After a short hiatus, we are back this Monday morning with an interview with another one of our accomplished Affiliate Managers, Darren Zapsky. Darren has over 10 years experience in the affiliate marketing industry and has been both an affiliate and an affiliate manager, which gives him a great perspective on what it takes to be successful as an affiliate.
How and when did you first get started in affiliate marketing?
I developed my first affiliate website in 2001 and decided to make a career of affiliate marketing around 2009.
What do you most like about the industry?
For me it’s the challenge of performance marketing; in affiliate marketing you are only limited by your imagination. I also think the people in the affiliate industry are among the friendliest and most helpful people in Internet marketing industry. I rarely ever encounter people in this industry who refuse to offer advice.
What improvements you would like to see in the industry?
I’d like to see some kind of standardization regarding issues such as the Affiliate Nexus Sales Tax rulings. Also more network consistency and standardization, while each network seems to do certain things well they all seem to have plenty of room for improvement – especially in the area of support.
What are some of the challenges that you encounter as an Affiliate Manager?
Some merchants who place constraints on their program by only looking at the big picture and not trying to understand what makes the affiliate program work. Also there is a lack of experienced affiliates who actually understand how to niche and leverage the unlimited affiliate marketing opportunities that are out there for the taking. Fortunately, we have great relationships with our merchants and our affiliates, both who are open our ideas, visions and strategies.
Do you see affiliates embracing mobile and social?
I’m definitely seeing social media affiliates but I just don’t think social media and mobile have evolved to the point of being as effective as search. With that said, I’m actually seeing a lot of affiliates exploring ways to move away from search and toward traditional advertising methods.
How do you keep up on industry trends, latest industry news, etc?
Social media, forums, private groups, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, etc,.
What most attracted you to join the MGECOM team?
The opportunity to learn the finer details of affiliate management while working with high profile clients.
What other jobs have you had outside of affiliate marketing?
Search Marketing Manager, E-commerce Manager, SEO technician, Website Developer. I also held positions working construction and distribution earlier in my life.
?And some of the “fun facts” about Darren:
What are a few of your hobbies?
My great passion is wilderness canoeing but I also do casual whitewater and flatwater paddling. I also do Judo and a lot of cardio exercise. I have an old Trans Am I’m restoring but progress is very slow. I’ve also been doing a lot of experimental cooking lately.
What activities/sports did you do in high school or college?
Judo, motorcycle and motocross riding
What is your favorite vacation location?
Anywhere in the deep woods that requires canoe travel. Also Disney or any beach location will suffice.
If you won a lottery, what would be the first thing you’d buy?
I can think of a few bills I’d pay off then consider purchasing a winter getaway somewhere warm.
Your favorite band to see live?
Roger Waters “The Wall” Tour. I saw it two years ago and will be seeing it again in 2012.
What is your “must see” TV?
I’m not really a TV person and I’m proud to say I never watched Jersey Shore. But if I am watching it’s usually something related to history, NFL, or the outdoors. But lately I have been watching a lot of the primary debates.
What is your favorite Christmas gift you have ever received as a kid or adult?
That would be the KitchenAid mixer I got this Christmas. My homemade pizzas and mashed potatoes have greatly improved since I got my mixer, but you could break a tooth on my homemade bread.
Coke or Pepsi?
I’ll have a craft beer please.