Early Bird Special: Affiliate Trends to Watch in 2020

We’re quickly approaching the end of 2019 and what a year it has been! From major global shifts that altered the digital landscape to the development of new tools specifically designed for affiliate marketing, there’s no question the industry has gone through a significant transformation.

But, there is much more to come!

Pundits and affiliate experts are already weighing in on the changes that will take place in 2020. But, staying up to date with these news is always complicated, especially if you’re running a series of complex campaigns at the same time. 

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top trends affiliates need to watch out for next year.

The Affiliate Marketing Frenzy

Today, 4 out of 5 companies that invest in digital advertising have a designated budget for affiliate marketing. This type of marketing has a higher return on income than conventional PPC campaigns and it allows companies to connect with many consumers at the same time, thus building brand awareness simultaneously.

The reason why affiliate marketing is so effective is that advertisers are only charged when ads produce results. But, this also means that affiliate marketers need to become masters at connecting with their targets and producing engaging content on a regular basis.

Additionally, because the technologies that power affiliate marketing are always evolving, the only way to succeed is to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations.

Affiliate Trends to Watch in 2020

The most important affiliate trends in 2020 will likely be:

Native Ads Continue to Surge

While there are many different movements to keep an eye on, let’s start with what we already know. Native ads emerged a few years ago, but they took the affiliate world by storm and became a crowd favorite almost instantly. Statistics suggest that their popularity and effectiveness are still on the rise and this will likely continue over the foreseeable future.

Push Notifications are Still Super Effective

Push notifications are a great way to deliver personalized messages. While their effectiveness and adoption rates have diminished a little bit, it seems like 2020 will be another golden year for this ad format – albeit it may also be the last!

The Exponential Growth of Voice Search

There are more voice searches being carried out than ever before. This presents a great opportunity for affiliates because these vocalized searches are usually performed when there is an immediate need. And, thanks to the adoption of Alexa, Siri, and similar developments, 2020 will be the first year where voice search becomes a major element in your campaigns.

eCommerce Will Depend on Affiliates Even More

eCommerce was among the first industries to adopt affiliate marketing, but its implementation slowed after the first few years. That said, the number of ecommerce platforms have skyrocketed since then, which has created a great chance for affiliates looking to join this vertical.

Video and Interactive Content

Virtual reality headsets, the implementation of 5G, and ultra-powerful mobile devices have opened up a world of opportunities for marketers in all branches, including affiliates. In 2020, you’ll be able to create video ads and interactive content that boost engagement and reaches millions of people around the globe. 

Social Media and Personal Data

The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, GDPR laws, and other changes have put a lot of focus on consumer data and privacy. This will have a significant effect on the affiliate industry, which will be evident next year. That said, you can take this as a chance to revisit your revenue model and be among the first to find a way to successfully maneuver the new landscape.

Expansion of Independent Networks

Google has the biggest network in the world, but the Alphabet company has recently introduced new financial structures that will negatively impact publisher profit margins. Many publishers will find new platforms to distribute their inventory, thus increasing the popularity of independent ad networks.

The Rise of Influencers

Influencers have been around for a while, but it wasn’t until 2019 that consumers started showing mass cult followings for these iconic individuals. Assuming that trend continues, 2020 will be a great year for affiliate-influencer relationships to flourish in a way that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Stay Up to Date with the Latest News and Trends in the Affiliate World

The world of affiliate marketing is always changing, so staying up to date is the only way to ensure success. To learn more about the latest trends in the industry, stay tuned to our blog or contact ActiveRevenue and our team will be glad to help.