Introduction and some noob questions

[Pepper]

Hi guys,

Frank here. Originally from the Netherlands, but living in Curaçao. I signed up because I'm researching a new sports betting project. I've promoted binary options in the past, but we all know what happend to that... So I'm looking to get into a new niche.

Some beginner questions:

• What are some of the do's and don'ts when it comes to being a sports betting affiliate?
• What were your biggest mistakes starting out / things you wish you knew before starting?
• What's your workflow when researching new (reliable!) affiliate partners?

I'm checking out the competition right now and I see a lot of them promoting the big names. But my feeling says it would be better to promote a smaller/lesser known brand. Because the chance that your visitor hasn't signed up with them would be a lot bigger...

Any thoughts from veterans on this matter would be appreciated.

Cheers!

[Aidan90]

Hey Frank, welcome. I'm by no means a veteran but have a few comments in regards to which brands people promote. There's a balancing act between a brand that people recognise and trust but may already have an account with and a brand that people don't know as well but are less likely to already have an account with.

As with anything in this industry it depends on your traffic, the best method is to A/B test different brands to see what works for you. And of course it can be difficult to find a trustworthy program these days - especially as a newcomer.

[Pepper]

Thanks very helpful! Can you, please elaborate on your last comment and maybe give me some pointers?

And of course it can be difficult to find a trustworthy program these days - especially as a newcomer.

[LeeGwilliam]

Thanks very helpful! Can you, please elaborate on your last comment and maybe give me some pointers?

There's going to be huge differences from one webmaster to another as to what qualifies as a trustworthy program...

Also, how you are treated by many operators will be a simple matter of leverage. In the average affiliate program it's 90% of affiliates who generate 10% of the programs traffic - needless to say the 10% who generate the actual revenue get looked after a lot better. As a result of that - many small affiliates will hate certain programs with a bias that doesn't really indicate accurately performance of those programs in the broad sense.

When choosing a partner it's pretty 'simple'.... Just not 'easy' if you don't have the connections / knowledge / leverage - hence Pepper's newcomer comment; it does make it much harder.

Some basics:

1. GEO - Does the operator have good PSP's for the country?

2. Vertical - Does the operator have an effective product for the market? (Casino/Sports/Financials/Live Dealer etc)

3. Saturation - Can the operator convert in the market / vertical or do they already own most of the liquidity?

4. Deal on offer - Here's an argumentative one, personally I advocate (at a pure high level discussion) CPA when I don't trust the Operator and/or GEO/Vertical, Hybrid CPA/Revshare in regulated GEO's where I trust the operator and/or have high value keyword traffic - Rev Share where there isn't any other option due to lack of leverage.

A pretty basic check is looking at who your competitors are promoting for the same keywords in the same GEO, not exactly the best way to do things but it's somewhere to start whilst you are getting to know the industry.

[Pepper]

Very helpful Lee, thanks so much.

[Cash Bonus]

That’s an excellent detailed analysis, Lee. You’re very knowledgeable.

[petimi]

When I was starting out long ago, one big personal mistake I made (now very obvious) was using a domain name with a brand name in it - never do that

[drifter8]

Hi , Pepper.
Welcome on board. Regarding the programs and betting sites to trust, pls find this useful site : https://www.top100bookmakers.com/
There you can try to fit and imagine yourself in the best mood of picking 5 bookies as a start.
Rememeber that most important is what users/customers think of some betting product - this is your main strategy.
Here also you will see detailed info about the players in the industry.
If you need further help, do not hesitate to ask and never lose your passion.
And do not forget to produce good and reliable sports content. Readers are very smart and you have also to gain their trust!!

[Rostick]

Hey mate,

Well, many answers to your questions depend on what kind of sports betting website(s) are you planning to launch. A betting tips website will command a different strategy than a static website with just offers and bonuses. There`s no recipe for success and it depends from one website to another, but I know you didn`t ask for one.

First of all: treat it very seriously. the competition is brutal, you won`t make any money by 'winging' it.

I would recommend focusing less on traffic and more on strategy and analytics. See which pages with affiliate links work best, see which links work best. Use different tracking codes. Optimize the website constantly based on those factors. At least that is what my experience tells me. I was hell bent on traffic and had thousands of unique users each day, but revenue was disastrous.

You are right in your feeling to promote lesser known bookmakers. The big brands are pretty much done with the small guys in this day and age, either completely (see bet365), or through predatory terms and conditions. With the lesser known guys you get good deals, but I would always insist on the 'no negative carryover' policy.

That being said I do agree with Aidan90 that you need a mix of well known and lesser known brands, it is a must for your credibility.

[Cardy007]

Hi guys, Im new to the biz and Ive been looking at markets and Ive talked to a few affiliates that said sportsbetting was a tough niche to crack and that there is more money to be made with casinos. Anyone support those oppinion?

Any feedback is appriciated.

cheers

[drifter8]

@ Cardy007 - there is no easy way. If someone asked Husain Bolt how he managed to get to the top, I guess he will not say - he was taking the easy way and steps.
It is all up to you . I can tell that that the future is in your hands,if you start thinkig this way - do not try or commit doing any affiliate job.

Working from 9:00-17: 00 is the most secure way and you will get your money paid on an exact date.

[Gone2]

Earning money with a new affiliate page will take years. It's a marathon, not a sprint Like betting, it needs time until you are a winner.
Read forums and experiences from other users so that you know which bookies or casinos are trustworthy.