Teachers of ELEVATE: Renz Gonzales

Alternative Traffic Revolution: Why PropellerAds’ Renz Gonzales Says SMEs Can Compete Without Big Budgets

Leading this conversation at ELEVATE Summit 2025 will be Renz Gonzales, Head of Business Development at PropellerAds, who brings a refreshingly pragmatic approach to performance marketing strategy.

With hundreds of client campaigns under his belt spanning direct brands, affiliates, and media buying agencies, Renz will be speaking and teaching on our panel: ‘Beyond the Beaten Path: Unlocking Growth with Diversified Traffic Sources for SMEs‘ which promises to challenge conventional wisdom about budget requirements and competitive positioning in today’s market.

We asked Renz about his most valuable connection made at a previous event – “Hands down, meeting Lee-Ann, founder of Affiverse. We ended up bonding in Dubai and chatted until late about work, life, what the industry needs, and where it’s going. That connection turned into real collaboration and mutual respect. It just proves that some of the most important moments at events don’t always happen on stage – they happen around a table, snacking on hummus and sharing ideas.“

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ELEVATE: Where Real Conversations Happen

Renz talks to us about what he’s most looking forward to sharing with the SME community at ELEVATE, this July. He explains, “ELEVATE has always felt like more than just another industry event. It’s where real conversations happen, and people show up to actually learn, share, and grow.

“I’m most excited to show SMEs that you don’t need huge budgets or big teams to compete. You just need the right strategy and channels that work smarter, not harder.

“I want to give people clarity. There’s so much noise in performance marketing, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ll break things down simply—what’s working right now, where to focus, and how to test new traffic channels. Pratical takeaways they can actually act on the next day.”

The Telegram Mini App Opportunity Window

As Head of Business Development at PropellerAds, what alternative traffic sources does Renz see delivering the strongest results for affiliates and direct brands in 2025? One traffic source is currently outperforming expectations across multiple verticals – as Renz shares, “Telegram Mini Apps are absolutely killing it right now. They’re fast, hyper-engaging, and let you target high-intent users without the usual platform restrictions. We’re also seeing solid performance from push and in-page push traffic, especially when the creatives feel native. The key is combining smart targeting with storytelling that clicks instantly.“

Closed-Loop Optimisation: Beyond Click Counting

Perhaps more significant than any single traffic source is Renz’s emphasis on closed-loop optimisation (CLO) as a fundamental shift in how affiliates should measure campaign effectiveness. “CLO has been a game-changer,” he explains. “It helps brands finally see the full picture and not just counting the click as a conversion, but what actually converts and brings value and ensuring cost efficiency is at the forefront. Data is king!“

Strategic Networking in a Relationship-Driven Industry

As we count down to the event in London, Renz explains how he intends to make the most of this opportunity, “The best moments usually happen outside the agenda. Grabbing coffee, chatting in between sessions, those casual meetups that turn into partnerships. I’m looking forward to those real, unfiltered convos. My advice: Don’t just collect contacts. Connect with people. Ask thoughtful questions, and be curious as you’ll get way more out of the experience that way.

“I’m always drawn to sessions where people are honest about what didn’t work. Those conversations are often more valuable than success stories. I’m also keeping an eye on anything related to automation and AI for small teams—because let’s face it, everyone wants to do more with less.

“SMEs will get a lot from those sessions, especially when they’re hands-on and not just theory.“

Renz is the Head of Business Development at PropellerAds, who believes every brand can succeed with the right traffic source. With his experience and passion for strategic campaign planning, Renz worked with hundreds of clients (Direct Brands, Affiliates, Media Buying Agencies) to get measurable and sustainable results. He has spoken at various industry conferences and events: Affiliate World Europe, SiGMA Conferences.

Be One of Only 200 in the Room: Connections Made, Deals Closed

Renz will be part of our panel, teaching you how to Diversify & Thrive: Expert strategies for SMEs to expand acquisition channels beyond the mainstream. Our panel reveals how to leverage paid media, mobile apps, Card Linked Offers and offline-to-online funnels to create a resilient marketing ecosystem. Get actionable insights on channel selection for your business model, budget allocation tips, and real-world success stories. Leave with a practical blueprint to reduce acquisition costs, reach untapped markets, and build sustainable growth independent of platform algorithms

Don’t kick yourself for missing this one! Your ticket is waiting for you.

ELEVATE Summit 2025 is happening this July in London, bringing together the brightest minds in performance marketing. Secure your tickets now to avoid missing out on this exceptional learning and networking opportunity.

Together, we’re redefining the affiliate marketing landscape for SMEs.

Celebrating Industry Excellence: The Affiverse RAV Awards

Debuting at ELEVATE 2025, the Affiverse RAV Awards shine a spotlight on the rising stars, forward-thinkers, and unsung heroes driving affiliate and performance marketing forward.

These awards celebrate the achievements of SMEs, solo entrepreneurs, publishers, managers, and behind-the-scenes talent shaping the future of our industry. From program innovation to partnership excellence, the RAV Awards recognise those making a real impact, often without the recognition they deserve.

Submit your entry by Monday, 30 June 2025 to be considered for these prestigious awards. Join us for a night of inspiration, celebration, and industry connection as we honour the voices powering the next chapter of affiliate marketing.

Date of Awards: 15 July 2025 Time: 18:00 – 22:00