Publisher Spotlight: Savings.com Introduces Affiliate Fundraising Initiative: SavingsCARES

We had the opportunity to sit down with Bianca Mitchell, Partnerships Director at Savings.com to hear about the exciting innovations that Savings.com has been accomplishing within the coupon space and their latest fundraising initiative, SavingsCARES.

So, Bianca, tell us a bit about Savings.com!

Since its inception in 2007, Savings.com has been a trailblazer in the coupon industry. The company expanded internationally in 2009 through its partnership with Savoo. It has since established a presence in numerous markets, such as Brazil, France, and Germany, solidifying its status as a global money-saving brand.

The site’s acquisition by Centerfield in 2020 has contributed to the company’s ongoing growth and success. Today Savings.com is one of the largest coupon sites and promotes over 3,000 brands. The platform attracts five million unique visitors per month and has driven over $1 billion in sales worldwide.

Today advertisers can work with Savings.com to broaden their audience by leveraging Centerfield’s comprehensive portfolio of owned and -operated websites, including business.com, Security.org, BroadbandNow.com, and SafeHome.org.

Historically, the coupon redemption demographic has been predominantly female-focused; however, this trend has shifted in recent years by adding various products and brands to the site. As an international platform, we can collaborate on global campaigns across multiple markets and exchange insights on market comparisons; we’re also able to identify which deals yield the most favorable outcomes.

Being a money-saving site, we work across all verticals, from fashion and food to travel and beauty! We have a longstanding partnership with Macy’s and have also been successful with exciting brands such as Hunter Boots, Janspot, and Princess Polly.

What sets Savings.com apart from publishers within the coupon category?

We believe in couponing for a cause. SavingsCARES is our way of making the world better by supporting important causes with the same deals our shoppers already love. SavingsCARES brings together merchants with a common goal: to support charitable causes while offering value to customers. The program enables merchants to join our affiliate fundraising program, fostering a community of giving back and driving positive change.

As more people struggle to make ends meet, charitable donations have become less frequent. SavingsCARES addresses this issue by empowering consumers to donate to charities through their everyday online shopping habits. By partnering with various retailers, we aim to create a more sustainable way for consumers to give back without sacrificing their own financial stability.

SavingsCARES strengthens the spirit of giving and adds value to participating brands. Our initiative goes beyond a simple discounting message, which can potentially devalue a brand over time. Instead, SavingsCARES fosters a positive association with participating brands as they become part of a movement that supports worthy causes.

SavingsCARES collaborates with a different charity partner each month, offering merchants the opportunity to participate in this unique program. By donating through the affiliate channel, retailers can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and enhance their brand image. Retailers understand the value of coupon offerings for consumers, and SavingsCARES takes this concept to the next level. Affiliate managers can now elevate their overall corporate social responsibility and branding efforts by participating in a program that has a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

SavingsCARES is a win-win initiative for all parties involved. Consumers can contribute to important causes while shopping online, merchants can strengthen their brand image and CSR efforts, and charities receive much-needed support during challenging times. We are excited to see the positive impact SavingsCARES will have on our community, and we invite merchants to join us in making a difference. 

How does your company help your advertisers add value and drive incrementality?

We take pride in partnering with renowned national charities, such as Rainforest Trust and Save the Children, which boast impressive reach and followings. The ability to tap into these charities’ audiences to promote our merchant partners is a testament to the mutually beneficial nature of this initiative, creating a win-win scenario for all parties involved.

Our website’s guiding principle, “Coupons with a Cause,” gives SavingsCARES a distinctive edge that embodies a commitment to assisting both consumers and the wider community. By providing money-saving discounts to consumers and promoting our Charity of the Month partner, we offer merchants a unique approach to representing their brand within the CSR and fundraising landscape.

What excites you about the affiliate marketing industry and where it’s headed? What new innovations or initiatives will we see from Savings.com this year?

 We’ve witnessed significant growth and evolution in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital world, and e-commerce has played a pivotal role in driving this fast-paced transformation. As we continue to innovate, we are excited to integrate affiliate marketing into the charity landscape in several ways.

• Charity of the Month Initiative: We are passionate about raising awareness for a diverse range of causes through our Charity of the Month initiative. By leveraging the affiliate channel, we can promote these vital organizations and support their efforts to make a positive impact.
• Strategic Partnerships: This year, we will focus on developing strategic partnerships through affiliate fundraising campaigns. Our goal is to target brands that have yet to engage with charities and collaborate with merchants sharing mutual charity partnerships. These relationships will create new opportunities for merchants and charities, fostering a stronger community and advancing the industry.

Overall, we are optimistic about the potential for affiliate fundraising to drive meaningful change and create win-win scenarios for all parties involved. Our commitment to innovation and collaboration will ensure that we continue to play an essential role in shaping the industry’s future.

Finally, what made your team choose Rakuten Advertising as your affiliate partner?

Rakuten Advertising represents our brand’s unique offerings with exceptional service and attentive account management. This is an integral part of account optimization and part of what makes our companies a match made in heaven. Rakuten Advertising proactively seeks out new opportunities for its partners to expand their businesses and explore untapped markets and innovative strategies that can deliver growth and success. The extensive global network enables us to serve partners across multiple markets, facilitating seamless international campaigns and providing access to a diverse range of potential customers. Not to mention, account managers regularly share industry trends and insights with their partners, empowering them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and drive their businesses forward. What’s better than that?

Anything else you want advertisers or our audience to know about Savings.com?

We just want to emphasize the importance and how proud we are of the SavingsCARES initiative.  SavingsCARES is our way of making the world better by supporting important causes with the same deals our shoppers already love. This is a new kind of CSR – one that gives back and drives sales.

• Charities get: Increased visibility and a new opportunity to raise donations by partnering with merchants via this new channel.
• Merchants get: Increased sales, social amplification, and the positive branding associated with partnering with charities.
• Users get: Yet another avenue to donate to charities without using more money taken from their own pockets.

For additional insights from our publisher partners, check out more here!