I am wondering what is more efficient for Skype affiliates:

- promoting Skype as a free program to communicate over Internet and hoping that for next 90 days clients will start using SkypeOut

or

- focus on promoting SkypeOut to all users (to those who already use Skype and don't)

Could you share any statistics about:
How many people after first download start using paid services in 90 days or less?

The general consensus among affiliates is that it's important to clearly communicate the paid services that Skype offers.

The cookie window offers ample opportunity for a new user to try out the software and make a purchase.

[quote=bluebreeze]The general consensus among affiliates is that it's important to clearly communicate the paid services that Skype offers.
[/quote]

Among over 20 graphical materials in Polish version of Skype Affiliate Program there is only 5 or 6 banners that promote SkypeIn or SkypeOut service. Rest of them promote free features and services like Skypecast or free download of Skype.

That was the reason of my question and I am wondering if you can show us any stats. If I promote free services or features, of course, I will get more clicks, but only you know how it will convert in sales. Do you measure how many people after FIRST download of Skype program, use any of paid service. What is average value of purchase and does it depend on country?

The information you need is provided to you by your affiliate network: tradedoubler or commission junction. unfortunately, I cannot disclose internal conversion rates. I would suggest carrying out a controlled test first, and seeing how your strategy works for you.

OK, I understand that you don't want to share internal data. But maybe other affiliates will share their conversion rates and strategies.

einwestor,

As an affiliate you would need to focus on SkypeIn and Out because they are paid services.

Since Skype is free, Skype2Skype, in my opinion so far it will be hard to make money with Skype.

Now your market could be people travelling abroad. BUT it's easy for the other party to get Skype and there both parties can talk for free(Skype2Skype).

I'm kind of stuck on how to sell and promote Skype.

Marc

[quote=einwestor]I am wondering what is more efficient for Skype affiliates:

- promoting Skype as a free program to communicate over Internet and hoping that for next 90 days clients will start using SkypeOut

or

- focus on promoting SkypeOut to all users (to those who already use Skype and don't)

Could you share any statistics about:
How many people after first download start using paid services in 90 days or less?[/quote]

I guess it depends on your audience.

If your audience is familiar with VoIP, then I would promote the P2P features of Skype, the voice quality and conferencing facilities. Mention Skypecasts, SkypeIn, SkypeOut and SMS as extra services.

If your audience is not aware of VoIP, then I would promote Skype as an enhancement of the regular telephone. For example, mention that Skype is portable, not fixed. It is more flexible than a regular phone and Skype are constantly adding new features and services.

Finally, always mention that it costs nothing to try Skype.

Most of my audience is familiar with VoIP.

Right Skype is free but I'm not in business to give away free if you know what I mean.

I'd like to hear from aother affiliates who are doing OK promoting Skype as a business.

Marc

[quote=spud5]I guess it depends on your audience.

If your audience is familiar with VoIP, then I would promote the P2P features of Skype, the voice quality and conferencing facilities. Mention Skypecasts, SkypeIn, SkypeOut and SMS as extra services.

If your audience is not aware of VoIP, then I would promote Skype as an enhancement of the regular telephone. For example, mention that Skype is portable, not fixed. It is more flexible than a regular phone and Skype are constantly adding new features and services.

Finally, always mention that it costs nothing to try Skype.[/quote]