Partner Quality Scorecard
A data-driven framework for evaluating affiliate partners based on content quality, audience fit, and true incrementality potential.
Stop Approving Partners Based on Gut Feel
Most affiliate programs approve partners based on a quick glance at their website. This leads to programs filled with low-quality partners who:
- Capture attribution from your brand searches without adding value
- Produce thin content that hurts your brand reputation
- Drive low-quality leads that churn quickly
- Waste your team's time on partner management
The Partner Quality Scorecard gives you a repeatable, objective framework for evaluating partners before you approve them—and for auditing existing partners to identify who's actually driving value.
What the Scorecard Measures
Content Quality
- Original, in-depth content vs. thin affiliate content
- Editorial standards and accuracy
- Regular publishing cadence
- Professional presentation and UX
Audience Relevance
- Target audience match with your ICP
- Geographic alignment
- Decision-maker reach vs. general audience
- Engagement quality (comments, shares, time on page)
Traffic Quality
- Organic search traffic percentage
- Direct and referral traffic sources
- Bot traffic indicators
- Traffic consistency over time
Incrementality Potential
- Top-of-funnel content presence
- Educational vs. transactional focus
- Brand mention timing in buyer journey
- Existing organic brand coverage
Partner Professionalism
- Disclosure compliance (FTC, etc.)
- Response time and communication
- Historical performance with other programs
- Willingness to customize content
How to Interpret Scores
Priority recruitment, premium commission consideration
Standard recruitment, monitor for tier-up potential
Conditional acceptance with specific improvement requirements
Does not meet quality standards
What's Included
Google Sheet Template
Ready-to-use spreadsheet with weighted scoring formulas, automatic tier calculation, and partner tracking.
Scoring Guidelines
Detailed rubric for each metric so your team scores partners consistently and objectively.
Example Evaluations
Three sample partner evaluations showing how to apply the scorecard in practice.
Customization Guide
Instructions for adapting weights and criteria to your specific program needs.
Download the Partner Quality Scorecard
Get instant access to the template and start evaluating partners today.