Rakuten Advertising Blog

DealMaker Europe showcased how affiliate marketing is evolving through better measurement, AI-driven discovery, and stronger creator strategies. Here are the biggest trends and takeaways from the day.

The Golden Link Awards 2026 celebrated the best in affiliate and performance marketing at DealMaker Europe. Discover this year’s winners and the standout partnerships, strategies, and teams shaping the future of the industry.

The 2026 Golden Link Awards Europe finalists have been announced! Explore the standout brands, agencies, and publishers recognised for their innovation and excellence in affiliate marketing this year.

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.

Affiliate Marketing How To for brands: your step-by-step guide to planning objectives, selecting technology, designing commissions, and activating a high-performing partner mix. Learn how to launch and optimise with governance, tracking, and data-driven metrics.

Cyber Week 2025 revealed a new European holiday shopping landscape: France saw a surge in early-week purchases and higher order values, while the UK and Germany continued to concentrate sales and engagement on Black Friday. Discover how these trends are redefining retail strategy across the region.

The British approach to travel planning reveals a blend of tradition and pragmatism. Our latest consumer survey dives into 2025 travel trends and shows a market that’s motivated, research-heavy, and surprisingly open to influence. Below is a high-level look at what’s moving UK travellers from “maybe” to “booked.” For exact percentages, channel rankings, and demographic splits, grab the full report with insights from the US, UK, and Australia.

Diversify your affiliate program and watch your performance soar! Our Q2 Partner Spotlight highlights the innovative up-and-coming publishers on the Rakuten Advertising network.

Think influencers are just for trendy brands and Gen Z? Think again—creators are the ultimate secret weapon for launching new products, sparking discovery, and driving sales across all ages and categories.

In a world where consumers increasingly vote with their wallets, Earth Day 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity for brands and publishers alike. This isn't just another marketing moment. It's a chance to demonstrate an authentic commitment to sustainability.

Short-form video isn’t just trendy—it’s the secret sauce to making your brand unforgettable. From TikTok to TV ads, find out why this bite-sized content is stealing the show and how you can jump in for maximum impact!