Virality Boost is the original influencer content syndication network, helping brands to increase visibility, spark interest, inspire action, and drive purchases at scale. They focus on crafting syndication strategies that cover the entire customer journey and aim to break barriers in influencer marketing that traditionally haven’t worked for advertisers. Their approach is researched for maximum viral impact and cross-platform actions, leveraging the natural customer journey to deliver incremental performance.

Q: Can you give us a high-level overview of Virality Boost?  

A: Virality Boost is a transparent influencer content syndication network, specializing in large-scale influencer campaigns. We deliver campaigns that impact the bottom line and help brands achieve larger business objectives with quality, category-relevant influencers and advanced social strategies that leverage social media algorithms to increase visibility and impact.

Q: What are the top ways you promote brands?  

A: We run 25, 50, to 100 or more influencers in a single campaign within a specific time window to drive virality — demand and awareness for the brand across two platforms, depending on brand — Facebook, X, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok.

Q: What is the total reach of your audience?  

A: Over 30 million.

Q: Can you share some insights about your audience and demographics?  

A: They span 23 categories: both male and female influencers in lifestyle, web3, auto luxury, fashion, sports, travel, auto lifestyle, family, personal finances, kids under 10, kids over 10, and more!

Q: Which verticals perform the best with Virality Boost?  

A: It depends on the brand, but generally wellness, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, unique offerings and products, sports, watch TV, and more.

Q: Can you tell us about a successful campaign you ran in the last six months?  

A: SenseofSelf.Life – we’ll have a case study ready in a couple of weeks. See a sneak peek below.

Q: What’s something unique about Virality Boost?  

A: Each campaign is spearheaded by our influencer captains. These captains are experienced influencers themselves, representing various niches within the influencer community. We diligently test our strategies, placing a strong emphasis on achieving measurable results. 

Q: Any industry trends or insights to share with brands?  

A: In today’s rapidly shifting digital landscape, where third-party cookies are being phased out, brands must prioritize and refine their attribution strategies to make well-informed budgeting decisions. Google is enhancing its AI-driven ads and testing Google’s Circle on Android, all to master social media imagery. Amazon is not lagging behind, with its decisive move towards influencer collaborations and image search features. Meanwhile, Meta’s robust pixel technology continues to set a high benchmark.

For businesses focused on driving growth and seizing market share, understanding the customer’s journey across diverse channels and platforms, particularly social media, is critical. Brands must focus tirelessly on stimulating demand, elevating awareness, and nurturing purchase intent. Clear attribution allows companies to allocate their resources effectively, ensuring each touchpoint resonates with their audience and contributes to a coherent brand narrative that fosters business growth.

In short, investing in full funnel campaigns and solid attribution models is not just about adapting to the new cookie-less era — it’s a fundamental approach to sustainably capturing consumer interest and propelling your brand forward in a competitive marketplace.

TUNE customers who would like to work with Virality Boost can request an introduction directly via TUNE Network.

Questions? Click here to chat with one of our experts.

When social media influencers first stepped onto the scene, there were limited options for marketers to work with them. Sponsored posts, free products or services, and flat fees were the norm. Now influencers and creators are embracing performance-based advertising, opening a world of opportunities for themselves and the brands that partner with them. This doesn’t mean, however, that influencers and creators are the same as traditional affiliates. While both groups aim to drive conversions and boost brand visibility, they operate in fundamentally different ways and use distinct strategies to achieve their goals.

We’re covering the basics of influencer affiliate marketing in our new series, the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint. For an introduction to the series and the e-book it’s based on, head over to Part 1. In this post, we’re diving into the differences between the two groups and why influencer-affiliate programs are gaining momentum in today’s marketing landscape.

Download the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint: Building High-ROI Creator Communities

Affiliates and Publishers vs Influencers and Creators

Traditional affiliates and publishers, rooted in the digital advertising ecosystem, have long relied on metrics like impressions, engagement rates, and clicks to measure success. In some cases, this focus on metrics can come at the expense of user experience. Navigating cluttered websites, wading through obviously AI-generated text, scrolling past pages of intrusive ads — it all harms the quality of users’ interactions with the content they’re looking for. When these less-than-ideal experiences add up, consumers can easily become frustrated, disinterested, and distrustful of the brands associated with them.

On the other hand, today’s influencer programs lean more toward authenticity and trustworthiness by leveraging the personal connection between social media creators and their dedicated followers. Brands that recognize the value of genuine engagement over sheer reach can foster deeper connections with audiences through relatable content and endorsements from trusted influencers. From this perspective, the affiliate industry’s leap to influencers makes sense, as it allows brands to create real connections and communities through their own ambassadors — without the corporate side of marketing getting in the way.

Influencer-Affiliate Programs

Influencer-affiliate programs share the same pillars as traditional affiliate programs, but they require a different framework and fulfillment strategy. This is most evident in four areas of the program.

Program Strategy

Influencer programs come in all shapes and sizes. They can take a diverse range of approaches, categorized based on scope and the influencer’s degree of influence. From micro-influencers with niche audiences to macro-influencers commanding broader reach, brands have the flexibility to tailor their strategies to align with specific campaign objectives and target demographics. We’ve put together a graphic to illustrate this concept below:

Offers and Payments

Influencer programs also differ from traditional programs in their offers and payments. Unlike CPA (cost-per-action) offers, the bread and butter of affiliate programs, offers in influencer programs usually prioritize a tiered and blended approach. This means encompassing metrics beyond sales, such as views, likes, and shares. This multifaceted payment structure acknowledges the diverse contributions of influencers, incentivizing them to create compelling content that resonates with their audience while driving conversions.

The way you pay influencers and creators can also vary from the way traditional affiliates are paid. We go into this more in our e-book and on-demand webinar — you can watch a quick clip below.

Creative Production and Control

Creative is, hands down, the main differentiator between traditional affiliates and influencer affiliates.

Influencer-affiliate programs redefine creative production by moving beyond conventional banner ads and sponsored articles. Successful brands collaborate with influencers to craft authentic narratives and tell stories their audiences are interested to hear. This empowers creators as brand advocates rather than just another paid advertiser. This personalized approach nurtures brand loyalty and fosters deeper connections with consumers and communities.

For an example, check out ZeroTo1 (our e-book partner) and their Instacart case study here.

Tracking Technology

Influencer programs need specialized tracking technologies to effectively attribute conversions and measure campaign performance across channels. This is because the most popular social media platforms for creators are mobile-first, and the tracking works differently on mobile than on a desktop browser. For brands that are already running a traditional program, getting started with creator affiliates can be as simple as integrating an influencer toolkit. Adding dedicated influencer marketing tools to your existing tech stack will provide a holistic view of engagement metrics and ultimately allow you to run more effective, measurable campaigns.

Up Next

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, influencer-affiliate programs offer a dynamic and adaptable approach to affiliate marketing. By prioritizing authenticity, fostering genuine connections, and embracing flexibility and creativity, brands can navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and forge lasting relationships with their target audience. Whether partnering with Instagram micro-influencers or the biggest names on TikTok, the key lies in building trust and telling stories to drive engagement and drive business results.

To learn more about the differences between creators and traditional affiliates, download the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint: Building High-ROI Creator Communities.

Check back soon for Part 3!

In the vibrant and diverse landscape of Europe, building a successful affiliate program can be a potent strategy for expanding your brand’s presence and driving revenue growth. Tailoring your approach to the unique characteristics and regulations of the European market is essential for laying the foundation of a thriving affiliate ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps to establish a successful affiliate program specifically tailored for European brands. 

Understanding the European Market 

Before diving into the intricacies of building an affiliate program, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the European market landscape. Europe comprises diverse cultures, languages, and consumer behaviors across its various regions. Take the time to research and identify key market segments, trends, and preferences relevant to your industry and target audience. 

Navigating Regulatory Compliance 

Compliance with European regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is paramount for any brand operating in the region. Ensure that your affiliate program is fully compliant with GDPR requirements, including obtaining explicit consent from users for data processing and providing mechanisms for data access and deletion. Implement robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information and build trust with your audience. 

Localizing Your Offerings 

Cultural sensitivity and localization are essential considerations when developing your affiliate program for the European market. Tailor your products, messaging, and promotional materials to resonate with the cultural nuances and preferences of each target market. Consider factors such as language, currency, and local regulations to ensure a seamless and relevant user experience for European consumers. 

Building Strategic Partnerships 

Selecting the right affiliates is key to the success of your program in Europe. Look for influencers, bloggers, and content creators who have a strong presence and credibility within their respective markets. Prioritize affiliates who align with your brand values and resonate with your target audience. Consider collaborating with local influencers and micro-influencers to leverage their authenticity and reach within specific regions or communities. 

Offering Competitive Incentives 

Incentivize affiliates with competitive commission structures and incentives tailored to the European market. Consider factors such as average order value, conversion rates, and seasonal trends when determining commission rates. Offer bonuses, exclusive discounts, or performance-based rewards to motivate affiliates and encourage active promotion of your products. 

Providing Comprehensive Support 

Offer comprehensive support and resources to empower your affiliates to succeed. Provide access to high-quality marketing materials, product information, and promotional assets in multiple languages. Offer training sessions, webinars, and tutorials to help affiliates optimize their campaigns and maximize their earning potential. Foster open communication channels to address questions, provide assistance, and gather feedback from affiliates. 

Leveraging Cross-Border Opportunities 

Exploit cross-border opportunities to expand your reach and tap into new markets within Europe. Collaborate with affiliates who have a pan-European presence or target audiences spanning multiple countries. Customize your promotions and messaging to appeal to diverse cultural backgrounds and linguistic preferences across different European regions. 

Tracking and Analyzing Performance 

Implement robust tracking and analytics tools to monitor affiliate performance and measure the effectiveness of your campaigns. Track key metrics such as clicks, conversions, and revenue generated across different markets and channels. Analyze this data to identify trends, optimize your strategy, and allocate resources effectively to maximize ROI. 

Cultivating Long-Term Relationships 

Invest in building long-term relationships with your affiliates to foster loyalty and mutual success. Recognize and reward top-performing affiliates for their contributions and achievements. Regularly engage with affiliates through newsletters, updates, and exclusive events to keep them informed and motivated. Solicit feedback and collaborate with affiliates to continuously improve your program and adapt to evolving market dynamics. 

Potential Difficulties to Prepare For

Navigating Taxation Challenges 

One of the primary challenges European brands face in managing affiliate commissions is navigating the complex landscape of taxation regulations across different countries. Each European country may have its own tax laws and requirements regarding income earned through affiliate programs. It’s essential for brands to stay informed about VAT (Value Added Tax) regulations, withholding taxes, and other relevant tax obligations applicable to affiliate commissions in each jurisdiction where affiliates operate. Seeking professional tax advice, can help ensure compliance with local tax laws and mitigate the risk of potential liabilities. 

Overcoming Currency Conversion Hurdles 

Currency conversion presents another significant challenge when paying out affiliate commissions in the European market. With affiliates operating across various countries and using different currencies, brands must navigate fluctuating exchange rates and associated conversion fees. These currency conversion challenges can impact the accuracy and timeliness of affiliate payouts, potentially leading to discrepancies or delays in payments. To address this issue, brands can consider utilizing payment platforms or services that offer multi-currency support, allowing affiliates to receive payments in their preferred currency with minimal conversion fees. Additionally, establishing clear policies and procedures for currency conversion, including transparent exchange rates and payment schedules, can help mitigate confusion and ensure fair compensation for affiliates operating in different regions. 

By proactively addressing taxation challenges and currency conversion issues, European brands can streamline their affiliate program operations, enhance trust and transparency with affiliates, and facilitate seamless cross-border transactions within the European market. 

Conclusion 

Building a successful affiliate program for your European brand requires careful planning, strategic execution, and a deep understanding of the region’s unique characteristics and regulations. By prioritizing compliance, localization, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive support, you can create a thriving ecosystem that drives sales and fosters brand loyalty across diverse European markets. With a commitment to transparency, integrity, and continuous improvement, your affiliate program can become a powerful driver of growth and success. 

Through these strategies, your brand can forge meaningful partnerships, expand its reach, and establish itself as a trusted authority in the region. 

For more advice on how to work with partners like influencers and content creators to expand your affiliate program, download our free e-book, The Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint: Building High-ROI Creator Communities.

Today I’m pleased to announce Blake Cantrell has joined TUNE as our new Vice President of Partnerships. Blake is an industry veteran, working at some of the most well-known companies in the space and interfacing directly with brands, publishers, and agencies alike. As part of his welcome to the team, I asked Blake a few questions about his new role and his outlook on the industry.

Can you give us a rundown of your experience in the affiliate industry?

I have been active in the affiliate space since 2006 when I began my career at CJ Affiliate. While at CJ I managed a large team and high-revenue portfolio spanning multiple lines of business.

From there I jumped to Impact.com where I was a founding member and leader of the Channel Partnerships team. At Impact I created mutually beneficial, revenue generating partnerships with agency and tech partners alike. I was also able to build internal alignment across GTM teams, CS, Support, and more in order to create a frictionless partner path for all parties.

What led you to decide to join the TUNE team?

Throughout my interviews with the TUNE team it was clear that everyone I spoke to is eager to grow the business with a high level of integrity and a spirit of collaboration. It is extremely important to me on a personal and professional level that any work be done in a thoughtful manner while treating both internal and external partners with transparency, consistency, and equality. I believe that this approach aligns with the TUNE approach as well. Simply put … the willingness to be a good partner.

What will you be doing at TUNE?

In my role at TUNE I will be scaling up the network offering. This will include product enhancements, recruiting and onboarding partners of all types as well as helping to facilitate partnership growth. It will also be essential to work closely with all internal teams to gather feedback, establish joint processes in order to serve our partners and have a shared understanding of where we are strong and where we can improve. This is a large undertaking but very exciting as TUNE is nimble enough to create a truly unique network.

What are the biggest learnings you’re bringing to TUNE from your previous roles?

Listen to partners. They are always happy to tell you what they want and need. There is no need to guess or to have the most advanced tech or build AI in to every function. While highly advanced features are always exciting the majority of the players are dependent on easy to navigate and dependable tracking, reporting and payouts in order to build high growth partnerships.

How has affiliate marketing evolved since you started out?

When I began, affiliate was the Wild West. Trademark bidding rules were not in existence, cookie stuffing was rampant, and in many ways the entire industry was still figuring itself out. It is now 18 years since I started and the level of sophistication in technology and partnership types has advanced by light years. Brand to brand partnerships, the rise of influencers, sophisticated tracking and attribution have all changed the game for the better. That said, the core remains the same in that only mutually beneficial partnerships brokered by thoughtful players on all sides will be able to continue to push the industry forward.

How do you see the growth of influencers and creators changing the industry?

Content creators have been pegged as “the next big thing” in our space for the last five plus years but are just recently starting to make a significant impact across the industry as both the technology and understanding of how to work with this new partner type has evolved. Moving forward, I expect that there will be a day of reckoning as large brands see diminishing returns on massive influencer spends with relatively limited reporting outputs. Robust tracking and payment based on value is at the core of affiliate, and when applied to the influencer category could help provide additional insights, control, and value to brands while helping to expand reach and influence.

What’s the next big thing in affiliate marketing?

For better or worse, AI will be the next big thing in all of digital marketing. From content creation, analytics, marketing, and even creating company mission statements … AI will soon be pervasive. For even the casual observer who has played with ChatGPT it is easy to understand how AI could help shorten research times, automate a number of functions, and level-up the affiliate industry across the board. That said,  it is concerning that the transparent and creative partnerships that are currently brokered today by thoughtful players in the space could begin to look more like programmatic ad buys or other campaign-based strategies that are pay to play. Why is this concerning? Because it will stifle innovation. Some of the most powerful partnerships in this industry have and will continue to be brought about by intelligent people speaking to each other one-to-one. If AI can support those conversations without eliminating them, then I am all for it.

What’s the top challenge you see in affiliate marketing today?

The biggest challenge I continue to see is setting correct expectations for advertisers both big and small about how affiliate can add value. Many small and/or new-to-market programs with little brand equity expect to launch high-revenue programs by only using influencers. On the flip side, larger established brands are seeing the value of the affiliate channel being chiseled away by internal attribution tools. The last-click attribution model based on sales revenue only will never allow for a true read of the contribution of affiliate. Not only is a full funnel strategy a requirement (both in the affiliate program and coordinated across all digital marketing teams), but so is a flexible, collaborative attribution method. Affiliate partnerships contribute in so many more ways than bottom-of-funnel sales that need to be tracked, recognized, and rewarded in order for brands to see the full value of the channel.

How can TUNE help the industry address this challenge?

TUNE is in a unique position to help guide brands on the best way to create meaningful partnerships based on their business needs. TUNE is not a massive, one-size-fits-all solution for partnerships like many of the players out there. Rather, TUNE is a nimble organization that is eagerly soliciting customer/partner feedback and continuing to iterate their product, process, and people practices in order to service ever-changing client needs

What are some of your immediate goals as you join the TUNE team?

I am extremely eager to do a deep dive on the product and existing partnerships as this will help me to understand where to focus my efforts first. While I have some strong ideas about where to begin, I am eager to hear from the TUNE team and our partners directly about what they feel is needed to help elevate the TUNE Network.

What gets you the most excited about the future of partner/affiliate marketing?

There is always something new around the corner that you can never predict, which keeps the industry exciting. A new advertiser vertical, a new promotional method, or even a small change from Google that completely upends all previous best practices. The challenge now is to not only navigate these external changes but do the best we can to try and drive the industry toward new best practices so that all players can benefit.

I’m excited to see how Blake can help supercharge TUNE’s partnership efforts in the coming months. His first opportunity to represent TUNE in the market will be at PI Live in Miami from April 16th through the 18th. You can reach out to Blake at blake.cantrell@tune.com to schedule time to meet with him and the TUNE team!

Every day, something crazy and new happens in the world of affiliate marketing. But who has time for that? We’re backing up a few steps to take a wider look at the industry in 2024. With two months down, what big trends and topics have emerged to lead us through the rest of the year? We asked colleagues at TUNE and around the industry to share their top predictions with us. Here’s what they said.

2024 Affiliate Marketing Trends

AI Expansion Will Continue

This is a no-brainer, which is why it’s first on our list. The AI expansion into every corner of the digital world continues following the explosive introduction of ChatGPT in January 2023. According to recent surveys, when it comes to marketing, generative AI has seen the most growth in content marketing, sales enablement, business intelligence, video marketing, and chatbot applications. We don’t see this trend slowing anytime soon.

“In 2024, integrating AI in affiliate marketing programs and strategies will grow in popularity — for content creation, content promotion, analysis, and much more.”
—Yakir Gal, Head of Sales, EMEA & APAC

“AI is going to be big, big, big this year. I see lots of discussion ahead on how partners will use it to optimize ROI for brands, and how brands use it to identify new opportunities and automate their ongoing evergreen ads. And beyond partners and brands, will groups like Publisher Discovery use AI to keep better hygiene and pull in new, unique traffic sources? We’ll have to wait and see.”
—Matt Miltenberger, Head of Sales, East Coast

Brand-to-Brand “Barter Marketing”

We see plenty of pairing up in brands’ futures for 2024. By partnering to promote each other to their respective audiences, brands that barter can save money and access new markets that are a solid fit. And once a relationship proves successful, there’s no telling how far it could take both brands.

“I predict that brand bartering will become more of a mainstream partnership type this year. With costs rising across the board, brands can explore promoting non-competitive brands with similar demographics by essentially ‘trading’ placements, for example, on each other’s email newsletter list.”
—Dan Buontempone, Business Development Specialist

Influencers and Creators Catch Fire

Influencers are still a hot trend after rising in popularity over the last several years. Content creators and social influencers, especially those with small but engaged followings, are proving just how valuable they can be for brands trying to cut through the noise. And yet, many advertisers are still confused on the best ways to attract and reward them.

Luckily, we’ve got just the thing to help: our newest e-book, Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint: Building High-ROI Creator Communities. Created in partnership with growth agency ZeroTo1, it’s a guide on why and how to add influencers to an affiliate program. Download it here to learn how to create your own community of brand ambassadors.

“The rise of creator-affiliate and influencer-affiliate programs as a brand’s foundational channel. Influencer-affiliate is a wellspring that can feed most other channel marketing efforts, all while spinning off new revenue streams.”
—Meredith Singer, VP, Marketing & Operations at ZeroTo1

Customer Experience Will Evolve

In addition to incorporating AI tools into their customer service platforms, brands in 2024 are changing the way they interact with customers by meeting them where they are: in their chosen communities. Social platforms like Reddit and TikTok are thriving thanks to the self-made niche communities found there, where like-minded users gather for advice, entertainment, and authentic connections. Smart brands are joining and participating in these communities to engage with their users — not to sell to them.

Accurate Data for Optimization

Without optimization, there can be no improvement. And without accurate data, there can be no optimization. We’ve heard recently from some marketers and partners who are starting to distrust the accuracy of their data on traditional platforms. Whether this is a result of changes to how web browsers collect and report data, like GA4’s transition to data-driven attribution, or because traditional platforms tend to move slower when it comes to advanced tracking methodologies, remains to be seen. Either way, having access to accurate, reliable data remains top of mind for marketers in 2024 (as it should).

“Right now, everyone is focused on optimizing resources and excluding unnecessary costs. Thus, I foresee marketers optimizing their programs in 2024: cleaning up, keeping only highly performing partners and influencers, and focusing on Tier 1 markets.”
—Iana Starostovich, Head of Customer Success, EMEA

Privacy and First-Party Data

Speaking of accurate data … first-party data and privacy-centric practices are no longer optional for marketers in the performance space. It’s the way of the future, period. We’ve already seen efforts around SEO make a big comeback in 2024 thanks to AI and the proliferation of sub-par content splashed across the web. Any business that doesn’t make an honest effort at upholding consumers’ privacy and security while they look to improve their digital presence won’t be in business for long.

What’s Next

Whatever the rest of the year has in store, we’re betting that the trends and topics above stay in regular rotation. Good luck!

If you’re looking for new ways to scale your program while maintaining a strategic edge, we have news for you: the TUNE Network is now open to all customers! Read about what makes our network different from the rest in this blog post, or check out our website for more information on partnering through TUNE.

In case you missed our big announcement last August, the TUNE Network is here!

By now, we’re all settled back into work after an amazing Affiliate Summit West in Las Vegas. If you were busy like me, the follow-up conversations are still ongoing. Not only should key partnership opportunities be top of mind, but also utilizing reliable technology with almost limitless potential to grow and scale your affiliate programs the way you want to.

Remind me again: What is the TUNE Network?

The TUNE Network is a new marketplace where brands can access top affiliates and publisher groups found only in networks — without leaving the TUNE platform. It offers the functionality that top partners like Honey and CNET require without the compromises that come with joining a traditional affiliate network. And because we built the TUNE Network to integrate with our payments product, TUNE Pay, our fees are lower to work with these partners. This means TUNE can deliver the same services and functionality of a network, but with lower fees for customers and higher payouts for partners.

What are the benefits for advertisers and brands?

For years, TUNE has been the partner marketing platform of choice for advertisers who aren’t willing to settle for the status quo. Giving brands the flexibility and control to 100% own their data and fully protect their strategic partnerships is a huge differentiating factor that wins us customers over our competition.

Now, advertisers on TUNE can manage their direct partners and network partners through the same platform, while avoiding the hefty fees and restrictions of traditional networks. It’s truly the best of both worlds:

• Advertisers can tap into a marketplace of partners that includes the largest affiliates in the space — affiliates you can’t access without a network.
• With TUNE, you can control your data, manage your direct partnerships, and get access to the most valuable affiliates and publisher groups around the world. It’s all the functionality of a network at a fraction of the cost.
• In addition to all the above, brands can also choose to be listed in a directory in the TUNE Network, getting their business and offers in front of the most valuable partners and audiences in the world.

What are the benefits for affiliates and publishers?

A few of the industry’s largest affiliates and publishers (think Skimlinks and Forbes) drive an immense amount of revenue for advertisers. They can also work with thousands of brands at a time, running offers and collecting commissions from all of them. Making this process happen at scale requires the infrastructure of network, which is exactly what the TUNE Network provides.

For these affiliates and publishers, there are two key advantages in the TUNE Network:

1. Partners get their own account and login on TUNE.
2. Partners get a consolidated payment on behalf of all advertisers they work with.

Most importantly, partners in the TUNE Network can engage with brands directly, join programs, set up and find offers, access reporting, and pull conversions and other data via API, all from their network interface.

What partners are in the TUNE Network?

In case you need more convincing, here are a few of the partners and categories you can find in the TUNE Network:

• Content: Business Insider, CNET, Rolling Stone, Vox Media, Ziff Davis, Forbes, Finder, BuzzFeed, Reviewed
• Coupon/Deal/Loyalty: Honey, Brad’s Deals, The Krazy Coupon Lady, Prodege
• Creator/Influencer: BrandCycle, Aspire
• Networks: Skimlinks, SOVRN, FlexOffers
• Conversion Optimization/Retargeting: UpSellit, Cybba, RevLifter
• Mobile Networks: Tappa, AdAction, Mobupps

Let’s Work Together

It all sounds pretty nice, right? So what are you waiting for? We at TUNE would like to cordially invite you to join our rapidly growing network of brands and partners.

If you’re a top affiliate or publisher and are interested in becoming a TUNE Network Partner, apply here.

Advertisers and agencies can learn more about the TUNE Network by reaching out to their Customer Success Manager or clicking here.

This isn’t your parents’ influencer marketing.

Say goodbye to flat fees and sponsored posts. Today’s top influencers are low-risk, results-driven partners who work closely with brands to promote the products and services that resonate with their highly engaged audiences.

Adding influencers to your affiliate marketing program can increase revenue and prove affiliate ROI — if you know what you’re doing. The Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint is your guide to making it happen.

Download the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint

Knowing influencers and creators are a partner group unlike any other, TUNE teamed up with powerhouse growth agency Zeroto1 to develop an instructional e-book that doesn’t pull any punches. In it, you’ll read up on how influencer marketing really works, why and how it’s different from traditional affiliate marketing, and the steps you can follow to recruit and empower influencers in your program.

You’ll also learn from real-life use cases, including Zeroto1’s insanely successful launch and subsequent growth of the Instacart Tastemakers affiliate program. (Yes, they’re behind that Tastemakers, with TUNE technology driving the program.)

We don’t sugarcoat the tough stuff — like the fact that you’ll need to give up some control to get quality creative content. Or that no matter how hot your product is or how high your commissions are, some influencers just won’t want to work with your brand. What we do is provide you with insightful, actionable information to put you on the path to successful influencer-affiliate partnerships.

What Is Influencer-Affiliate Marketing?

There was a time when the term “influencer marketing” meant shelling out big bucks for celebrity sponsored posts; focusing on brand awareness and virality versus measurable conversions and KPIs; buying followers instead of engaging with them.

Not anymore.

Instead, today’s creators and influencers run the gamut from social media stars to niche role models. They have built up highly-engaged communities and loyal followings, with a deep understanding of what resonates and what feels inauthentic. They count on their audience for a living, so when they promote a product or a service, they’re confident it’s a fit.

This is why creators and influencers are embracing the performance-based model that is the foundation of affiliate marketing, resulting in a hybrid model: influencer-affiliate.

Why Are Brands Embracing Influencer-Affiliate?

As more influencers are making the change to a performance basis, more brands are embracing influencers.

Here’s why.

Most traditional publishers — in other words, your favorite websites and platforms — thrive on advertisers and networks. Their bottom line is tied to impressions, engagement, and clicks. This has led to many of them prioritizing these metrics over user experience.

As a result, across the digital ecosystem, the perception of engagement has become more important than actual engagement and quality user experiences. You can see it for yourself by searching on your laptop or smartphone for a topic you’re interested in. Increasingly, all that gets you is a confusing jumble of results, ads, and AI-generated answers to questions you haven’t asked, or links that lead to broken interfaces and frustrating interactions.

Brands, consequently, are moving away from platforms with shallow engagement and vanity metrics, following their target audience. People want authenticity and trustworthiness, communities where they feel engaged and accepted.

Influencer-affiliates are a bridge to these communities. They help brands build connections to them without the corporate side — the advertising ick — of marketing getting in the way.

Get Started with the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint

Over the next few months, we’ll be exploring key chapters from the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint here on the TUNE Blog. Check back often so you don’t miss out.

While we’ve barely scratched the surface of influencer-affiliate programs, you don’t have to wait for the rest of the blog series to come out. Download the full e-book now to discover:

• the four steps to success in influencer-affiliate marketing
• what makes influencers and creators different from traditional affiliates
• how to find and engage the right influencers for your brand
• the technology and teams you’ll need to get started
• real examples and use cases from everyday brands

The most successful influencers connect with their audiences through authenticity, honesty, and winning personalities. We hope to do the same.

Enjoy!

Download the Influencer-Affiliate Blueprint

As the world of influencers and affiliates continues to grow, we’re excited to see more partnerships making their way into everyday life. Below, we present a few of the standout collaborations that helped to take partner marketing mainstream in 2023.

Partnerships Spotted in the Wild

Roku + DoorDash

https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/07/roku-partners-with-doordash/

Roku and DoorDash announced a multi-year partnerships that provides DashPass free for six months. DoorDash merchants can also run shoppable ads via Roku.

Shopify + Program Partners

https://www.shopify.com/news/shopify-announces-multi-year-initiative-to-transform-partner-program

Shopify gave a peek into their partnership strategy when they announced a multi-year partner program initiative. They mention incentivizing growth as well as education & enablement as pillars of this initiative.

Apex Legends + Gaming Influencers

Apex Legends, a new battle royale console game, drove 25 million installs in 6 days without using any traditional marketing. The engaged 100 of the top gaming influencers and coordinated releases and live streams to garner a ton of attention.

Uber + Hopper

https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/10/23718072/uber-launches-flight-booking-tool-uk-travel-super-app

Uber started offering flight bookings for users in the UK which includes “taking a small commission of each sale,” effectively making Uber a travel affiliate.

Ibotta + Big Retail Publishers

https://www.adexchanger.com/commerce/why-ibotta-is-eyeing-retail-media-as-the-basis-for-its-future/

Ibotta rolled out their performance network semi-recently that allows for white-labeling Ibotta offers at different “publishers” like Walmart, Kroger, etc.

Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena + Hotels.com

https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/the-atlanta-hawks-launch-a-dedicated-travel-hub-with-hotels-com/

The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena partnered with Hotels.com to provide a travel hub to fans attending or planning on attending games. Hotels.com will be promoted via more traditional sponsorship placements like being featured on large marquees as well as featured on StateFarmArena.com pages like “Plan Your Visit” and “Event Details.”

Amazon + Facebook and Instagram

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/09/meta-lets-amazon-users-buy-on-facebook-instagram-without-leaving-apps.html

Amazon has integrated a buying experience with Facebook and Instagram to allow Amazon users to make purchases from Amazon ads without leaving the Facebook or Instagram apps.

Barbie + Everybody

https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2023/07/13/counting-the-many-many-barbie-collabs

Barbie had maybe more partnerships than any brand in recent memory due to the Barbie movie, and Marketing Brew aggregated all the partnerships they came across throughout the year.

BetterHelp + Logic

BetterHelp partnered with Grammy-nominated rapper Logic, who has been a large mental health advocate over the years, to provide a month of free therapy sessions to his fans.

Peloton + University of Michigan Athletics

Peloton partnered with University of Michigan Athletics, one of the most prominent college athletic departments in the country. Peloton will provide Michigan-branded equipment, discounted student passes, and opportunities for student athletes to participate in Name, Image, & Likeness deals.

Instacart + Peacock

https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/peacock-instacart-plus-bundle-1235812499/

Instacart is offering all of their Instacart+ subscribers the Peacock streaming platform bundled in for free. It’s speculated that Instacart will pay Peacock/NBC a wholesale price for each subscriber.

Partner Marketing for the Masses

Start your own partner program with our Ultimate Guide to Partner Marketing, over 50 pages of insights, strategies, and step-by-step instructions on how to set yourself up for success in the world of performance-based partnerships.

Last year, I published a list of the 12 most talked-about industry articles shared in TUNE’s Slack during 2022. Well, I’m back with another list this year, but this time, I’m doubling it!

Every year, the TUNE team shares hundreds (if not thousands) of links to breaking news stories, LinkedIn posts, white paper downloads, and more across our company-wide messaging channels. The following content pieces were the most discussed and reacted to during 2023. They run the gamut from eye-widening and informative, to surprising and debate-fueling. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the top two affiliate industry stories from each month of 2023.

1. January
   • How This DTC Baby Brand Cut Their CPA By Over 40% Through 3rd Party Quizzes
   • Direct-to-Consumer Is Dying. It’s Time for a New Paradigm

2. February
   • What’s a good trial conversion rate for in-app subscriptions in 2022?
   • Roku partners with DoorDash to give users 6 months of free DashPass and shoppable ads

3. March
   • Meaningful metrics: How data sharpened the focus of product teams
   • Why Are You Seeing So Many Bad Digital Ads Now?

4. April
   • How 16 Companies are Dominating the World’s Google Search Results (2023 Edition)
   • Wirecutter tests new content on different platforms to increase affiliate revenue

5. May
   • How A Minor Apple WebKit Tweak Can Send Ripples (Or Trigger Tsunamis) Across Marketing Tech
   • The Perfect Product Page: Building a Best-in-Class PDP

6. June
   • Paid Content in Commerce: Driving Advertising Revenue through Affiliate
   • The Subscription Stack: Subscription Metrics

7. July
   • NIL at Two: Two Years of Name, Image and Likeness in College Sports (download)
   • FTC Updates Disclosure Guidelines for Affiliates and Influencers

8. August
   • Evite’s Post-Pandemic Marketing Pivot
   • One Year In, The Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side Is Fine-Tuning Its Affiliate Strategy

9. September
   • No, outbound links won’t help your content rank better on Google
   • How Wedding Giant The Knot Pulled The Veil Over Advertisers’ Eyes

10. October
    • Confessions of an MFA publisher
    • The State of Content SERPs: A 250,000 Keyword Analysis

11. November
    • Learnings from Leading Growth Marketing (YouTube video)
    • Under Review: The pros and cons of e-commerce verticals

12. December
    • The best place for product reviews is … Reddit?
    • AdExchanger Commerce Media Round-Up
     
    

Like every year before it, 2024 is sure to surprise and impress as we continue to watch our industry evolve. Thanks to all who keep us informed, and best of luck in the months ahead!

Last year, we introduced the TUNE Network and the benefits it offers over traditional choices. When you’re ready to hear more about what our network can do for your business, let us know at sales@tune.com or start a chat.

If 2024 is the first year you explore performance-based partnerships, check out 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Affiliate Program, a collection of advice from industry vets on what not to do when just starting out.