B&Qs move to greater use of the Internet and multi-channel marketing has created a substantial community of Affiliate Marketing partners. This has largely been managed by the partner chains themselves with limited direct control or contact from the B&Q management team. This has been while they have been redesigning and building the new main website and setting up “shop within shop” sites with Screw Fix, Sutton Seeds and others.

The digital marketing team now wanted to create a direct relationship with all Affiliates through an initial Partner Event in London offering advice on improving affiliate returns, search protocols (from Google UK), design (Five by Five), email marketing (Alchemy Worx), search marketing (Tamar).

A small number of invitations were sent directly from B&Q management though the bulk of the event invitations and interaction were managed through the Free Rein system. The event was completely booked with most companies attending commenting on the digital channel interaction.

www.bandqpartnerzone.com