Commission Junction Launches Web Services
A new day in affiliate marketing is upon us. The fact that Commission Junction (CJ) has been the first major affiliate network to launch a developers network, allowing developers to access CJ’s API, is revolutionary. In my opinion, this is the single biggest step taken by CJ on any level since they purchased BEFREE. See - Google and Yahoo have opened up their API technology to developers and as a result companies have been able to build custom software solutions that enable streamlined access and more effective account management, including the creation of cool tools such as bid automation to ROI-based bidding.
The fact that CJ opened up their feed gets me super excited for numerous reasons. First, access to CJ’s API will allow us to build more sophisticated “real-time” software bringing together commission reporting and paid search-engine marketing…While we have tools internally that we’ve been using for years to assist us with this, accessing CJ’s API opens up the doors in a big way. Second, CJ’s API will allow us to more effectively pull and manipulate product feeds for the Pepperjam Comparison Engine. In addition, we will build technology around the API so that we can truly automate merchant product feeds as it relates to in-stock / out-of-stock inventory and pricing changes. In short, CJ’s initiative is a revolution of sorts as it relates to affiliate marketing product feed technology.
Finally, CJ’s API opens up the door to affiliates by creating a new opportunity for affiliates to build businesses. For instance, can’t you imagine using RSS to send updates whenever a price drops or a merchant updates their feed with special offers, coupons or deals. While some of this technology already exists, it will make it easier for the above-average affiliate to differentiate and make money. Moreover, what about creating software that notifies you whenever some specified occurence happens within your CJ account. For instance, a merchant reverses an order, a commission is generated through a product catalog link, you begin generating inactive (dead) links, you receive an internal CJ e-mail, etc. Can’t you imagine setting-up a system that allows you to receive automated reports…or notification that payment has been made. What if you’re a merchant? Maybe you want to be notified when your balance reaches a certain level or an affiliate joins your program. Maybe you want to communicate with CJ when a particular product goes out-of-stock or when the price of a product changes?
The possibilities are almost endless for affiliates and merchants alike. Good job CJ!
CLICK HERE to check out and register for CJ’s Web Services.
