Platform Pick 5: Hunt for the Right Platform

Introduction

You’ve nailed down your needs and built your Feature Comparison Sheet – now it’s time to hunt for the right platform. This step is all about exploring your options and building a solid longlist of tools worth a closer look.

In this article, we’ll show you how to find platforms that match your must-haves, narrow down your choices, and get organized for the next steps. This is part of a series on how to pick the right platform for your needs.

Platform Pick 1: Win Stakeholder Support
Platform Pick 2: Create a Checklist
Platform Pick 3: Create a Feature Comparison Table
Platform Pick 4: Define Your Needs Clearly
Platform Pick 5: Hunt for the Right Platform
Platform Pick 6: Send Out Requests for Proposals
Platform Pick 7: Demos with Vendors
Platform Pick 8: Check Pricing and Value
Platform Pick 9: Choose Your Top Favorites
Platform Pick 10: Business, Legal, and IT Prep
Platform Pick 11: Integrate and Test it
Platform Pick 12: Rollout

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Gather Potential Platforms

It’s time to start your search. The goal here is to cast a wide net and identify platforms that could potentially meet your needs. Don’t worry about narrowing things down yet – that comes later. For now, focus on gathering as many viable options as possible. Here’s how:

Search Engines

Start with the obvious: Google. Use specific keywords based on your must-have features from your Feature Table. For example:

• Affiliate marketing SaaS with API
• Affiliate platform for lead generation
• Lead Generation Platform

Review Sites

Platforms like G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius are good for finding affiliate platforms. These sites offer:

• Lists of tools with feature comparisons.
• Real user reviews to help you understand strengths and weaknesses.
• Insights into pricing and usability.

Industry Communities

Tap into your network or explore online communities:

• LinkedIn groups focused on affiliate marketing or SaaS tools.
• Reddit threads or forums where professionals discuss tools they’ve used.
• Industry-specific Slack groups or meetups.

Pro TIP: Ask your Affiliates what platform they like.

Competitor Research

Check what platforms your competitors are using. Often, you’ll find this information in case studies, testimonials, or public success stories. If they’re using a tool successfully, it might be worth exploring for your business.

Case Studies

Search for case studies or whitepapers from platforms that detail how businesses like yours have benefited. This can provide insights into their strengths and alignment with your needs.

Cross-Check with Your Feature Table

Now that you’ve gathered a list of potential platforms, it’s time to put your Feature Comparison Table to work. This step is all about filtering through your options and identifying which platforms align best with your needs. You don’t know everything about these platforms yet, and most of their features might not even be listed on their websites. But some preliminary research can help you avoid entering demo calls with a blank table. Here’s how to do it:

Match Features Against Your Table

• Take each platform from your longlist and compare its features to the ones in your Feature Comparison Table.
• Focus on must-have features and KO factors. If a platform lacks something critical, consider removing it from the list.
• Look for platforms that go above and beyond by offering standout features that could benefit your business. Make a note for the upcoming demo call.

Add Notes for Each Platform

• For every platform that aligns with your table, write down why it made the cut:
  • Does it have a key feature others don’t?
  • Is it particularly strong in areas that matter most to you?
• If a platform is missing some features but still looks promising, mark it for follow-up during demos.

Don’t Overthink It

• This is still the early stage, so don’t worry about ranking platforms or making final decisions yet. The goal here is to trim your list to platforms that genuinely seem viable. Don’t worry if you’re not precise yet or can’t find all the information on their website.

Create your Longlist

Now that you’ve cross-checked your options with the Feature Comparison Table, it’s time to create a clear and organized longlist. This step lays the foundation for deeper evaluations and vendor discussions.

Finalize Your Longlist

• Narrow down your list to around 10 platforms that align with your key requirements.
• Focus on tools that meet most of your must-have features and avoid any KO factors.
• Don’t worry if some platforms aren’t perfect—if they show potential, keep them on the list for further evaluation.

Organize Your Findings

Use the Table comparing the features you created earlier as a foundation to track and manage your selected platforms. Simply edit it to include information about the platforms you’ve shortlisted. Add or adjust the following columns to make it more useful:

• Platform Name: The name of the tool.
• Key Features: The standout features or reasons why it made your list.
• Initial Impressions: Brief notes on what caught your attention, such as positive reviews or specific strengths.
• Links: Direct links to the platform’s website, relevant reviews, or case studies for easy reference.

Prepare for the Next Step

Your spreadsheet will also serve as a tool to track findings during demo calls, helping you compare platforms side by side. Use this longlist as your guide when reaching out to vendors and scheduling demos.

What’s Next?