Downturn requires more analysis and accountability, enter affiliate marketing.

“Widespread budget cuts in 2009 and demands from top management to do more with less have forced corporate marketers to step up their accountability/measurement efforts and improve collaboration with other organizational departments, according to a recent survey from Marketing Management Analytics (MMA) and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA).” – MarketingVox

Isn’t that the truth? When the economy starts to drop off, then drops off a ledge, we are all tasked with doing more with less. Companies begin to layoff employees and marketing dollars begin to shift from higher priced campaigns.

“The study found that fully 75% of respondents reported a decrease in their marketing budget in 2009, while 67% agreed that marketers are now being expected to drive more sales with the same or lower budget.”

“With the economy still struggling to find its way out of the doldrums, marketing accountability has moved from the category of ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have,'” said Douglas Brooks, SVP and marketing officer for MMA. “Management and finance are getting on board in increasing numbers, and becoming enthusiastic champions of marketing accountability as they see the results in black and white.””

Lower budgets and more accountability… This is a great time to be in affiliate marketing. Your costs and you only pay when sales/leads/needed actions take place. Your risk is low, costs are low and accountability – well you know your exact ROI daily. A well run affiliate program can help you use our budget more effectively, gain more accountability and increase sales during this slow period.

If you need help or have any questions about how this can be done, just give us a call.