SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — AffiliateTraction, the largest affiliate marketing agency, specializes in the largest internet retailers and facilitates every aspect of their affiliate programs including management of affiliate networks and affiliates. Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization.
AffiliateTraction has agreed to build and manage the Autism Speaks affiliate program pro-bono. Affiliates will drive traffic directly to the Autism Speaks eStore (shop.autismspeaks.org), where visitors can choose from hundreds of retail items that benefit the nonprofit.
Greg Shepard, CEO of AffiliateTraction stated, "The concept is to utilize the most successful for-profit online marketing strategy, and slightly alter the terms to leverage the millions like myself who deeply care about autism."
Fundraising is challenging for nonprofits and investments for advertising are rare. Affiliate marketing boasts the highest return in advertising and shows promise for creating successful, low-overhead, direct-to-consumer merchandising since there is no payment unless a sale is made.
"We appreciate AffliateTraction's support of our cause and have seen affiliate sales increase each month since the launch of the program," said Paul Irwin-Dudek, vice president of event and program development at Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks' affiliate program offers a 5% commission on referred sales. However, affiliates are given an option to donate all or a portion back to the non-profit. Approximately 4% of sales from affiliate efforts go directly to Autism Speaks, with other revenue covering manufacturing and advertising costs.
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
About AffiliateTraction
AffiliateTraction specializes in incubating, managing, growing affiliate programs for top internet retailers and is the largest agency of its kind. Founded in 2000 by Greg Shepard, AffiliateTraction is retained by mid-market to enterprise-level organizations to expand their affiliate strategy.
Contact:
Greg Shepard
CEO
831.464.1441
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $195 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in over 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness.
Contact:
Peter Pugliese
eFundraising Manager
646.843.6669