Time to team up: Zendesk’s new partner program

Together we’re better. We know that we are at our best when we work with partners to deliver great customer experiences for mutual clients, whether that’s ensuring that help desk software has been optimized for workflow efficiency, training agents on how to forge better connections with customers, or simply assisting clients in their efforts to improve the health of their support organization.

For many years, Zendesk has been partnering with solution providers, business process outsourcers (BPOs), systems integrators, and value-added resellers (VARs) who have made Zendesk products key elements in their offerings. Now Zendesk has redesigned its partner program with three things in mind: jointly delivering great customer experiences and helping partners to improve their clients’ customer engagement and understanding of their customers. Here’s how it works.

Getting started: Affiliate partners

The first rung in Zendesk’s three-level partner system, the Affiliate tier is a great way to get started. After completing the application process and undergoing online sales and pre-sales training, Affiliate partners can start reaping the rewards: a 10% referral fee, in-depth regional and online training sessions, and access to go-to-market assets and the Zendesk enablement kit.

As an Affiliate, companies can use the Partner Connect portal, a centralized location for everything they’ll need to develop a CX practice and expertise with Zendesk products, including demand gen campaigns, lead and opportunity registration, events, special promotions, and more.

Stepping it up: Select partners

If there’s a key tenet to Zendesk’s partner program, it’s this: the more you contribute, the more you will get back. For partners ready to step it up a notch, there’s the Select partner tier. This level works well for BPOs, resellers, and implementers that are growing their Zendesk business and making customer experience a core component of their go-to-market strategy.

Being a select partner means go-to-market support, increased engagement with Zendesk’s sales and implementation teams, discounts, and increased referral fees. You’ll also be listed in the Zendesk Partner Directory, a powerful way to attract new business—and in addition, Zendesk will offer material support to help you land those prospective clients, ranging from marketing materials to market development funding.

The complete package: Master partners

The third and final tier of the Zendesk partner program results in fully accredited partners who not only enjoy all the benefits of the Affiliate and Select tiers but also gain access to a wealth of additional support and services. Those services—additional financial incentives, a dedicated partnership success team, and access to Zendesk leads, implementation, and development projects—can help set your business apart from competitors.

The partner program has been designed to be eminently flexible—it’ll meet you where your business is currently while providing a clear roadmap for when you’re ready to expand your offerings. And whether your business is establishing a partnership with Zendesk for the first time or expanding into a new tier, you’ll have access to training programs and materials that will get your business the capabilities it needs to convince prospective clients to sign on the dotted line.

“Zendesk has created an industry-leading, value-based partner program that has been built to enable partners to get up-close and personal with customers,” says Kevin Rhone, director of channel acceleration at the research firm Enterprise Strategy Group. “Through this, Zendesk partners become highly engaged with their customers, working with them to jointly create outstanding outcomes for their customer service teams.”

Ready to see what Zendesk’s Partner Program can do for you? Learn more.