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

Choosing an affiliate manager can feel like a guessing game... until you know what to look for. In this episode, I'm breaking down the traits and skills that actually matter, where great affiliate managers tend to come from, and how to tell the difference between someone who "knows affiliates" and someone who can build, grow, and manage a real program. If you're about to make a hire, this will help you choose with confidence and avoid an expensive mismatch. Links Mentioned in this Episode Your Affiliate Launch Coach Interested in Working with Us? Get Your First 100 Affiliates  

Got a promotion coming up soon? In this episode, I'm breaking down how to get affiliates excited to promote and keep that energy building right up to launch day... using the exact pre-promo strategy we use with clients to turn "I might promote" into planned emails, scheduled posts, and a strong first day.   Links Mentioned in this Episode   Free Masterclass - How I Built a $12.6 Million A Year Affiliate Program In Only Two Years Without Any Connections or Credentials Affiliate Warm Up Plan and Promo Plan

Over the years, I've made enough affiliate-program mistakes to fill a small handbook... and a few of them were the kind you don't forget because they come with real consequences. In this episode, I'm continuing the "killer mistakes" series with the stuff that can get you in trouble fast, including one lesson that involved the FTC. I'll break down what went wrong, what I should've done instead, and how you can protect your program while still growing it aggressively. Links Mentioned in this Episode Find Affiliates Now Program PDF Report (Top Affiliate Program Mistakes and How to Avoid Them) My #1 Affiliate Recruiting Email How to Determine Commission Structure How to Create Swipe Copy for Your Affiliates Affiliate Promo Plan Template Affiliate Activation Templates Facebook Live on Getting Affiliates to Commit

Most affiliate programs don't blow up overnight... they bleed out slowly from a handful of preventable mistakes. In this episode, I'm breaking down the "killer" errors that quietly wreck tracking, relationships, motivation, and momentum, and I'll show you the simple fixes that get you back on solid ground fast. Links Mentioned in this Episode Top 20 Affiliate Program Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Find Affiliates Now Program My #1 Affiliate Recruiting Email How to Determine Commission Structure Facebook Live: The BIGGEST Lie You've Been Told About Finding Affiliates

Most people make this decision backwards... they pick "in-house" or "agency" based on budget, then hope it works out. In this episode, I'll show you how to decide between an in-house affiliate manager and an agency based on what your program actually needs right now. We'll walk through the real tradeoffs, the questions that make the answer obvious, and a few common scenarios so you can choose the model that gets results without creating a management mess. Links Mentioned in this Episode Your Affiliate Launch Coach Find Your First 100 Affiliates  

Most affiliate programs leave email performance up to chance... and then wonder why some promos flop. In this episode, I'm sharing how to help affiliates write emails that convert without turning into their copywriter. You'll get a simple framework you can teach, the few elements every high-performing affiliate email needs, and the feedback process that improves emails fast while keeping the affiliate's voice intact. Links Mentioned in this Episode Video - How to Use Swipe Copy as an Affiliate Video - How to SERVE Your Audience by Promoting Affiliate Offers Podcast - Overcoming the Fear of Selling Affiliate Offers Article - How to Condition Your Audience

Most affiliate programs don't fail because of tactics... they fail because the person running them believes the wrong things. In this episode, I'm breaking down 7 common beliefs that quietly kill affiliate programs, from what you think affiliates want, to how you think motivation works, to what you think "good management" looks like. I'll show you what each belief costs you, what to do instead, and how to fix the foundations so your program stops leaking sales and starts building momentum. Links Mentioned in this Episode How to Hear YES from More Affiliates (Recruiting Tips) Top 5 Biggest Affiliate Recruiting Mistakes How to Steal Your Competitors' Affiliates Affiliate Activation Templates How to Give Your Affiliates What They Need How to Communicate Better with Your Affiliates Affiliate Promo Plan Affiliate Training Templates

Affiliate management is one of those careers people stumble into... and then wonder why nobody told them about it sooner. In this episode, I'm breaking down how to become an affiliate manager. What the job actually is day to day, the core skills you need to build, and the fastest ways to get real experience even if you're starting from zero. If you want a clear path into affiliate management without guessing your way there, this is your roadmap. Links Mentioned in this Episode Apply for Our Affiliate Manager Training

If affiliates are promoting your webinar and you're seeing plenty of registrations but not enough sales, this episode is for you. Today I'm sharing the exact strategies we use to triple webinar sales when affiliate traffic is in the mix. Not theory... the specific levers that have worked across dozens of clients: what to adjust before the webinar, what to change during the presentation, and what to do after so more attendees turn into buyers. If you want affiliate-promoted webinars to convert like your best internal traffic... you're going to get a clear plan here. Links Mentioned in this Episode ConvertKit

A seven-figure affiliate launch isn't luck. It's planning, sequencing, and a few leverage points most people skip. In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact launch plan we use to turn affiliate promos into a coordinated push, not a scattered shout into the void. We'll cover what happens before the launch, what you give affiliates so they can promote fast, how you keep momentum during the window, and the handful of moves that separate a decent launch from a monster one. If you've ever wondered what a real seven-figure plan looks like... you're about to get it. Links Mentioned in this Episode Your Affiliate Launch Coach Avatar Creation Guide Turn Your Passions Into Profits Book Affiliate Program Kickstarter Package

Every affiliate application is a tiny fork in the road. Approve the right people and your program gets stronger. Approve the wrong ones and you get refunds, brand headaches, and a whole lot of noise. In today's episode, I'm sharing my approval criteria for screening affiliate applications, plus the exact process we use to make decisions quickly and consistently. You'll learn what to look for, what to ignore, and how to handle the "maybe" applicants without turning your program into the Wild West.   Links Mentioned in this Episode Your Affiliate Launch Coach

You've got affiliates raising their hand. Now the real question is: what do they get in the first few days after they say yes? In this episode, I'm giving you my affiliate onboarding checklist. The exact pieces that help new affiliates feel confident, find what they need fast, and start promoting without a bunch of back-and-forth. If your current onboarding is "here's the link, good luck"... this will fix that.   Links Mentioned in this Episode Weekend Email Template Sample Affiliate Promo Plan How to Write Swipe Copy for Your Affiliates How to Warm Up Affiliates Before a Launch

Most affiliate programs grow by inches. This one grew by miles. In today's episode, I'm breaking down how we grew affiliate revenue 20X in 48 months. No fluff. No "one weird trick". Just the exact moves that changed everything: what we focused on first, what we stopped doing, the leverage points that mattered most, and a few bets that didn't pay off. If you want a clear playbook for scaling an affiliate program without burning trust, relationships, or your sanity... this is it. Links Mentioned in this Episode   Affiliate Training Templates and Scripts Promo Strategy Call Template Resources Page Guide

If affiliate marketing feels harder than it should, chances are you're making a few mistakes you don't even realize are mistakes. And the frustrating part? Most affiliates repeat the same ones over and over. In this episode, I'm breaking down the most common affiliate marketing mistakes I see every day and what to do instead. This episode will show you how to fix the small things that make a big difference. Links Mentioned in this Episode Avatar Creation Guide Affiliate Promo Plan Review Post Guide Pretty Link List Launch Challenge Top Affiliate Program Mistakes

Trust is what separates good affiliate programs from great ones. It's the reason someone says yes to your offer... and keeps showing up promo after promo. If your affiliates don't trust you, or don't believe you've got their back, they'll disappear, fast. In today's episode, I'm sharing exactly how to build that trust. The kind that gets affiliates excited to promote, confident in your offer, and loyal for the long haul. These are the same strategies we've used to keep top affiliates engaged for years. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Template Affiliate Email Pro

If you want affiliates to actually promote, it's on YOU to make it happen. Because the truth is… most affiliates don't wake up thinking about your program, your product or your launch. They need a spark—and if you don't light the fire, no one will. In this episode, I'll show you how to activate affiliates early, keep them engaged, and turn passive partners into top promoters. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Promo Plan Template Rethink Dieting Webinar with Matt and Alan Get ALL of our Affiliate Activation Templates What Affiliates REALLY Need to be Successful How to Co-Create Promo Plans with Your Affiliates Recommended Affiliate Programs and Upcoming Product Launches  

When it's time to sell, do you suddenly sound… different? A lot of people do. Their tone changes. Their words change. Their confidence changes. And without realizing it, they stop sounding like themselves. They stop sounding confident and start sounding desperate. That shift kills trust, hurts conversions, and slowly damages your brand. In this episode, I'm sharing how to sell in a way that feels natural, confident, and completely on brand… without sounding desperate, awkward, or fake. If selling ever feels uncomfortable or forced, this episode will help you fix that. Links Mentioned in this Episode   How to Use Swipe Copy How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

What if the biggest threat to affiliate marketing right now… is also its biggest opportunity? There's been a lot of noise lately about AI replacing content creators… killing SEO… making affiliates obsolete. But is that actually true? In today's episode, I'm discussing the real impact of AI on affiliate marketing… what's changing, what isn't, and how the smartest affiliates are using AI to grow faster than ever. If you're worried AI is going to ruin everything… or just trying to figure out how to adapt, this one's for you. Links Mentioned in this Episode Review Post Pro Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Terms Wizard

If you're looking to grow your audience, boost your credibility, and build your email list in a big way, podcast interviews might just be your secret weapon. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how I've landed more than 600 podcast interviews… and how I turned those into affiliates who became a huge driver of our company's growth.   Links Mentioned in this Episode ListenNotes MeetEdgar Your First 100 Affiliates Pretty Link

Let me ask you something… what if 2026 is the year you stop hoping affiliate marketing works and start treating it like it actually matters? Not more random promos. Not more last‑minute emails. Real commitments that change how you show up, how you promote, and how you get paid. In this episode, I'm sharing the affiliate resolutions that actually move the needle… from building systems and tracking results to selling with confidence and creating bonuses that stand out. If you want this year to be different, this is where it starts. Links Mentioned in this Episode   Watch My Walkthrough of my Kit Account Kit Email List Launch Challenge Turn Your Passions Into Profits Review Post Pro

What if 2026 was the year your affiliate program finally took off? Today, I'm sharing the resolutions smart affiliate managers are making this year. These are the type of resolutions that lead to bigger launches, more evergreen sales, and stronger affiliate relationships. If you want this to be your best year ever, listen up. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Training Templates The Book on Affiliate Management  Affiliate Terms Wizard Affiliate Activation Templates  

What does 2026 look like for affiliate marketers? Let's just say… it's not business as usual. From AI taking over the grunt work to virtual influencers and voice-driven SEO, the landscape is changing fast. In this episode, I'm sharing 13 bold, research-backed predictions for where affiliate marketing is headed, and what you can do now to be ready. Spoiler: the future favors the prepared. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Email Pro Affiliate Terms Wizard Review Post Pro

What if you could turn the busiest shopping season of the year into your biggest affiliate payday? Today, I'm sharing the strategies top affiliates use to make more money in December without burning out, posting nonstop, or guessing what might work. If you want a simple plan to increase your holiday commissions, this episode is for you. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Promo Warm Up Guide

The holidays are here… which means chaos for most affiliate managers. There are promos flying everywhere, inboxes are packed, and your affiliates? Half of them are over-promoting, and the other half have gone silent. So how do you stay sane and strategic when the whole season is moving at lightning speed? Today, I'm sharing the practical guide to not just surviving December, but actually thriving as an affiliate manager during the busiest season of the year. Links Mentioned in this Episode The Book on Affiliate Management

Writing a book is hard. Making real money from it is harder. In this episode, I'll show you how to add affiliate offers to your book so it drives more revenue and creates long-term passive income. Links Mentioned in this Episode The Book on Affiliate Management Affiliate Marketing for Authors Training Resources Page Guide My Recommended Books Page  

If you're serious about affiliate marketing, you'll love this conversation. Today I'm talking with someone who's written for top publications, built affiliate programs from scratch, and approaches every campaign with strategy and intention. We'll break down his process... what actually works... and how you can think more like a strategic affiliate marketer too. Links Mentioned in this Episode Success is a Numbers Game Book

"If you're launching a book and want more sales, more exposure, and a bigger impact, affiliates are the secret weapon. But most authors screw up the launch because they don't know how to use affiliates the right way. In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact blueprint we've used to launch more than 10 bestsellers: what worked, what didn't, and how you can copy it step-by-step. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Marketing for Authors Training Behind the Scenes of the Real Artists Don't Starve Book Launch Your First 100 Affiliates Report Affiliate Recruiting Swipe Files The Book on Affiliate Management

So you wrote a book… now what? If you want it to actually, you need affiliates. The truth is, books don't magically fly off the shelves. Even bestsellers usually have a small army behind them. In today's episode, I'll walk you through how I found affiliates for my book… and how you can do the same for your launch, whether it's a book, a course, or anything else. Links Mentioned in this Episode Affiliate Marketing for Authors Training Behind the Scenes of the Real Artists Don't Starve Book Launch Your First 100 Affiliates Report Affiliate Recruiting Swipe Files How to Recruit New Affiliates You Don't Even Know The Book on Affiliate Management  

What I'm about to share with you might honestly shock you. It used to be the single worst part of my entire business. Something that held me back for nearly three years. I'm ashamed to admit that the worst part of our company was our affiliate management. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly what went wrong, why even I — The Affiliate Guy — struggled with this, and most importantly... how we finally solved it. Links Mentioned in this Episode Your Affiliate Launch Coach

Ever feel like your brain is juggling 47 browser tabs—only none of them are loading? That's what it's like trying to stay focused as an affiliate manager. Between answering affiliate questions, navigating fast-changing platforms, staying on top of launches, and replying to Slack messages at all hours… staying focused can feel impossible. And regaining it once you've lost it? Even harder. In this episode, I'm bringing you a behind-the-scenes recording of a private training I did for a mastermind group, all about how to get focused, stay focused, and bounce back when your focus gets derailed. Whether you're managing dozens of affiliates or trying to keep your own business on track, these strategies will help you get more done, with less stress. Links Mentioned in this Episode Bob Newhard Clip Focus Music Track Need help activating your affiliates? Use my proven email templates for getting inactive affiliates in the game and making sales! Get them here Get my #1 affiliate recruiting email (the one I've personally used to recruit thousands of affiliates in dozens of niches). Grab your copy here!

Ever wonder how a niche audience and the right bonus strategy can put you in the Top 3 of a $5.7 million affiliate launch? Today, I'm bringing back a return guest to show you exactly how she did it. She used prep courses, long-term funnels, and collaborated with other affiliates to absolutely rock this promo and earn nearly $100,000 in affiliate commissions. Listen up to find out how! Links Mentioned in this Episode Heidi's Facebook Page How to Start Your Affiliate Program Get Started with Affiliate Marketing Your First 100 Affiliates

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