7 Tips for Getting Accepted into ePN – eBay Affiliate Network
A friend of my oldest son Mark sent me an email ealier this week, asking what kind of tips I could provide for getting accepted into the eBay Partner Network Affiliate Program, commonly referred to the ePN.
As we all know, eBay has taken a different approach to its relationship with affiliates over the past year, and instead of simply approving every new member that comes along, they truly want to focus on quality versus quantity, when they look at the website of those applying.
I thought it was a good post topic, since I have heard the same question repeated at the ePN forums many times. Incidentally, if you browse the forums, you can find me as epn_builder.
Establish Your Content and Readership First!
Registering a new domain and building a simple website does not constitute a good partner! eBay wants to see that you are established and already engaging your visitors with quality content! The products being sold on eBay should simply compliment your content!
Allowing your site to grow readers and gain authority for a few months will go very far when you apply!
Don’t Build a YourBay Website!
With the integration of Build a Niche Store and plugins like phpBay, it’s very easy to build a clone of eBay. This is NOT what ePN (or search engines) want to see when they visit a prospective partner site! Your site should be a good resource for visitors in your niche topic and again, the eBay items should simply compliment your site, not make it!
eBay listings should be just like Salt and pepper on your meal! Sprinkle just enough here and there to compliment the flavor of your food!
Read, Understand, and Comply with the ePN Partner Agreement!
eBay did not spend money and time creating the terms of being a partner for nothing! More importantly, they do not ask first – shoot later! If you agree to the terms and then violate them, they WILL shut off your account! The best way to avoid this is by understanding your part of the agreement.
Once you are confident you know the rules of the game, make sure your website is in compliance.
Tell a Positive Story on Your Partner Application!
As you complete your eBay Affiliate network application, there is an area for comments about your website. Tell them a GREAT story about your site and WHY they may WANT to advertise on your website! If you don’t have a good story to tell, don’t apply yet!
Your website is a billboard and eBay is just another prospective advertiser! You should share your website traffic stats, subscriber metrics, target visitors and any other information you may share with anyone else looking to advertise on your billboard!
A good story to Steve or Casey may be something like:
“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the eBay Partner network. My “site topic” website has been established in its niche for more than 3 months and receives a steady flow of XXXX targeted visitors every month, through onsite optimization, search engines, and referrals from other authority websites! While onsite, the visitors tend to stay around and browse through 4-6 pages each, as they learn more about “site topic“. I feel the eBay listings would be a perfect compliment for my visitors and look forward tobeing a part of the ePN.”
Educate Your Visitors about Your Ads!
Never try to hide the fact that your website shows eBay listings or offers from third party advertisers! The last thing ePN wants is for a user to click one of your links and NOT KNOW they were being sent to eBay for the item!
Don’t Trip Spam Filters with Your Domain Name
Spam filters are pretty smart, and they were built by humans! They recognize certain words and look carefully at the content to see if it too, is nothing but spam! Words like “sale, cheap, bargain, buy, used” and hundreds of others are very quick to make ANY reader cautious about the content of an email or website!
If you have the word cheap in your domain name, make sure your content is BETTER than every other site that sells cheap whatever! When a human looks at it, they are going to be extra critical of your content.
Edit – 06/24/09 – Added Additional Recommendation from Amanda at ePN
Amanda over the ePN Blog made an additional suggestion to the approval tips.
Use Your Real Contact Information
In addition to the tips mentioned above, we want to stress the importance of giving valid contact information in your application. Although we understand the desire for privacy, giving false phone numbers and/or contact information is an easy way to get rejected quickly from eBay Partner Network.
If At First You Don’t Succeed…
Lets face it – affiliate marketing is not short of failures! For every one of us that finds success, I would bet there are 95 others who quit within 6 months, maybe less time than that! Those 95 are the same people eBay does NOT want in their program!
If you are declined on the first attempt, ask yourself if you have built an authoritative website, built a strong readership, and have a steady flow of traffic that is genuinely interested in the information your site is delivering!
The Bottom Line to Being Accepted into the eBay Affiliate Program
- Your Site should Bring Value TO eBay, Not the other way around!
- If you have no Established Traffic – You Won’t make Money ANYHOW!
Take your time, build your authority, gain reader value… and reapply to ePN with a positive story!
Previously Published Articles You May Like to Read:
- eBay Partner Network (eBay Affiliate Program) Open for Enrollment
- Alternatives to the ePN – eBay Partner Network
- Get Ready for Another Slap by Ebay Partner Network!
- Steve Hartman Says Farewell to eBay Partner Network
- Affiliate Network News for Build a Niche Store Owners!
- PepperJam Network Responds to ePN Questions
- eBay Partner Network $20k Affiliates Contest
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I have been doing my part to "Build the Internet" since 1994, when I built my first website! Since then, I have built hundreds of niche websites for myself and many others, focused on design, applications, ecommerce, search optimization and internet marketing.
I completely agree when you say the website should be of value to readers, I always try and think what if I couldn’t add eBay products to a site, would the site survive? If the answer to that is yes then you are good to go.
I think certainly from a search engine point of view too many people over complicate things, at the end of the day a website which offers something of value to it’s visitors in the way of content/information and can survive without affiliate links is what people should be striving for.
Cheers
Ben
I couldn’t agree more about overcomplicating things Ben!
I have come to the understanding that content cures everything! The more you create the content, the more readers will come, the more people will link, the more visitors will find a need for what you offer! :-)
Some nice advice there Mark , I think too often people build a site and throw up dozens of banners without thing who is going to see these banners!
Let’s be honest being a member of the affiliate partner network is perhaps better than not in namesake only.
However as ALL the discussions on the eBay Partner forum point out, EPN has run it’s program into the ground. In comparison to when CJ.com managed it’s network.
Tracking is way off and less return for the affiliate!
@ Doug –
Thanks Mike…. I have done the banner farms myself in the past, they do no good at all!
@ Mike –
I cannot argue too hard with you on your point. ePN is not as transparent or reliable as it was through CJ, and I’m sure the folks behind it realized that when they took it inhouse.
There are many things I am just not fond of as well, like the fluctuations in ACRU. I DO understand eBay having to tighten up its reigns due to abuse, but moving targets are no fun to chase… when you have very little insight into the metrics being used to measure campaign performance.
All said – it is still a profitable netowrk to be a part of, especially in markets that have very few options for advert’s.
Thanks for comin by!
I am so thankful that I started with epn long before they moved and I knew what I was doing. (if I do)
We really had it easy. I was selling on eBay and doing real good, but grew tired of them constantly changing their business plan.
I signed up before knowing what affiliate marketing was.
Times have changed big time. I must disagree about ebay running the program into the ground. They have added value to the site by changing. They where becoming very spammy. I mean everybody I know was getting sick of being redirected to the ebay site. Sucks when you click on a link and being sent to ebay if you hate ebay..
The one thing I disagree with with is promoting sign ups. I know people who can’t figure it out. As webmasters we think its easy to find that tiny sign up link, but my real world friend can’t figure it out and just give up.
The new web isnt about the old way of doing things. Its about the youth that grew up with the web on their phones. If we target them and give them choices then we will make some money. They have redefined what spam is.
So what Mark is saying is “Spot On” IMO. Build a site that people will come back to every day and connect it to web 2.0 and give those kids (under 40 ) what they want.
I’m building sites for me and others that have the same interests will follow. Skiing 140 days a year! Woho
@ Bill –
Same here on the eBay selling machine! We were running 150k ++ per month through the ebay system from 2 dropship stores we ran. We didnt really close due to ebay 100%, but costs were most definitely part of our factor.
I think the new system has both good and bad… but like I mentioned in the last comment, its still a very lucrative program in the right markets.
No skiing for you for awhile huh? Glad you had a great winter in Colorado!
M
Kudos Mark,
Just saw a link to your post from the EPN Blog. eBay linked (liked) your post, must be doing something right!
Haven’t posted in quite a while, since you stopped doing the how to create a BANS sequences.
I’ve been trying to get my dad into the EPN program, but he’s old school and still learning html. I referred him to your post.
BTW – got any sites or domains that your selling. That cobra site was a bit pricey – did it sell?
@ Sean –
Thanks for the nod and good to see you again!! I saw the ePN post late last night and havent had the chance to go an comment there yet.. next!
The Cobra site DID sell – but fell through before payment was received. On the plus side, I took it back under my own wing and have just been finishing the development slowly over the past few weeks.
In ref to selling off – I have a project I will bring to life in a few weeks… that is going to be a good deal for anyone interested in buying inexpensive, established websites. Still 3-4 weeks off for now, but getting there!
Mark
Everything points to eBay needs to verify that you are not a Cookie Stuffer. Affiliates and eBay has lost millions from illegal cookie stuffing, so they are really looking at two things to Verify
1) You Are exactly who you say you are
2) You Run a professional operation. (meaning that they want established webmasters and affiliates, no noobs)
Good, but I don’t agree with one thing:
There are sites that can be based mostly on eBay and still bring good value both to eBay and the site visitors.
A site about golf deals is such an example. A site about cheap computers showing low priced, computer relevant eBay items is another one.
The visitors that are coming to such sites are getting exactly what they want and looking for; eBay gets highly targeted and motivated shoppers.
Looks like a winner to me…
So why not?
Excellent post. I’ve long maintained that content is queen! And nice that the ePN blog gave your post a big thumbs up.
@ Mark ya I’m back until October. Then back to Vail. I love my life.
Congrates on the ePN blog post! :-)
The Rich Ski Bum
I think it is a waste of time anyway you look at it, to be an affiliate partner for a company that doesn’t care about you. I’d think twice before getting involved with ebay as an affiliate. You can have the best site in the world, work 24/7 to comply with their rules and one morning I’m sure you will receive that dreaded mass sent email “You are cookie stuffing”, or “your site is related to a banned one”, or your visitors are ugly, depressed, and click the right mouse button while on ebay.
Ebay has turned into a joke since they left CJ. Do your research. Not worth it. You will work hard for nothing. Their affiliates are scared to death of them.
Hi all,
I joined the ePN after it was brought in-house, yet before the big shake-up last summer. I have seen a number of changes – good, bad, and just for the sake of change. I have stopped active selling on eBay itself (ever rising fees, and too much competition in my selected area). I have even joined the developer’s program so I can create scripts, call the shopping API, and help my affiliate efforts.
This comment is mainly about how we send traffic to eBay. Since joining the developers program I have learned a couple things, that they have made very plain and clear to me.
The first thing they made clear is that eBay is not an auction site, they are a “person to person trading site” or an “online trading site.” (see http:// developer.ebay. com/join/logo/ 02_whatneedtoknow.html for details after removing the spaces).
The second is that in a script that I am developing is I have to make sure to display the “Right Now on eBay” logo near the top of any items I display that link to eBay. I submitted the program for certification, and while the script wasn’t rejected, I was informed of the need for the “Right Now on eBay” logo. Below is a quote from there response in regards to this.
“We do require that you use the RightNow on eBay logo when you display eBay items. If your ad format is small, then instead of the logo simply the phrase “Right Now on eBay” or even “eBay” (depending on the context) is acceptable. There are two intentions here. One is to make the ad attractive and meaningful. The other is to show the content is on eBay. Showing this is eBay content is critical so the user (clicker) is not surprised when clicking on an ad and winding up at eBay.”
So, yes, they want to make sure that the “user (clicker)” knows where they are going before they go there. We are not to deceive the potential customer. If we have real content on our site, and offer the items on our site as an added service, then we should not mind letting the customer know where they will be directed to when they click on listing we are displaying.
So, we can add a new section, how not to get ejected from the ePN once you are in.
1. eBay is not an auction site, they are a “person to person trading site” or an “online trading site.”
2. Display a “Right Now on eBay” logo, or inform your visitor that clicking on an item will take them to eBay’s site and the actual item listing.
These two things will help insure you remain in the ePN program.
Mark,
Thank you for this blog; it clarifies very well the relationship our site should have to eBay.
########################
Greg,
You wrote:
“…professional operation. (meaning that they want established webmasters and affiliates, no noobs)”
Just wanted to mention that I am doing very well in the EPN program and I am a COMPLETE noob. This is my very first website. And the same goes for a friend of mine.
I agree with Tom. Having buying targeted visitors is better for eBay than having 10000 visitors that don’t buy at all.
Like you Mark, I did the BANS, phpBay thing. Even after the whole Big G deindexed slap last year, I still make some sales off those sites because they are still targeted.
In fact, I created my own software(MyStarterBlog) and Rob sell his MSB eBay plugin for it. Of course, I since converted all of them to MyStarterBlog/MSB eBay Plugin thus dropping BANS, phpBay. I was a fan of phpBay API until Rob added those features too. I take less resource(no MySQL, low space) on the server now since I don’t use WP or BANS. ;)
Btw, June is looking to be my highest month so far and I don’t have a lot of traffic to my sites. That’s the power of targeted traffic.
What would be interesting to see in the reports is what product people ended up buying. Sometimes, it happens.
@ Tom –
Thanks for coming by… I used to think the same exact thing. Build a niche focused site, displaying only relevant listings, and surely, it must be good. After all, we are taking the initial search steps that are usually done on eBay itself, and cutting through the chase, getting to the specific goods the visitors were after.
From a search perspective – the site is nothing but repurposed content, found at a much higher authority site.
From the eBay perspective – the visitors would have just ended up on eBay itself, if the site was not in the middle.
Whether we agree or not, that is exactly what search engines say they DONT want in their index, and eBay says they dont want for affiliated sites.
Incidentally, my own affiliate stats have increased by 500% or more since I got rid of mybay sites, and focused on the content instead. In fact, on sites that I do monetize with ePN listings, I have gotten in the habit of meta-noindex and blocking search spiders from the pages with nothing more than listings on them.
instead of being a simple middleman, telling people where they can find the items, I now act as a sort of sales person, using the FFBQ process, THEN calling them to action to buy the products.
Mark
If you offer a service that compliments the eBay community acceptance is more likely.
Hi Mark,
got this email today from Ebay after they asked me to put a new business model application-bearing in mind have been selling Ebay on some of my websites for nearly 3 years.
“We have carefully reviewed your business model application, and regret to inform you that the request below has been denied. Please note that applications are evaluated on a case by case basis, and several different factors are taken into account, including incremental value to eBay, user experience, and Network Quality risks. More information on special business models is available in the Help section of our website. ”
What does all that mean?I can no longer sell ebay on my websites-they also owe me some money-guess i am a little hurt and confused what to do next-any advice would be great.
I am so confused now. What if you’re starting out and get a ready-made website with eBay included? Do you wait with that site until you have an established content business? How long will it take – 3 months or 8 months? A year?
@Joan – eBay is actually pretty responsive to approving accounts that are established. So, if your ready made website that includes eBay listings is already established, you may have no problems at all!
On the other hand…
If the site is made for the single purpose of being an affiliate site and offers little value to visitors outside of the affiliate links you have on it, they may take longer.
I would suggest waiting 2-3 months while you build your own unique content on the site and give eBay a reason that it should be in their affiliate system.
Look at it like you just bought a corner store in Yourtown, USA – right in front of a Pro Golf Course. Nike would not let you sell their equipment in your store until you have built a reputation as a trustworthy source of golf merchandise.
Same concept on a different scale and medium.
I am a great believer in eBay, its concept, methods, and credibility. I have been a member of eBat for 10 years + and presently enjoy a rating of +307.
I have applied twice to eBay for acceptance into the ePN and been declined. I accept the decline…what I am having trouble with is their seemingly aloof attitude regarding communication between them and the Applicant. In particular – no live chat line, no telephone or any type of direct contact….just email and we all are aware of just how frustrating that mode can be. I would take it as constructive criticism if they told me what I had done incorrectly. I would correct it to their satisfaction and it would be done ! The method that they insist on does little to increase our knowledge of building sites….it just tends to frustrate as we know the importance of affiliating with the BIG “e” !
Just my $0.02….thnaks for listening.
I have a site about hollywood glamour photography and my photography. I have been trying to get on EPN for a while now. No Luck. I have adverts from other people and such, but I also have Nude Photography on there as well. was wondering if you thought that would stop them from approving me. would you mind taking a peek at my website, listed in my name?
Thanks.
Larry
aka Darkman…
@Darkmans Darkroom – If it were me, I would move onto Amazon, drop in ReviewAzon, and call it a big day!
It may have something to do with your pose-nude items, but not likely.
Maek
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your good advice.
I was turned down for one of my sites in Nov 2009 for ePN. I admit the site was light on content and I was looking for eBay to add value (read $$$’s) to my sales.
Here is my question. I have another site which is typically near the top of the SERP’s for a make of LED TV. I get about 100 visitors a day from all over the world, about 70 different countries over the last couple of months. My problem is that I only have affiliate networks in the USA and UK (Amazon mostly) but that does not work for all the other countries. I want to try and rejoin the ePN as I feel eBay can offer more outlets for the TV’s globally. How long do you think I should wait before resubmitting and do you think ePN is a good fit?
@skycaddie – eBay is REALLY BIG about non-USA sites right now – so if you develop a site specifically targeting non-usa traffic, apply to them on that premise.
After reading their earnings report yesterday – they have HUGE growth in foreign markets and want to expand that.
Other than that man – Amazon is FANTASTIC!
I’m not sure it is worth the effort of applying since ebay’s procedures are so inefficient, unpredictable, and frankly unprofessional. As someone said above, they do not communicate. So to save disappointment and wasted time here is an outline. Be sure to take a screenshot at every stage of the signup so you can know what you said.
1 Create account
2 Verify a site of yours by uploading a specified ebay file to the site, then check that they have validated it. You will find this is the only site you can submit, so choose carefully.
.
3 Try to log in to your account that you created. You can’t, since it says it is pending acceptance. So the other sites or details you hoped to amend or add will have to wait.
4 Find that you can’t log in to your account, and it no longer says pending acceptance, ask it to send you a new password, repeat, repeat, repeat, receive
no password or email of any kind.
5 Wait, Wait, Wait, then contact them on ePN-cs-english@ebay.com to ask for an acknowledgement of any kind. They will probably now tell you your application was rejected, thought they hadn’t had the courtesy to tell you, but they’ll say you can submit new information but they don’t say what or where to submit it.
6.Explain that you would like to check your info to be sure there is not a typo or error in any of your details. They will say you cannot access that, then they will claim all of this data is deleted on rejection – completely contradicting their instruction to you to send in additional info (what?) to get your existing account approved, which confirms that they retained your data.
Why don’t they outline the procedure and steps at the start and not waste their time and yours? And why not just approve all accounts but just not deliver the key the user needs until that detail is approved? Then you could log into your account, check progress and update as needed, you just couldn’t earn anything yet.
Now I understand why people are so mistrustful of Paypal and its murky procedures. Good luck to you.
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