From Outreach to Outcomes: Building Smarter Affiliate Programs

In this week's episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, host Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with Lauren Garner, VP of Demand Generation and Partnerships at Ascent Funding, to explore the dramatic transformation of affiliate marketing over the past two decades. From her accidental entry into the industry at age 19 to managing multi-million dollar affiliate programs across multiple platforms, Lauren shares invaluable insights on scaling affiliate operations, the critical mindset shifts required for success, and why treating affiliates as customers rather than suppliers is fundamental to program growth. This conversation offers a masterclass in strategic program management for experienced affiliate marketers looking to elevate their approach and navigate the complexities of modern partnership marketing.Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [06:30] The three major industry transformations: platform proliferation, fraud protection, and data transparency.[30:50] The importance of failure, rapid iteration, and creating a culture of learning[32:26] Rapid-fire insights on mobile-first approaches, AI tools, and performance incentives.Our thanks go to Everflow as this season’s sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look, here.ELEVATE 2025: Time is running out to join the revolution!Join us in London on July 15 and 16 for two days of pure performance marketing acceleration.Check out the agenda, get your ticket AND get your entries in for the BRAND NEW AFFIVERSE RAV AWARDS here.Miss it and miss out!Send me a text with your questions