Big program vs. Smaller program
 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of signing up for the webmaster program of a big program? How about a smaller program?

What would make you choose one program over the other?

I've been doing good with smaller programs that are not promoted as much, it all about finding something that works for you and keep pushing it.

Revshare vs. PPS, for one.

"big business" programs use a model that makes the revshare option a stupid choice for us most of the time. They make a great deal of their money off cross sales, consoles, upsales, emails, and the sheer number of affiliates promoting them. Power in numbers and other revenue methods make up for members areas that are usually sub-par.

Some of the smaller programs on the other hand are old fashioned in that they concentrate on their members more than they do their affiliates, so revshare is the easy choice for those.

The problems start with small programs using a big business model. That's when affiliates get screwed over somehow.

I always look at the members area of at least one of the programs sites to figure out what it is they are doing.

Very informative post, Matt. I appreciate it!

Basically, a small site that really tries to satisfy their members and build retention, is the only viable option for revshare affiliates.

Don't the "big" site PPS programs face the following issues:

1) shaving
2) rise of popup blockers killing off or seriously crippling exit revenue
3) increasingly strict VISA regs re chargebacks causing massive fines

etc etc?

What would cause a large exodus from PPS big sites to smaller revshare programs?

anyone else got any more facts or opinions on this?

I know with our small program that our affiliates are far better off with revshare (no other choice anyway) Our members never hear from me, unless I hear from them, our site is very member orientated..:)

I know my program is small with only a few sites all of which are doing really really well. At the moment our affiliates are making more with revshare than they would per signup, but we don't do cross sales, popups etc and as mentioned before the members areas are pretty full and maintained.

To be honest revshare DOES NOT work for the large programs. Been there, done that, got the sticker. :)

The problem with small programs is they need to have a good business model for when they get more popular. All good small sites are found eventually and if they don't plan ahead for when they have hundreds, or even thousands? of affiliates, then they risk having their program 'burnt' out. Seen many of my favourite sponsors go down that road.