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

Want to know how someone with a small email list still landed in the Top 10 of one of the biggest affiliate launches of the year using a single social media network? In this episode, you'll hear directly from a social media pro who leveraged Instagram — not ads, not email — to crush it on the leaderboard. Links Mentioned in this Episode Manu's Instagram – @YourSocialTeam How to Start Your Affiliate Program Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Your First 100 Affiliates

What happens when two marketers team up, run a paid workshop, and use that momentum to finish second in a $5.7 million affiliate launch? In this episode, you'll hear how Justin Demers and Sara Temte built an audience of buyers before the launch even started… then used that list to generate massive affiliate sales, deepen their relationships, and create a winning campaign. If you've ever thought, "I don't have a big list," or "I'm not sure how to stand out," this is the playbook you've been waiting for. Links Mentioned in this Episode Wake Up to Freedom How to Start Your Affiliate Program Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Your First 100 Affiliates

What if your very first affiliate promotion brought in $18,000... and landed you in the Top 25 out of hundreds of seasoned pros? In this episode, we're talking with someone who did exactly that. No list, no big team. Just a smart plan, a clear voice, and a whole lot of heart. It's proof that you don't need to be a marketing ninja or email wizard to have a massive impact in your first affiliate launch. Links Mentioned in this Episode Follow Michele on YouTube Listen to Michele's Podcast How to Start Your Affiliate Program (FREE TRAINING) Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Your First 100 Affiliates

What if one simple bonus could double your opt-in rate… and build a list of buyers before the cart even opens? In today's episode, we're unlocking a powerful strategy from a $5.7 million affiliate launch—a strategy that helped dozens of affiliates stand out from the crowd, grow their list, and convert at higher rates. It's time to talk about opt-in bonuses that actually work. Links Mentioned in this Episode How to Start Your Affiliate Program (FREE TRAINING) Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Your First 100 Affiliates

What if the difference between being a good affiliate and a TOP affiliate...came down to how well you tell your story? Or when you send one single email? In Part 2 of our $5.7 million launch breakdown, we're revealing the next-level strategies that turned browsers into buyers, including what worked on cart close day, how to find your hottest leads, and why your personal story might be your most powerful sales tool. Links Mentioned in this Episode How to Start Your Affiliate Program (FREE TRAINING) Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Your First 100 Affiliates

Big launches create big lessons…and a $5.7 million affiliate launch we ran was no exception. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of one of the biggest promotions we've ever run and share what worked, what didn't, and what you can apply to your next campaign. You'll learn how to deepen connections with your audience, grow your list while promoting, deliver bonuses at the perfect time, and the strategies top affiliates used to dominate the leaderboard.

Meet Jason and Cecilia Hilkey. They're not your typical online marketers. They don't sell courses on "how to get rich quick" or promise to teach you the "secrets of internet millions." They're just two parents in the parenting space who, until recently, had a modest email list of 3,000 people. Then they did something that blew my mind: they added 104,000 new subscribers in just two weeks using a virtual summit. This strategy is hands down my second favorite way to explode your email list...and this episode will show you exactly how they did it. Links Mentioned in this Episode Jason and Cecilia's Virtual Conference Workshop Your Affiliate Launch Coach

Virtual summits are one of the easiest, highest-converting affiliate promos out there. They're free for your audience, packed with value, and loaded with backend commission potential. And the best part? You don't even have to be a speaker to win big. In this episode, I'll show you exactly how to promote virtual summits as an affiliate, even if your name isn't on the agenda, and turn them into serious revenue for your business. Links Mentioned in this Episode Virtual Summit Swipe File Affiliate Swipe Files Your Affiliate Launch Coach

You got into affiliate management because you love it. You believe in what you're doing. You love seeing affiliates succeed. But right now? You're running on fumes. You've got 47 different things on your plate, affiliates texting you at all hours, and it feels like every day brings three new fires to put out. Sound familiar? Look, if you've ever caught yourself thinking ""I can't keep doing this,"" you're not broken. You're just burned out. And that's exactly what we're talking about today. This episode is your survival guide for affiliate manager burnout...what it really looks like, why it happens, and most importantly, what to do about it. Because here's the thing...you don't have to choose between loving your job and actually having a life. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro AM Club

There was pressure. There were problems. There were moments when it felt like everything might fall apart. But in the end, we pulled off a multi-million dollar affiliate launch that blew past expectations. In this episode, I'm sharing the real behind-the-scenes story—what we did right, where we nearly failed, and the powerful lessons you can use to grow your own affiliate program. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Manager Training

Recruiting affiliates isn't rocket science...but it's shockingly easy to screw up. There are five mistakes I see over and over again...and they can completely tank your results before you even get started. In this episode, I'm sharing the biggest recruiting missteps affiliate managers make… and how to avoid every single one. Links Mentioned in this Episode My #1 Affiliate Recruiting Email Your First 100 Affiliates Find Affiliates Now Most Common Affiliate Program Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

What if you could close more sales after the purchase? What if you could turn one email into three social posts...or flip negative reviews into your most persuasive talking points? That's exactly what we're doing in today's episode. I'm sharing 15 advanced ways to use AI in your affiliate marketing…and some of these are straight-up cheat codes for affiliate marketers. Links Mentioned in this Episode MeetEdgar Review Post Pro My Toolbox Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Terms Wizard

What if you could boost your affiliate income... without posting more, emailing more, or working harder? What if the secret wasn't hustle... but knowing exactly what to say and how to say it…before your audience even asks? Today, I'm giving you 10 clever ways smart affiliates are using AI to warm up followers, boost conversions, and make sales feel natural. Links Mentioned in this Episode Review Post Pro How to Create a Resources Page My Toolbox Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Terms Wizard

If you want to stand out as an affiliate today, you need to do more than just send a few emails and post on social media. You need to answer questions before they're asked. You need to overcome objections before they pop up. And you need to overcome your own resistance. If you've wondered "What do I say about this product?"" or ""What do I post today?"", AI could be your new best friend...if you use it right. In this episode, I'm giving you 10 ways AI can help you do all of this faster, easier, and in your own voice. Links Mentioned in this Episode Review Post Pro Post Affiliate Pro BotLeads My Toolbox Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Terms Wizard

Ever feel like you're putting in more hours than ever... but your affiliate income isn't keeping up? You're not alone. But here's the good news: Smart affiliates are already using AI to save time, simplify their content, and sell more…without sounding like a robot. Today, we're kicking off a brand-new series on how to use AI as an affiliate marketer…whether you're just getting started or looking to scale up. Links Mentioned in this Episode My Toolbox Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Terms Wizard Gmass

Ever feel like you've maxed out your ideas for managing your affiliate program? In this final episode of the series, I'm sharing 11 more creative, under-the-radar ways I've used AI to streamline, scale, and improve affiliate management…especially the parts you didn't even know could be outsourced to AI. We're talking about social monitoring, copywriting, challenge creation, even handling those tricky affiliate convos with way more grace than I usually muster on my own. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro

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 Affiliate Email Pro 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. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro 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 My Toolbox Gmass Affiliate Promo Plan Template Canva MeetEdgar Affiliate Program Terms & Conditions Template TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

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? 🤔 If you've ever wondered why some affiliates seem to sit on the sidelines instead of going all-in, this episode is for you. Spoiler alert: It's not just laziness. Today, we're tackling what really holds affiliates back—and, more importantly, how to motivate them to promote more, sell more, and make YOU more money. Grab a notebook and listen in…this could change everything! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Network Affiliate Activation Templates TEXT ME: +1 (260) 217-4619

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 XP Affiliate 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

2025 is here, and the affiliate marketing world is evolving faster than ever. From the rise of AI to compliance and Google algorithm updates, this year is shaping up to be a big one. In this episode, I'll break down the hottest trends, key predictions, and strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve. Plus, I'll share what we learned from 2024 and how you can use it to make 2025 your best year yet. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE XP Affiliate Your First 100 Affiliates How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Text 260-217-4619

Recruiting affiliates doesn't have to be hard. But let's be honest…sometimes we make it WAY harder than it needs to be. There are five big mistakes that can completely derail your efforts (trust me, I've seen it happen more times than I can count...and made every mistake myself). In this episode, I'll break down the most common affiliate recruiting blunders...and more importantly, how to avoid them so you can start building your affiliate dream team. Links Mentioned in this Episode Get My #1 Affiliate Recruiting Email Your First 100 Affiliates Find Affiliates Now XP Affiliate Most Common Affiliate Program Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Text me at 260-217-4619

If you're serious about making this year your best yet for your affiliate program and affiliate marketing, you've got to commit to doing things the right way. Today, I'm sharing 10 resolutions that will set you up for a year to remember. Trust me...if you follow what I share, you'll take your business (and your life) to a whole new level. Links Mentioned in this Episode Turn Your Passions into Profits Book Meet Edgar Social Media Scheduler Affiliate Activation Email Templates Find Affiliates Now Promo Plan Template Promo Checklist XP Affiliate

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 XP Affiliate

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! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Affiliate Promo Plan Template The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Affiliate Marketing Promotions Warm Up Your Audience Guide TEXT ME: 260-217-4619

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. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Affiliate Promo Plan Template The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Affiliate Marketing Promotions Warm Up Your Audience Guide TEXT ME: 260-217-4619

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. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Video - How to Use Swipe Copy as an Affiliate: mattmcwilliams.com/freeswipetraining Video - How to SERVE Your Audience by Promoting Affiliate Offers: mattmcwilliams.com/serve Podcast - Overcoming the Fear of Selling Affiliate Offers: mattmcwilliams.com/tag126 Article - How to Condition Your Audience: mattmcwilliams.com/condition TEXT ME: 260-217-4619