Rakuten Advertising Blog

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!

Rakuten Advertising advertisers and publishers can officially stop running manual reports, and start getting quick answers with Prompt, now available in our dedicated Insights and Analytics Portal.

Americans are booking boldly and demanding obvious value. Our latest survey reveals who really sways decisions (think Google Reviews and creators), when they convert (often inside a month), and where they buy—plus the partner plays that turn intent into revenue.

The 2025 tariff landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for e-commerce. A data-driven, strategic approach is essential for navigating this complex environment. By understanding the impact of tariffs on different sectors and timing marketing efforts effectively, retailers can position themselves for success in the holiday season and beyond.

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.

Rakuten International's Optimism event, held in sunny Carlsbad, California, marked a triumphant return with nearly 1,000 global attendees. This year's theme, "Fueling Meaningful Connections," was brought to life through a series of engaging panels, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities. The event celebrated the best in affiliate marketing, offering insights and innovations from industry leaders and fostering powerful partnerships across the globe.