Affiliate Marketing in the Post-IDFA Era: Key Strategies to Adapt and Succeed

If you’re part of the iPhone crew, you probably swear by the Apple brand and the legacy of its founder, Steve Jobs. Without a doubt, it’s a phone packed with features and benefits that only strengthen the absolute and unconditional loyalty many users have for iOS devices worldwide.

But in 2021, many users started questioning their allegiance when Apple announced new restrictions on tracking on Facebook, causing a major stir in the digital marketing community. These restrictions were first announced in June 2020 during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference and implemented with the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021.

This new policy drastically changed how advertisers track and target users. If you’re still catching up on what happened and how it affects you, don’t worry. Many are in the same boat, and this article aims to clarify some aspects of these changes and share the steps you can take to adapt your strategies and continue thriving in the post-IDFA era.

What is IDFA and Why Does It Matter?

IDFA is a unique identifier that Apple assigns to each device to allow ad tracking and attribution. Before iOS 14.5, this identifier was enabled by default, making life easier for marketers. With IDFA, you could track the effectiveness of your campaigns, personalize user experiences, and optimize your ad spend. But now, in this new privacy-centric trend, Apple has decided to hide it, and users must actively opt-in to allow tracking.

The Impact of the New Restrictions

Any time a user opens a new app, a pop-up asks for permission to track their activity. And let’s be honest, who wants to be tracked? This has led to a significant drop in the availability of IDFA, complicating attribution and retargeting.

How Does This Affect Your Marketing Campaigns?

1. Complicated Attribution: Without IDFA, figuring out which campaigns are working and which aren’t becomes a real challenge.
2. Limited Retargeting: Without IDFA, retargeting your users becomes nearly impossible, since you can’t precisely identify them.
3. Less Data, Less Personalization: With less data available, personalizing user experiences becomes a daunting task.

Strategies for the Post-IDFA Era

Leverage Attribution Alternatives

There are alternative attribution methods that don’t rely on IDFA. Platforms like Adjust offer solutions based on non-deterministic signals and Apple’s AppTrackingTransparency framework. You can also use tools like SKAdNetwork to get additional data.

Focus on User Retention

Now more than ever, focus on keeping your current users. Remember, acquiring a new customer costs five times more than retaining an existing one. Use push notifications, emails, and cross-marketing strategies to keep your users engaged and loyal.

Optimize Your Onboarding

First impressions matter a lot. Create a welcome experience that is automated, personalized, and uses multiple channels. Use tools like Pushwoosh to build welcome flows that hook your users from the start.

Smart Segmentation

Even without IDFA, you can still effectively segment your audience. Use behavioral data and in-app events to create precise segments. This way, you can send relevant and customized messages to keep users interested.

Facebook offers advanced segmentation options that don’t rely on IDFA. Affiliates can leverage demographic data, interests, and behaviors to target specific audiences. For example, if you’re promoting beauty products, target users interested in makeup, skincare, or fashion.

5. Embrace Contextual Marketing

Without IDFA, contextual marketing becomes a powerful alternative. Instead of relying on user data, focus on the context in which your audience is (location, time of day, device used) and tailor the content accordingly. Publish relevant ads based on the content they are consuming. For example, if a user is browsing for cooking recipes on their iPad at night, showing ads related to kitchen tools or ingredients might be more effective.

6. Groups and Communities

Facebook groups are a gold mine for affiliates. Join groups related to your niche and participate actively. Don’t just push products directly; share knowledge, answer questions, and build relationships. The trust you make in these groups can convert into sales.

7. Creative Advertising

Take advantage of Facebook’s creative options. Use eye-catching images, short videos, and carousels to highlight your products. Creativity can make up for the lack of IDFA tracking. Include persuasive calls to action (CTAs) in your posts. Encourage users to click, visit your website, or make a purchase. A well-crafted CTA can make all the difference.

What iOS 15 Has Brought Us

Apple has significantly advanced its privacy policies, and with the release of iOS 15 in 2021, it introduced new changes that impacted how we interact with users. These include adjustments to notification preferences and greater transparency in data collection. Stay informed and continuously adapt to these changes and any future updates Apple may implement.

Conclusion

Navigating Apple’s restrictions on tracking on Facebook may seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can keep moving forward and succeed in the post-IDFA era. Adapt your attribution methods, focus on user retention, optimize onboarding, and use contextual marketing to keep your campaigns effective and relevant.

If you are looking for a vibrant community filled with opportunities in the affiliate marketing world, Olavivo is the place for you. Join us and discover how we can help you grow and adapt to these changes successfully. Don’t wait any longer – join Olavivo today and transform your affiliate marketing strategy to thrive in the new digital era!