What platforms are paying off for affiliates in 2025?
Affiliates can boost their success by exploring various traffic sources, but focusing on the right platforms can reveal even more opportunities.
Google Ads is a prime example. Though it may seem complex at first, it offers extensive reach and many options for those willing to learn and master its features.
At a recent Affiliate World event, industry experts, including Google Affiliate Partnerships Lead Shrey Kapoor, Worify founder Ashish Gaba, Cyrus Digital CEO Arian Ghotbi, and HasTraffic founder Yancy Naughton, shared invaluable insights on how to effectively harness Google’s platform for affiliate success.
Beyond Search: Embracing Google’s Diverse Ad Ecosystem
Many affiliates associate Google solely with search ads. But the platform offers a rich ad format ecosystem that includes Performance Max (PMax), Demand Gen, and Google Display Network (GDN). These options allow for targeted campaigns tailored to specific product types and audience behaviors.
To leverage these formats effectively, analyze your product offerings and target audience to determine the most suitable Google ad formats. Search remains crucial for high-intent products. For impulse-driven purchases, however, Demand Gen and GDN can capture attention through visually appealing creatives.
Cracking the Demand Gen Code: A Game-Changer for Affiliates
One of the most significant takeaways from the discussion was the immense potential of Demand Gen for affiliates, particularly those experienced with push-based advertising on platforms like Meta.
With that in mind, if you’ve had success with specific creatives on Meta, you can repurpose them for Demand Gen campaigns. This tactic can generate as much as 20-30% more revenue as you tap into Google’s vast network, including YouTube Shorts.
Navigating Google’s Policies: A Foundation for Sustainable Success
Google’s advertising policies are notoriously detailed, and understanding them is crucial for avoiding account suspensions and disapprovals.
To stay on Google’s good side, prioritize policy compliance from the outset. Thoroughly read and understand Google’s advertising policies relevant to your niche. Maintain meticulous account hygiene, ensuring consistency in business information and using a professional email.
Also, pay close attention to the entire user journey from ad click to conversion. Your landing pages must be compliant and user-friendly, including clear affiliate disclosures, privacy policies, and accurate product information. Be truthful and transparent in all your advertising practices.
Tracking & Measurement for Optimization
Data is the lifeblood of successful affiliate marketing on any platform, and Google Ads is no exception. Robust tracking and measurement are essential.
Start by investing in a reliable affiliate tracking platform like RedTrack that integrates seamlessly with Google Ads. Analyze your data for patterns and trends, and look beyond surface-level metrics to understand the “why” behind the numbers.
The Power of Advertorials: Building Long-Term Value
Advertorials that use informative content to address user queries and pain points offer a sustainable and effective way to leverage Google’s search traffic.
Unlocking advertorials’ potential to capture high-funnel search traffic starts with compelling content that tells a story or provides valuable information that leads readers to your offer.
From there, you can go beyond basic listicles and experiment with different advertorial formats, such as personal stories and UGC-style content, to create engaging and persuasive content.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Updates & Innovation
Google Ads is a constantly evolving platform, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for long-term success.
This is why checking for Google Ads updates and policy changes regularly is important. Embrace Google’s AI-powered tools, such as PMax and Demand Gen, to streamline campaign management and improve performance.
Prioritizing user experience in all your campaigns is also essential. Focus on delivering a positive and seamless experience to avoid issues and build a sustainable Google Ads strategy.
By understanding Google’s diverse ad ecosystem, embracing Demand Gen, prioritizing policy compliance, leveraging robust tracking, and creating compelling advertorials, affiliates can unlock the immense potential of Google’s platform and achieve sustainable success.
