When Specialty Links Go Wrong
BrandVerity is an Industry Champion Member of the Performance Marketing Association. This article originally appeared in FeedFront Magazine, Issue 24.
Alternatives to the typical affiliate marketing relationship, such as referral programs, MLM (Multi-Level-Marketing), and sub-affiliate arrangements can be useful tools for brands to gain new customers. These systems often have lower barriers to entry than traditional affiliate networks, and can quickly introduce fresh traffic and incremental revenue.
However, because these systems are so open and flexible, they can also be manipulated by black hats, exposing brands to abuse.