003 Name Skill 73c2db22

---
name: channels-affiliate
description: When the user wants to plan, implement, or optimize affiliate marketing strategy. Also use when the user mentions "affiliate marketing," "affiliate program strategy," "CPS model," "affiliate recruitment," or "commission structure."
metadata:
  version: 1.0.0
---

# Channels: Affiliate

Guides affiliate marketing strategy for AI/SaaS products. Affiliate marketing uses a CPS (Cost Per Sale) model—pay only when sales occur. ROI typically 5:1 to 10:1; CAC 40%–50% lower than paid ads.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Check for product marketing context first:** If `.claude/product-marketing-context.md` or `.cursor/product-marketing-context.md` exists, read it for product, audience, and positioning.

Identify:
1. **Product type**: SaaS, AI tool, subscription
2. **Commission model**: Pay-per-sale, pay-per-lead, pay-per-click
3. **Target affiliates**: Content creators, publishers, coupon sites

## Commission Models

| Model | Use | Typical Rate |
|-------|-----|--------------|
| **Pay-per-sale** | Most common; pay on conversion | 10%–20% |
| **Pay-per-lead** | Lead gen (signup, form fill) | $5–50/lead |
| **Pay-per-click** | Rare; risk of abuse | $0.01–10.50/click |

For SaaS: Prefer pay-per-sale or pay-per-lead. Recurring commissions for subscriptions.

## Key Terms

| Term | Definition |
|------|------------|
| **Cookie duration** | Attribution window (typically 30–90 days) |
| **Recurring commission** | Ongoing % from subscription renewals |
| **Sub-affiliate** | Affiliates who recruit other affiliates |
| **Attribution** | Linking sale to correct affiliate |

## Promotion Channels

- **Content creators**: Bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, social influencers
- **Publishers**: Media, niche sites, email newsletters
- **Coupon/cashback**: Price-sensitive users
- **Communities**: Facebook Groups, Discord, Reddit, forums
- **Existing customers**: Word-of-mouth via referral rewards

## Setup Options

| Approach | Use |
|----------|-----|
| **Self-build** | Typeform, Google Forms; quick, low budget |
| **Third-party** | Rewardful, Tolt, Tapfiliate (recommended for AI/SaaS) |

## Best Practices

- **rel=sponsored**: Tag affiliate links per Google guidelines
- **Transparent disclosure**: Disclose affiliate relationships
- **Recruit authentic affiliates**: Align with brand; avoid low-quality networks
- **Diversify partners**: Multiple affiliates reduce risk
- **SEO for affiliate content**: Affiliate content drives organic traffic

## Output Format

- **Commission model** recommendation
- **Channel** strategy
- **Recruitment** approach
- **Tool** selection
- **Checklist** for launch

## Related Skills

- **pages-affiliate-program**: Landing page for affiliate signup
- **channels-influencer**: Often paired; influencers can be affiliates
- **channels-referral**: User-driven referral vs. affiliate-driven
- **channels-directories**: Directory submission complements affiliate; both drive backlinks and traffic
- **channels-community-forum**: Communities (Discord, Reddit, forums) as affiliate recruitment channel