Unlock the secrets of affiliate marketing's evolution with me, Dustin Howes, and marketing maestro Jim Nichols. This episode isn't just another industry rundown; it's a treasure trove of insider strategies and the bold concept of 'stratocution' straight from Jim's agency, Exclamation Marketing. We tackle the David and Goliath saga between plucky affiliates and publishing powerhouses, revealing how the balance of power is shifting and what it means for innovation and diversity in the market. Plus, get the scoop on how big-name companies are making waves in the affiliate world, mirroring the organic food market's consolidation – a trend that's shaking up the status quo.

Ever wondered how AI is rewriting the rules of content creation? We've got that covered too, examining the implications for authenticity and the partnership scale for major brands and solo entrepreneurs alike. As platforms like Amazon evolve, we dissect the challenges and opportunities lying in wait for smaller businesses. And with AI's influence on content stretching into FTC territory, we talked about the murky waters of regulation, ethics, and the future of commercial versus editorial content. This is a candid look at the digital tightrope walk between innovation and integrity, one that all content creators, big and small, must navigate.

Looking toward the horizon, we forecast what's next for affiliate marketing. I'll show you why niche market leadership could be your golden ticket and how early adoption of new channels like Reddit can catapult your affiliate programs to new heights. We also touch on the burgeoning relationship between technology and commerce, allowing for seamless customer transactions. It's a thrilling time for affiliate marketing, and this episode arms you with the foresight to adapt, innovate, and potentially transform from a small affiliate into a major industry player. Let's ride the wave of change together – because in the affiliate marketing cosmos, the only constant is innovation.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Ever wondered how a simple phone call can revolutionize your business network? Join me as I sit down with the Chief of Chaos, Matt Frary, to unpack the electrifying realm of affiliate marketing and the undeniable clout of personal connections. Together, we reminisce about my eBags.com origins all the way to launching Smarter Chaos and delve into why picking up the phone is still a game-changer in our digital world. Plus, we're drawing some lively comparisons between the hustle of affiliate marketing and the buzz Dion Sanders created for Colorado football – because who doesn't love a good sports metaphor?

Now, let's get personal. This episode isn't just about strategies; it's about the human touch in business. I'll share why compassion, history, and ambition are not just buzzwords but the foundation of thriving partnerships in the affiliate landscape. We're tackling the complex dance of last-click attribution, discussing how it often snubs influencers and underscoring the imperative of grasping a company's customer lifetime value. It's a journey through the nuances of performance marketing and a reiteration that understanding the human element can be your silver bullet to success.

As we gear up for the future, technology takes center stage. Learn how tools like Basecamp and HubSpot played a part in the acquisition of Smarter Chaos and why scalable processes are your best friend. We'll also introduce AffiStash, our latest affiliate tracking innovation, and discuss a passion project close to my heart – a community initiative for school safety. Before you go, don't forget to look for me at the upcoming Affiliate Summit for some face-to-face action. I'm excited for you to join us as we navigate the continuously evolving, ever-exciting world of affiliate marketing and partnerships.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Unlock the wonders of affiliate marketing with Charlie Calabrese, AIM's visionary president, as we explore how this dynamic field is reshaping the digital marketing landscape. Our conversation is a journey through Charlie's impressive two-decade-long career, revealing the evolution of affiliate marketing and its endless potential for growth. This episode is a treasure trove for those ready to uncover the strategies driving expansion in sectors like B2B, retail, and travel, and for anyone seeking to navigate the vibrant interplay between AI tools and marketing practices with finesse.

Venture into the aftermath of a world reshaped by COVID-19 and discover how the affiliate marketing terrain has shifted, particularly within the B2B niche. We dissect the "affiliate glass ceiling," investigating the factors that constrain the industry's growth and how we can shatter these barriers through enhanced attribution practices. Additionally, we share cautionary tales that highlight the precarious balance between human ingenuity and the burgeoning reliance on AI, including the legal ramifications of over-dependence on technological shortcuts.

To humanize our deep-dive into the technical, we tackle the heart of affiliate marketing—its people. Discussing the intricate dance of hiring for cultural fit versus industry expertise, we address the merits of nurturing fresh talent and the unique value seasoned professionals bring to the table. I open up about my commitment to cultivating a robust affiliate community through the Performance Marketing Manager Inner Circle and extol the irreplaceable benefits of in-person networking events. Join us for an episode that marries the intellect of affiliate strategies with the soul of community building.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Discover the vibrant future of affiliate marketing as we wrap up the year in style at the Affiliate Nerd out Christmas party. I'm beyond excited to share the launch of the PMM Inner Circle, a sanctuary for affiliate managers eager to innovate and connect. Our special guest, Kristen Evans, will captivate you with her entrepreneurial spirit and insight into her own business venture, providing a beacon for what lies ahead in the affiliate realm. Reflect on the wisdom gleaned from 2023, and look forward to the groundbreaking blend of influencer, PR, and affiliate marketing that's set to redefine 2024. Join us in toasting to the collaborative spirit that's been the cornerstone of our industry's success.

As we raise our glasses, we give thanks for the opportunities and partnerships that have fueled our journey, highlighting the creative synergy with Revcontent and the unwavering support Sean credits for his achievements. Patty McGill, the original Affiliate Nerd out trailblazer, energizes the conversation with a look back at the magnetic pull of in-person events and the flourishing of social media communities. We're not just celebrating the industry; we're embracing the personal victories and milestones that have marked this year, all while eagerly anticipating the transformative influence of AI and native advertising on our professional horizons.

Before we sign off with a festive cheer, let's demystify the concept of MURR with the assistance of AI, revealing how this metric can reshape our business strategies. I'll share my personal approach to AI, harnessing it to amplify my analytical skills without overshadowing my creative process. And while we might miss out on Nick's song this time, we'll leave you with a holiday chuckle and heartfelt wishes for the season. So, grab your eggnog and settle in for a blend of insightful discussion, laughter, and a peek at what's to come in the dynamic world of affiliate marketing as we bid adieu to another year and usher in a season filled with promise.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of tracking data in affiliate marketing? This episode, we sit down with the knowledgeable Jorge Barbosa from WeContract who spills the beans on conversion tracking, attribution, and integration. As a pro in the field, Jorge takes us through his journey and how WeContract is switching gears in the industry with their unique approach. He even peels back the curtain on some of their more advanced features and how they collaborate effectively with traditional affiliate publishers and media buyers.

Struggling to navigate through the common challenges in affiliate marketing? Well, buckle up as we steer you through some innovative tech solutions. We explore the world of cloaked links, the transition from Google Analytics Universal to Google Analytics 4, and how our product can make your process a breeze by eliminating the need for manual sub IDs. This spirited discussion is brimming with invaluable insights and practical tips to supercharge your affiliate marketing efforts and focus more on crafting high-quality content. So whether you're an experienced marketer or a newbie, this episode is your one-stop-shop.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of affiliate marketing and growth marketing? Brace yourself for a lively exchange! Tye DeGrange, the mastermind behind Round Bar Labs and I, dive into the intricacies of these strategies, revealing how they can be defensible channels for your brand. We explore how affiliate marketing can be a trust mechanism, allowing your brand to gather trust through partnerships with influencers and media ventures. We caution about the challenges faced and why it's crucial to avoid being dependent solely on platforms like Google and Facebook.

In our voyage through the marketing landscape, we illuminate why growth marketing is a gamechanger in the DTC space. Hint: It's about the natural progression of a DTC brand, a robust product, organic and direct marketing channels, and a sturdy foundation before you delve into paid marketing. Get insights into paid marketing channels like Google, TikTok, and Pinterest, with each requiring a unique approach. Listen in as we talk about creating effective business loops and flywheels, and the roles of acquisition and retention in this cycle.

Our chat draws to a close with an insightful discussion with Jorge Berboz, who shares his experiences in affiliate marketing. Learn the significance of relationship-building, delivering value to your audience, and the advantages of having a personal AM checklist for your affiliate programs. Jorge’s passion for this platform and his zest to educate others makes for an enriching listen. So tune in, nerd out, and learn how you can make affiliate marketing work for you!

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Guess who's gracing our chat today? Johnny Page, the Chief Revenue Officer at SAS Academy. Johnny, a former client at SAS Academy, is here to give us a real, raw, and honest perspective as he uncovers the inner workings of this unique group coaching program for B2B SAS founders. Whether you're just starting or making over $5 million in annual recurring revenue, SAS Academy serves all. So gear up, because we're about to get our hands dirty and learn some trade secrets. 

Ever wondered about the significance of focusing on the right problem? Interested in finding out why you should form partnerships before launching an affiliate program? Well, our conversation sheds light on these intriguing aspects of affiliate marketing. We also believe that top talent deserves top dollar, so we'll discuss why investing in the best is just good business sense. We'll also help you figure out when to take the leap and initiate an affiliate program for your SaaS company. 

As we veer towards the end of our chat, we'll dissect the role of an affiliate manager. There's a common question that lingers in many minds - should the affiliate manager fall under marketing or sales? We'll provide our insights on this while emphasizing the importance of a harmonious relationship between the two teams for a successful affiliate program. For all you budding entrepreneurs, we have some golden nuggets of wisdom, stressing the importance of finding a community of like-minded individuals to learn from and be inspired by. Finally, we take a philosophical detour and discuss the concept of the "Urgitorium" and how love can be a driving force for positive change. Join us on this journey of untangling the world of affiliate marketing and personal growth. You're in for a treat!

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Ever wish you could peek behind the curtain of successful affiliate marketing companies? We've got a treat for you - a chat with the CEOs of cutting-edge companies, Fanexa and Zero Parallel/Profitize. David Pickard and Sevada Markison, the wizards themselves, share their secrets on improving workflows, tracking and automating processes, and winning the customer acquisition game. They're in the trenches every day, innovating and leading in the competitive world of affiliate marketing. 

Can you fathom that a telephone number might be more powerful than a website? Believe it - in an increasingly mobile world, call leads are reigning supreme in industries like solar, debt relief, and insurance. We spill the beans on why call leads yield higher conversion rates, better contact rates, and lower fraud rates. Discover how this shift can result in bigger payouts for affiliates, and why marketing a phone number could be more cost-effective than pitching a website. 

Finishing off with a deep dive into the finance world, we delve into the substantial influence of call leads in the debt relief industry. We illuminate the importance of regulatory compliance, the effectiveness of lead nurturing campaigns, and the power of click-to-call solutions. We also cover the critical role of phone number validation for effective marketing and shed light on the use of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for consumer convenience. From call leads to web leads, we've got you covered with strategies for effective marketing and consumer engagement.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Eager to uncover the secrets of native advertising and take your affiliate marketing game to the next level? Join your host, Dustin Howe, in an enlightening conversation with Shaun Hall, the director of advertising demand partnerships at Revcontent. Shaun brings his vast industry experience to the table, delving into why it's dubbed 'native advertising' and how it sets itself apart from traditional advertising. 

In the exciting world of affiliate marketing, a tool that generates multiple headlines for your campaigns can be a game-changer. We've got the inside scoop on Revcontent's new feature designed for just that. But we're not stopping there. We're also discussing the best practices for implementing native ads into a WordPress blog and the importance of congruency between your ads and landing pages. 

Tune in as we navigate the ever-changing trends of the affiliate marketing landscape. Hear all about the surge in gift and e-commerce offers during the holiday season and the upcoming neutral gold rush. And for a little fun, Shaun shares his unique end-of-the-year tradition. Plus, next week's guest, Dave Pickard, is all set to enlighten us on the art of recruiting. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that's sure to propel you ahead in your affiliate marketing journey.

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com

Ready to dig into the world of affiliate marketing for B2B SaaS companies? We promise that you'll be soaking up invaluable insights from a seasoned expert, Jordan Hofman, CEO of Reditas. We get to hear Jordan's journey, his key strategies for affiliate recruitment, and the driving force behind Reditas, a thriving affiliate network with a laser focus on B2B SaaS companies. Stay tuned for a dynamic Q&A session where you're welcome to probe further into the intriguing world of SaaS and affiliate marketing.

One cannot overlook the rapid growth and transformation in the B2B SaaS industry, with AI and no-code tools breathing fresh life into the sector. We discuss the importance of having a solid revenue threshold before you jumpstart an affiliate program and why social proof and a robust website are non-negotiables. We compare B2B SaaS affiliate programs to their retail counterparts, highlighting the lucrative opportunities that lie within the former, thanks to the potential for higher ticket prices and recurring commissions.

In the final leg of the episode, we have Jordan Schumacher discussing his evolution from an affiliate marketer to a creator of his own SaaS products. Gleaning from his experiences, he offers priceless advice to budding entrepreneurs, emphasizing perseverance, celebrating small wins, and the power of a strong vision. We wrap things up by envisioning the future of affiliate marketing, underlining the importance of quality and insights in tracking and measuring success. If you're keen on mastering affiliate marketing for B2B SaaS, this episode is a goldmine of tips and insights. So, buckle up and dive right in!

Gizzmo is the ultimate tool for publishers like you to create high-quality, optimized content in minutes, not hours. With Gizzmo, you can easily craft product reviews, roundups, comparison articles, deals pages, and listicles—each fully customizable to suit your audience and style.  Save time, boost engagement, and drive conversions effortlessly. Go to DustinHowes.com/gizzmo for your free trial.

Dustinhowes.com/affistash

For more tips on how to scale your affiliate program, check out https://performancemarketingmanager.com