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Affiliate marketing: How publishers have made money from pandemic online shopping boom - Press Gazette

Press Gazette ·Jul 26, 2026 12:00am

Online Shoppers Drive Affiliate Marketing Boom During Pandemic

A surge in online shopping during the pandemic has led to a significant increase in affiliate marketing revenue for publishers. According to industry data, affiliate marketing has seen substantial growth as more people turned to the internet for shopping.

The shift to online shopping was largely driven by the need for social distancing measures, which closed physical stores and forced consumers to rely on e-commerce platforms. As a result, affiliate marketing became a lucrative opportunity for publishers, who promoted products and services from various brands on their websites. By partnering with affiliate networks, publishers could monetize their online presence and earn a commission for every sale generated.

The growth of the affiliate marketing sector has also opened up opportunities for new platforms and businesses to emerge. According to a report, affiliate marketing has become a significant contributor to the online economy, with millions of merchants and publishers participating in the industry.

Publishers have had to adapt to changing consumer behavior and find innovative ways to promote products to their audience. This has led to the development of new formats, such as influencer marketing and sponsored content, which have become increasingly popular.

The affiliate marketing sector's growth has also raised concerns about transparency and accountability. As the industry continues to expand, regulators are paying close attention to ensure that affiliate marketing practices are clear and compliant with consumer protection laws.

A key challenge for affiliates and publishers will be to maintain the trust of their audience in the face of increased competition. Effective marketing strategies will need to prioritize authenticity and transparency to stay ahead of the curve.

- A significant increase in affiliate marketing revenue has been driven by the pandemic-fueled shift to online shopping.
- Publishers have adapted to changing consumer behavior by developing new marketing formats, such as influencer marketing and sponsored content.
- As the affiliate marketing sector continues to grow, regulators are focusing on ensuring transparency and accountability in practices.

Based on public reporting from Press Gazette. View the publisher’s original piece (opens in a new tab) — optional if you want the full primary source.