Who are you and what are you currently working on?
I am Senior Affiliate Manager for ESI Media; I manage the affiliate team and affiliate activity across The Independent and Evening Standard websites.
How did you get started in affiliate marketing? What keeps you excited you about it?
I worked for a group of companies that owned an affiliate network; AffiliateFuture. I enjoy the fact it covers all forms of digital marketing and utilizes technology, data and collaborating with other people and support companies to ensure that users get a great experience and a mutually satisfactory CPA is paid to publishers from merchants.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to a newbie affiliate marketer? And what is one piece of advice they should ignore?
The industry and technology is constantly changing so stay informed of all the developments and try to identify the technology that will make things easier. Whilst its good to constantly test, try to avoid opportunities that add no value.
What has been your favorite mistake? A mistake that in retrospect led to a great lesson and progress in your affiliate marketing?
Not being completely aligned with all stakeholders and focusing on long-term activity when a more short-term focus was the priority for other stakeholders; ensure everyone is aligned!
What is one piece of software or a web service that allows you to to be more effective as an affiliate marketer?
Trackonomics is a fairly new company who can integrate affiliate interfaces (as well as other interfaces) to provide a unified view as well as a variety of useful services.
How do you continue to educate yourself as an affiliate marketer? What are some of your favorite resources for learning?
PerformanceIn is a useful resource. As a content affiliate, some of the general affiliate info isn’t always relevant but it is good to have a complete overview of the industry. SEO is an important traffic source so newsletters such as Blue Array and Search Engine Journal are very useful.