Rakuten Advertising Blog

Prime Day 2026 may start on Amazon, but its impact reaches across the retail web. Using Prime Day 2025 data, this article shows affiliate and partner marketers how the halo effect shapes traffic, conversions, category performance, and publisher strategy, and where to focus before June 23–26 to drive stronger results.

The separation gap in AI shopping is changing the role of performance marketing in surprising ways. Our new report is an indispensable AI intelligence guide for partner marketing leaders, revealing an unexpected most valuable audience, and proving why trust is the new value proposition for shoppers.

Macroeconomic pressures have created a permanent "value-seeking" consumer. This has fueled the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), not as a replacement for credit cards, but as a complementary tool. The result is a new, highly valuable 'hybrid consumer' who strategically uses both. This shift toward payment flexibility and frequent purchasing presents a major opportunity for affiliate marketers to drive growth. Discover the data-driven strategies you need to adapt and win in this new economic landscape.

The 2026 Golden Link Awards finalists are here! Explore the full list of nominees and join us at Rakuten Optimism in May 2026 as we celebrate this year’s winners in person. A huge congratulations to everyone nominated!

Maintaining a consistent brand voice across partners is essential for brand marketers looking to scale their programs. This blog explores actionable strategies—and the value of working with a trusted affiliate network like Rakuten Advertising, to ensure your brand’s messaging, values, and reputation remain strong.

Ready to launch your brand’s affiliate program? This Affiliate Marketing Step-by-Step guide for brand marketers covers everything from setting goals and choosing a platform to recruiting partners and optimizing for growth, including the benefits of affiliate networks and advanced technology. Contact us to get started!

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.