Rakuten Advertising’s strategic partnership with impact.com marks a major step forward in partnership marketing, giving advertisers, publishers, and partners access to stronger technology, smoother transitions, and expanded growth opportunities.
Rakuten Optimism 2026 brought together more than 1,000 global advertisers, publishers, agencies, and industry leaders in Phoenix for two days of insights, innovation, and connection. From headline sessions and expert panels to the Golden Link Awards Gala and the debut of Mirai, Rakuten Advertising’s advanced AI optimization agent, the event showcased the ideas, partnerships, and technologies shaping the future of affiliate and performance marketing.
Our Rakuten Optimism Golden Link Awards were held in Phoenix, Arizona on May 5th, 2026. Hosted by comedian Adam Mamawala, the event brought together some of the best and brightest in the performance and digital marketing industries. We celebrated their outstanding achievements, their collaboration, creativity, and innovative partnerships that have set new standards in our industry!
Learn how affiliate tracking works in partner marketing and why it’s the foundation of performance marketing. Explore tracking links, cookies, attribution models, and reporting systems for accurate results and fair payments.
The 2026 Rakuten Optimism Golden Link Award nominations are officially open! Help us honor the best and brightest in affiliate marketing by submitting a nomination today. The Golden Link Awards will take place at Optimism 2026, register today to secure your spot to Optimism and the Golden Link Awards!
Affiliate marketing platforms help brands and publishers manage, track, and optimize their affiliate programs. This guide explains the core functions of these platforms and what to look for when choosing a solution.
We’re excited to introduce the 2026 Rakuten Advertising Agency Partners, featuring our newest Preferred and Platinum award recipients. These partnerships set the standard for innovation and growth in affiliate marketing. Discover how working with these standout agencies can help your brand reach new heights this year.
Avoid the pitfalls that hold affiliate marketers back. Learn the 10 most common affiliate marketing mistakes and how to fix them with practical, expert-backed solutions.
Uncover the pivotal holiday shopping trends of 2025, where Cyber Week in the United States achieved an unprecedented amount of sales. This remarkable surge highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior, particularly in the footwear, beauty, and consumer goods sectors. As we explore the data that defines this year's holiday shopping landscape, you'll gain valuable insights into how these trends are shaping the retail environment and influencing purchasing decisions.
