Affiliate Marketing Statistics Every Marketer Must Know

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8 Statistics That Prove Affiliate Marketing Is Winning With Marketers

In 2016, U.S. retailers spent $4.7 billion on affiliate marketing. Astoundingly, by 2020 U.S. affiliate marketing spend is expected to rise to $6.8 billion.

Today, affiliate marketing is implemented across a wide range of social media. YouTubers often include affiliate links in video descriptions to highlight the products they mention or the clothes they’re wearing. Similarly, bloggers frequently place affiliate links within product reviews posted on their blog. The use of affiliate marketing strategies has become increasingly relevant as consumers demonstrate a preference for online shopping, and content creators look for new ways to generate revenue.

The Affiliate Marketing Statistics Marketers Should Know

The growth and importance of affiliate marketing is becoming undeniable. By leveraging affiliates, marketers are able to reach untapped audiences with built-in trust. Here we’ve gathered the most relevant affiliate marketing statistics marketers must know.

1. $5.3 Billion Will Be Spent On US Affiliate Marketing In 2017

A Forrester Consulting study examined U.S. affiliate marketing spend and predicted that total affiliate marketing spend will grow 10.1% each year until 2020. Total affiliate spend in 2017 is predicted to be $5.3B. By 2020, that spend may rise to $6.8B.

2. 81% Of Brands Use Affiliate Marketing Programs

Affiliate marketing continues to increase in popularity among advertisers, in part due to its performance-based nature. Even more publishers than advertisers are using the marketing strategy to generate revenue. As of 2016, 81% of brands and 84% of publishers leverage affiliate marketing.

3. Search Interest Grew 30% For “Affiliate Marketing” In One Year

According to Google Trends, between September 2016 and September 2017 search interest in the term “affiliate marketing” has risen by 30%. As online shopping becomes more popular and brick and mortar stores decline, affiliate marketing may become more useful than ever.

4. 20% Of Publishers’ Annual Revenue Is Generated Through Affiliate Marketing

Publications have adjusted their online strategy to generate revenue through social media, such as Snapchat Discover, to compensate for falling print sales. Affiliate marketing in the form of product spotlights and reviews produces 20% of publishers’ annual revenue.

5. 16% Of All Online Orders Are Generated Through Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing now drives the same amount of online orders as email marketing. Comparatively, paid search drives 20% of online orders and organic search accounts for 21% of online orders.

6. $7 Million In Affiliate Marketing Revenue Was Produced By One Influencer In A Single Year

Jason Stone, better known on Instagram as Millionaire Mentor, generated $7 million in retailer sales between June 2016 and June 2017 through affiliate marketing alone. The creator has been clear in stating that he only participates in affiliate marketing campaigns that fit his audience’s interests. In his opinion, affiliate marketing is most successful when influencers promote products in line with their personal brand and particular niche.

7. Fashion Is The Most Popular Affiliate Marketing Category, Followed By Sports, And Health/Wellness

A study analyzing 550 affiliate marketing programs found that 18.7% of affiliate campaigns promoted fashion products. Affiliate marketing for sports and outdoor products accounted for 14.6% of the 550 programs, and health/wellness and beauty accounted for 11.1%.

8. Influencers Receive A 1-10% Commission For Affiliate Marketing With Amazon

In March 2017, Amazon changed its affiliate marketing rates. Previously, creators could make anywhere between 4-8.5% of product revenue by generating a sale through affiliate marketing. Now creators can earn up to a 10% commission for promoting luxury items, and on the other end of the spectrum, a 1% commission for promoting video games.