# Extended Search Best Practices

To achieve the best results when prospecting partners, you can take specific actions to maximize the benefits of your Extended Search.

#### Keywords

Below are best practices on how to maximize the value from the usage of keywords.

* **Search your term on a search engine before putting it into Extended Search**.

  Since search engines function similarly to extended search, it’s best to check the keywords you want to use in a search engine to see what types of results the keywords bring in. If too many competitors or retail sites are coming in, try to refine your search using the tips from this section to better target your desired partners.
* **Use content-based search terms. Avoid product-based search terms**.

  * Think of keywords that your target partners would likely use in their content.
  * Think about how your customers will find the content that your partners will be creating to promote your brand, and the keywords they will likely search to get there.

  <div data-gb-custom-block data-tag="hint" data-style="info" class="hint hint-info"><p><strong>Keyword search examples</strong></p></div>

  | Product/Service-based term | Content-based term                            |
  | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
  | Women’s summer dresses     | Summer style tips                             |
  | Cheap engagement rings     | How to choose the perfect diamond on a budget |
  | Best financial software    | How to manage my finances online              |
  | Web-hosting deals          | Small business website ideas                  |
  | Travel comparison site     | North American travel blog                    |
* **Search in the relevant language**.

  If you are searching for languages other than English, make sure your keywords are in the desired language you are searching for. Avoid using english keywords to find results from non-english speakers or countries.
* **Avoid using overly generalized terms**.

  Generally, any keywords that have words like “Best", "Top", "Trends", "News", "Blog", "Recommendation", etc., will bring in large content sites or traditional affiliate sites. Rather use “Gadgets trends” instead of “Gadgets” to get more content sites, or to exclude content sites in results.
* **Avoid plural versions of words**.

  This helps lessen the amount of countdown-type lists coming in. For example, if you search for “Best Finance Blogs”, you’re much more likely to get “top ten” lists of finance blogs, than actual finance blogs with the creator’s contact info. Instead you’d want to search for “Finance Blog” or “Financial Advice blog”.
* **Avoid words like “cart", "shipping", "free", "trial” to avoid too many retail sites from filtering through**.

#### Outreach when contact information is found

Start by familiarizing yourself with a partner's website and social profile to make sure that their voice and image aligns with your brand, and to avoid sounding overly generic when reaching out for the first time.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Begin your outreach email by introducing yourself,  your brand, and your interest in building a partnership. Explain why you think partnering together would be a good fit that is mutually beneficial.

Include a call to action that encourages further communication.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Call to action examples**

* “If this is something you’d be interested in, respond to this email for more details.”
* “Let me know when you’ve submitted an application to our program so that we can approve you as soon as possible.”
  {% endhint %}

Don’t forget to briefly mention what you’re able to offer in regard to special deals, exclusive offers, etc., and make sure to mention any interest in placement opportunities or sponsored posts.

#### Outreach when no contact information is found

If you have multiple partners to contact, create a short message template to copy and paste into contact forms.

* **Search the partner’s website or social profile for information**. Contact information is often listed under “Contact Us”, “Merchant Support”, or “Advertise with Us” buttons in the website’s footer or in the social account's bio. If there is no information in the bio, consider sending them a Direct Message within the social platform and ask to speak further about a business opportunity.
* **Find a contact on the company’s LinkedIn page and connect with them**. Make sure the contact makes sense. You’ll want to locate employees on Partnership, Advertising, Marketing, or PR teams and steer clear of teams that have no direct involvement.
* **Fill out a contact form on their website or blog**. If a contact form is the only publicly available method of contact, fill out the form and ask who the best contact would be for advertising and partnership opportunities.
