Platform Pick 12: Rollout

Introduction

As you approach the official rollout of your affiliate platform, it’s time to take a step back and make sure everything is in place. A smooth launch doesn’t happen by accident—it requires a thorough review of all tasks, checks, and preparations. 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.

Review Your Checklist

Now that you’re getting closer to the official rollout, it’s time to take a step back and double-check everything. Before you launch, ensure that all your integration tasks have been completed and that your platform is ready to go. We created the checklist in Platform Pick 2: Create a Checklist, which covers all the essential aspects of:

• Business and Technical Requirements
• Legal Compliance and Documentation
• Platform Testing and Integration
• Internal and Partner Communication (in progress)
• Marketing and Website Updates (in progress)
• Post-Launch Monitoring

Internal Communication

Make sure all departments (IT, marketing, legal, finance, support) understand the launch plan, including timelines and roles. Send out a summary or hold a quick meeting to get everyone aligned.Ensure every team knows how to use the platform and what their responsibilities are. Clearly outline responsibilities for each team:

• Support: Address affiliate inquiries.
• IT: System checks and integration.
• Marketing: Affiliate promotion and materials.
• Legal: Compliance and contracts.
• Finance: Set up payouts.

Set Up Communication Channels

Use tools like Slack or project management software to create dedicated channels for updates and quick issue resolution. Keep the lines open for any last-minute questions.

Partner Communication

It’s time to communicate with your partners to ensure a smooth launch. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Inform Partners Early and Highlight Key Features

Give your affiliates a heads-up about the new platform, explaining its benefits and any changes they should expect. Share the new platform’s key features that will benefit your partners, like improved tracking, reporting, or payout flexibility.

Provide Training and Resources and Make Onboarding Easy

Offer clear training materials (guides, FAQs, webinars) to help your partners get comfortable with the platform. Ensure the onboarding process is simple and provides step-by-step instructions for setting up accounts and understanding the system.

Communication Plan

Set up a communication plan to keep partners updated on progress, issues, and platform enhancements. Be available for extra support during the transition, answering questions or helping with setup.

Gather Feedback

After launch, collect feedback from partners to identify any issues or areas for improvement.

Marketing and Website Updates

Make sure your website reflects the new platform. Add information about its features, benefits, and how affiliates can sign up. This is the first place your affiliates and potential partners will check, so keep it clear and informative. Direct new affiliates to the sign-up page, but make sure there’s also a login button for those who are or will be already

Social Media and Email Campaigns

Promote the new platform via social media and email campaigns. Let affiliates and partners know that the platform is live and encourage them to check it out. Keep the messaging simple and focused on the benefits.

Post-Launch Monitoring

Keep an eye on the platform’s overall performance. Monitor site speed, uptime, and the functionality of key features. Use analytics to identify any issues early, like errors in conversion tracking.

Affiliate Activity and Feedback

Check how your affiliates are using the platform. Are they signing in, promoting, and generating sales as expected? Collect feedback from them to see if there are any usability issues or feature requests.

Address Issues Quickly

If any problems arise, address them fast. Whether it’s a bug, a technical issue, or a process misunderstanding, quick resolutions will keep your affiliates happy and the platform running smoothly.

Track Conversion Data and Payouts

Keep a close eye on conversion tracking and payout calculations. Ensure everything is being tracked accurately and that commissions are being paid out correctly. Any discrepancies should be addressed immediately to avoid confusion or disputes.