We will identify strengths & weaknesses separating top performing merchant sites from the masses, what makes sites affiliate-friendly & how affiliates should evaluate new merchant relationships. Experience level: Intermediate Target audience: Merchants/Advertisers Niche/vertical: Merchant Jeannine Crooks, Account Manager, buy.at (Twitter @Jeannine_Crooks) (Moderator) Mike Allen, President, Shopping-Bargains.com, LLC (Twitter @mta1) Cresta Pillsbury, CEO, Superior Affiliate Managment

1. Live Merchant Site Reviews Mike Allen, Shopping-Bargains.com Jeannine Crooks, buy.at Affiliate Network Cresta Pillsbury, Superior Affiliate Management If you would like your merchant site reviewed, please write the URL on a slip of paper and bring it to the speakers table.

2. Live Merchant Site Reviews . . . from an Affiliate’s Perspective By Mike Allen Chief Executive Shopper Shopping-Bargains.com, LLC Twitter: @mta1

3. Affiliate/Publisher’s Job Attract attention Pre-sell the customer Provide quality content Reviews Comparisons Endorsements Photos Videos Coupons Set expectations Send customer to advertiser/merchant

4. Merchant/Advertiser’s Job Close the sale Meet/exceed expectations Site credibility Product quality Customer service Reasonable selling price Transactional convenience Accurately account for sales No leaks!

5. Achieving High Sales Rate Detailed descriptions Quality photos/videos Great prices Stellar customer service Professional website tuned for selling

6. Where are the Leaks? Telephone numbers Bypass affiliate links Other affiliate links & ads Shoppers leave site Distracting layout No clear sales funnel Poorly designed shopping cart Abandonment Alternate payment gateways PayPal, Bill Me Later, Google Checkout, etc.

7. Merchant Evaluation Criteria Product Presentation Easy menu navigation Product Image(s), Larger image available? Detailed product description Choices – size, color, design, brand Price found easily Easy to find “add to cart” Product specials

8. Shopping Cart Clean, uncluttered, easy to navigate Stock availability Registration Required? Shipping information Easy to find Calculator so consumer doesn’t have to guess

9. Purchase Incentives Low threshold for free shipping Discount coupons Free gift Secure Shopping Icons From known companies like BBB, Geo Trust, Biz Rate, CNET

10. Policy Information Return/Exchange Policy Order Status Contact Us About Us Privacy Policy Product Guarantee Money-back Guarantee

11. #1. Use a HUGE headline and Results’ Shot! Let your brand be known and understood! #2. Use Bold impactful People and Video. Testimonials from “real” people and trusted institutions is key. #3. Critical Info Above the fold! Force the user to learn more by scrolling down.

12. #4 Use an easy to complete form with a clear call to action button. #5. Clearly state all benefits of product and what the customer gets. Benefit statements are key in gaining trust of consumer. Give a “sneak peek” if you can.

13. Speaker Information Mike Allen President, Shopping-Bargains.com, LLC mike@shopping-bargains.com @mta1 Jeannine Crooks Account Manager, buy.at Jeannine.crooks@buy.at @Jeannine_Crooks Cresta Pillsbury CEO, Superior Affiliate Management cpillsbury@samopm.com