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    part 8 - practical steps & action plan

    Local First - communty support

    Practical Steps and Action Plan for Introducing Businesses to Local First

     

    Creating a systematic action plan is essential for introducing businesses to Local First effectively. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide for affiliates to follow:

    Step 1: Identify Target Categories

     

    • Begin by identifying specific categories that need more listings on Local First. Focus on areas such as getaways, activities, nightlife, gyms, and any other relevant categories.
    • Collaborate with the marketing team to determine which categories require immediate attention and increased listings.

    Step 2: Set Up Appointments

    • Schedule physical appointments or virtual meetings with business owners in the identified categories. Personal interactions can be more effective in conveying the benefits of Local First.
    • Ensure you have a clear understanding of the advantages of Local First and how it can benefit their business.

    Step 3: Prepare a Compelling Pitch

    • Develop a persuasive pitch that highlights the benefits of listing on Local First. Emphasize increased visibility, community engagement, and long-term growth.
    • Customize your pitch based on the specific needs and goals of each business.

    Step 4: Provide Guidance

    • Assist business owners in the listing process. Walk them through the steps, from creating their profile to adding relevant information.
    • Explain the importance of accurately filling out their listing details, including contact information, business description, and images.

    Step 5: Offer Incentives

    • Highlight the incentives for businesses to participate in the Local First Challenge, such as increased visibility through daily postings and promotional spotlights.
    • Explain the value of actively engaging with the Local First community by using the #thelocalfirstchallenge hashtag.

    Step 6: Stress the Long-Term Benefits

    • Emphasize that listings on Local First are renewed every six months. Encourage businesses to view this as a long-term commitment to community engagement and growth.
    • Share success stories and case studies of businesses that have thrived through their involvement with Local First.

    Step 7: Think Creatively and Collaborate

    • Encourage affiliates to think creatively and outside the box when approaching business owners. Share ideas and strategies with the Local First team for brainstorming sessions.
    • Explore collaboration opportunities with local businesses to enhance their presence on the platform and boost community engagement.

    Step 8: Monitor Progress

    • Continuously monitor the progress of introduced businesses on Local First. Ensure they are effectively utilizing the platform’s features and maximizing their engagement.
    • Offer ongoing support and assistance to address any questions or concerns.

    Step 9: Share Feedback and Ideas

    • Maintain open communication with the Local First team. Share feedback, ideas, and insights gained from interactions with businesses.
    • Collaborate with the marketing team to implement effective promotional strategies for the introduced categories.

    By following this action plan, affiliates can play a pivotal role in increasing the number of listings in targeted categories and fostering long-term engagement with businesses on Local First. Effective communication, personal interactions, and a focus on both short-term incentives and long-term benefits are key to success.

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    our goal is Community Resilience: Work to make the community more resilient in the face of economic challenges, ensuring local businesses can thrive even during uncertain times.

    Step 9
    Picture of Structures and Tracking

    Structures and Tracking

    "I think it's very important to have a feedback loop, where you're constantly thinking about what you've done and how you could be doing it better." - Elon Musk

    Step 8- Structures and Tracking

    Tracking and reporting 

    To get started, you will receive an affiliate book with a short prospectus for the business and listing forms for businesses that are keen to list. The book will also include QR codes that you can scan with your smartphone camera to finesses you list pay their listing fees. Once they do, you will receive your commission payment. We will provide you with regular updates on the number of businesses you have listed and the commission payments you have received. It is up to you as the account manager of sorts, to ensure all information is always updated on their listings. 

    Remember, it’s important to actively promote the directory to ensure that you can reach your commission targets and earn your rewards. You can use the tips and strategies we’ve provided to help you effectively promote the directory and attract new businesses to list. 

    Currently, we have two affiliate levels based on the number of businesses you refer. If you refer between 1-50 businesses, you will be considered a Level 1 affiliate and earn a commission of 20% of the listing fee, which is currently R480. This means that for each business you refer that signs up for a listing, you will earn a commission of R96.

    Once you refer over 50 businesses, you will level up to the second tier and become a Level 2 affiliate. At this level, you will receive a commission of 25% of the listing fee, which is currently R480. This means that for each business you refer that signs up for a listing, you will earn a commission of R120.

    It’s important to note that businesses who sign up for a listing with us renew every 6 months, which means that if you refer a business that renews their listing, you will continue to earn a commission on their renewal fee.

    Lastly, we will provide you with a Google Drive that contains advertisements and general scripts for promoting Local First online. These resources will help you effectively promote the directory while maintaining a professional and non-spammy approach.

    I hope this explanation helps clarify the commission structure for you as an affiliate. 

    As an affiliate using the WordPress affiliate software, you will have access to tracking and reporting features that will help you keep track of your performance and earnings. Here’s how it works:

    1. Unique Affiliate Link: When you sign up as an affiliate, you will be given a unique affiliate link. This link is used to track clicks and conversions generated by your referrals.
    2. Tracking Cookies: When someone clicks on your affiliate link, a tracking cookie is placed on their device. This cookie identifies them as your referral and tracks their activity on the site.
    3. Conversion Tracking: When your referral makes a purchase or performs a desired action on the site, the conversion is tracked and attributed to you as the affiliate.
    4. Dashboard and Reports: You will have access to a dashboard and reporting tools that allow you to track your clicks, conversions, and earnings. You can view detailed reports that show you how your promotions are performing, which products are selling the most, and how much you’ve earned.
    5. Payouts: You will receive payouts for your earnings on a regular schedule set by the company. These payouts can be automated or requested manually, depending on the company’s policies.

    The WordPress affiliate software provides a user-friendly platform for tracking and reporting your affiliate performance, allowing you to focus on promoting the products and services we believe in