David Fiske Affiliate Marketing & Web Development

It's that time of year again when affiliate marketing offices close for the best part of a week. But contrary to popular belief, not every affiliate marketer is attending the Expo this year.

I did toy with the idea of going and whilst it would be great to meet my account managers, I'm personally put off by the after-expo frivolities that encourages so many to attend the expo (call me Mr Not-So-Great-At-Social-Situations - lol). That together with the hassle of getting to London, the 'fun' of getting around, the cost, and the lack of willpower was a strong enough combination that restrained me from signing up. That said I imagine that I would attend in the next few years when my portfolio looks more rounded and polished, and knowing that meeting my account managers would get me way more Christmas presents ;-) .

Anyhoo, if like me you're not attending this year, here's a few things to remember:
 
No Responses

Whilst many are used to getting no responses from certain affiliate marketing networks, most networks effectively close down in terms of key support. If you have a question, either don't ask it just yet or ask it and expect a response next week.

Are You Going?

Expect everyone to constantly ask you whether you are attending the Expo this year. Whilst this is the 1,000th person to have asked you, remain calm and polite.

Don't Find Bugs

Probably not the best time to find a tracking error, a data feed bug or anything else that's wrong. Save that for next Monday morning and email in bulk!

Don't Ask

Not the best time to ask for custom creative, commission increases, etc. especially with skeleton staff. Probably best to wait a week.

Applications

Applications for new networks and programs may be somewhat slower than usual. My guess is it could take up to a week longer than normal. See a theme?

But Remember, It's Only A Week

Whilst a week is a long time in affiliate marketing, the forums will be quieter, blog posts slow (could they get any more infrequent?) and the emails will more-or-less stop. Calm is restored for a few days. It's a great time for working on your Christmas Hampers website (cough!) or other bits and bobs you've been waiting to do.

Failing that, if this time is unbearable, remember to book your ticket for the A4U Expo 2010!