Experts Edge with Amy Cheung: STM Forum Unpacked!

Having been around for almost a decade, the STM Forum is the go-to networking/information portal for budding and seasoned affiliates alike. 

STM Forum

And, who better to take us through all you need to know to succeed when using the forum, than  Amy Cheung, Senior STM moderator, and the person in the know of all that’s happening in the world of 2021 affiliate marketing.  Amy sat down with us to discuss the progression of the forum over the years, highlighting the latest features, trends, and developments taking place. Over to you Amy!

Please tell us about yourself?

I’m based in Toronto, Canada, and have been doing internet marketing full-time since 2006.

I joined STM in 2015 as a regular member, and was soon nominated for STM forum moderator by David Savory aka “zeno”.  I gladly accepted and have been happily replying to forum posts ever since.

Balancing my STM duties and my own campaigns haven’t always been easy, but both endeavors have provided me with immense satisfaction – especially when STM members would tell me they’re achieving consistent 2/3/4-figures a day in profits and crediting STM with the knowledge and advice that was needed to get to where they are.

What is the STM Forum?

STM is probably one of the largest, oldest, and most well-known affiliate communities.  With over 47k forum threads consisting of over 397k posts, anyone at any level of experience will find the knowledge they need to help them become better marketers.

Here’s an example of the content you will find on the forum:

• Step-by-step tutorials for complete newbies that want to learn how to make money through media buying, in the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way possible.
• Member-exclusive discounts that can save hundreds of dollars a month in tools and services that are essential to affiliates.
• Tips and tricks that can turn losing campaigns into profitable campaigns.
• Case studies that can be replicated or modeled.
• Masterminds for all skill levels. From newbies just starting out to people making  $10,000+ a day in revenue.
• Networking opportunities that can turn into mutually beneficial partnerships.  It’s not rare to see members make awesome returns together after teaming up.
• Secret strategies used by veterans that can’t be found anywhere else.

You can find examples of actual forum content here.

Also:  We have more new step-by-step tutorials and case studies in the works – so please stay tuned!

How do I sign up, and what’s the cost?

The regular subscription fee is USD$99/month.  For a limited time, get 30% off the first month’s subscription with coupon code ADCASH30.  (Expires end of April 2021.)

Sign-up to STM by clicking here

We have a refund policy in place to remove all the risks for you.  If, after signing up, you’re not impressed by what you see, or don’t feel that the forum will benefit you, simply contact our support team within the first 72 hours to request a full refund, no questions asked.

How do I network with other affiliates on STM Forum?

Here are 3 ways we would recommend:

Start a thread in the “Introduce Yourself – Make Friends” section, both to introduce yourself and to describe who you’re looking to network with.

If you’re looking to start or join a team, work on projects, or run campaigns together, start a thread in the ”Masterminds” section (or reply in other members’ threads).

Create a forum signature that describes what you do so that members who may need your services can easily reach out and contact you. From there, start getting eyeballs on your signature by participating in discussions!

What are some unique features of the STM Forum? 

There are loads! But here are some of the most enticing.

Follow Along Threads 

Any member can start a “follow-along” thread. They describe what they’re working on, for example, what affiliate campaigns they’re running and how they’re testing offers and optimizing campaigns.  Moderators and veteran members would then provide continual feedback and guidance for as long as the member continues to update the thread.  This is like getting personal affiliate coaching for a fraction of the price.

Discounts and Bonuses Section

Where networks and service providers can post discounts and bonuses exclusively for STM Forum members

Landing Page Depository

Get instant access to an ever-growing collection of high-quality landing pages spanning a variety of verticals and languages. Cleaned up and ready to receive traffic. All you need to do is add your own unique tracking link!

Vendors Subforum 

Where affiliates and traffic/affiliate networks can discuss affiliate offers and traffic opportunities with one another.

Affiliate Contacts Directory

Contains contact info of representatives from a wide range of affiliate networks and traffic networks, giving members the chance to reach out and get in touch directly.

Affiliate Network Application Tool  

Allows affiliates to apply to 20+ affiliate networks by filling out a single application form.

How has Covid-19 impacted the sector?

We’ve approached many experts in the affiliate marketing industry to ask just that question.

You can find all their replies on the topic (and MUCH more) in the epic 300-page “What’s Working in Affiliate Marketing 2021” report, but below is a summary:

The amount of online shopping has soared, resulting in a sharp growth in the eCommerce sector.  Covid has caused problems with sourcing and delays in delivery times for many eCommerce business owners, but those that actively sought to resolve these issues did even larger numbers than they would have, pre-covid.

Verticals that went down with the pandemic include traveling and accommodation.  Ecommerce owners and affiliates that were operating in these verticals had to quickly switch gears to survive.

Online entertainment keeps people occupied and sane

With everybody confined to their homes, online entertainment keeps people occupied and sane.  Products and offers relating to online gaming, video streaming, gambling/casino, etc. have seen significant growth.

With the lockdown and the need for social distancing at an all-time high, people are craving any form of emotional bonding they can get and with this need for connection taking paramount importance, online dating offers became part of the solution.

With unemployment rates where they are, many are resorting to borrowing money.  Affiliate offers relating to loans and debt relief have been doing well.

Many people are out of work, many are looking to further their education, to either make themselves more competitive in their current field or to switch to a new field altogether. With that said, products and services related to education have been in greater demand.

Demands in life/health insurance and funeral cover have also seen an increase.  Lead generation affiliate offers in these verticals have been hot.

We’ve become more concerned with the need to maintain good health and immunity, resulting in a boost in the Nutra vertical.

What are the best tips to help affiliates succeed in 2021?

Stay Current, Continue to Learn, Expand Your Network, and Nurture Relationships.  

• Follow and actively participate in communities such as the STM Forum.
• Read blogs of successful affiliates and marketers.
• Follow and actively participate in relevant FB groups.
• Attend online conferences such as Adworld.

Maximize Productivity, Effectively, and Efficiency by…

• Having an efficient workflow that is continuously being improved.
• Using automation where possible.
• Outsourcing or building a team.

Focus on Long-Term Monetization

Instead of just doing direct monetization by sending visitors directly to affiliate offers, build a list (e.g. email/push/SMS subscribers) first so you can own your traffic and monetize it repeatedly.

Which verticals are doing really well at the moment?

I’ve already listed many of these under the above question regarding covid.

In addition:  Crypto-related offers have seen significant growth due to a sharp climb in cryptocurrency prices in recent months.  There are affiliates that have been cleaning up by running crypto offers.

Also, there has been an increase in Click2SMS and Click2Call offers.  These are easy to promote, quick to convert with, and are available in many Geos.  To find out which affiliate networks have such offers, please refer to the “What’s Working in Affiliate Marketing 2021” report.

For a limited time, get 30% off your first month’s subscription with coupon code ADCASH30.  (Expires end of April 2021.)

Sign-up to STM by clicking here.

That’s it for now, best of luck in the months ahead, and as always, feel free to reach out to our dedicated advertiser managers/support team. They’ll work around the clock to see that your campaigns are tailored for maximum impact, regardless of the vertical, Geo, or payment you use. 

Keep an eye out for more Experts Edge articles headed your way, and feel free to leave a comment in the box below and tell us what verticals have been working for you!