Affiliate marketing has been growing steadily, but one thing that’s making waves in 2024 is its expansion across international borders. As the industry matures, more marketers are exploring untapped global markets, including countries like Canada, where affiliate marketing has been gaining serious traction.
This global expansion is opening up new revenue streams for affiliates who are willing to adapt their strategies and reach beyond their local audience.
Here’s a look at how affiliate marketers can make the most of global opportunities and what it takes to succeed when targeting new regions.
Why global markets are the next big thing
With increasing internet access and a growing appetite for e-commerce, markets outside of the traditional powerhouses like the US and UK are becoming prime targets for affiliate marketers. Countries like Canada have large, tech-savvy populations that are ready to engage with online shopping.
The demand is there, and affiliates who recognise this can tap into new sources of revenue.
One of the key reasons to go global is the saturation of traditional affiliate markets. In regions where affiliate marketing has been around for a while, the competition is fierce. Expanding into new areas gives affiliates access to fresh audiences with different needs and buying habits.
By tailoring their approach to suit these specific markets, affiliates can cut through the noise and stand out.
Localisation matters
The success of an international affiliate campaign often comes down to how well marketers understand the local market. Localisation isn’t just about translating content; it’s about adapting to the cultural, social, and economic realities of each region.
For example, in Canada, there are two official languages: English and French. If you’re targeting a broad audience in the country, you’ll need to cater to both languages. This means not only translating content but also ensuring that it resonates with local consumers. A word-for-word translation often won’t capture the right tone or sentiment, so affiliates should invest in high-quality, locally relevant content.
Another aspect of localisation is payment methods. Different countries have their own preferred ways of handling online transactions.
In Canada, credit card payments dominate, but payment apps like PayPal are also widely used. Affiliates should ensure the products they’re promoting offer payment options that align with the preferences of their target market.
Building trust with international audiences
One challenge affiliates face when entering new markets is building trust with an unfamiliar audience. This is where content plays a huge role. People are more likely to engage with a brand or product if they see genuine reviews and helpful content that speaks to their needs.
In markets like Canada, where consumers value transparency, affiliates should focus on providing honest reviews, guides, and how-tos that add value rather than pushing for quick sales.
Another way to build trust is by working with local influencers.
Just as influencers are effective in the US or UK, they’re also powerful in countries like Canada. Partnering with a local influencer allows affiliates to connect with an engaged audience that already trusts the influencer’s recommendations.
This can make a huge difference when introducing products to a new market.
Navigating regulations and compliance
Each country has its own set of rules when it comes to online advertising and affiliate marketing, and it’s essential to stay compliant. In Canada, for example, the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) regulates commercial emails. Affiliates need to ensure that any email marketing campaigns comply with these laws, which may differ from the regulations they’re used to in their home country.
It’s also crucial to understand taxation rules. Income earned from affiliate marketing may be subject to taxation in the country where the affiliate operates, so affiliates should be aware of how taxes are handled in the markets they are targeting.
Getting legal or financial advice to navigate these regulations can prevent any compliance issues down the road.
Leveraging local platforms and trends
The platforms that dominate in one country may not be the same in another. In Canada, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are widely popular, just as they are in the US. However, other platforms, such as Pinterest and TikTok, have gained significant traction in certain niches. Affiliates should research which platforms are the most effective for their target market and adapt their content strategies accordingly.
Understanding regional trends is also important. For example, while tech gadgets might be a hot-selling category in one market, health and wellness products might dominate another. Affiliates who do their homework and align their promotions with what’s trending locally will have a better chance of making an impact.
The future of affiliate marketing is global
Affiliate marketing isn’t limited by borders, and 2024 is the year to start thinking globally. With the right strategy, affiliates can tap into growing international markets like Canada and expand their reach far beyond their home country. By focusing on localisation, building trust, staying compliant with regulations, and understanding local platforms, affiliates can successfully enter new markets and grow their businesses in ways they hadn’t imagined before.
The key is to approach each market with a tailored strategy. What works in one country might not work in another, and affiliates who take the time to understand the nuances of each region will be the ones who see the greatest success.
