Happy Tuesday!

We have some exciting things upcoming on Hello Partner.

Exclusively for our Partner+ subscribers, we will be uploading the entire archive of sessions from PI LIVE x IMS USA, so you can catch up on all the insights from the show.

Even more exciting than that, we've scheduled a big summer boat party, so we can celebrate all the hard work that's gone into the year so far.

If you are a Partner+ member, you should have received your invite already.

For everyone else, you can pick up tickets here. We hope to see you there!

Now, on with the news.


In today's newsletter:

  • Pick of the day: Microsoft discontinues coupon browser extension
  • Trending: Rakuten Advertising's new conversion protection tool; Belboon is acquired by Linehub
  • Top Tip of the Week: Jim Nichols' advice for agencies and brands

Pick of the day

Microsoft discontinued the coupon code finder in its Microsoft Shopping browser extension on May 31.

The company has not stated a reason for the change, and when asked for further details, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed only that the message shown to users about its disappearance was accurate.

The application is no longer in the Chrome Web Store. The removal arrives amidst creator lawsuits and incoming policy changes on Chrome for browser extensions.


What's hot on Hello Partner right now

Performance and Commerce at the Core of WPP Media’s Launch
Replacing GroupM, WPP has officially launched WPP Media, with a ÂŁ300 million AI platform at the centre.

Rakuten Advertising Unveils New Conversion Protection Tool at Optimism 2025
CEO Nick Stamos calls for publisher empowerment and a vision beyond last-click.

Belboon Acquired by Linehub to Strengthen European Market Presence
After filing for insolvency earlier this year, the German affiliate network now enters a new growth phase under the Linehub umbrella, preserving programmes and partner relationships.

“The Authenticity Era is Over”: Joanna Hughston on Rethinking What Matters in Creator Marketing
The Goat Agency’s Head of Marketing shares her thoughts on creativity, authenticity, non-endemic partnerships, YouTube strategies, and more.


Tip of the Week

Stay at the top of your game

This week's top tip is more of a macro industry outlook, courtesy of Jim Nichols.

Affiliate marketing has long been shielded from the pricing pressures facing other marketing services because it’s performance-based. But that’s changing.

Even in this sector, agencies are being forced to slash fees just to win business. What transpires is less-experienced teams, weaker service, and poorer outcomes for clients.

As Nichols puts it: “Affiliate marketing is a highly labor-intensive business that relies heavily on personal relationships. When you choose not to invest in highly experienced people, you limit your success.”

Essentially, cutting corners means cutting results.

Nichols offers advice to brands and agencies. Brands should stop seeing agency fees as costs, and start seeing them as growth investments.

Agencies should focus on finding ways to add real, tangible value beyond just recruitment, such as proprietary technology, exclusive access to partners, and incorporation of adjacent services like performance and influencer marketing.


Affiliate Geoguessr

Did you get the last location?

If you guessed it was the former HQ of buy.at, you would be correct!

buy.at was an affiliate network founded in 2002. In just a few years, it was hailed as the UK's fastest-growing affiliate network by New Media Age.

In 2008, it was purchased by AOL, which subsequently sold it to Digital Window two years later.

By 2012, the buy.at brand was retired, and its operations were fully integrated into Affiliate Window's platform.

Below is this week's location.

Can you determine its significance?

Stralauer Allee 2, 10245 Berlin, Germany


Amusing Affiliates

Credit: marketing_memes

Jobs

🇬🇧
Job role: TikTok Shop - Affiliate Creator Manager
Company: TikTok
Location: London, UK
🇬🇧
Job role: Affiliate Account Manager
Company: Webgains
Location: London, UK

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Until next time,

Sol Wilkinson
Journalist
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