accepted into a CPA network

[Karen]

I'm always amazed when I see people worrying about getting accepted
into a CPA network and receiving the dreaded "phone call". Even when I
first started in IM years ago, I never had a problem getting accepted
into a network. I suppose it's just a matter of confidence.

When they ask for a Web site, I always use my blog which has my real
name as the domain. There are maybe 6 or 7 posts on there, no big
deal. If they want something else, I tell them that I prefer not to
expose my methods any more than I have to.

When they ask what methods I use to promote offers, I tell them that
I've tried pretty much at one point or another, then I rattle off a
few... e-mail, PPC, banner ads, social networks, etc. I often make it
a point that I do NOT use any blackhat methods.

When they ask for numbers, I usually say something like "I've run big
campaigns and small ones. If something works, I'll scale it up as much
as I possible can."

When they ask what kind of offers I'm looking for, I tell them that
I've run all kinds and then throw out a few no-duh ones: dating,
credit, insurance, etc. Sometimes I'll also say that I often browse
the offers to find something the piques my interest, then I'll build a
campaign around it to test.

When they ask what other networks I'm in, I tell them I actively work
about a dozen and rattle off a few of the best, including some
referral-only networks.

Everything I tell them is TRUE in my case, but they don't know that. I
don't think I've ever been turned down after a phone call... usually
they have my account approved right away. Don't be scared, it's really
no big deal and the call might last all of a minute or two. If you're
not comfortable bullshitting them, talk about what you know and are
confident about. Tell them that you've been doing it for six months or
so and have had some losers and a few winning campaigns, but now you'd
like to try a new offer niche because you have some ideas about how to
promote it. Be prepared to say in general how you'll do it, but be
somewhat vague.

Before applying, browse through their offers and find something that
appeals to you. Think about how you'll promote it and make sure it's
within the parameters of the offer. If the offer says no social
networks, don't plan on using Facebook ads. Duh. A lot of times
they'll ask you if there was a particular offer you were looking to
promote, so it's good to have an answer ready. Otherwise, you'll come
off as a clueless lookey-loo.

Final tip... don't get into a network with the intent of scamming
them. I know this is a black hat board, but my experience is that
while BH techniques can sometimes make you short-term money (IF the
CPA network doesn't figure out your scam and hold your funds), but
it's seldom a good long-term strategy.

Anyway, that's just my advice.