Q4 checklist
For merchants and agencies
Scroll down to discover key points for reviewing your merchant account, communicating offers, and promoting and maintaining your program for maximizing Q4 results.
Prep and Planning
2-3 months out
Pro tips
- Consider negotiating TM+ rights with search partners for maximum reach
- Complete all new publisher recruitment by Oct 31 as most publishers will not accept new partners in Q4
Review last year‘s Q4 strategy to shape new campaign
- Identify top publishers, sale periods, successful placements, etc.
Determine placement budget
Define goals/expectations for Q4 (KPI, ROI, ROAS, etc.)
Identify specific key shopping dates to participate in
Plan your promotional calendar by Oct 31
Ensure your website is optimized on both mobile and desktop for increased Q4 traffic (no Q4 development work!)
Consider diversifying your publisher partner list to include cashback, loyalty rewards, etc.
Review Merchant Account
2-3 months out
Pro tip
- Check out our Quality Resource Guide to ensure your account is set up for success
Check that your program overview is current and relevant with statistics and details
Update/confirm profile image and brand logo
Update/confirm T&C’s and PPC policy
Update/confirm all relevant users have access to your account
Update/confirm datafeed is seasonally relevant and accurate
Update/confirm commission rates
Review pending validations every 15 days
Update/confirm key search terms to be monitored by the PPC bidding tool
Review Banner Performance Report to identify top performing banners/sizes
Check tracking is working properly and in good health
Set up auto-deposit and secondary payment to ensure your balance is properly funded
Communicate Your Offers
1-2 months out
Review pending publisher applications
Consider contacting inactive affiliates to re-engage prior to Q4
Compile contact information for top publisher "hit list"
Add seasonally relevant banners and remove old ones
Send out newsletters to inform affiliates of any relevant updates
Program Exposure
1-2 months out
Pro tips
- Create landing pages for specific promos and deals
- Schedule bonuses or commission changes ahead of time
Consider exclusive coupons and performance-based incentives
For each promotion added, brainstorm a creative title
Ensure offers have a call to action and link to the relevant page
Upload BF & CM deals to the Deals sections, adding the following keywords: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, blackfriday, cybermonday
Communicate promotions and deals directly to top 20 publishers
Request Q4 media decks from your top publisher “hit list”
Request exposure proposals from top publishers ($, sales, etc.)
Compile list of all required assets for booked exposure and dates
Book all exposure by Oct 31
Take screenshots of placements and request copies of newsletters
Program Maintenance
1 month out and continuing throughout Q4
Check monthly period comparison on your dashboard daily for a quick pulse of program performance month over month and year over year
Check top publishers have correct offers, creative and links
Review inventory weekly to avoid affiliates promoting an out of stock product
Review your budget and performance to consider booking last-minute exposure
Consider running a competitor Q4 promotional analysis
© 2024, AWIN Ltd. All rights reserved. Awin is part of Axel Springer Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.