Differences Between Adult And Non-Adult Affiliate Program?

[Lee]

So i was wondering, those of you that promote both adult and mainstream sponsors, what would you say the major differences are between the two business models so far as the 'affiliate' side of things go?

A couple of major differences that i have noticed are..

1) Payouts.

Typically, payouts in mainstream tend to be a lot lower than those in the adult industry but, the products and sites being sold typically convert much better than 'porn' in my experience.

2) Promo Tools / Product Site Quality.

I have also noticed the quality of sites and promo tools in non-adult are a lot lower than the quality of sites in the adult and mainstream-crossover segments of the porn industry.

Sites seem to be primarily HTML based with minimal amounts of images or flash and banners tend to be more 'amateur' looking in style.

So, what other differences have you noted between the way adult and mainstream affiliate programs work?

Regards,

Lee

[basschick]

most non adult programs have a lot less types of promo, the payouts are much lower and the programs pay less often. usually i see monthly or quarterly.

they often seem to expect their affiliates have very little web experience and seem generally less available to answer questions. often the reps seem to have no idea about the programs when you send questions, too. and of course many don't manage their own programs at all - they do it through large third party program managers, adding another tier of people to pay.

oh, and i don't recall seeing but a couple if that mainstream programs with webmaster referral programs.

[Rimmates.com]

Are you talking about affiliates for things like Gay Men's magazines, clothing/undergear, cruises, etc.? If so, I need to find a decent source of various businesses like that with which to sign up with so I can support them in my future blog. Please feel free to PM me with links (so you can get referral credit) if you have a sponsor that's been converting well for you.

My hosting company pays me $25 per referral. Not bad.

[basschick]

a lot of mainstream companies - well, most - don't allow advertising on a site that has porn on it.

if you don't have porn on your site, try amazon. the pay isn't great but you can sell almost anything through them and link directly to the item or category.

Are you talking about affiliates for things like Gay Men's magazines, clothing/undergear, cruises, etc.? If so, I need to find a decent source of various businesses like that with which to sign up with so I can support them in my future blog. Please feel free to PM me with links (so you can get referral credit) if you have a sponsor that's been converting well for you.

My hosting company pays me $25 per referral. Not bad.