top of page

Affiliate Marketing Trends in 2023

Writer's picture: PeterPeter

Updated: Oct 20, 2023

Affiliate marketing is a popular strategy used by businesses to drive sales and increase brand awareness. With the rise of e-commerce, affiliate marketing has become even more relevant as businesses look for new ways to reach customers online. In this article, we will discuss the latest trends in affiliate marketing.


Trend #1. Influencer Marketing

One of the latest trends in affiliate marketing is the use of influencer marketing. Influencer marketing involves partnering with social media influencers to promote products or services to their followers.


The use of influencers in affiliate marketing is a natural progression, as businesses seek to tap into the power of these social media personalities to drive sales.


Micro-Influencers are Taking Center Stage

Micro-influencers are social media influencers with smaller followings, typically between 1,000 to 100,000 followers. While they may not have the same reach as macro-influencers, micro-influencers often have a more engaged and niche audience.


Authenticity and niche appeal is key

One of the key trends in the use of micro-influencers within affiliate marketing is the emphasis on authenticity and niche appeal. Micro-influencers typically have a specific area of expertise or interest, and their followers look to them for advice and recommendations on those topics. As a result, brands are partnering with micro-influencers who have a genuine passion for their products and services, and who can create content that resonates with their niche audience.


An example of a successful campaign that used micro-influencers in affiliate marketing is the popular online fashion retailer, ASOS. In 2020, ASOS launched its first-ever influencer affiliate program, partnering with over 1,000 micro-influencers to promote their products. The campaign generated over 5,000 affiliate sales in just one month, demonstrating the power of micro-influencers in driving conversions.


Build Long term partnerships

Another trend in the use of micro-influencers within affiliate marketing is the focus on long-term partnerships. Brands are looking to build ongoing relationships with micro-influencers, rather than just one-off collaborations. By building long-term partnerships, brands can create a more authentic and sustainable relationship with their audience.


An example of a brand that has successfully built long-term partnerships with micro-influencers is the fashion retailer, Boohoo. The brand has partnered with a number of micro-influencers, including fashion bloggers and Instagram influencers, to promote its products. These partnerships are typically ongoing, with influencers creating regular content that showcases Boohoo's latest fashion lines.


The use of micro-influencers within affiliate marketing is a growing trend that is set to continue. Brands are recognizing the value of partnering with individuals who have a strong following within specific niches, and who can create authentic and engaging content. By focusing on authenticity and building long-term partnerships, brands can create a sustainable and effective affiliate marketing strategy that resonates with their target audience.


Trend #2. Video Marketing and Affiliates

With the rise of social media and mobile devices, videos have become easier to create, share, and consume. For example, Beauty brands often partner with YouTubers and Instagram influencers to create video content promoting their products. By including an affiliate link in the video description, influencers can earn a commission on each sale generated through their link.


Short-form videos

Short-form videos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels leading the way. Short-form videos are typically under 60 seconds and are designed to capture the viewer's attention quickly. Affiliate marketers are using short-form videos to showcase products in a more dynamic and engaging way, with the aim of increasing conversions.


The beauty brand Glossier partnered with several influencers to create short-form videos on TikTok. The videos showed the influencers using the brand's products and sharing their thoughts on them. The campaign was a success, generating over 4 billion views and increasing sales for the brand.


Live streaming

Live streaming has also become a popular trend in affiliate marketing. Live streaming allows affiliates to interact with their audience in real-time and showcase products in a more authentic and transparent way. Live streaming also provides an opportunity to answer questions and address concerns that potential customers may have, which can help build trust and increase conversions.


The fashion brand Revolve used live streaming to promote their summer collection. The brand partnered with several influencers to host a virtual fashion show, which was live-streamed on various social media platforms. The show generated over 10 million views and resulted in a significant increase in sales for the brand.


Video is an effective tool for affiliate marketers to showcase products and engage with their audience. Short-form videos and live streaming are two trends that are currently dominating the space, but there are many other creative ways to use video in affiliate marketing. As the world becomes increasingly digital and mobile-focused, it's essential for affiliate marketers to keep up with the latest trends and embrace new technologies.


Trend #3. Niche Affiliates

Niche affiliate marketing programs are designed to target specific segments of the market, rather than a broad audience. This approach has become increasingly popular in recent years, as businesses have realized the benefits of targeting specific audiences with tailored messages and offers.


For example, a business that sells vegan snacks may create an affiliate program specifically for vegan influencers and bloggers. By creating a niche affiliate program, businesses can target a highly specific audience and generate more sales.


Niche Beauty and Skincare Affiliates

The beauty and skincare industry is a prime example of the success of niche affiliate marketing programs. With a vast array of products available, it can be challenging for brands to stand out in a crowded market. However, by partnering with affiliates who specialize in beauty and skincare products, brands can target specific audiences with relevant offers and messages.


Glossier, a popular beauty brand, has an affiliate program that is tailored specifically to the beauty industry. They partner with influencers and bloggers who specialize in beauty and skincare, providing them with exclusive offers and content that is specific to their audience. This targeted approach has been incredibly successful for Glossier, with their affiliate program helping to drive significant revenue growth for the brand.


Niche Fitness Affiliates

The fitness industry is another sector that has seen significant success with niche affiliate marketing programs. With a growing number of consumers looking to improve their health and fitness, there is a vast audience of potential customers available. By partnering with affiliates who specialize in fitness products and services, brands can tap into this market and generate significant revenue.


A successful niche affiliate marketing program in the fitness industry is the program offered by Fabletics, a popular athleisure brand. Fabletics partners with fitness influencers and bloggers, providing them with exclusive offers and content that is tailored specifically to their audience. This approach has helped to drive significant growth for the brand, with their affiliate program playing a key role in their overall success.


Niche affiliate marketing programs are becoming increasingly popular in the digital marketing industry. By targeting specific audiences with tailored messages and offers, brands can generate significant revenue and stand out in crowded markets. The beauty and skincare industry and the fitness industry are just two examples of sectors that have seen significant success with this approach, and we can expect to see more brands adopting this strategy in the years to come.


Conclusion: More opportunity than every before

Affiliate marketing continues to evolve as businesses look for new ways to reach customers online. With the rise of influencer marketing, video marketing, micro-influencers, and niche affiliate programs, businesses have more opportunities than ever to drive sales through affiliate marketing.


Let us know your opinion - vote in our poll below


What do you think will be the biggest trend in affiliate marketing?

  • Niche Affiliates

  • Influencers

  • Video

  • Other





Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page