Affiliate marketing continues to evolve at breakneck speed. To give our readers actionable insights, we spoke with Alexandra Popescu, a top-performing affiliate specializing in CPA campaigns and global networks. Alexandra has over 8 years of experience generating consistent revenue with push, native, and email marketing campaigns across Europe and North America.
Here’s what she shared about scaling campaigns, navigating new trends, and succeeding in 2025.
Q1: How did you get started in affiliate marketing?
Alexandra:
“I started in 2015 as a blogger promoting digital products through simple banner ads. Back then, it was all about content and SEO. Over the years, I learned about paid traffic and CPA networks. That shift really allowed me to scale and diversify my income. Today, most of my revenue comes from performance campaigns rather than organic content.”
Q2: What verticals are performing best in 2025?
Alexandra:
“Right now, SaaS, finance, and subscription-based products dominate. Mobile apps are still huge, especially in dating and gaming. Interestingly, wellness and mental health niches are trending because they combine recurring subscriptions with a loyal audience. I always test multiple GEOs — the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Scandinavia consistently convert well for me.”
Q3: What CPA networks do you recommend for affiliates today?
Alexandra:
“I mostly work with ClickDealer, CrakRevenue, and MyLead. They have reliable payouts, exclusive offers, and excellent affiliate support. For beginners, CPAlead is a great starting point. The key is to find a network that matches your traffic type and GEOs, rather than chasing the highest payouts blindly.”
Q4: How has AI changed your campaigns in 2025?
Alexandra:
“AI is a game-changer. I use machine learning to predict which creatives perform best and to optimize bid adjustments in real-time. Some networks also offer AI-powered SmartLinks that automatically route traffic to the highest-converting offers. It’s not magic — you still need testing — but it saves hours of manual optimization.”
Q5: What’s your approach to traffic quality and scaling?
Alexandra:
“I focus heavily on high-quality traffic. Push notifications and native ads are my primary channels. Scaling comes gradually — I start small, analyze performance, and only increase budgets when the EPC (earnings per click) is consistent. Quality traffic also helps me maintain long-term relationships with networks and access private offers.”
Q6: How do you stay compliant with privacy regulations?
Alexandra:
“2025 has stricter rules, especially in Europe. I make sure all landing pages are GDPR-compliant and use first-party data whenever possible. Networks are stricter too — they monitor compliance closely. Staying transparent and ethical isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it also builds trust with advertisers, which leads to better campaigns.”
Q7: What mistakes should new affiliates avoid?
Alexandra:
“The biggest mistake is rushing into high-traffic campaigns without testing. Many new affiliates chase volume over quality. Another common error is ignoring follow-up — tracking, retargeting, and proper analytics are crucial. Finally, don’t rely on one network. Diversification reduces risk and opens access to better offers.”
Q8: Any tips for affiliates attending conferences in 2025?
Alexandra:
“Absolutely. Conferences are gold for networking. Plan ahead, research attendees and networks, and prepare a clear elevator pitch. Focus on building relationships rather than collecting business cards. Follow up within 48 hours — it’s surprising how many people miss that. I’ve signed deals that turned into 6-figure campaigns from simple conversations at events.”
Q9: Where do you see affiliate marketing going in the next 2–3 years?
Alexandra:
“The future is data-driven, AI-powered, and privacy-focused. Cookie-less tracking will dominate, and AI tools will automate optimization. Niche verticals like wellness, crypto, and AI SaaS are growing rapidly. Affiliates who stay adaptable, ethical, and focused on long-term partnerships will thrive, while others chasing quick wins may fall behind.”
Conclusion
Alexandra Popescu’s insights highlight a key lesson for 2025 affiliates: success isn’t just about traffic volume — it’s about strategy, relationships, and adaptation.
By choosing the right networks, focusing on quality traffic, leveraging AI tools, and attending key conferences, affiliates can build sustainable businesses in an evolving market.
For anyone serious about affiliate marketing, her advice is clear: test, optimize, network, and stay ahead of trends.
If you want, I can also create a follow-up “Interview with a CPA Network Manager” to give a dual perspective — both from the affiliate and network side, which performs really well for SEO and insider insights.