Rakuten Marketing is a premier global affiliate network, providing New Zealand businesses with an effective platform to connect with affiliates worldwide. This guide outlines the steps needed to join Rakuten Affiliate, offering insight into relevant platforms, practical applications, and examples of successful brands using the network.
1. Visit the Rakuten Advertising Website
- Access the Website: Start by visiting the Rakuten Advertising website. This is your starting point for setting up an affiliate programme with Rakuten.
- Explore the Platform: Familiarise yourself with the services Rakuten offers, including affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and media buying. Understanding these services will help you make informed decisions as you proceed.
2. Sign Up as an Advertiser
- Navigate to the Sign-Up Page: Click on the “Join Now” or “Sign Up” button on Rakuten’s site and choose to sign up as an advertiser. This option is designed for businesses looking to recruit affiliates to promote their products.
- Complete the Application: Provide your business details, such as your company name, website, and contact information. Be prepared to describe your business model and the products or services you intend to promote through affiliates.
- Submit Your Application: After filling out the necessary information, submit your application for review. Rakuten will assess your business to ensure it aligns with their network standards.
3. Await Approval
- Application Review: Your application will be reviewed by Rakuten to ensure it meets their criteria. This step is essential to maintaining the quality of the network.
- Approval Notification: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email notification. This process usually takes a few days.
4. Set Up Your Affiliate Programme
- Access Your Dashboard: Upon approval, you’ll gain access to the Rakuten advertiser dashboard, where you can manage your affiliate programme.
- Create Affiliate Offers: Develop offers for your affiliates, including setting commission rates, defining your target audience, and creating marketing materials such as banners and links.
- Set Tracking Parameters: Use Rakuten’s tracking tools to establish conversion tracking, ensuring you can accurately monitor sales generated by affiliates.
5. Recruit Affiliates
- Browse the Affiliate Network: Explore Rakuten’s platform to find potential affiliates who align with your brand and business goals. Rakuten’s network includes a wide range of affiliates, from bloggers to large media companies.
- Send Invitations: Invite selected affiliates to join your programme by highlighting the benefits of promoting your products, such as competitive commissions and quality marketing materials.
- Negotiate Terms: Be open to discussions regarding commission rates and other terms to foster strong, mutually beneficial relationships with your affiliates.
6. Monitor and Optimise Your Programme
- Use Analytics Tools: Leverage Rakuten’s robust analytics tools to track affiliate performance, monitor sales, and refine your marketing strategies.
- Adjust Strategies: Regularly review your programme’s data and make necessary adjustments, whether it’s in commission rates, affiliate selection, or marketing materials.
- Provide Support: Maintain open communication with your affiliates, offering them the resources they need to succeed in promoting your products.
7. Brands Already Using Rakuten
- Successful Examples: Many top global brands use Rakuten Advertising to power their affiliate programmes, including Hilton, ASICS, AllSaints, and JanSport. These companies leverage Rakuten’s platform to manage their affiliate relationships, optimize their marketing strategies, and drive significant growth in sales (Rakuten Advertising Blog) (Shopify).
- Case Studies: Explore the Rakuten Advertising Blog to read case studies and see how brands have successfully implemented affiliate marketing strategies through Rakuten.
8. Comply with Legal and Ethical Standards
- Review Rakuten’s Policies: Ensure that your affiliate programme complies with Rakuten’s guidelines and policies, especially concerning transparency and ethical advertising practices.
- Stay Informed on Regulations: Familiarise yourself with local regulations in New Zealand, such as those set by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), to ensure your marketing efforts are legally compliant【ASA Guidelines】.
9. Scale Your Programme
- Expand Affiliate Partnerships: As your programme grows, continue recruiting new affiliates and explore international markets through Rakuten’s global network.
- Increase Marketing Efforts: Consider boosting your marketing budget or offering special promotions to increase affiliate engagement and drive sales.
Conclusion
Joining Rakuten’s affiliate network can significantly enhance your business’s online presence and sales. By following these steps, you can effectively set up and manage an affiliate programme that delivers results. For more detailed information, visit Rakuten Advertising and begin building your affiliate marketing strategy today.te marketing strategy today.