The iGB LIVE Affiliate Conference held in Amsterdam was an eye-opening experience that brought together industry experts, seasoned affiliates, and affiliate managers.
Throughout the event, we gained valuable insights that reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving world of affiliate marketing. In this blog post, we will share the five key lessons we learned during the conference and their significance in today’s affiliate marketing landscape.
1. You’re never too old, or too experienced, to learn new things
Affiliate marketing is a dynamic field that demands constant learning and adaptation. One crucial lesson we took away from the conference is that staying in one lane is no longer sufficient to add value to the partner economy. As new social media channels like Threads emerge and search engine optimisation (SEO) tactics evolve, it is essential to embrace these changes and explore innovative strategies. By expanding our knowledge base and venturing into new territories, we can stay at the forefront of the industry’s innovation and drive sales effectively.
2. Everything changes, all the time, and you have to change with it
The pace at which the affiliate marketing industry evolves is staggering. Embracing change is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. During the conference, many participants discussed the benefits of partnering with agencies to manage affiliate programs. Agencies provide valuable insights and access to resources that might not be readily available when managing programs in-house. By leveraging external expertise, we can navigate the ever-changing landscape more effectively, saving time and money on hiring additional resources.
3. Affiliate managers want to keep learning
Networking is a valuable part of any conference experience, but the learning shouldn’t stop there. While connecting with industry peers is essential, it is equally important to invest in self-education and attend events beyond our own industry. By broadening our horizons and exploring other fields, we can gain fresh perspectives and insights that will enable us to build stronger foundations with our partners. Continuous learning empowers affiliate managers to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new trends and technologies.
4. You’ll have to learn to market your affiliate program to stay ahead of the competition
In today’s competitive landscape, simply relying on one-on-one sales outreach is not enough. Successful brands invest in their teams and marketing efforts to build a community around their affiliate programs. During the conference, we witnessed a surge in innovative approaches to partner payments and commercial conversations. Partners possess valuable data that can streamline revenue modelling. By embracing marketing strategies and engaging with partners, brands can differentiate themselves and capture attention within the crowded affiliate space.
5. Things aren’t going to get easier, so clarity in marketing is crucial
With increasingly stringent market regulations and a surge in new brands, it has become more important than ever to have a clear marketing strategy. The conference shed light on the significance of the 4Ps of marketing (product, price, place, and promotion) and the importance of understanding why we are marketing our brand. By defining our brand’s positioning, we can effectively communicate it to our affiliates, enabling them to align their promotional efforts. Transparency and accurate data are vital components of successful partnerships, and brands that invest in their partners and offer support and education will reap loyalty benefits alongside commission payments.
Attending the IGB LIVE Affiliate Conference in Amsterdam was a transformative experience, providing valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of affiliate marketing. We discovered that continuous learning, embracing change, investing in self-education, marketing our affiliate programs effectively, and maintaining clarity in our marketing strategies are key elements for success in the dynamic world of affiliate marketing. By applying these lessons, we can stay ahead of the competition, foster strong partnerships, and drive growth in the evolving affiliate industry.
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