Content Heroes
The King is dead, long live the King? How did we go from 3 content affiliates being nominated in the inaugural a4uAwards, to none at this years vote? Is the Merchants Publisher of the Year award now just based on turnover?
I appreciate that most of the “PPC Companies” who were nominated do also run content sites, however they probably wouldn’t get a mention if there was a pure content category? So where are the Kings of Content? Shouldn’t we be shouting their praises and raising their profiles in time for next years awards?
Here’s a few suggestions, most of which you have probably heard of. I’d guess nearly everyone who stumbles into Affiliate Marketing as an affiliate begins with building a site, so these guys should be held up as shining examples to anyone just starting down that road. These sites pretty much all started the same way; one or two people in their bedrooms with no funding and a lot of determination.
In no particular order and by no means exhaustive - Loquax, Cantbarsed, Allkids, Flightmapping, Car Hire Search, Carrentals, UK Competitions, Real Holiday Reports, Mobiles4everyone, MyEggNest and ShopSafe.
Feel free to contribute more, apologies for any blindingly obvious ones I’ve missed. Yes, I deliberately left off cashback and discount sites, it’s my blog so I can decide what “content” is! There are obviously a few other large content sites that have been bought over since, so I’ve not included those either. Pfft.
ps. new theme on its way, promise…
6 Responses to “Content Heroes”
By Stephen Pratley on Jun 11, 2008 | Reply
One thing I’ve noticed is that content affiliates tend to keep very quiet about their sites in comparison to the cashback & vouchers sites in particular, maybe through fear that someone else will just copy their methods.
The really niche sites that work with our merchants get amazing results, so no, the King is not dead!
By Chris Clarkson on Jun 11, 2008 | Reply
I’m totally in agreement, I’d just like to see the King get his crown back!
By DougS on Jun 11, 2008 | Reply
Fully agree Chris, but if I was a large corporate looking to buy into the space I would not look at buying PPC affiliates as the business model to me has limited legs. As bid prices go higher, merchants get smarter, PPC affiliates will be adding limited value. Mind the networks do love them as they make a lovely 30%.
Our future is most definitely seo and content sites. Some sites are user content generated like:
http://www.self-catering-breaks.com
http://www.easyfindadate.com
Others sites we are writing our massively writing our own content like:
http://www.mns.co.uk
Within 12 months I can see us having a large portfolio of content sites that add real value to the user, with adsense and affiliate links embedded where suitable.
We are looking at your lead with Holiday WatchDog and Duncan’s Travel -Libarry and copying the concept. Hopefully making it better.
Doug
By Joe Connor on Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
Hi Chris, thanks for the mention. I’d like to see more awards aimed at affiliate sites at the a4u awards. Currently there’s only 1 out of 16 awards “Publisher of the Year” to compete for.
I suppose the vertical awards could go to an affiliate site - Jason was at least shortlisted - but realistically it’s going to be difficult for affiliates to compete in these verticals unless they’re split into merchant and affiliate. I would make the event more balanced and give the event wider appeal - there certainly weren’t many affiliates at the awards this year.
By Jason Dale on Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the mention as well Chris.
I doubt you’ll ever see a content site, along the lines you mention, win anything. As Joe says we made the vertical shortlist, but in all honesty I can’t see how our entry can be judged in the same way an entry from a merchant is… it’s different considerations.
1 out 16 awards for affiliates is shocking actually and really not putting the spotlight on those who often work bloody hard.
But it is imo a brand new world out there, one where some ex-bedroom affiliates perhaps believe we should be suited and booted and corporate - and not play at business stuff….
However, the thing to remember is many of us who have worked, developed and been successful over the last 10 years have done it - in part because it can be a nice little earner - but because we wanted to do something good online, provide a service and develop things for our users… and that’s a lot more important!
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