As the world gradually recovers from the disruption caused by Covid-19 in 2020, people have been eager to jump back into the game ever since countries dialed back some of their restrictions. As a public relations strategist based in NYC, my life revolved around regularly attending conventions and social gatherings before lockdowns became a thing. And now, after two years of living alongside the virus, we’ve shifted into a different normal.

Being used to a lifestyle of meeting new faces and fostering relationships, the Affiliate World Conferences became the icebreaker that I was waiting for after two long years. I hopped on an international flight and flew to Dubai to cover this conference as a representative of my PR Agency. The 2-day event was an eye-opener that showcased the evolution of e-commerce and affiliate marketing during Covid-19 for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. And as I went through the various sessions and was a part of many discussions throughout the conference, I began to think more about how companies can transform the affiliate industry to achieve growth post-Covid-19. Below is an in-depth discussion of these methods.

1. Diversify your approach. According to Statista, more than two billion people (paywall) purchased goods and services online in 2020. Today is the best time to take advantage of the increasing market. While one or two affiliates can help you jumpstart your business, it won’t be a long-term solution if you want to increase sales. Consider making a diversified affiliate approach to reach a wider audience by reaching out to more affiliates. It also leads to potential opportunities that boost your online presence. Design a different marketing strategy for each, and analyze which campaign works. In addition, evaluate your affiliate’s performance every quarter and see if there’s a need to mix up your strategies. It’s essential to know if you found the right match for your business, bringing us to the next point.

2. Choose the right affiliates. Find and research potential and high-ranking affiliates that would benefit both ends. As the affiliate marketing industry boomed, many hopped on the bandwagon to claim a spot, making it harder for businesses to discern which ones are the right choices for their brands. In my opinion, it’s best to start with your niche, look for affiliates who work in the same field and have a good audience that matches your target market.