When you first launch your affiliate program, you might think, “We have built it – now they will come!” with affiliates signing up and promoting your products or services.
However, it often takes a more proactive approach to build strong affiliate relationships. After all – the best partnerships require effort and commitment from both sides.
In this post, I will walk you through 5 essential strategies to ensure your affiliates have everything they need to promote your business effectively, and to build a solid relationship that will pay off for both parties in the long run.

Onboarding Strategy #1: Platform Basics Checklist

It might seem tempting to invite affiliates to join the moment your affiliate program launches, but certain foundational settings should be completed first. These basics ensure a smooth onboarding process and a professional experience for your affiliates:
  • Complete your cookie settings, including the duration of cookie life and how the last cookie is counted.
  • Set up your payout methods and payout thresholds for affiliates.
  • Upload your terms and conditions and make sure they’re publicly visible on your program signup page.
  • Upload marketing assets for affiliates to use when promoting your brand.
  • Set up your email sending capabilities.
  • Run test sign-ups and integration checks to ensure tracking and communication work flawlessly.
This careful preparation is key to avoiding confusion and ensuring affiliates have a seamless experience from day one.

Onboarding Strategy #2: Welcome and Connection Email

By default, most affiliate platforms send a basic welcome email to new affiliates with their unique affiliate link and dashboard login information.
However, it’s beneficial to send a personalized welcome and connection email from your affiliate marketing agency or affiliate marketing consultancy. This email can include:
  • A reminder of your commission structure, payment schedule, and how affiliates will get paid.
  • Highlights of your best-converting products or services.
  • Tips on the most effective ways to promote your brand.
The goal is to build trust and show affiliates that a real person at your affiliate marketing firm is actively managing the program and eager to support their success. Ask affiliates about their promotional plans and if they need any additional materials or help in achieving their goals. This personal touch strengthens relationships and encourages engagement.

Onboarding Strategy #3: Affiliate Bonuses

Incentivizing your affiliates with bonuses can motivate them to prioritize promoting your offerings over competitors. A well-timed bonus program within the first 30 days of sign-up leverages their initial enthusiasm.
As an affiliate marketing company, you can set up performance bonuses, milestone rewards, or special contests to keep affiliates motivated and engaged.

Onboarding Strategy #4: A Getting Started Affiliate Webinar

Even with advanced affiliate technology, the human element is crucial for building strong partnerships. When affiliates join without enough guidance, they can feel disconnected or unsure how to start promoting.
Hosting a “Getting Started with [Your Brand]” webinar is a great way to introduce your program, explain how to set up as an affiliate, and share top strategies for successful promotion.
Your affiliate marketing agency USA can schedule regular webinars, invite new affiliates, and feature success stories from top performers to inspire and educate.

Onboarding Strategy #5: Affiliate User Feedback Survey

Gathering feedback from your affiliates is vital for continuous improvement. Some of the most valuable insights come from affiliates who signed up but didn’t actively promote.
Ask questions like:
  • How satisfied are you with the commission structure?
  • Is there anything you dislike about the program terms?
  • Do you feel you received enough promotional materials and support? What else would you like to see?
An affiliate marketing consultancy can use these survey results to identify friction points and implement changes that enhance affiliate satisfaction and program performance.

Conclusion

Affiliate onboarding is often one of the most overlooked elements of running a successful affiliate program. It requires a proactive, supportive approach to help your partners thrive.
Implementing even a few of these strategies will set your affiliate marketing firm apart from competitors and build stronger, more productive partnerships.