Rakuten Advertising Blog

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.

Affiliate marketing is one of the most effective ways brands can drive measurable growth through partnership. Learn what affiliate marketing is, how it works, and why it remains one of the most trusted, performance-driven channels for marketers and publishers alike.

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 optimize with governance, tracking, and data-driven metrics.

Affiliate Marketing Insights for Canadian ecommerce brands: Discover how to win the holiday season with a Canada‑first calendar, CAD pricing and duties transparency, published shipping cut‑offs, winter‑ready fulfillment, and a diverse affiliate mix—including cashback, editorial, deal forums, extensions, and creators—plus a Boxing Week plan to drive repeat purchases.

Affiliate Marketing News: Our 2024–2025 analysis shows US spending shifting from rebound to value-first. Learn how to capture high-income buyers, activate “smart discretionary” demand with BNPL, bundles, and loyalty, and convert with trust- and quality-led content—plus regional prioritization to boost Q4 performance and beyond.

Stay ahead with comprehensive Affiliate Marketing News covering the latest industry updates, expert strategies, and actionable insights to help you optimize your holiday campaigns, increase conversions, and grow your affiliate business throughout the season and beyond.

Diversify your affiliate program with our Q3 Affiliate Publishers Spotlight! Discover the most notable and newest affiliate publishers on the Rakuten Advertising network and watch your performance soar.

DealMaker Canada 2025 was a standout among Canadian affiliate events, bringing together top advertisers, publishers, and agencies for two days of networking, learning, and dealmaking. Read our full recap of this leading affiliate event in Toronto!