Affiliates, Ambassadors, Profit Partners
When building an affiliate program, one of the first questions that comes up is: What should we call the people who promote our products or services? Words matter. The way you label your partners can affect how they feel about the relationship, and ultimately, how much effort they put into promoting.
Three common titles come to mind: Affiliates, Ambassadors, and Profit Partners. Let’s break them down.
Affiliates: The Classic Choice
The word affiliate is widely recognized in the online marketing world. Everyone knows what it means: you sign up, get a unique link, and earn commissions when people purchase or join through you. It’s simple and straightforward.
The downside? It might feel transactional. Some people see “affiliate” and think of a cold, mechanical relationship instead of a collaborative one. But if you want clarity and recognition, “affiliate” is the strongest word.
Ambassadors: The Relationship Builder
“Ambassador” has more personality. It suggests you are representing a brand or cause, not just pushing links. Ambassadors often feel more connected to the mission and more enthusiastic about promoting.
For local businesses, community-driven initiatives, or events (like we do here in the Twin Cities), “ambassador” can sound more authentic and inspiring. It creates a sense of belonging to something bigger.
Profit Partners: The Entrepreneurial Spin
“Profit Partner” is less common, but it has a nice ring to it. It emphasizes collaboration and shared success. Instead of sounding like a one-way transaction, it highlights that when we win, you win too.
This phrase might attract entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals who are more serious about creating long-term income streams. It suggests a more equal relationship than just “affiliate.”
Which is Best for the Synergy Collaborative?
Inside the Synergy Collaborative, we have our own Affiliate Program that pays commissions for promoting local Minneapolis events. What’s unique is that our affiliates don’t need to be local—promotion can be done remotely. That means someone living in another state (or even another country) could help promote Minneapolis events and earn commissions.
Even better, Synergy Collaborative Memberships pay 50% recurring commissions. That means once you sign someone up, you can keep earning month after month as long as they remain a member.
So which label fits best?
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If we want clarity and ease of understanding: Affiliate.
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If we want connection and community: Ambassador.
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If we want to highlight shared income: Profit Partner.
Personally, I see value in all three. The choice might come down to who we want to attract most—marketers, connectors, or entrepreneurial partners.
No matter the title, the opportunity remains the same: Promote events, help the Synergy Collaborative grow, and earn commissions while making a real impact in Minneapolis and beyond.