Post Affiliate Pro offers a versatile and robust banner management system, enabling merchants and affiliates to utilize a wide range of promotional materials. This guide provides an in-depth overview of each available banner type, their primary use cases, and instructions for efficient banner management within the platform. Understanding these options allows you to optimize your affiliate campaigns and enhance engagement with your target audience.
Managing and Creating Banners
Banner management in Post Affiliate Pro is streamlined through the Banners Manager interface. Follow these steps to create and organize banners effectively:
- Navigate to Banners > Banners Manager.
- Click Create Banner and select your desired banner type.
- Complete the required settings, including name, campaign assignment, destination URL, and any banner-specific options (e.g., image upload, HTML code, coupon code).
- Assign the banner to one or more Categories for easier management and filtering. Categories can be nested for advanced organization (e.g., by promotion type, product, language).
- Save the banner. It will now be available to affiliates in their panel, according to their permissions and campaign assignments.
Use categories to maximize discoverability and reporting. Affiliates can filter available banners in their dashboard by category, and you can analyze banner performance by category in reports.
Available Banner Types
Post Affiliate Pro offers multiple banner types, each tailored to different promotion strategies and affiliate preferences. Below you will find detailed descriptions and use cases for each banner type:
- Image Banner: A traditional banner format using static or animated images (e.g., JPG, PNG, GIF). Ideal for visual promotions and brand visibility across affiliate websites.
- Text Link: Simple text-based hyperlinks that affiliates can place within content. Text links offer flexibility and high click-through rates due to their seamless integration into articles, blogs, or emails.
- HTML Banner: Custom banners built using HTML code, allowing for rich content, embedded forms, or dynamic elements. Suitable for advanced promotions requiring more complex layouts.
- Promo Email: Ready-to-use email templates for affiliates to send to their networks. Promo emails can include personalized variables, engaging content, and direct call-to-action links.
- Simple PDF Banner: Downloadable PDF documents, such as product brochures, coupons, or promotional flyers. Affiliates can distribute these files directly to their audiences.
- Coupon Banner: Banners that display unique or shared coupon codes, making them easily accessible for affiliates to promote special offers or discounts. This banner also generates a QR code automatically for easier work.
- Link banner: A plain hyperlink that affiliates can use to send visitors directly to a landing page, bypassing banners. Direct links are valuable for content-focused sites or email marketing. This banner also generates a QR code automatically for even easier and modern work.
- Page Peel Banner: Creative banners that appear as a "peeling" corner on a web page, revealing promotional content upon interaction. This format is visually engaging and drives curiosity.
- Rebrand PDF Banner: PDF documents that can be dynamically rebranded with affiliate or recipient information, allowing for personalized content distribution.
- ZIP Banner: An archive containing multiple promotional materials, such as images and documents, which affiliates can download for comprehensive campaigns.
- Site Replication: Enables the creation of personalized landing pages for each affiliate, providing a dedicated promotional site with embedded tracking. This banner also generates a QR code automatically for easier work.
Advanced Banner Features
Banner Rotators
Banner Rotators allow you to display a sequence of different banners within a single placement. Each time the page loads, a different banner is shown according to predefined weights and scheduling options. This is particularly useful for testing creative effectiveness, rotating seasonal promotions, or promoting multiple products.
- Assign banners to the rotator and set rank weights to control display frequency.
- Specify start and end dates for time-based promotions.
- Track impressions, clicks, and click-through rates for each included banner.
Example use cases: A/B testing creatives, automatically rotating banners for holidays or new product launches, and providing affiliates with fresh promotional content.
Lightbox Banners
Lightbox (hover) banners are displayed as overlays when a webpage loads, ensuring maximum visibility. Configure display delay, dimensions, and close functionality for a balance between engagement and user experience. Always test banners on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure smooth usability.
- Use for limited-time offers, newsletter signups, or important announcements.
- Avoid overuse to prevent visitor frustration.
Destination URL Variables in Banner Campaigns
In the Banner Destination / Destination URL field, you can use user variables (such as username, firstname, lastname, etc.) and click data variables (such as channel, click data1, and click data2). User variables are replaced with their corresponding values in the Affiliate panel (under Banners & Links). Click data variables are replaced with actual values after a user clicks on the banner and is redirected to the Destination URL. Click data variables are applicable in standard links (standard links with redirect).
Best Practices for Banner Usage
- Regularly review banner performance in the reporting section to identify high-converting creatives.
- Rotate and refresh banners to maintain affiliate and audience engagement.
- Utilize categories and advanced features, such as rotators and deep linking, to maximize campaign flexibility and results.
- Provide affiliates with a diverse set of banners to match different promotional channels and strategies.