What is certification?
Keap’s Partner Certification experience consists of a series of online training modules designed to educate you about Keap's products, processes, and business strategies. It’s self-paced and typically takes 8-20 hours depending on your familiarity with Keap, and time it takes to complete your Capstone project. Most Partners finish the certification within 14 days.
Upon completion, you will have:
- A community-driven understanding of the small business growth method: Lifecycle Marketing.
- An overview of successful partnership examples to model your business after.
- A full understanding of the Product Suite and how small businesses can grow on the Keap platform with you.
- Recorded a video that explains the functions of the campaigns you’ve built, the value of these campaigns to your business or your clients’ businesses, and how the Campaign Builder organizes your business processes.
- A dedicated Partner Manager supporting your efforts to grow and manage your business.
What does certification training cover?
The certification combines the strategy of Lifecycle Marketing with Keap practicality to organize and grow a small business. You’ll understand how to leverage Keap to provide a service that is scalable and consistently grows you and your clients’ business.
You'll learn how to:
- Identify opportunities for business growth.
- Use Partner tools to sell and service your clients.
- Build automation via Keap products.
- Package and productize your services.
- Market and promote your business and services.
- Use our custom free trial and buy now links to sell with ease.
- Speak intelligently about small business growth to show your clients you’re the expert.
Once certified, how soon can I start selling and servicing?
Right away. You can start selling before you’re fully certified! Commissions accrue during your Certification journey. After you complete your Certification you will receive your first payment. It’s very common for Partners to sell their first applications before they finish their certification.
Where is certification held?
You can take Keap’s Partner Learning Course from anywhere you want. Once you sign up, you’ll be given instructions on where to access the Partner certification course modules through Thinkific. The certification process starts with live 1-on-1 coaching with your onboarding coach, done over the phone. The remainder is online and self-paced.
What if I pay the certification fees, but fail the Capstone test?
If your Capstone project is not approved on the first submission, you will be notified upon review by email; at which point, you will need to schedule a review consultation with a trainer. You will then have seven days from the consultation date to make all necessary changes and resubmit. There is no fee for the second submission.
If your Capstone project is not approved after the second submission, you will be required to pay a $500 retake fee during the next review period. Coursework is included at no additional charge.
What commission percentage do I get for selling Keap?
Our Certified Partners start at 20% commission, which can increase based on your yearly Keap sales production. Commission is based on the subscription fee, and continues for the lifetime of the customer, as long as you are a partner.
How often will I get a commission payment?
Commission payments are sent out on the 20th of each month for commissions earned during the previous month. Note that commissions are only paid when the total amount earned is $100 or more.
How much of the services revenue do I keep?
You will keep 100% of the services revenue for any Kickstarts, implementation, or ongoing services you sell to your client directly.
Can I advertise my consulting business or services on the Marketplace if I am not a Keap Certified Partner?
No. Only Keap Certified Partners or Developer Partners are listed in our Marketplace.
What does my Partner Manager help with?
You will be teamed up with a Partner Manager or Coach who will help you through the Program, to successfully grow your business and serve your clients. Some areas they may help with:
- Selling methodologies
- Best practices for campaigns and sales strategies
- Ongoing education on current marketing trends, tools, and business strategies
- Onsite business strategy sessions
- Tech support
What are MDFs, and what can I use them for?
Marketing Development Funds (MDF) are marketing dollars that Keap may divert from our own marketing efforts to a partner's business when the investment is approved as having a strong potential for ROI. The first step in applying for MDF is a conversation with your Regional Partner Manager (RPM), who will help you to plan and articulate the opportunity. Once the RPM feels the MDF opportunity is sufficiently planned, they will provide an application link to be completed by the partner. Applications are considered by RPM, Region Leader and Director of Partner Sales. Examples of what MDF funds can be used for:
- Staffing and hiring support
- Facebook and paid advertising
- Revenue incentive for results
- Events and sponsorships
- Podcast sponsorships
How do I find other partners in my community to connect with?
Through our private, partners-only Facebook community page, at PartnerCon or other Keap events, fellow partner events, through our Marketplace listings, or ask your Partner Manager for recommendations or introductions.
I'm already a partner, but have questions. Where do I go?
Please visit the partner portal and submit a ticket, or contact your Partner Manager directly.
What fees are associated with Certification?
All new Keap Certified Partners will pay a certification fee to enter the program, which will cover the partnership for 1 year. Contact the Keap team for current pricing. After 1 year, there is an automatic renewal fee of $750, however this fee can be waived if the Partner sells at least 12 Keap applications within the prior year. Partner renewal and partnership can be canceled at any time.
