While the start of 2020 produced a temporary reversal of the upward trajectory we’ve witnessed for over two decades, a strong recovery is expected in 2021.  At the end of April, the Internet Advertising Bureau released their latest UK figures in conjunction with PwC that showed the most mature online market in Europe grew by 15% on 2018’s numbers. France is expected to post similar figures, with Germany hitting 10%. The Netherlands and the US are both projected to tip digital ad spend over the 50% mark for the first time when last year’s numbers are collated, and online is set to hit 70% of total Chinese advertising.   But these highlights mask the growing disparity between the performance of the major tech giants and the rest of the industry… [Read More...]

Following Amazon’s announcement it was drastically cutting commission rates for Associates across many of its product categories, we’ve seen affiliate applications skyrocket across our platform and for individual merchant programs. To better support our publishers, including those that have been impacted by the changes to Amazon Associates, we’ve listed some of our favorite ShareASale merchants ready and willing to accept new affiliates to their program – allowing us to further assist partners’ affiliate marketing efforts now and in the longer term. 1. BeautifulHalo | Merchant ID 49370 | 10 – 13% commission2. Bluprint | Merchant ID 29190 | 4% commission3. Dispatch | Merchant ID 75277 | $10 commission4. ConsumerCrafts | Merchant ID 56788 | 3% commission5. Fun.com | Merchant ID 56835 | 10% commission6. i-Blason | Merchant ID 44318 | 8% commission7. SUPCASE… [Read More...]

During times of crisis, light can be found in acts of human kindness.  The effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has resulted in a huge shift of the way we conduct business. While this has led to unavoidable and undesirable measures for a lot of businesses, those that are fortunate enough to continue trading have rapidly evolved to meet public demand. Additionally, many companies have also been able to cater for those in need and at the forefront of the crisis, with special opening hours, discounts and donations.  We’d like to help foster these special initiatives by hosting a space where Awin and ShareASale publishers can showcase their COVID-19 actions, events and opportunities to advertisers. For example, US cashback publisher Giving Assistant is running a digital… [Read More...]

Publishers are flocking to affiliate marketing despite coronavirus wreaking havoc on retailers’ advertising plans. New data from Awin and ShareASale shows approved affiliate applications to our global networks have more than doubled since the lockdown took effect in many countries. Kicking in around mid-March, total applications spiked 80% before accelerating further in April. The situation was further compounded by Amazon’s announcements it was removing a majority of longstanding publishers from its Associates program. That decision was then followed up by the news that Amazon commissions would be slashed across its entire program by up to 80%, leading to Awin and ShareASale applications seeing a sharp increase of 150% on January and February’s average. The Awin Group assessed every approved affiliate application across all territories from January… [Read More...]

We have developed a survey to better understand how the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting our publishers and their businesses. Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to bring unprecedented disruption to business activity around the world.  We want to hear from our publisher partners on how the crisis is impacting their businesses. By having a clear picture of how exactly you’re are being impacted we’ll be able to better support you.  We’ve created a short survey that should take no more than five minutes to complete. You can choose to answer anonymously or leave your details so we can follow up.  Complete our short survey here.  Following the close of the survey we’ll share an analysis of the results and steps we’re going to take to better support our… [Read More...]

The developing COVID-19 situation has left an indelible mark on everyday life, with 158 million Americans being told to stay indoors. As the practice of ‘social distancing’ becomes more common place, now more than ever individuals are left to find creative ways to pass their time. Because of this, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ShareASale merchants guaranteed to enhance you and your readers’ at-home life – whether it be through learning a new skill, playing a fun video game, attempting a DIY project, amplifying your fitness routine or transforming your bathroom into a spa oasis. 1. Course Hero | Merchant ID 55976 | 4% commission2. Cricut | Merchant ID 51766 | 12% commission3. Daily Harvest | Merchant ID 64681 | $10 commission4. Erin Condren | Merchant ID 71368 | 10%… [Read More...]

Groupon is well known for connecting the highest quality businesses and the world’s best customers, featuring new ways to explore your city. With Groupon, shoppers can discover the best a city has to offer with Groupon Local, enjoy vacations with Groupon Getaways, and find a curated selection of electronics, fashion, home furnishings and more with Groupon Goods.  In our latest publisher spotlight, we have a special, more humorous take on Groupon’s affiliate marketing strategy. Enjoy their amusing responses to our publisher spotlight questions, featuring your favorite feline friends. The Groupon Reach Network, launched in 2018, is the collaboration of Vouchercloud and Groupon, along with our Whitelabel partners. Supported by HuffPost, Bustle, and The Today Show, the Groupon Reach Network is the ultimate shopper destination. As one… [Read More...]

Q4 is one of the busiest times of year. Publishers, take the initiative to plan your affiliate marketing and content strategy before November hits. Our Q4 readiness guide for publishers ensures you’re fully prepared for the madness of the gifting season. Whether planning has just begun or almost finished, this will guide you through maximizing  the opportunities available during this time of year to ensure you’re putting your best promotional foot forward for the remainder of 2019.  Download the checklist here.  Additionally, we’ve created an important dates calendar filled with insider tips, tricks, notable holidays and shipping deadlines.    FedEx: Dec 9: Deadline for FedEx SmartPost shipments Dec 13: Deadline for FedEx International Ground shipments Dec 16: Deadline for FedEx Ground and Home Delivery shipments Dec 19: Deadline for FedEx… [Read More...]

ShareASale is pleased to announce that we’ve developed a solution to provide ITP compliant tracking for affiliates running Adwords campaigns monetized with ShareASale affiliate links. Our futureproof solution will prevent any affiliate conversion loss from the Google Adwords Parallel Tracking update, which no longer allows ad network tracking URLs to control the customer’s ultimate landing page. Google Adword’s Parallel Tracking schema uses the Final URL as the ultimate landing page for the customer, preventing tracking link URLs from passing click ID or affiliate information to merchant’s websites, which is a more secure form of tracking. For more information on Parallel Tracking, click here to view Google’s Adwords support documentation. ShareASale’s solution maintains tracking by associating Google’s Click ID value gclid… [Read More...]

Tricia Meyer, executive director of the PMA, examines the Facebook Branded Content Tool and to what extent affiliates need to use it.  As part of the Performance Marketing Assocations’ efforts to educate the industry on disclosure requirements, their Compliance Council has been researching the issue of whether and to what extent affiliates need to use the Facebook Branded Content Tool (also known as the Handshake Tool). Toward that end, the PMA has not only surveyed affiliates about their use but has spoken directly with Facebook about their requirements. What follows is a summation of those along with outstanding issues we have with the policy. Facebook says affiliates must use the Branded Content Tool Members of the PMA Compliance Council first spoke with employees at Facebook back in… [Read More...]