This week, Lee-Ann explores the evolution of affiliate marketing technology with Sam Darawish, CEO and Co-Founder of Everflow. The conversation reveals why tracking beyond the initial conversion is crucial for program success, how AI will reshape affiliate management, and why transparency is becoming the foundation of profitable partner relationships.
Talking points include:
- Why “track every moment” matters more than ever for affiliate program success.
- The shift from commission-based networks to transparent SaaS solutions.
- Why affiliate marketing remains the most ROI-positive channel in uncertain economic times.
From Lead Gen Pioneer to SaaS Innovator
Sam traces his path from Adteractive’s mortgage boom era through co-founding mobile-first Moolah Media, sold to Opera in 2013. The decision to focus on technology over running another network led to Everflow’s creation in 2016, built on the belief that performance marketing deserved better infrastructure.
Beyond the Click: Why Every Moment Matters
Traditional affiliate tracking stops at the conversion, but modern businesses need visibility into the entire customer lifecycle. Sam explains how financial services clients track up to 30 post-conversion events, enabling fraud detection, partner optimisation, and transparent revenue sharing that transforms affiliate relationships from transactional to strategic.
The “track every moment” philosophy emerged from Sam’s experience with mobile app advertisers who wanted more than just install data—they needed “engagement beyond that, lifetime journey.” The real power lies in the insights this data reveals. Sam shares examples of e-commerce affiliates who generate fewer initial conversions but deliver customers with significantly higher subscription values, enabling brands to “award them more.”
The Transparency Revolution
Rather than following the traditional network model of collecting commissions, Everflow chose to focus purely on connecting partners through technology. Sam explains how this decision eliminates the perverse incentive to promote high-volume publishers over high-quality ones, creating a marketplace where success is measured by genuine performance rather than transaction fees. The result? Brands can share comprehensive performance data without competitive concerns, while partners receive actionable insights that actually help them optimise their efforts.
Listen to find out more about:
- How cohort analysis reveals hidden gems in your affiliate program’s long tail.
- Why the affiliate manager role is splitting into relationship builders vs data analysts.
- Sam’s predictions for influencer marketing and performance-based partnerships.
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct:
[03:20] Sam’s 20-year affiliate marketing journey.
[21:44] Insights into what’s ahead for Everflow.
[25:44] Rapid-fire predictions: Will affiliate marketing exist in 50 years?
Our thanks go to Everflow as this season’s sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look, here.
ELEVATE 2025: Time is running out to join the revolution!
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#AffiliateWINS: Your Victory Lap Starts Now!
Join the #AffiliateWINS movement! Share your affiliate marketing triumphs and success stories on social media to help spread positivity throughout the industry.
Time to flip the script: less calling out, more calling UP. Let’s make #AffiliateWINS the hashtag that dominates feeds everywhere!
Ready to brag? Share success stories like these:
- “Just closed our best Q1 ever with the partner who’s been in it with us since day one. Loyalty pays dividends. #AffiliateWINS”
- “Our affiliate just turned a shoestring budget into 5x ROAS using nothing but authentic UGC and love. Small spend, massive returns. #AffiliateWINS”
- “Here’s to the quiet achievers, steadily driving volume without the spotlight. You’re the backbone of this industry. #AffiliateWINS”
Each week on the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, we’re showcasing why affiliate isn’t just a moment—it’s EVERY moment in your business. Share your #AffiliateWINS as we unveil an incredible lineup of guests and features, brought to you by our season sponsors at Everflow.io.
Use the hashtag to shout-out your wins and positivity on social channels or contact us directly with your stories.
Get Your Questions Answered by Lee-Ann!
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