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My name is Anna, and I’ve spent over eight years in this industry, switching verticals three times but always working from the advertiser's side. A lot has changed over the years, yet some things remain constant like the hangover after a rough night out. The truth is, advertisers need affiliates, and affiliates need advertisers — but finding each other? That’s still a mess.
Honestly, someone should just build a Tinder for affiliate marketing. Sure, we have conferences and networking events, but that’s not nearly enough. Based on my experience working exclusively as an advertiser, here are the challenges we face when trying to connect and collaborate with affiliates.
We once missed out on a $20k opportunity because an affiliate took two weeks to reply. When they finally did, we quickly set up a win-win deal. If they had responded sooner, the cash would've already been in play.
One affiliate kept dodging my questions. After a bit of back and forth, they admitted they were new with little traffic. No problem we ran a small campaign, scaled gradually, and it worked out great.
One admitted they had minimal email reach but strong social engagement. We tailored the campaign to their strength, and the results spoke for themselves.
One of our affiliates consistently provided detailed analytics, which allowed us to make adjustments in real time. Result? A 20% bump in conversions.
And no, I don’t work with people who think it’s okay to call me at 2 AM.
Honesty and performance always win.
So, which side are you on?
Have you run into similar issues working with advertisers or affiliates? Drop your experiences below — let’s figure out how to make this space better for both sides.
Honestly, someone should just build a Tinder for affiliate marketing. Sure, we have conferences and networking events, but that’s not nearly enough. Based on my experience working exclusively as an advertiser, here are the challenges we face when trying to connect and collaborate with affiliates.
Challenge 1: Please, Just Answer Your Emails
I get it everyone’s busy. But if your email’s on your website, I assume you’re open for business. Don’t ignore outreach that could bring you money.We once missed out on a $20k opportunity because an affiliate took two weeks to reply. When they finally did, we quickly set up a win-win deal. If they had responded sooner, the cash would've already been in play.
Challenge 2: Be Clear and Direct
We need the basics your traffic sources and volume. If you’re just starting out, say so. Don’t make us dig. We’ll find out anyway (thanks, Semrush).One affiliate kept dodging my questions. After a bit of back and forth, they admitted they were new with little traffic. No problem we ran a small campaign, scaled gradually, and it worked out great.
Challenge 3: Honesty Wins
Pretending to be bigger than you are doesn't help. The best partnerships I’ve had were with affiliates who were upfront about what they could and couldn’t do.One admitted they had minimal email reach but strong social engagement. We tailored the campaign to their strength, and the results spoke for themselves.
Challenge 4: Bring the Data
Data-driven partners are gold. The more insights you share, the more we can optimize — simple as that.One of our affiliates consistently provided detailed analytics, which allowed us to make adjustments in real time. Result? A 20% bump in conversions.
Challenge 5: Respect the Basics
We're all professionals. Don’t call unexpectedly. Don’t ghost meetings. Don't cancel last minute. These little things matter.And no, I don’t work with people who think it’s okay to call me at 2 AM.
Challenge 6: We Want Results — Not Games
Advertisers want results with a positive ROI. That’s it. If you can deliver performance without making things difficult, you’ll be rewarded well.Honesty and performance always win.
So, which side are you on?
Have you run into similar issues working with advertisers or affiliates? Drop your experiences below — let’s figure out how to make this space better for both sides.
