Newbie Question about Affiliate Plans..

[Sean Boxx]

Hey folks. Brand new here. I own a new porn site, just getting into the business. It's built using Joomla. I'm about to create my first affiliate program, and I'm not sure if I should buy a pre-packaged program like NATS, or hire someone to create the affiliate site, and then manage it myself. Am I understanding this correctly?
I learn quick, and I know I have lots of reading to do, but can someone suggest a direction to go? What's NATS reputation..?

[Tat2Jr]

NATS is great software for running an affiliate program, but you really only get one chance with affiliates. Learn the ropes, tweak your tours, and build your own traffic - then worry about affiliates.

[BSleazy]

Now days you can fuck up 10 times and just hire a few GFY board whores to speak good on your program and all is good.

[NoWhErE]

If you're new to adult, don't open up an affiliate program. Be an affiliate for awhile to learn the biz before you blow your wad and waste alot of people's time.

[Barefootsies]

Originally Posted by NoWhErE

If you're new to adult, don't open up an affiliate program. Be an affiliate for awhile to learn the biz before you blow your wad and waste alot of people's time.

[Iron Fist]

Originally Posted by NoWhErE

If you're new to adult, don't open up an affiliate program. Be an affiliate for awhile to learn the biz before you blow your wad and waste alot of people's time.

I'm sure your a top notch guy, but I think this is probably the best suggestion so far.. being strictly an affiliate myself, I would want a solid program, with results. Lurk around GFY for awhile and you'll soon see who the winners and losers are out there... try not to repeat their mistakes

[Kelli58]

I agree with the other poster. If you are new, slow down, create a free site or two and learn what the world of adult is all about THEN work on your affiliate program for your membership site. It will save you sooooooooo much money and headaches in the long run by doing this. If nothing else, trust me on this one very thing. In addition it will help you learn what the needs of your future affiliates will be because you will have been one yourself.

In direct answer to your question, just go with NATS. I mean you COULD hire someone to create the affiliate program for you but why re-invent the wheel? NATS works, it's easy to use and stable. Why go through all the hassle and expense of doing it yourself?

[Spunky]

Welcome to the board

[After Shock Media]

What billing company did you get set up with and since nobody even asked, what is your websites url. Do not worry that you can not post links, just leave a whatever.com without any www.

[Sean Boxx]

thanks for the welcome, and the info.
my website is jayboxxer dot com (it's gay)
and although i'm new to this, i have worked in the adult industry for years as a promo producer for a major adult television network, as well as an adult editor. but i am very new to affiliate marketing.
NoWhErE, so you're saying sign up for other plans first for a bit, before i begin my own?

[Iron Fist]

Originally Posted by After Shock Media

What billing company did you get set up with and since nobody even asked, what is your websites url. Do not worry that you can not post links, just leave a whatever.com without any www.

Might this this one: http://www.jayboxxer.com/

[Sean Boxx]

Thank you Kelli58

[Sean Boxx]

After Shock Media - I'm set up with GT Bill

[RRRED]

Listen to NoWhEreE on this one... Unless you have a ton of content that was exclusively shot by you, there's no need to rush. You will understand the importance of a great members area and the power of retention if you just sit back and observe for a while...

[Shey]

I would go with NATS for sure. It's a trusted name and affiliates are used to the interface. As an affiliate I wouldn't feel too comfortable with a brand new program and a home made backend to top it off.

And yes, just like almost anyone else has already mentioned, don't just jump in. Going from TV to online is a huge difference and there's a lot to learn. Hell, I've been in the online adult biz for 3 years and I'm still learning on a daily basis.

[Sean Boxx]

yes, i'm learning everyday. soaking up as much as i can..
there's so much i don't know.
thanks Shey!

[Elli]

Some excellent advice in this thread. Welcome to this side of the industry, Sean.

[Sean Boxx]

Thanks, you've all been very kind.

[polish_aristocrat]

Don't get into adult at this time unless you're VERY motivated and/or talented in some areas.

But if you do (well, you aparently already did), then don't open a program, because 1. there are really tooooo many of them 2. running one is harder than it sounds

[Sean Boxx]

polish - when you say don't open a program, do you mean don't start my own program, or even NATS?

also, some of you have been telling me to go slow, maybe become an affiliate first before starting my own affiliate site, which is cool. but how will i get traffic to my site?

[Elli]

Originally Posted by Sean Boxx

polish - when you say don't open a program, do you mean don't start my own program, or even NATS?

also, some of you have been telling me to go slow, maybe become an affiliate first before starting my own affiliate site, which is cool. but how will i get traffic to my site?

That is exactly the advice. It's a bit like telling a guy who wants to open a car dealership to go get his driver's license first and buy a few cars to learn the experience from the other point of view.

When you sign up as an affiliate for a few different programs, then you learn how to acquire and drive your own traffic to your own sites. Once you've figured out that aspect, you'll know what affiliates need to drive traffic and what kind of support and services they need. THEN you can plan to open your own affiliate program.

I hope that helps!

[Sean Boxx]

Thank you Elli - I absolutely appreciate your advice

[seeric]

gold rush is over.

finding small veins of gold is the way now.