Coronavirus: What Affiliates Need to Know to Maintain Performance

The world of affiliate marketing has seen a lot of changes since its inception, but not many events have changed the landscape like the spread of the coronavirus. Entire countries have been forced to shut down most commercial activities and people have been asked to stay at home in attempts to slow the spread of the virus.

Affiliates work closely with a huge variety of verticals, which means that the coronavirus has also had a significant impact on these marketers. Many affiliates are choosing to put everything on pause until the crisis is over. However, savvy marketers are looking to double down on their marketing efforts and make the most out of the situation.

After all, maintaining your livelihood is just as important as staying healthy. For this reason, we’ve put together a guide to help affiliates maintain their performance during this global pandemic.

The Ultimate List: What Verticals Survived This Far?

Before going over the verticals that are still proving to be profitable, we want to take a moment and address unethical practices. Face masks, hand sanitizers, and similar goods are being purchased and resold for a huge profit – which is highly unethical. These and other essential supplies may soon be scarce, so we need to avoid falling into this practice. And, not only it is immoral, but it’s inherently unsustainable as a business model, so focus on building a solid venture instead.

Now, let’s take a look at the verticals that are still surviving the coronavirus crisis, for now at least.

Gaming and Streaming

Like most other verticals you will see on this list, gaming and streaming are holding up strong because they are both digital industries. PC, console, and mobile games have experienced a boost since most countries ordered a lockdown. 

Likewise, streaming service subscriptions and app downloads have skyrocketed over the last few weeks. No one knows how long the trend will last, but it’s definitely worth taking your piece of the pie.

Ecommerce

Right, ecommerce isn’t necessarily standing strong. 

With call centers shut down, flights grounded, and delivery services overloaded, the logistics part may get complicated. Plus, consumer demand has shifted to essential items. But, there are still many offers that can attract attention and make you money in a competition-less landscape, like home gym equipment or natural health supplements.

Finance and Stock Markets

Stock markets around the world have crashed and finance institutions are scrambling to stay afloat. Consumers are well aware of this, and many are looking to capitalize by purchasing cheap stocks or finding discounted financial services – which should translate to easy money for affiliates.

Gambling and Sweepstakes

Aside from sports betting, the gambling vertical is red hot at the moment. People are being asked to stay at home and gambling can keep them entertained for hours.

Functional Downloads

Antiviruses, VPNs, exercising apps, and other functional downloads are experiencing a golden age. Again, the concept revolves around people being at home and wanting to find ways to access different content, protect their work environment, and stay fit without having to leave home.

Locations to Target

Knowing what limitations are in place in the location you want to target is crucial. 

• Europe: Only for online offers, including gaming, streaming, and gambling
• Asia and Oceania: Same as Europe
• Africa and the Middle East: May still be suitable for different offers, but you have to keep a close eye on new limitations being put in place
• The Americas: Supermarket gift cards, online offers, food delivery (for now)

What About Traffic?

According to the numbers and trends on ActiveRevenue, internet traffic is at one of its highest points. This makes sense as people are spending more time at home, and therefore, looking for entertainment on the internet.

Although conversions are a bit down, impression traffic has increased by more than one third, so you still have the chance to build a solid campaign.

Like a Chamaleon, You Must Adapt Your Ads

Running the same ads may come off as insensitive and it may even annoy your audience. Remember, users are at home and most likely bored, so you want to be entertaining without reminding them that they’re missing the change of season. 

You may mention coronavirus on your ads, but this is a very thin line you don’t want to cross. If you aren’t careful, you’ll bring a negative vibe and scare users away.

Stay Tuned for More Updates!

The outbreak of this global pandemic is an unfortunate event, to say the least. However, it’s important to maintain composure and ensure that you focus on securing your income.

To pick up more tips on adapting to the changing world of affiliate marketing, stay tuned or contact ActiveRevenue and our team will be glad to help.