Despite the pandemic and the havoc wreaked by it on marketing budgets, it’s obvious that affiliate marketing is still a valuable asset to many brands, with data gained by Awin in 2020 showing that approved affiliate applications to the global network more than doubled since the lockdown took effect in many countries.
The surge in demand is continuing, with brands recognising the importance of affiliate marketing in having an effective marketing strategy.
The affiliate industry has proved itself to be a solution to an extensive range of problems, with brick-and-mortar businesses having used it as a saving grace following their transition into e-commerce during the pandemic.
Affiliate marketing is no longer viewed as simply an acquisition channel. It can add to brand value and improve customer loyalty, which is of utmost importance. It seems brands are beginning to recognise the value of affiliate marketing, and the plethora of positives it can bring them.
Case Study: Unbounce and AIM
Unbounce, the Canadian software company, has chosen All Inclusive Marketing (AIM) as its affiliate marketing Agency of Record. AIM will now lead Unbounce’s affiliate marketing programme as it expands its offering into new markets.
For brands looking to expand, affiliate marketing is critical. We’re living in a world where an online presence is essential, and with a huge majority of consumers spending a significant amount of time online, affiliate marketing is becoming a hugely attractive option.
Performance-based partnerships are highly effective in driving customer acquisition, and it’s hugely positive to see brands beginning to recognise this more and more.
Sarah Bundy, Founder and CEO of AIM, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Unbounce as it ramps up its affiliate marketing efforts.
“They truly understand the value of leveraging the affiliate strategy – and the power it has to help brands to reach, engage and convert sales with their desired audiences at scale, within a low-cost, low-risk model.”
Meg Sakakibara, VP of Marketing at Unbounce said: “Throughout our selection process, we not only searched for a partner with the experience and know-how to build successful campaigns, but who will also protect our brand’s excellence, we are thrilled to have found both with AIM.”
The affiliate marketing industry is now worth $12 billion. The inherent worth of the channel is proved by this, as well as the fact that it is now a critical tool for e-commerce companies to connect with new customers and drive sales.
Statistics aside, the dedication and passion shown by those who work within affiliate – whether it be agencies, networks, SaaS platforms, whoever – proves it is a growing platform with an abundance of benefits for brands to reap.