Affiliate marketing has become an essential strategy for ecommerce brands looking to drive sales and acquire new customers in a cost-effective way. And influencer partnerships powered by affiliate programs can take a brand‘s success to the next level.
Enter Shopify Collabs—an innovative platform that connects Shopify merchants with content creators and influencers. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this exciting new offering from Shopify.
What is Shopify Collabs and How Does It Work?
Shopify Collabs provides a streamlined platform for merchants and creators to partner together through affiliate marketing relationships.
For merchants, Collabs makes it simple to:
- Recruit influencers to promote your products
- Create customized affiliate programs
- Send free products to reviewers
- Track affiliate sales and payouts
For creators, Collabs offers:
- A marketplace to discover relevant brand partners
- Tools to easily apply for collaborations
- Free products in exchange for content
- Seamless affiliate link integration and tracking
Collabs handles all the heavy lifting. Merchants can efficiently scale their influencer programs. And creators have direct access to exciting sponsorship opportunities.
Getting Started with Shopify Collabs
Ready to unlock the potential of influencer marketing for your business? Here is how to get set up:
For Merchants: Install the Shopify Collabs App
From your Shopify admin:
- Go to the App Store and search "Collabs"
- Click to install the Collabs app
- Accept terms and connect your accounts
- Complete your profile—this helps match you with relevant creators
For Creators: Request Early Access
Since Collabs is still in beta, creators need early access, which includes:
- Joining the waitlist
- Receiving an email invitation
- Setting up your Shopify Partner account
- Completing your creator profile
And that‘s it! Now you can start forging lucrative collaborations on Collabs.
Key Features and Tools for Merchants
The Collabs app equips merchants with everything needed to manage a thriving influencer program:
Recruit Influencers
In the Recruit tab, you can browse creator profiles and reach out to micro-influencers and top talent interested in collab opportunities.
Create Affiliate Programs
Use the Programs tab to design customized affiliate tiers with special discounts and optimized commission rates to entice creators.
Send Gifts to Reviewers
Leverage the built-in Gifts module to send free product samples to creators in exchange for content and reviews.
Track Performance
The Contacts page shows accepted creator applications and active affiliates. Stay on top of your program‘s performance here.
Pay Affiliates
Setup payouts in the Payments section. Collabs will automatically pay your affiliates on your behalf.
Automate Tasks
For merchants using Shopify Flow, you can automate redundant admin tasks associated with managing your influencer program.
Now let‘s explore some best practices for merchants looking to thrive on Collabs.
Tips for Merchant Success on Shopify Collabs
Following these suggestions will help you stand out and recruit top creators on Collabs:
Create an Enticing Profile
Take time to complete your profile thoroughly. Share your brand story, mission and values to align with creators.
Personalize Creator Outreach
Mass outreach won‘t cut it. Craft unique pitches catered to each influencer you want to work with.
Offer Competitive Commissions
Research and offer above-average commission rates to incentivize creators to promote you.
Host High Quality Reviews
When sending gifted products, provide great service and helpful resources to inspire authentic reviews.
Respond to Applications Quickly
Reply to submissions in a timely manner to start relationships off on the right foot.
Follow Up Regularly
Check in frequently with new affiliates to develop rapport and encourage conversions.
The advantage for merchants is clear. But what exactly is in it for creators?
Why Creators Should Join Shopify Collabs
In addition to merchants reaping big benefits, the Collabs platform also presents lucrative upside for influencers.
Discover Relevant Brand Partners
Browse Shopify stores directly tailored to your niche so you only get relevant match opportunities.
Apply for Desired Collaborations
Shoot your shot by submitting applications to any brands capturing your interest—no need to wait for a DM!
Receive Products to Review
Who doesn‘t love free stuff? Enjoy gifted products with no obligation or strings attached.
Generate Affiliate Revenue
Monetize your content by sharing affiliate links. Earn generous commissions from sales driven.
Build Relationships
Forge valuable connections with brand owners that can lead to long-term partnership opportunities.
For creators ready to unlock this potential, here are some tips:
Best Practices for Creators
Follow these guidelines to create a positive experience for yourself—and the merchants you collaborate with:
Complete Your Profile
Provide as much detail as possible about your content style, topics, audience demographics and more.
Create Quality Content
Put effort into your gifted reviews and affiliate content so merchants are happy promoting you.
Promote Affiliate Links
Share your custom affiliate links prominently across all your social platforms and channels.
Maintain Open Communication
Be responsive to brands that gifted you product samples and initiated a relationship.
Check Payments Frequently
Log into your account to confirm when your monthly affiliate payouts are processed.
Ready to get started? Merchants and creators alike now understand the immense opportunity presented by Shopify Collabs.
Final Takeaways
In closing, keep this advice in mind:
For merchants—take advantage of a turnkey platform enabling scalable influencer partnerships on Shopify.
For creators—unlock brand sponsorships and affiliate income through a thriving marketplace made just for you.
The time is now. Sign up and start strategically collaborating with your ideal partners on Shopify Collabs today!
