Don't know what affiliation is? Want some tips on finding the right affiliate? Then this guide is for you. ^^
First, what is affiliation?
Affiliation is when two websites of the same topic (ex: Pokemon) put each other's buttons/links on their websites. Both sites will benefit and receive hits from the other affy. Let's pretend Bob and Frank are affiliated. Someone visiting Bob's site would see the link to Frank's site, and if the visitor clicks on it, he will be directed to Frank's site, which would mean Frank just received a hit thanks to Bob's site.
Then, what is NOT affiliation?
Affiliation is NOT just linking to anyone's website that you'd like. If you link to someone, they must also link to you in order for it to be "affiliation". My affiliates are located on the right navigation bar. If you go to their sites, you'd see that they are also linking back to Eonlight Valley.
What's the point of affiliating?
The main point of affiliating is to advertise your website through someone's elses site, and in turn advertising their website through your website. That way, both websites receive more visitors.
How do you affiliate with someone?
The first thing to do is read their affiliation rules, and if you think you meet them, you can e-mail them and give them the link to your site. Remember to be friendly and don't use chatspeak in your e-mail. If your request appeals, then you are more likely to be accepted.
What if someone asks to affiliate with ME?
Thoroughly read their e-mail. If they are using chatspeak and saying stuff like "i realy like ur site lets afiliate plz kthx" then don't even bother thinking it over. Delete the e-mail. If the person can't even find time to use proper spelling/grammar in a simple e-mail, then you can just imagine what their site would be like.
If, however, their e-mail is good and the person sounds nice, click on their link (if they didn't send you one then you can reply and request it) and look over their site. Make sure the site is decent and appealing. Make sure their layout is easy to read, their content is worthwhile, and if it's a good site overall. If it's not, then don't affiliate with them.
How do I deny an affiliation request?
You may feel a little bad at denying someone's request and you may be worried that they'd think you are mean. But it's not that hard. Simply reply with a kind message saying "Sorry, but I don't think you're quite ready to affiliate with me yet" and put in some compliments like "But your layout is very nice" etc. and give them a heads-up saying "Perhaps we can affiliate in a future date". Whatever you do, don't be rude and say "No, your site sucks. I don't want to affiliate." That will register you as not nice, obviously. =P
How do I find the right affiliate?
Don't affiliate with someone just because they have more hits than you. That's called being seriously desperate for more visitors. Find a site that you like, admire, and think is worthwhile to go to. Check that you meet their affiliation rules, and e-mail them an affiliation request. Be sure that you include your site's link, and that you have a 88x31 or 88x16 size button so that person can link back to you if they accept.
What do I need to affiliate?
You need a good site, an 88x31 and/or 88x16 button and a place to put your affiliates.
Where should I put my affiliates?
Most people put their affiliates on the right side of their pages, usually under an "Affiliates" section like I do. Layouts with only one navigation bar usually have affiliates at the bottom of the left menu. Remember that affiliates should be visible on every page of your main site. It's rude to cram them at the bottom of the page or on a separate page unless you have a good reason.
So how many affiliates should I have anyway?
As many as you'd like. But make sure that you are ready to stick with them, because unless you're rude beyond belief and just rip your affiliates off your site, you will have them until your site or their site shuts down.
What should I do if my affiliate suddenly takes my button off their website?
Unless you canceled affiliation, e-mail them about it and ask nicely why they did that. If they do not reply, try again, and if they still don't, take their link off your site and leave it at that.
If they accepted affiliation but never put your button up and continues to update without doing so, e-mail them about it and do the same as if they took your button off for no reason.
What are common affiliation rules?
- No adult material/porn/hentai.
- Must have a decent, non-eye-hurting layout.
- Must have at least [insert number] completed pages.
- You must be nice.
- You must get at least some hits a day.
I hope this guide helped, and good luck! ;)
Eonlight Valley, all its content and graphics are unless stated otherwise (c) Kronakitty (kronakitty@gmail.com) 2005-2008. Official Pokemon contents and images are (c) Nintendo 1995-2008. This is only a fan site, and I do not claim ownership of Pokemon.
