The Affiliate Guy with Matt McWilliams: Marketing Tips, Affiliate Management, & More

Most people think AI is just for writing emails or doing data analysis…but what if it could help you train your team, onboard new affiliate managers, and even build goodwill with your partners? In this episode, I'm sharing the more unexpected ways I use AI behind the scenes to run stronger, smarter affiliate programs. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro

There are a million little tasks that come with managing affiliates…leaderboards, nudges, bonus ideas, follow-ups... and most of it eats up your day. In this episode, I'm sharing how I use AI to handle all of that faster, better, and without losing my mind. These are the behind-the-scenes tasks that move the needle…and AI makes them way easier. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro

If you're still spending hours trying to find affiliates, segment them manually, or figure out who's actually worth reaching out to… you're doing it the hard way. In this episode, I'm showing you how to use AI to uncover hidden affiliate opportunities, personalize your outreach, and grow your program faster…with less guesswork. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro

If you're still spending hours digging through spreadsheets or writing custom outreach from scratch, you're doing it the hard way. In this episode, I'm sharing the AI strategies I use to save time and actually increase affiliate performance. These are the tools I wish I had 10 years ago. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Avoid these common affiliate program mistakes TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Ever wish you could scale your affiliate program without cloning yourself? In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact ways I use AI to run affiliate programs more efficiently and effectively… and how you can do it, too. TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Most people panic when managing 10 affiliates. We ran a launch with 1,200 of them. Today, I'm sharing the biggest lessons, the surprises, the wins, and the near-disasters from the trenches of our largest affiliate launches ever. If you ever plan to scale your program…or if you just want to avoid the same mistakes we made…I've got you covered. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Your Affiliate Launch Coach How to Use Swipe Copy 7 Secrets of 7-Figure Launches How to Motivate Your Affiliates Before a Promotion or Launch TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

What if you could create a steady stream of revenue month after month...just by doing a few things differently with your affiliate program? Today, I'm sharing the exact strategies we use to build recurring revenue for our clients…because affiliate revenue shouldn't be one-and-done. This episode might just change how you think about your entire business model. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Affiliate Code UNLOCKED Stu McLaren's Membership Workshop Your Affiliate Launch Coach The 3 C's of Successful Affiliate Programs How to Decide the Right Affiliate Commission Structure iDev Affiliate Find Affiliates Now TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Believe it or not, you can scale an affiliate program to 7-figures and beyond…and you don't have to do all the work. And you don't have to hire a team of overly qualified affiliate managers. You can scale with a team of virtual assistants…or even a single one. In today's episode, I'll show you how. TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619  

Affiliate management is NOT a 9-to-5. It's more like juggling flaming chainsaws while answering emails in a moving car. So how do you stay on top of it all…without burning out or losing track of what matters most? That's what today's episode is all about. Because let's face it…when everything feels important, nothing actually gets done. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Affiliate Program Email Template Affiliate Activation Templates TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Paul Pruitt is not exactly a household name in the affiliate marketing world. And yet...he's consistently finished in the top 10 of major affiliate launches over the past two years. Today, Paul reveals the strategies he used to once again finish in the top 10 of one of the biggest affiliate launches ever. Listen to this, learn from Paul, and apply what he shares and you'll be on YOUR way to the leaderboard! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network Follow Paul on Facebook Paul's The Online Marketing Podcast Your Affiliate Launch Coach TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Want to save time, stay organized, and run your affiliate program like a pro…without losing your mind? These are the tools that keep me organized, sane, and have helped us scale multi-million dollar programs. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network My Toolbox Gmass Affiliate Promo Plan Template Canva MeetEdgar

Scaling your affiliate program sounds great...until you hit the roadblocks no one warns you about. Today, we're tackling the biggest challenges standing between you and explosive affiliate growth...and, more importantly, how to solve them. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network Affiliate Program Kickstarter Affiliate Program Terms & Conditions Template What & How to Communicate to Your Affiliates TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Your affiliates are the lifeblood of your program…but are you making them feel valued? If you want affiliates who promote harder, stay loyal, and genuinely love working with you, it's time to CELEBRATE them! In this episode, I share nine powerful ways to recognize, motivate, and excite your affiliates so they stick around and sell more!  LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Ever wonder what separates the best affiliate programs from the ones that flop? I studied over 8,000 of them, and one result shocked me. It wasn't the niche, the commission rate, or even the size of the brand…it was something WAY simpler. And I promise you that it's not what you think. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Ever feel like your affiliate promotions start strong, end with a bang, but completely fizzle out in the middle? That mid-launch slump is real…but it doesn't have to be! Today, I'm sharing exactly why it happens and, more importantly, how to keep the momentum (and sales) going strong. Whether you're an affiliate or you're running the launch, you don't want to miss this! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network Commitment Plan Template Recommended Affiliate Programs and Upcoming Product Launches TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Want to grow your affiliate program and your brand at the same time? Start a podcast. Seriously. Podcasting isn't just about sharing your expertise or building an audience (although that's a huge bonus). It's one of the easiest, most effective ways to connect with potential affiliates...the kind who can drive serious sales for your business. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to use podcasting to grow your brand, attract affiliates, and turn conversations into commissions. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network Interview with Joe Fier Podhacker TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Ever feel like your marketing messages are getting ignored? That's because they probably are. Your audience's brains are wired to tune out anything that's too complex, vague, or…let's be honest…boring. In this episode, I sit down with Donald Miller to discuss why people buy, how to simplify your messaging, and why conflict (yes, that means drama, tension, and controversy) is the key to grabbing attention. If you want to sell more with less effort, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network Building a StoryBrand 2.0 Book   TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

Are affiliates lazy…or is there something else going on?

Why do people actually subscribe? Why do they buy? What makes them willingly hand over one of their most prized possessions—their email address—for a PDF or training?  And what about their TIME? Why would they spend it reading your emails instead of scrolling cat videos?  And what gets them to part with their hard-earned cash for something you're offering (or promoting)? Today, we're breaking down the ONLY five reasons people subscribe and buy. If you don't know these, selling anything is basically a lost cause. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate List Launch Challenge TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

I recently launched a dream of mine…a brand new affiliate network. But why? It's a massive investment, a huge time and energy drain, and there's no guarantee of success. It all comes down to one big reason… LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Find Your First 100 Affiliates How to 10X Your Sales WITHOUT Spending All Day on Social Media or Expensive Paid Ads Text 260-217-4619

If scaling your affiliate program and business feels like a constant grind—long nights, weekends, and a shoestring budget—you're in the right place. In this episode, I'm sharing how I've done it and how I coach others to scale smart without breaking the bank. If you're tired of working harder and harder for the same results and you're ready to grow without losing your sanity (or your wallet), grab a notebook and listen in. This episode might just change everything! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Friday Virtual Assistants Virtual Staff on Demand Find Affiliates Now Ask Me a Question Text 260-217-4619

What do you do when your niche isn't exactly crawling with “traditional” affiliates? You know, the ones who seem to pop up everywhere in the online marketing world. Maybe you're in a tiny, obscure niche, or perhaps your audience doesn't include a ton of so-called “internet marketers.” Maybe you run a brick-and-mortar store, or you're in a service-based industry where affiliate marketing isn't even on the radar. Or maybe none of that applies to you, but you're just tired of using the same old methods to find affiliates and want to get creative. In today's episode, I'll share 5 killer tips to help you track down your ideal affiliates—whether or not they've ever even heard of affiliate marketing. Let's shake things up and find the hidden gems who will take your program to the next level! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Your First 100 Affiliates Video Tip For Affiliates Sample Affiliate Training #1 Way to Get New Affiliates Summit Workshop with Jason and Cecilia Hilkey XP Affiliate Text 260-217-4619

Today, I'm giving you something that was previously only available privately. I'm going to share a training about how to get your affiliate program up and running from scratch and use it to scale your business...without spending all day on social media or having to run paid advertising. And I'm going to show you how to do it all in about an hour a day. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Workbook Affiliate Program Kickstarter Package Schedule a Call Email Template: Text "REFERRAL" to 260-217-4619

Today, I'm sharing my 10 Commandments for building a winning affiliate program. After 20 years of experience, I've distilled the essentials of affiliate management into these must-do principles that can make a huge impact. And thou must followest these commandments. Trust me, you won't want to miss #6 – it might sound crazy at first, but you'll see why it works. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE TEXT ME - +1 260-217-4619

Trying to decide whether to run your affiliate program on a network or keep it in-house? It's a HUGE decision that can make or break your program. In this episode, I'll share the pros and cons of both options and help you figure out what's right for YOUR business. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network TEXT ME - +1 260-217-4619

Managers are for burger joints, not affiliate programs. Seriously, I can't stand...no, scratch that...I HATE the term "Affiliate Manager." In this episode, I'm sharing why it drives me crazy…and what we should be calling ourselves instead. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Your First 100 Affiliates: mattmcwilliams.com/first100 TEXT ME - +1 260-217-4619  

Running an affiliate program? Most mistakes aren't fatal…except this one. I recently witnessed a program make a colossal error, and it was painful to watch. In this episode, I'll break down what went wrong...and how to make sure you avoid it. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to Determine the Right Commission Structure for Your Affiliate Program: https://youtu.be/wHYgeRCh7tE TEXT ME: 260-217-4619

The holiday season is just around the corner, and affiliate managers everywhere are gearing up for the busiest (and potentially most profitable) time of year. For some programs, we're talking 40%, 50%, even 60% of their entire year's sales crammed into just a few hectic weeks! So, if you're not prepared…it's gonna be a rough ride. In today's episode, I'm sharing the seven essential things every affiliate manager needs to know to absolutely crush it this holiday season. From prepping your affiliates to maximizing those last-minute sales, let's make sure you're ready to make this the best holiday season yet!

Welcome to the holiday season—the busiest, noisiest time in the affiliate world! Every program out there is cranking up their promotions, their recruiting, their emails…and let's be real, it can feel like trying to shout over a crowd of holiday shoppers. So how do you make sure your affiliate program doesn't get lost in all the holiday clutter? In today's episode, I'm breaking down exactly what it takes to make your program stand out this season. Let's cut through the noise and make this your best holiday season yet! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to Activate Affiliates (How to Run an Affiliate Program in One Hour a Day): https://www.mattmcwilliams.com/how-to-run-an-affiliate-program-in-under-an-hour-a-day/ Get my email templates for activating affiliates: mattmcwilliams.com/bestemail The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Affiliate Marketing Promotions: https://www.mattmcwilliams.com/ultimate-guide-holiday-affiliate-marketing-promotions/ Warm Up Your Audience Guide: http://mattmcwilliams.com/warmlist

The holiday season is here and your affiliates need special attention. As an affiliate manager, it's your job to provide them with the support they need. In this episode, I'll reveal the 7 key strategies to ensure your affiliates thrive during the holidays. Tune in to discover what your affiliates need to make their holiday promotions a hit. 

One of the best ways to level up your affiliate program and make everyone more money is to help your affiliates write better emails. In today's episode, I'll share proven strategies and tips for guiding your affiliates to write compelling emails that actually convert.

Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on the 7 biggest lies people buy into about affiliate management. These myths? They're program killers. Believing them can sabotage your entire affiliate strategy. But don't worry—I'm here to debunk them all and share the truth you need to keep your program thriving. Buckle up…you're about to rewire the way you think about affiliate success!

Ever thought about getting a job as an affiliate manager? It's a role that has a lot of people curious...great earning potential, flexibility, and, let's be honest, it's a pretty cool gig. If you've ever wondered how to get hired as an affiliate manager, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the exact steps to get hired, the skills you need to develop, and who knows...there might even be a job opportunity waiting for you at the end.

There is a massive shift taking place in the affiliate marketing world. The old way of running affiliate programs is broken. For years, we've seen the signs of change, but now there's a fundamental change happening in how the most successful programs are run. In today's episode, I'm revealing the new model that's shaping the future of affiliate marketing. Ignore these changes, and you risk being left behind.

You've been there, right? You spend weeks—or even months—finding the perfect affiliate, building the relationship, getting them excited to promote…and then…crickets. No traffic, no sales, no effort. So, what now? How do you turn those inactive affiliates into your top promoters? In this episode, I'm sharing the secrets to wake them up and get them in the game! You won't want to miss this.

Today, I'm lifting the curtain on some of the most coveted secrets in the affiliate marketing world: the seven strategies that I've used to run seven-figure launches. These are the exact tactics that have taken five and six-figure launches and turned them into multi-million dollar successes. I've never shared some of these strategies before, so listen up!

Deciding whether to approve or decline an affiliate can be a tricky process. How do you distinguish between good and bad affiliates? Should you always accept or decline, or is there a middle ground? In today's episode, I'll walk you through our exact process for evaluating affiliate applications. Listen up to learn how we make these important decisions.

Effective communication with your affiliates is crucial for success. What should you communicate? When is the right time to reach out? And how should you deliver your messages? In this episode, I'll answer these three critical questions and share strategies to improve your communication with affiliates. Get ready to take your affiliate communication to the next level!

So you've got some affiliates interested in promoting you. Now what? How do you onboard your affiliates and set them up for success right from the start? That's what today's episode is all about. I'll share the key steps to ensure your affiliates hit the ground running and maximize their potential. Get ready to learn how to create a winning onboarding process that propels your affiliates to success!

Today, I'm sharing a story I've never shared before...the story of how I took an affiliate program from $15 million to a staggering $325 million annually in just four years. Yes, more than 20X growth in only 48 months. I share everything...all of the basic principles and secrets I've never revealed publicly that worked...and a few things that didn't. Some of the methods I share might surprise you!

Struggling to entice affiliates to join your program? Wondering how to create the perfect commission structure? Look no further! In this episode, I share the secrets to creating an irresistible affiliate program by nailing down the right commission strategy. I'll unveil proven techniques to set your program apart, attracting affiliates in droves. Plus, I'll spill the beans on clever ways to incentivize top performers without breaking the bank. Get ready to take your affiliate program to the next level!

Your affiliate program is failing...but WHY? Before you hit the panic button, let's diagnose the problem. In today's episode, I share the top 14 reasons why affiliate programs stumble and, more importantly, provide actionable solutions to get them back on track.

Swipe copy isn't just a vital component...it's the backbone of a thriving affiliate program. However, many programs miss the mark when it comes to this crucial aspect. Join me as we dissect the art and science of creating swipe copy that empowers your affiliates to max out their sales and keep promoting over and over. Get ready to learn the secrets to crafting compelling swipe copy that drives results. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to Use Swipe Copy as an Affiliate Ultimate Affiliate Swipe File Text me at 260-217-4619

Your affiliate program agreement is one of the most overlooked, but important parts of setting up an affiliate program. I've created affiliate terms and conditions for top affiliate programs like Shutterfly and Adidas and know what every affiliate program needs...and what to avoid. In this episode, I'll show you how to create legally sound contracts for your affiliate program and I'll share insider tips and real-world examples to guide you through the process. No need to be an attorney and you don't even need to know how to speak legalese. I'll break down the process into simple steps that anyone can follow.  LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Affiliate Terms & Conditions Template: mattmcwilliams.com/termstemplate What the 2023 FTC Updates Mean for Affiliate Marketing: mattmcwilliams.com/tag552 How to Identify and Stop Affiliate Fraud: mattmcwilliams.com/how-to-identify-and-stop-affiliate-fraud/ Text me at 260-217-4619

How do you stay on the right side of the law with your affiliate program? Wondering about the legal ins and outs of running an affiliate program? You're in the right place. In this episode, I will share the essential legal requirements every affiliate program owner needs to know. From compliance to disclosures, I'll help you to keep your program on the right side of the law. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE What the 2023 FTC Updates Mean for Affiliate Marketing: mattmcwilliams.com/tag552 How to Identify and Stop Affiliate Fraud: mattmcwilliams.com/how-to-identify-and-stop-affiliate-fraud/ How to Write a Review Post that Ranks and Converts: mattmcwilliams.com/reviewposts Text me at 260-217-4619

In the world of affiliate management, building robust relationships with your affiliates is a must. But where do you begin? That's precisely what I'm sharing into today. I share the secrets to building long-lasting connections with your affiliates. From seasoned pros to novices, this episode packs a punch with top-tier strategies designed to propel your affiliate program to the next level. So, buckle up, because the tips and strategies I share today are nothing short of game-changing! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Sample Affiliate Training Text me at 260-217-4619

Curious about the daily grind of an affiliate manager? You're not alone. It's a question I hear often, and for good reason...it's a role shrouded in mystery. Today, I'm peeling back the curtain to give you an inside look at what really goes on in the day-to-day life of an affiliate manager.  LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How I Built a $1 Million a Month Affiliate Program In Only Two Years Without Any Connections or Credentials Check Out Our Careers Page Find Your First 100 Affiliates TEXT ME: 260-217-4619

Breaking bad news is never easy, especially when it involves your affiliates. But sooner or later, we all need to know how to deal with challenging situations in our affiliate program. In this episode, I'll share how to master the delicate art of delivering less-than-ideal updates to your affiliate partners. Learn how to maintain trust, manage expectations, and turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth. This may not be the most fun episode I've ever done, but it's a must-listen! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Top 20 Affiliate Program Mistakes: mattmcwilliams.com/mistakes TRAINING - How to 10X Your Sales WITHOUT Spending All Day on Social Media or Expensive Paid Ads: mattmcwilliams.com/millionamonth TEXT ME: 260-217-4619 

Want to know how to triple your sales on webinars when affiliates are promoting them? Then you're in the right place because today I'm sharing my secrets for making more sales on your webinars, especially when affiliates are promoting them. These specific strategies have worked for dozens of our clients to triple their webinar sales...and they will work for you, too! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE ConvertKit Text me at 260-217-4619

Today, we're exploring the darker side of affiliate marketing—fraud, rule-breaking, and shady activities. While it's rare, affiliate fraud can be a costly problem. In this episode, I'll guide you on how to identify affiliate fraud, prove it's happening, and take steps to stop it. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Your First 100 Affiliates The 3 Secrets of Success Affiliate Programs This Affiliate Program Just Made a Fatal Mistake: Here's What They Should Have Done Instead Text me at 260-217-4619