Gaining Credibility With Affiliate Marketing
When we think of marketing, we sometimes imagine crazy graphics, cereal commercials, and Instagram advertisements that somehow knew we were thinking about buying a toaster.
While these may all fall under the umbrella of marketing, building credibility is often a goal when thinking of ways to present yourself.
One fantastic way to gain credibility with leads is through showcasing your extensive knowledge in the field. Talk of software, new legislation, tips, and tricks can all come into play.
Marketers take this a step even further though when it comes to credibility, and that is gaining credibility with affiliate marketing.
How Does Affiliate Marketing Work?
Affiliate marketing works as if you were a sales agent for another company and gained commission on each new customer you brought in.
For example, let’s say you are a bookkeeper and a client comes to you asking, ‘What bookkeeping software should I use for my business?’ You, an experienced accountant, may know many different good options for your client.
Your client signs up based on your suggestion and you receive $50 from the software company for bringing them another lead.
Can Anyone Be an Affiliate Marketer?
Most companies offer some sort of affiliate marketing program. Many offer discounts to use their software, cashback with every new client, and additional little perks that make signing up more appealing. Likewise, the standards for being an affiliate also differ.
Some companies require you to have a website set up, some require you to have an account, and others will provide anyone walking down the street with a link.
Affiliate Programs Accountants Love
There are a ton of affiliate programs out there but we have narrowed down some of the most popular ones accountants just love.
With each one, you will find a link to their website, a few perks, and additional details on signing up.
Quickbooks Ambassador Program
Quickbooks is probably one of the most well-known bookkeeping software programs in the US, so they do not need to have an extensive affiliate program. Their program is fairly simple and the signup process is quick.
All you need to do is submit your application and you will be provided with access to your account portal where you can receive a link and info on how much you have earned or what discounts you are eligible for.
Some perks include:
Receive $50 commission on every sale. No limits on how many subscribers you can receive a commission from.
Provide a link that discounts 50% off on Quickbooks Online or Quickbooks Self-Employed for 6 months.
Access to content building tools
Chance to be featured on Quickbooks social channels
Xero
Xero is another popular accounting software that is quickly growing within the United States. Their affiliate program is more robust than Quickbooks and is combined with a few additional benefits that can help your business grow. There are 6 different levels within Xero’s affiliate program so the benefits and requirements are a bit more detailed.
With Xero you will find there are multiple ways to grow your status within the affiliate program. This allows for more flexibility than the other affiliate programs. Most of the tiers require you to be a Xero partner for at least a year, certifications, and a consistent flow of on-boarding clients to the Xero software.
As mentioned, there are 6 tiers so the benefits can vary greatly, but a few you may find include:
15%+ discount on Xero subscription
Admittance to the Xero Advisor Directory, allowing potential leads the ability to find you easier
Eligibility for $2,000 in funding to promote Xero
Gusto
For those of you who are not familiar, Gusto is a payroll software that is easy to use all around. Their affiliate program is fairly easy to follow and can provide some nice benefits for you and those you are recommending the software too.
There are 4 levels within the program and each level is simply based on how many clients you introduce to Gusto. The tiers are:
Starter: 1 - 2 clients
Bronze: 3 - 14 clients
Silver: 15 - 49 clients
Gold: 50+ clients
Some benefits from those tiers include:
Free trial for clients
Featured listing on the Partner Directory Listing
10% - 20% Discount
VIP Support Team
Shopify
Not every software you recommend needs to be related to accounting. It is not uncommon for bookkeepers and accountants to pass on tech knowledge they know their clients will benefit from. Shopify is one of those sites that many of our clients can use to grow their business.
When it comes to their affiliate program, an application is required but if you have a business up and running, there should not be an issue in getting approved. Some of the perks include:
The average commission for each sale equates to about $58.
Shopify partners have access to 24/7 support via phone, e-mail, or chat
Available content creation tools to help spread the word
Divvy
There are plenty of business payment cards out there, but few encourage good spending habits like Divvy.
Divvy allows you to create a budget, attach it to a card, create burner cards easily, and an extensive list of other features that make running a business so easy.
Among all of these benefits, they also have a partner program for referrals. Their program is straightforward, offering a commission to every sale brought on.
The application process is just as straightforward, asking potential partners to complete a form than notified shortly after.
Box
Box is a useful storage software that differentiates itself by offering a secure location to store sensitive information. Box is popular among accountants but you may find it beneficial to recommend the software to your own clients for one reason or another.
The box affiliate program is a simple process that is quick to sign up for and implement. All you have to do is apply, which takes less than 5 minutes. You will then be given a link and some marketing tools to help promote the software. With every sign up, you receive $100.
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