We know affiliate marketing takes many different forms, with businesses using the channel in a variety of ways depending on their objectives, audiences and commercial models.
The APMA’s Proven Partnerships case study library brings together examples of how businesses are working with publishers, networks, agencies and technology providers, and the results of those partnerships.
We’ve launched with nine case studies from five different APMA members and the content covers everything from AI search visibility and publisher diversification to programme management, measurement and new commercial approaches.
Nine examples of affiliate marketing in action
1. Runna and Everflow – Scaling an ambassador programme
Runna increased its active ambassador base by 289% in 90 days by introducing more structured partner management and performance-based commission payments.
2. Financial services brand, Acceleration Partners and CNET Group – Improving AI search visibility
A financial services advertiser doubled its share of voice in AI-generated search results during a single tax season through a targeted content partnership.
3. Retail advertiser and Lo/Digital – Tackling fraud and improving performance
A retail advertiser increased revenue by 17% and achieved an 8.6x ROI after removing fraudulent activity and reviewing how legitimate publisher contributions were recognised.
4. Marks Electrical and Tradedoubler – Improving programme efficiency
Marks Electrical reduced its average cost per acquisition by 15% while increasing affiliate ROI by 15% through changes to its programme optimisation.
5. bonprix and Tradedoubler – Working with browser partners
Fashion retailer bonprix developed browser-based partnerships that now account for nearly half of its order value generated through Tradedoubler in Germany.
6. Huawei and Tradedoubler – Developing an established programme
Huawei increased affiliate revenue by 87% through additional investment and a more targeted approach to publisher segmentation.
7. IDS and Everflow – Supporting media-buying partners
IDS reported ninefold year-on-year revenue growth after introducing greater performance transparency, faster payments and more flexible arrangements for its media-buying partners.
8. Intermundial and Tradedoubler – Working with specialist publishers
Travel insurance provider Intermundial increased revenue by 9% and conversion rates by 27% through partnerships with specialist travel publishers, while maintaining cancellations below 2%.
9. Itaka and Tradedoubler – Broadening the publisher mix
Travel operator Itaka increased affiliate sales by 50% year on year, improved return on advertising spend by 10% and reduced cost of sales by 9% through changes to its publisher strategy.
A growing collection of industry examples
These are the first contributions to what we hope will become a much broader collection of case studies.
Over time, we’d like the library to reflect the different ways affiliate marketing is used across sectors, business models and types of partnership. We want the portal to be the first place you need to visit if you’re trying to find best practice guidance or creative solutions.
The aim is to build a useful reference for anyone interested in understanding how affiliate marketing works in practice, the challenges businesses are addressing and the approaches they’re taking.
