Interview with Shopping-Bargains.com

In an economy like this one, any kind of savings oriented offer is a great opportunity for affiliates. Indeed, back to school coupons are proving very popular.

Well, recently I got a chance to ask Mike Allen of Shoppin-Bargains.com a few questions. Mike told us about the verticals he likes to focus on, and also shared his thoughts on the affiliate marketing industry and trends such as social media.

shopping-bargains Share Results: What verticals do you focus on?
Mike Allen: I focus on most retail verticals as well as some services like travel.

SR: What do you think about the growth of the affiliate industry in the coming years?
MA: Apart from some kind of radical governmental intervention that puts punitive barriers on affiliate marketing (e.g. some state’s interpretation of nexus for tax purposes has harmed the industry in select states), I see no reason why the affiliate industry should do anything but grow. Affiliate marketing creates a win-win situation and works with the creative aspects of human nature. For that reason, innovation and performance are rewarded which further reinforces the affiliate relationship.

SR: Do you use Social Media for driving traffic? If so, which channels do you use (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and how (e.g. community building, retention, acquisition)?
MA: I am involved with social media on a limited basis. I tweet some deals and make some of ours available via Facebook. My experience has been, however, to make the tools available to my shoppers and let them do the sharing.

SR: What are some of the trends that you see emerging in affiliate marketing in the coming years?
MA: I think real consumer reviews will become even more important as a proxy for being able to physically handle a product or look a sales clerk in the eyes to determine honesty. I also think product and price comparison tools will become increasingly useful as consumers expect more value in a competitive space.

Tagged as: coupon, mike allen, shopping bargains