approved.
It's a good idea to contact affiliate managers anyway, even when you are approved. Affiliates that do this are often given extra attention and assets to use in their campaigns along with tips on how to sell and demographics for audience, etc.
One technique whenever I look to get approved is to use language along the following lines:
"I am an experienced affiliate marketer with X years' experience. I use only ethical, white hat marketing methods (email, content marketing, PPC) and I adhere to compliance disclosures. I would love any tips and guidance you can provide and look forward to working with you."
This usually works well for me.
Best Regards,
Jim
Hi, Jim...
Many thanks for your input, and if you don't mind, I'll make a note of the technique you use to get approved by affiliates.
It's perfect, although I have to skip the first sentence out in my case...
Thanks again...
James
Hey James, no problem whatsoever. Use as needed. As for the first sentence, an alternative for people who don't have experience:
"I am currently in the process of completing a comprehensive training program on affiliate marketing. I am X% complete with my training and have learned much from the process."
Best Regards,
Jim
Thank you, Jim...that's really appreciated.
Your updated version sounds more down to my level of 'expertise'... I will stick to that version until I can one day say I have years of experience :)
Best regards,
James
This works both when trying to join a network or join a specific affiliate program. You must be approved by the network first before you can apply to the affiliate program.
Thank you so much James, for sharing your experience.
You are a Solution Finder James!! If you get stuck, go and look for the solution and do not just give up. You didn't give up, you found a solution and you did succeed!
How good to have Jeannine, helping us out!!
Keep going James!
:-)
Hi, Pernilla... Thank you for your kind comments.
I don't usually blog, and when I do it's only a few lines, but in this case I had to let others know that if they have a problem with ShareASale, they know that Jeannine will be able to help out.
It's said that there is always a solution to every problem, but the thing is that you have to find it :) I was lucky in my case as I had friends who could give me the push that was required.
Yes, it is really brilliant to have Jeannine here with us...she's wonderful.
You too keep going, Pernilla!
:-)
You do know that Jeannine is now going to be bombarded with PM's don't ya? May have to give her a raise! ;-)
Hehehe... I hope she becomes famous for her helpful nature, and in case of a ShareASale emergency, don't dial 911, but PM Jeannine instead :-)
If it were for me, I'll give her a super raise which she surely deserves, along with all the trimmings that come with being a great person to know.
I've seen comments where Jeannine so graciously has offered to help folks with shareasale. Glad she was able to intervene for you James.
Can you say what the issue was with shareasale for them to deny you? Was it a simple glitch/oversite on the application?
After I had signed up with shareasale I then applied for affiliate with book depository and they denied my app. I contacted them asking why and they got back to me apologized saying it was a mistake and informed me I was approved.
Hi, Cin... Yes, it was really wonderful of Jeannine to help me out, as I'm sure she's helped others in difficult situations.
I'm afraid that I didn't get to know why my application was denied as that information was confidential, but I'm just more than glad to be in the system.
I'm happy you were accepted as an affiliate with Book Depository.
I can't understand why some programs make it so difficult to be accepted. I can appreciate that a site having no traffic might not be very welcome, but a new site, like in my case, would at least be given the opportunity.
That makes a site when there are people responding so kindly. They guide you, they help you make things lighter. I do have an account on Shareasale but not active. I think I have to do some communications.
Indeed! When you are actually talking to a person who is really willing to help you out, it makes the world of a difference. It does to me. I was just lucky to have come in contact with JeannineC, for without her help and advice, I would still be struggling and unsure of my actions.
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A great example of the hidden benefits of WA!
Debbie
Yes, indeed! How right you are :)
James