Affiliate Marketing – Past, Present and the Future
With better Internet marketing tools now being available, the affiliates seem to realize the vision that has been discernible for a long time. The whole world is plunging into the virtual world made of the fabrics of web and networking.
In the beginning, text advertisements and graphics were the most an Internet marketer or affiliate could think of. It was followed by web site links, banner advertisements, floating advertisements, pop ups, animated ads and today with advanced tools like widgets and video advertisements. It has rather gone two steps ahead with lead generation or managing inventories.
Affiliate marketing, as an industry is more or less fragmented. Vast resources are possessed by affiliates, advertisers, networks and supporting agencies. However, the industry norms and regulations are still out of the scene. There is no proper documentation and few market researches.
Affiliate marketing has groomed well in UK and US. At these places, affiliate marketing is an accepted and recognized marketing practice. The growth indicators or industry practices may differ, but patterns have been observed. These are the countries with a relatively large population that spend enough time on the Internet. As Internet services and web based business are catching up in other countries, so is affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing providers are further looking beyond their own respective states and have expanded their sphere of influence to a great extent. Some affiliate networks claim to be providing the service at the global level. The credit goes to the networking tools and approaches that have come into existence, lately. It is quite amazing to grasp the very idea as someone seated in Africa doing marketing for a small business group based in Japan.
There are many challenges that the industry face as of now. The first and foremost challenge remains to be global acceptance and recognition. For that the audience, the business groups, traders and advertisers – all have to be educated and made aware. There should also be a body that defines or puts down the industry standards and norms.
Amid all these development, the industry may also have to face the sharp criticism posed by the popular media. But, with more evidence coming from affiliates marketing researches and in-depth inquiries the path that is visible seems to be quite bright. It is only a matter of time as when the masses will walk on it.
Author: Meenakshi Wali is the co founder of Rupiz Media, Rupiz Ads & Rupiz Affiliates, a leading online media buying agency. She is heading a team of experts, which is into affiliates marketing, search engine optimization, online advertising, affiliate network.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Affiliate Marketing – Past, Present and the Future