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The Affiliate Manager position holds significant importance within the affiliate marketing job market. These professionals are responsible for attracting new affiliates and establishing the entire collaboration process. They provide support and guidance to help affiliates achieve their goals.
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"There are no 'easy' verticals: you just need to know how to negotiate," — Sasha, 1win Partners
Hello, would you mind briefly sharing how you entered the affiliate marketing industry and started your journey?
Sasha: Certainly! You can call it fate or a coincidence, but at the time, I decided to make a radical career change. I quit my job, which had nothing to do with affiliate marketing. However, I came across the affiliate marketing industry and started my journey as a media buyer. I specialized in driving traffic from teasers to nutra offers. You know, those ads that claim, "Take this magic pill every day before bed, and you'll have your iron increased..."
In your opinion, what are the essential skills that a professional affiliate manager should possess?
Sasha: Based on my personal experience, an effective affiliate manager should possess the ability to connect with people, strong negotiation skills, and, of course, the capacity to handle stress with a sense of humor. From a professional standpoint, understanding metrics and the ability to calculate the quality and profitability of traffic are crucial. It's also essential to comprehend how various traffic sources operate and understand the principles of setting up postbacks. Additionally, having a network of active high-quality affiliates is valuable, though it's not a skill per se; it sets apart a junior from a pro.
Could you shed some light on the salary range in this profession? What can a newcomer expect to earn compared to an experienced affiliate manager?
Sasha: Speaking of Affiliate Managers, I would estimate that a starting salary could be around $1 000, but salaries increase with experience. However, I must note that I'm not in HR, so my figures might not be exact.
Are there any "easy" verticals for affiliate managers, or is it generally similar across the board?
Sasha: To be honest, there aren't any "easy" verticals in this field. An affiliate manager's primary objective is to acquire traffic from affiliates as profitably as possible. It's a mutually beneficial partnership. There's no shortcut; you simply need to be skilled at negotiation. It's even better if you strike it lucky with a great partner or a high-demand product, as it makes selling much easier. In my view, the key lies in understanding the processes involved.
Could you briefly describe the typical tasks that make up your average workday?
Sasha: Certainly. My day typically begins with checking work-related chats for important updates. Then, I manage payments to ensure that everyone gets their fair share. After that, my tasks can vary in different sequences: coordinating new launches, assessing the quality of test campaigns, negotiating terms, exploring potential opportunities for increased turnover, identifying areas that need optimization, and maintaining communication with our valued affiliates. At the start and end of each month, it's all about payments, payments, payments.
What do you enjoy the most and dislike about your profession?
Sasha: What I truly enjoy about this profession is the opportunity to continually learn something new. I prefer to call the affiliates "partners" because, with some of them, we can discuss everything from life situations to plans for the future. I love it when they are appreciative, and I'm particularly fond of analytics and working with numbers.
On the flip side, what I don't like is the occasional need to handle urgent issues that pop up when you've just woken up. For instance, when there are pressing questions that demand quick action.
Mistakes happen to everyone; can you share a humorous story or mishap from your career?
Sasha: One incident that comes to mind is a mistake I made that could have led to $200 000 going to the wrong wallet. It's a good thing that USDT wallets don't look very similar!
Finally, could you offer a few tips for newcomers considering a career in this field?
Sasha: Absolutely. My advice to newcomers is to be passionate about learning new things and be prepared to dive into a sea of new information. It's not as complicated as it may seem, but it does require effort and dedication.
"You shouldn’t be interested only in your work, but you should also be able to maintain topics related to leisure and find common interests," — Denis Statny, KMA.BIZ
Hello, could you briefly share how you found your way into the affiliate marketing industry and how your journey began?
Denis: Of course! In short, I stumbled into the affiliate marketing world on one of those dreary days while working at an electronics store. I came across an old video clip from the movie "You Don't Mess with the Zohan," featuring a scene in an electronics store where the salespeople had unique talents but weren't utilizing them. I vividly remember the iconic line, "The electronics store is a dream killer," which turned my life around. Later on, I worked in domain name registrar support, bought a laptop on installment, took a course on teaser networks, had a setback when I broke my ankle playing football (which led to some insights during my recovery), worked in a taxi, and eventually, through fortunate circumstances, landed a job as an affiliate manager at KMA.BIZ.
In your opinion, what skills should a professional affiliate manager possess?
Denis: By default, an affiliate manager should have essential skills like politeness, friendliness, and the ability to respond promptly to issues on Telegram. However, the most crucial skill is the ability to support affiliates both technically and emotionally. It's important to ask the right questions and sense when an affiliate needs better terms, ensuring that the math adds up positively. Being prepared to create a new set of promotional materials for a specific offer when the current combination isn't delivering the desired ROI is essential. Also, showing interest in topics beyond work, engaging in leisure discussions, and discovering common interests is crucial. Many examples exist where affiliate managers and affiliates have formed successful business relationships and enjoyed friendly gatherings at afterparties.
Could you shed some light on the salary range in this profession? What can a newcomer expect to earn compared to an experienced affiliate manager?
Denis: The salary structure, consisting of a base salary and KPI, typically falls into the following ranges: Junior Affiliate Manager around $35 000, Middle Affiliate Manager around $80 000, and Senior Affiliate Manager earning $170 000 or more.
Are there any "easy" verticals for affiliate managers, or is it generally similar across the board?
Denis: I can't pinpoint a specific "easy" vertical. To simplify, every vertical has its own unique nuances, with both easy and challenging aspects. The ease or complexity often depends on our approach. For beginners, the nutra vertical is generally considered the easiest to start with.
In brief, could you describe the typical tasks that make up your average workday?
Denis: My day typically starts early, with a cup of coffee in hand as I analyze statistics, address approvals within the affiliate network, and tackle issues that have arisen overnight and in the morning. Following that, we assess opportunities to scale with affiliates, taking all necessary actions, including creating new promotions based on specific conditions. We also select additional relevant themes for offers and tailor them to specific partners and geographies.
What do you like and dislike about this profession?
Denis: What I enjoy most in our field is the freedom it offers. Managing my own time and workday makes me more efficient and productive. Remote work allows me to switch between working from home and traveling worldwide while still getting things done with a different mood and increased productivity. It's doubly enjoyable when the work is well-compensated. I also find immense satisfaction in attending conferences and engaging in live communication with affiliates. I even consider myself a bit of a conference enthusiast, as these events recharge my energy, and I make an effort not to miss the major ones. On the downside, many verticals in this industry are not entirely legitimate, which occasionally leads to contemplations about karma. But that's a whole different story.
There must have been some mishaps; can you share a humorous story from your career?
Denis: Once, I had an incident involving my favorite affiliate who urgently needed changes in his personal account, which I shouldn't have done but decided to support him just this once. As a result, all the traffic with approvals for a substantial amount ended up being redirected to flow links belonging to another affiliate I liked. I mixed up the flows while making changes and configurations. Fortunately, I had good relationships with both of them, so we resolved it peacefully with the technical department without involving management.
Could you offer a couple of tips for newcomers thinking of entering this field?
Denis: I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone! Don't be afraid to try something new. If you have an idea and sense that it could grow into something significant and change your life, go for it, regardless of any obstacles. If you're a newcomer looking to enhance your expertise, earn a good income to achieve your goals, and learn the fundamentals from the inside to become a top player in the market, starting your journey as an affiliate manager is an excellent first step.
"In the beginning, you can earn around $500, but as you gain more experience, you can potentially make up to $2 000," says Evgeny, an Affiliate Manager at Com.Unity.
Hello, could you please briefly share how you entered the affiliate marketing industry and where your journey began?
Evgeny: Certainly! My journey started in a completely different field. However, when I learned that the team was searching for an affiliate marketer, I decided to give it a try, and I quickly became intrigued by it.
In your opinion, what skills should a professional affiliate manager possess?
Evgeny: A professional affiliate manager should have excellent communication skills, a customer-centric approach, patience, and a strong desire for continuous development. The affiliate marketing field is constantly evolving, so staying updated is essential.
Could you provide some insights into the salary range in this profession? How much can a newcomer expect to earn compared to an experienced affiliate manager?
Evgeny: The salary range can vary depending on the specific affiliate program. Initially, newcomers can typically earn around $500, but with accumulated experience, it's possible to make up to $2 000. The key in this industry is to stay well-informed about the latest news and trends. The more knowledgeable you are, the more valuable you become.
Are there any "easy" verticals for affiliate managers, or is the landscape relatively consistent across the board?
Evgeny: While there might be some differences in each vertical, the fundamental principles remain relatively consistent. Understanding the specific vertical is crucial, and once you grasp that, you'll find success in any of them.
Could you briefly describe the typical tasks that make up your average workday?
Evgeny: The primary focus of my average workday revolves around managing affiliates. Each affiliate may encounter challenges with traffic or pose questions our specialists haven't encountered before, and it's my responsibility to address and resolve these issues.
What do you enjoy and find challenging about this profession?
Evgeny: Overall, I enjoy everything about this profession, except for the constant availability it demands. Regardless of where I am, I always need to be responsive to affiliates.
Have there been any memorable mishaps or humorous incidents in your career?
Evgeny: Indeed, there was one memorable incident. We had been in discussions with a sizable team for a while, and they had promised to fulfill their part of the work, but it was delayed. Our task was to drive traffic at any cost. So, I sent them a message saying, "Sorry, but we won't back down from this." Following that message, the owner silently added their tech team and team leads to the chat, and that's when our cooperation finally started. We shared a good laugh about that situation for quite some time.
Can you please comment on the memes about breaking a $1 bump with your feet, is there any truth to them? :)
Evgeny: I would say it's more false than true. We work with both experienced affiliates and teams, as well as newcomers who are just starting out. The majority fall into the latter category. Quality of traffic is paramount for us, so the starting rate is the same for everyone. However, if you have experience and statistics that you're willing to share, there's no need to "break down the door." We'll gladly welcome you.
Could you offer a couple of tips for newcomers considering entering this field?
Evgeny: Certainly, to keep it concise, I'll provide two pieces of advice:
"You wake up at 2 p.m., grab a coffee, and dive in. We can afford this lifestyle," — Victor Israelyan, AFFSTAR.
Hello, could you please briefly share how you entered the affiliate marketing industry and where your journey began?
Victor: Of course! My journey took an unexpected turn. Initially, I had to choose between working in a factory or becoming a taxi driver. However, all the local factories went out of business, and I couldn't work as a taxi driver without a driver's license. So, I began exploring ways to make money online.
In my quest, I encountered a few crypto offers, some questionable projects, and eventually stumbled upon an interview about affiliate marketing on YouTube. It piqued my interest, and I decided to give it a shot...
In your opinion, what skills should a professional affiliate manager possess?
Victor: First and foremost, a professional affiliate manager should excel at communication and negotiation since the core of affiliate management revolves around effective communication. They need to play the roles of a diplomat and a sports team coach simultaneously.
Among their key responsibilities is consistently motivating affiliates and advocating for the interests of both affiliates and advertisers. Balancing these interests is crucial, as each side strives to gain an advantage. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and enjoying life is essential. Therefore, I recommend discovering exciting places to visit with affiliates after a productive day.
Important attributes for an affiliate manager include resilience to stress, analytical thinking (for making quick and informed decisions), and a deep understanding of the market. To be honest, breaking into this field isn't overly challenging if you're persistent and willing to put in the effort. Learning from others' mistakes, even if you're not a genius, is a valuable approach. And if you happen to be a genius, there's always room for improvement.
Could you provide insights into the salary range in this profession? How much can a newcomer expect to earn compared to an experienced affiliate manager?
Victor: The salary range largely depends on the affiliate program and your own efforts. If you merely follow instructions, you might earn around $50 000 annually. While such candidates might not be of great interest to many, they often don't last more than a month in most places. However, if you think critically and negotiate effectively, you have the potential to earn much more. Ultimately, it's in your hands, future affiliate manager.
Are there any "easy" verticals for affiliate managers, or is it relatively consistent across the board?
Victor: Things are undoubtedly easy in scammy blackhat affiliate programs where you can simply take and run...
On a more legitimate note, I believe that white-hat affiliate marketing and working with reselling offers are generally less challenging than dealing with crypto, gambling, in-house projects, and direct advertising, such as what we do at AFFSTAR.
In brief, what tasks constitute an average workday for you?
Victor: I start my workday by waking up at 2:00 PM, smoking a hookah, and refreshing myself. We can afford this schedule.
On a serious note, my day begins with a focus on analytics, reviewing and studying statistics. If there are approval issues or traffic drops, I take immediate action.
Next, I engage with top affiliates to check on their progress and performance. Following that, I address various requests and questions from affiliates. I then shift my attention to enhancing traffic by proposing bundles and strategies to affiliates.
While I used to provide guidance to less experienced affiliates, I now primarily work with seasoned professionals. Nevertheless, I'm always ready to offer them my network and assistance to achieve positive results.
What do you enjoy and find challenging about this profession?
Victor: I genuinely enjoy every aspect of my work. It allows me to interact with young and motivated individuals, participate in various conferences, and learn something new every day...
Ultimately, your experience in this profession depends on your approach and the company you work for.
However, there are challenges, and I'm not referring to the typical post-conference headaches... although it's always handy to have a couple of hangover pills on hand.
I'm talking about individuals engaging in scams, fraud, and deception behind your back...
Additionally, it can be frustrating when people expect to launch campaigns with a large budget without putting in the necessary effort. Often, they lack a proper setup, effective creatives, and compatibility, suffer from permanent bans, and consistently face low approval rates. Even with poor traffic quality, they assume we won't notice.
Have there been any memorable mishaps or amusing incidents in your career?
Victor: Certainly, there have been various situations, as we're all human, and mishaps can bring affiliates to tears. However, it's often due to their own mistakes.
There were also a couple of stories involving fraudsters who deceived me, promising substantial traffic volumes. I assisted them with bundles, cloaking, and more, only to discover that they scammed me and the company for $1 000.
One recent incident involved an affiliate based in Bangkok. We had a lengthy conversation, reached a favorable agreement, and he was about to start driving traffic in a few days. However, when we resumed our discussion on Telegram after a conference, it became apparent that he was also an affiliate and didn't fully grasp what I had explained earlier.
Can you please comment on the memes about breaking a $1 bump with your feet, is there any truth to them? :)
Victor: Well, that can't happen with us because we operate on the advertising side. I decide the rates to approve based on web traffic. If an affiliate demonstrates strong conversions and profitability, I'm more than willing to offer a bump. It's crucial to recognize that the market is highly competitive. If you offer unfavorable terms, no one will want to collaborate with you, except affiliates who are inexperienced in the market. However, they won't be able to generate significant traffic. So, never be stingy; always offer favorable terms to incentivize affiliates to work with you.
Could you share a couple of tips for newcomers considering entering this field?
Victor: Certainly! I believe I've shared quite a bit, but my advice is simple: don't give up and give it your all; success will come. And if it doesn't, you can always explore other options, such as working in a factory or becoming a taxi driver.
"Highly motivated professionals can potentially earn $3 000 to $5 000," says Alexey, CEO of the OctoClick advertising network.
Hello, could you please briefly share how you entered the affiliate marketing industry and where your journey began?
Alexey: Certainly! My introduction to this industry happened seven years ago through a friend. Initially, everything seemed like a kind of madness, and I didn't quite grasp the affiliate marketing business model. At that time, the startup BigClick was just getting off the ground.
In your opinion, what skills should a professional affiliate manager possess?
Alexey: Our industry highly values a creative and unconventional approach. Essential attributes include curiosity, engagement, and initiative.
Could you provide insights into the salary range in this profession? How much can a newcomer expect to earn compared to an experienced affiliate manager?
Alexey: The salary range is quite broad and often depends on an individual's skills. Complete beginners might anticipate earning around 50 000 Russian rubles, while highly motivated professionals can potentially earn between $3 000 to $5 000.
Are there any "easy" verticals for affiliate managers, or is it relatively consistent across the board?
Alexey: In this field, there's no such thing as "easy"; it's all about the "hardcore." Any given vertical, if relevant, quickly attracts the attention of affiliates.
Could you briefly describe the tasks that constitute an average workday for you?
Alexey: I oversee a network, and my tasks differ significantly from those of an affiliate. Nevertheless, our managers are primarily responsible for client communication, generating marketing ideas, and implementing them.
What do you like and dislike about this profession?
Alexey: I enjoy the freedom of online communication, the numerous opportunities for self-realization, significant growth potential, and the frequent business trips that allow for extensive travel experiences. However, one downside is the irregular work schedule, as traffic flows 24/7, and issues requiring attention can arise during non-working hours.
Have there been any memorable mishaps or amusing incidents in your career?
Alexey: In the course of our work, amusing moments frequently occur. Managers interact with numerous clients, each requiring a unique approach. Sometimes, clients share personal life matters, seek advice on campaign configurations to find a life partner, or even encounter situations like hosting servers catching fire. There's never a dull moment.
Can you please comment on the memes about breaking a $1 bump with your feet, is there any truth to them? :)
Alexey: Bumps aren't typically a part of our operations since we operate on the affiliate program side, not the source.
Could you offer a couple of tips for newcomers considering entering this field?
Alexey: (I dont have any tips)
"In our experience, it takes about 4-6 months to develop an inexperienced manager into a mid-level one," says Roman, HR at Astra Affiliates.
Hello, could you please briefly share how you entered the affiliate marketing industry and where your journey began?
Roman: Hello! My path was quite extensive and somewhat fragmented. We are a conglomerate of companies with diverse business ventures. My true journey began when we decided to revamp our longstanding affiliate program, which had been in operation for over a decade at that point. The relaunch was a success, prompting us to explore other verticals leveraging our resources, experience, and competencies. We entered the iGaming sector, and everything has been progressing according to plan so far.
In your opinion, what skills should a professional affiliate manager possess?
Roman: Foremost, it's essential to possess strong communication and diplomatic skills. In our affiliate program, we nurture trust-based partnerships with both publishers and advertisers.
Could you provide insights into the salary range in this profession? What's the earning potential for a newcomer compared to an experienced affiliate manager?
Roman: The salary range can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the vertical, affiliate program processes, and management roles. Presently, an experienced manager typically earns a base salary in the range of $1 000 to $1 500. When it comes to complete newcomers, their initial knowledge and the effort required for their development play a crucial role. From our experience, it takes approximately 4-6 months to train an inexperienced manager to reach a mid-level status. It's imperative to carefully evaluate your financial resources in this context.
Are there any "easy" verticals for affiliate managers, or is it generally consistent across the board?
Roman: Our industry is intricate, much like any other, and it's also quite isolated and specialized. I don't believe there are any "easy" verticals. All affiliate programs aspire to maximize their potential and achieve positive growth in performance metrics.
Could you briefly describe the tasks that typically constitute an average workday for you?
Roman: The day kicks off with a cup of coffee. Following that, we have our routine meetings, which can vary based on the day — daily stand-ups, weekly, or monthly meetings. Next, I manage the incoming registration flow and respond to inquiries from active affiliates. We curate collections of top offers for them and hold meetings when necessary. Essentially, after internal team meetings, my work centers on communication with affiliates and addressing their queries.
What do you appreciate and find challenging about this profession?
Roman: I appreciate the industry's dynamism, the abundance of communication, the direct impact of work quality on earnings, and the flexibility of remote work. As for minor challenges, it's not always possible to predict changes in the behavior of traffic sources, ad campaign bans, or application issues. This necessitates adaptability to new conditions.
Have there been any memorable mishaps or amusing incidents in your career?
Roman: Once, we had an affiliate who attempted to generate traffic from two accounts instead of recruiting new affiliates.
Can you please comment on the memes about breaking a $1 bump with your feet, is there any truth to them? :)
Roman: Oh, absolutely! Resourcefulness is a valuable trait in this field.
Could you offer a couple of tips for newcomers contemplating entering this field?
Roman: Study the fundamentals of classic marketing and affiliate marketing. Understanding key concepts and mechanisms will expedite your entry into the field. Develop your communication skills; successful work with affiliates requires ongoing communication, active listening, and effective problem-solving.
In conclusion, while being an affiliate manager may not be the easiest profession if you possess determination, energy, sociability, and a willingness to learn, you can certainly enter this field. Moreover, the initial inconveniences and challenges primarily occur in the early stages and are well compensated by the higher salary potential.
