With the dust now fully settled on news of Google Affiliate Network’s (GAN) demise, the US multinational corporation has brushed itself down and moved on – or has it?
When the internet giant last year shuttered its global GAN operations, the news sent ripples across the affiliate marketing world, particularly in the US, sparking fears that the performance-based model’s days may be numbered.
Google said it made the difficult decision to retire Google Affiliate Network and focus on ‘other products that drove greater results than GAN’. But now, it appears Google has yet again ventured into the affiliate marketing pool by launching its own referral scheme.
The Google Apps Referral Programme works in the same way as a traditional affiliate model – in which a business rewards the affiliate for each customer it brings in.
Unique links and email templates
By joining this new Google Apps Referral Programme, the member will receive cash for every user who then signs up, based on their recommendation.
Those interested in joining the referral scheme only need to provide their name and email, taxpayer ID and bank account details to receive direct deposits.
A unique referral link is then given out, as well as website templates and email templates to send on to people.
Google Apps marketing spokesman, Prajesh Parekh, said: “Many of the millions of Google Apps customers learned about tools like Hangouts, Drive and Gmail for business from their customers, friends and networks.
“To help continue the momentum, we’re launching the Google Apps Referral Programme. The referral programme makes it easy to share Google Apps with your network and show them how they too can use these tools at work.
“To show our appreciation, we’re offering a $15 referral bonus for each new Google Apps user you refer.”
Entice with coupons
Members will also be given coupons to encourage sign ups, which offer the new customer the ability to save $10 per user during their first year. More coupons will follow as the business’s referrals increase.
Those that sign up after referral must be a Google Apps customer for four months before commission is paid out. The programme is also restricted to those in the US and Canada.
Those on the programme can refer an unlimited number of customers. They are also rewarded for each referral customer’s first 100 users.
The cloud-based Google Apps offering is designed to allow users to connect and get work done from anywhere, on any device. As well as the key features mentioned above, users can also get access to a variety of apps from Maps, Vault and Wallet, to Code, AdSense, Picasa Web Albums and more.
A global offering?
Following the official statement from Google, announcing the referral programme, many questioned when it would be available in the UK, India and Africa. PI awaits Google’s response on this.
One reader said: “I’d be rich if this had launched earlier.” Another also questioned when it would be available in South Africa.
Is Google’s decision to launch the referral programme a sign that it always had faith in the trusted affiliate model? Are you keen to see this programme launch in the UK?
Comment below and let us know:
Check out these other Google related stories:
Recruitment Struggles, Abusive Affiliates & Network Pressure – GAN Aftermath
Death of Google Affiliate Network Sends ‘Ripples’ Through US