An Interview with Hannah Swift of Existem Affiliate Management and and Affiliates4u 2009 Awards Finalist

Tell me more about Existem-am?

Existem Affiliate Management strives to maximise the success of merchants from affiliate marketing. We endeavor to provide honest and timely advice and transparent commercial relationships with our clients. We recognize when something works and will not seek to perform unnecessary work or changes on behalf of clients. We aim to provide quality services our clients require on schedule.
Our wide experience in all aspects of affiliate marketing and treating all of our contacts as a valued client allows us to establish and maintain the key relationships between merchant, affiliate network and affiliate.

What does it mean to be up for an award?

Absolutely chuffed to be up for such a prestigious award, there are loads in the short list that deserve the award more than I do, I’m just thrilled to pieces to have received the nomination!

Why should we vote for you?

If you think I deserve the award, then vote for me I guess?. I’m not really sure… I absolutely love the industry and love the job I do, hopefully that is conveyed in my work. I’d also love to have a nice shiny object on my desk! In all honesty it would be lovely to win and be recognised for my work by the people in the industry i respect, it means so much more coming from the affiliate community and I would be truly honored.

How did you get into affiliate marketing?

As with most people it was all very random, I left uni with a degree in Geology and Science Communication, then needed a job and ended up selling advertising for mobile phone magazines, there was a natural progression into marketing for a mobile phone retailer and I was moved into the affiliate role. I spent some time there before making the big leap to join Mark and Bruce at Existem Affiliate Management, the best decision I ever made!

What was your biggest challenge getting into affiliate marketing?

Well, 18 months ago I didn’t even know what an affiliate was, let alone a feed or tracking. I learnt the industry from scratch with little advice so it was a tough year or so. I’d like to think that Mark and Bruce have nurtured me and refined some skills of mine!

What are the main things merchants do that you wish they wouldn’t?

Phone me before 8am in the morning, I don’t like mornings at the best of times. They should stick to calling me at 2am, my brain workd better at night!

What are the main things affiliates do that you wish they wouldn’t?

Phone me before 8am – lol

Where do you see growth in the affiliate field?

There is massive growth to me made, I think the affiliate channel will be used more by merchants as the credit crunch continues, as it’s a fairly low cost channel. I think as long as all merchants are educated properly to the needs of affiliates and what they should and shouldn’t do with their campaigns the industry will grow exponentially!

What do you do to improve the world?

Ohh. This is a tough one, my Dad suffered with Leukeamia, so I would wipe that out. I’d maybe sort the finances of the UK out too, I’m sick of eating value food!

What do you do that is green?

I don’t do much actually, I know I probably should but I learned alot about various recycling and carbon efficent methods at uni, and they are not all as good as you think!

What is one thing about you that not many people know?

Nothing, I’m really open! I guess not many people know I am a trained football ref?

What is on your iPod?

Teach yourself Italian – from about 3 years ago, I don’t use it.

What’s your favorite book?

Anything by Cecilia Ahern

What are your contact details (email, company, blog, facebook, myspace, forums etc) ?

[email protected]
01752 762119
@swifty7
I’m on facebook and myspace too!

Who would recommend you and why?

You would hope my bosses Mark and Bruce would as I work my socks off for them and my clients, who would hopefully recommend me too! I try to make sure I cater for their needs and the needs of their affiliates to ensure a smooth running and successful affiliate programme!

Who would you recommend and why?

Argh, too many people to mention really, so many great people in theindustry. I would be here all day typing names.