One of the things that is so great about this industry is the people. We not only have some of the smartest, hard working, and most successful people in the world involved in affiliate marketing, but some of the most kind-hearted and selfless people too. Tons of affiliate marketers and networks are constantly going out of their way to give back to the community and make this world a better place. 
Today I want to talk about one affiliate marketer, Logan Thompson, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and created a new site that helps any marketer looking to give back, an easy way to do so. If you haven’t heard of the Affiliate Love Project, it’s about time you did. However, instead of hearing it from me, I decided to reach out to Logan and ask him a few questions about his new project and how affiliates can get involved.
Eric: First, tell us a little bit about your background and how you got your start in Affiliate Marketing?
Logan: Back in 1996 I taught myself how to design websites by doing a little research on the Internet. The first site I ever created was about all of the inconsistencies in the show Saved By The Bell, and was more of a personal type of site that had very little traffic. I never really looked to monetize it or any of the other sites I was messing with at the time until I heard about Linkshare. It wasn’t until 2001 when I made my fist commission check for 72 cents. Since then I’ve been hooked on affiliate marketing. After spending time at a few jobs as a web designer with companies like GiftTree.com and Dotster.com, I realized affiliate marketing was much more satisfying than working for someone else.
Eric: What is the Affiliate Love Project and how did you get the idea for it?
Logan: The Affiliate Love Project is basically a way for affiliate marketers to get involved with changing our world for the better. I was thinking one day of what I could do that could make an impact on people’s lives the most and then it hit me. What if the referral commission people were making from promoting different affiliate networks went to charities? If you’ve been around the affiliate marketing scene for more than a minute, I’m sure you’ve seen bloggers and site owners pushing different networks. This is because they are generally earning between 2%-5% lifetime commissions from referrals. The Affiliate Love Project is taking that commission and putting it to good use by donating it to organizations all over the world that are making a difference in other people’s lives.
Eric: Such a great idea! So how can Affiliates get involved? How can networks get involved?
Logan: There are a few different ways for affiliates to get involved. The first would be to sign up to networks through the Affiliate Love Project site. Once you do that, all of the referral commission we make will go to the charity of the month for every month you earn a commission with that specific network. The second thing affiliates can do is help spread the word. Give us a write up in your blogs and sites and let your friends know. A third thing would be to join in and donate the referral commissions you are making to the charity of the month. Each month we are setting a goal of what we want to earn so this would be a huge help.
Networks that want to be involved should definitely contact me. First thing would be to get the network listed on our site and setup to pay referral commissions. The next would be to have networks sponsor contests and get involved in different ways that will draw more affiliates to them, while generating commission for charity. Also I love to hear about networks doing things for charity in their local communities. Let me know and I’ll definitely update the Affiliate Love Project blog with the details for you.
Eric: What charities are involved with this project? How do you choose them?
Logan: The first charity we started with is Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org).They are an organization that is cracking down on poverty by helping people with sustainable resources and education. They’re doing amazing things all over the world, and I chose them because they’re making a big global impact.
Each month I’ll be picking new charities (and may rotate some though). Basically I’ve been researching different organizations, plus I’ve had many people email me with suggestions. Organizations are being picked based on global impact on poverty, education and need.
Eric: What does the future hold for the Affiliate Love Project? Where would you like to see it go from here?
Logan: I’d love to see it grow into an organization that helps shape the way the affiliate marketing industry impacts our world. I’m excited to see it grow and be able to make a difference financially, but more importantly I’m excited to see how people’s lives are being changed because of the money generated.
Eric: How can some contact the Affiliate Love Project?
Logan: The best way is either through the contact form on the website site, or through Twitter @affiliatelp
I want to thank Logan so much for taking the time out to talk to us about the Affiliate Love Project. For more info on ALP and how you can get involved, head on over to their site. Also, to sign up with our network through Affiliate Love Project (and donate your 2% referral commission to charity), go here.
On a related topic, Missy Ward is also recruiting affiliates to get involved in “Team Affiliate Marketers Give Back”, which will be taking on the 40-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Los Angeles on September 12-13. For more information, check out Missy’s blog and/or the official Avon Walk for Breast Cancer site.
When it comes to Media Buys, the road to success can take many twists and turns, but should always consist of a strategic plan, proper execution, detailed optimization, scalability, and the testing of new offers.
