ITV has long been a fixture in British living rooms, delivering entertainment, drama, and breaking news to millions. However, in an unexpected pivot, the broadcaster has ventured into the world of money-saving apps with the launch of “Kerching”.
This new product is designed to help users save money by offering them discounts and deals across various retailers—a promising initiative as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. But beyond its obvious consumer appeal, Kerching holds potential significance for affiliate marketers.
Affiliate marketing has become a cornerstone of the digital economy, offering businesses the opportunity to generate revenue through commissions on referred sales. The concept is straightforward: brands incentivise affiliates to promote their products or services, and in return, affiliates earn a commission based on sales, clicks, or other key actions.
In the case of Kerching, it’s a potential goldmine for affiliates, who may see fresh opportunities to drive conversions, engage customers, and tap into ITV’s established audience base.
So, what exactly is Kerching, and why should affiliate marketers pay attention?
What is Kerching?
Kerching is a savings platform integrated into a mobile app that offers its users access to discounts, deals, and cashback from a variety of UK retailers.
The concept is familiar—many apps offer similar services—but the backing of ITV gives Kerching a distinct advantage. ITV brings not only visibility but also trust. The network is one of the most recognised brands in the UK, and its endorsement is likely to increase consumer confidence in the platform.
Kerching operates by partnering with retailers, offering consumers cashback and exclusive deals when they make purchases through the app. The app also incorporates a rewards system, incentivising users to keep using it by offering points or cash in return for loyalty.
For everyday users, the benefits are clear: in a time of rising costs and tightening household budgets, Kerching offers a way to cut spending without cutting out the brands or products they love.
Why Should Affiliate Marketers Care?
The big question for those in the affiliate space is how Kerching fits into their business model. With more than 15 million regular ITV viewers, the platform already has access to a vast and engaged audience. If ITV can funnel even a small percentage of this audience into Kerching, the potential for affiliate commissions is significant.
Kerching’s appeal for affiliate marketers lies in its inherent connection to commerce. Since the app promotes buying decisions by offering deals and cashback, it’s a natural extension of the affiliate marketing model. Affiliate marketers work by encouraging customers to purchase through their links, often sweetening the deal with discount codes, exclusive offers, or incentives. Kerching essentially offers a ready-made platform for these kinds of transactions, with ITV’s marketing power behind it.
What this means for affiliate marketers is an opportunity to align themselves with a brand that has a near-universal household name. More importantly, it allows them to tap into a consumer base actively looking for ways to save money—typically a segment highly responsive to affiliate marketing efforts.
Additionally, affiliate marketers could leverage Kerching’s rewards system. If users are already inclined to earn rewards and cashback through their purchases, affiliate marketers can further amplify that motivation with additional offers, creating a mutually beneficial cycle of engagement and conversion.
The Power of ITV’s Audience
ITV’s media muscle is what sets Kerching apart from other cashback or deal platforms on the market. With television advertising, digital platforms, and brand credibility already at its disposal, ITV can promote Kerching in ways that other apps can only dream of. ITV’s advertisements can seamlessly integrate Kerching promotions during commercial breaks, prime time slots, and even weave it into the content of their popular shows.
For affiliate marketers, this level of exposure creates an ideal environment. High visibility means more consumers will download the app, explore deals, and ultimately make purchases. This increased consumer activity generates a larger pool of potential customers for affiliate campaigns. The synergy between Kerching and ITV’s extensive media reach could see a rapid expansion in user adoption.
The television giant’s app also benefits from ITV’s existing digital platforms, such as its ITV Hub (now ITVX) streaming service. By positioning Kerching as an extension of its already successful digital presence, ITV can engage its online audience in a new, financially beneficial way.
A New Frontier for Affiliate Partnerships
Beyond its customer-facing advantages, Kerching is an attractive proposition for brands looking to collaborate. Retailers and companies who sign on to be featured in the app are likely to see increased traffic, driven both by affiliate marketers and ITV’s own promotional efforts. Affiliate marketers who are early to partner with Kerching will have an edge in gaining access to these exclusive deals and offering them to their audience before the market becomes saturated.
For affiliate marketers, this means Kerching could become a primary source of exclusive deals—particularly if ITV negotiates unique agreements with top UK retailers. Exclusive offers are the bread and butter of successful affiliate campaigns, as they provide users with a reason to click and convert. Kerching, backed by ITV’s substantial influence, has the potential to deliver these kinds of high-conversion opportunities.
Looking to the Future: What Could This Mean for the Industry?
ITV’s move into the world of money-saving apps through Kerching represents more than just a new revenue stream for the broadcaster. It signals a larger shift towards integrated digital experiences. Traditional media companies like ITV are no longer just content providers; they are becoming tech-driven platforms that provide solutions beyond entertainment.
For affiliate marketers, this means the opportunity landscape is expanding. As digital platforms continue to merge commerce, content, and consumer engagement, affiliate marketing will play an increasingly pivotal role. Marketers who can adapt to these hybrid models—where users move seamlessly between content consumption and commercial activity—will be well-placed to benefit.
Kerching is just one example of this trend, but it’s a significant one. With its vast reach, trusted brand, and focus on consumer savings, the app offers a fertile ground for affiliate marketers. Whether it’s exclusive deals, loyalty incentives, or simply tapping into ITV’s mammoth audience, Kerching has the potential to reshape how affiliate marketers approach their strategies.
In conclusion, ITV’s foray into the money-saving app space with Kerching could have far-reaching implications for the affiliate marketing industry. By marrying entertainment with commerce, ITV has opened a new channel for marketers to explore. For those in the affiliate space, this is a development worth watching closely, as it could become a game-changing tool in their arsenal.
Kerching presents an exciting opportunity, but the key for affiliate marketers will be to move quickly, forming strategic partnerships with ITV before the competition floods in.
