11 Features to look for in affiliate program management software

1. Auto-payouts

Affiliates expect timely and hassle-free payments. That’s why it’s important to choose software that supports multiple payment options. Automated payout features are a big plus.

FirstPromoter can handle payments on your behalf by automatically paying all your promoters. Here’s how it works:

• You pay a single invoice from us

• We handle all payouts to your affiliates

• No additional fees for you

2. Advanced reporting 

Insightful reporting tools are essential for tracking the success of your program. Look for software that offers customizable reports on metrics.

Currently we have 5 reports you can analyze:

• Overview - contains the data aggregated from all campaigns and promoters (updated every 3 minutes);

• Campaigns performance - contains data for each individual campaign (updated every 3 minutes);

• Promoters performance - contains data for each individual promoter who has at least one referral. Promoters that haven't referred anyone until the last update aren't included in the report. This report is updated daily at midnight. In the UI you can see top 20 promoters but you can download the full report;

• Traffic sources - contains top traffic sources and their performance aggregated by different time intervals (updated once per day);

• Landing page - contains the performance of your landing pages aggregated by different time intervals (updated once per day).

3. User-friendly, customizable dashboard

An intuitive dashboard is key for both you and your affiliates. You should be able to see performance metrics, earnings, and important updates at a glance.

FirstPromoter offers a clean, user-friendly interface that allows you to monitor affiliate performance, manage payouts and track growth. Affiliates can easily access their earnings, referral stats, and assets from their personalized dashboards.

You can edit the affiliate dashboard to make it yours. Add your colors, logo, and choose the layout that suits you.

4. Scalability 

Your affiliate program software should grow with your business. The right solutions support a large number of affiliates, multiple campaigns and advanced features you might need as your program expands.

5. Reliable tracking 

Look for software that reliably tracks clicks, conversions and sales.

Track sales by discount coupon codes alone, email or personalized referral links. FirstPromoter allows you to track your affiliates through both referral links and coupon codes as well, which is particularly useful in scenarios where referral links are restricted, such as on Instagram.

Coupon code tracking is effective when providing discounts or other offers to promoter friends or followers. It's important to note that FirstPromoter doesn't automatically apply discounts or offers like free months; instead, you must have a coupon or promo code field on your payment or subscription page.

6. Seamless integrations

Your affiliate software should easily integrate with the platforms you already use such as commonly-used billing providers and popular website platforms. 

Integrations simplify operations and allow data to flow smoothly between systems while minimizing errors.

7. Flexible Commission Structures

A good affiliate software for SaaS businesses should allow you to set up diverse commission models, such as:

• Flat-rate commissions for specific actions.

• Percentage-based commissions on sales.

• Tiered commissions to reward top-performing affiliates.

FirstPromoter offers the automatic tracking and calculation of monetary rewards, such as percentage sale commissions or flat fee commissions, through our integrations with Stripe, Paddle, Chargebee, Recurly or Braintree.

8. Customizable branding

For a professional feel, affiliate software should allow you to brand the affiliate portal with your logo, colors and messaging.

FirstPromoter provides customization options for your affiliate dashboard and signup page according to your brand. There are over 50 attributes available to perfectly brand the affiliate dashboard.  

Add your colors, logo, and choose the layout that suits you and more.

9. Automation features

Automation simplifies repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors. Look for functionalities like:

• Automated onboarding emails

• Performance notifications for affiliates

Many affiliate marketing tools rely on external tools to send emails with limited personalization and automation options. 

We’ve made it easy to automate your affiliate email marketing. Send broadcast and trigger-based emails with ease. No need for a 3rd party tool.

10. Fraud prevention

Affiliate fraud can harm your business. Look for software that includes fraud detection features.

With FirstPromoter, affiliates get commissions only when the purchase is confirmed by your billing provider. We also have algorithms to identify suspicious leads.

11. Excellent customer support

Reliable customer support is extremely valuable, especially during the initial setup when you usually need most help. It's important to know you can rely on software providers with great support teams, offering fast and helpful support.