Algorithms, lego, the Rubiks Cube, and managing affiliate programs. (#6)

Rubik’s Cubes, first called Magic Cubes, were one of the first ‘crazes’ that I remember from my childhood. I’m not so old that I remember the launch of the Rubik’s Cube, though! The release date for the first batches of Rubik’s Cubes was May 1980. By the end of 1980, Rubik’s Cube won a German Game of the Year award. The puzzle won similar awards for best toy in the UK, France, and the US. From 1980 to 1983 Ideal Toys sold around 200 million Rubik’s Cubes worldwide.

Rubik’s Cubes Are Hard!

Most people could only solve one or two sides. I was no different. After many frustrating attempts to solve the puzzle, I cheated. I did this by disassembling the cube and putting it back together so all faces were the same color. Some friends went another route by peeling off and reapplying the stickers.

It’s not surprising that so many couldn’t solve the puzzle. There are 43 quintillion permutations. This number is so big that it’s hard to visualize. One way is this. If you have one standard-sized Rubik’s Cube for each permutation you can cover the Earth’s surface 275 times. (Or stack them in a tower 261 light-years high). The math is below.

Enter Algorithms…

First off, let’s define the word ‘Algorithm’. I like the definition on Study.com.

One of the most obvious examples of an algorithm is a recipe. It’s a finite list of instructions used to perform a task. For example, if you were to follow the algorithm to create brownies from a box mix, you would follow the three to five-step process written on the back of the box.

If you use algorithms, solving the Rubik’s cube is easier than you might imagine. It all started with David Singmaster’s book ‘Notes on Rubik’s “Magic Cube”‘ in 1981. With sufficient practice, you can solve the Rubik’s Cube in under one minute. The algorithm solves the Cube layer by layer.

In 2007, Daniel Kunkle and Gene Cooperman stepped things up. They used a computer to prove that any 3×3×3 Rubik’s Cube configuration can be solved in 26 moves or less.

In 2008, Tomas Rokicki lowered that number to 22 moves.

Finally, in July 2010 a team of researchers working with Google proved the so-called “God’s number” to be 20. (Some starting positions need at least 20 moves to solve).

Lego?!

I had no idea until a couple of days ago that ‘speedcubing’ with lego machines is a thing! This ‘sport’ uses both lego and algorithms to solve a Rubik’s cube in the fastest time possible.

The video below is a machine called Cuboth solving several Rubik’s cubes in seconds. Cuboth is billed as ‘the world’s fastest robot to solve an unmodified Rubik’s Cube’.

All I can say is, wow! This video showcases the power of algorithms. (I could have used this machine back in the mid-1980s!)

Managing Affiliate Programs

Like Rubik’s Cubes, there is no secret to successfully managing affiliate programs. You can break down what’s needed to manage an affiliate program into an algorithm. Instructions for the algorithm include (but are not limited to) the following.

1. Set measurable campaign goals. You know the Benjamin Franklin quote; “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
2. Try to build an affiliate network on your own. (Without the help of an established network).
3. Identify potential affiliates who have the same target audience as yours. Make sure that they have trust and credibility.
4. Put in place a rigorous affiliate application and screening process. (If you don’t you’ll leave your business vulnerable to fraud).
5. Make sure that potential affiliates can find your program. (For starters SEO-optimize your affiliate program application page).
6. Get the best affiliate marketing software that you can. This is a must!
7. Set clear terms and conditions for affiliates to follow.
8. Make sure that the affiliate compensation structure is competitive.
9. Avoid compensation structures other than Pay Per Sale and Pay Per Lead. (All other commission structures will leave you vulnerable to fraud).
10. Vary affiliate compensation to keep affiliates engaged.
11. (This is a golden-rule). Never pay affiliates late. Pay affiliates on time, every time!
12. Reward your top affiliates with more incentives. This can be commission bonuses, meaningful gifts, whatever works to keep them motivated.
13. Train and nurture affiliates. Make a plan to regularly check in with affiliates. Also, be sure that affiliates can easily contact you!
14. Keep an eye out for affiliate fraud. If you find affiliates breaking T&C, immediately remove them from the program.
15. Ensure that your landing pages, links, etc., work on mobile. (As of February 2021 ‘Desktop vs Mobile vs Tablet Market Share Worldwide’ stands at 54.46% vs 42.63% vs 2.91%, respectively).
16. Use analytics to continuously improve your program.

The Rise of Humans?

To close this article check out ‘The Top 5 Fastest Rubik’s Cube Solves’. While none of them beats Cuboth, hopefully, our time is coming…

Do you need help managing your affiliate program? Give us a call today to discuss how Affiliate Manager Expert can assist you. +1-307-222-0097.

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