Affiliate influencer marketing: a system that benefits both brands and creators

Interview with Manon MGCH: her experience with affiliate marketing in influencer marketing

Can you introduce yourself? What is your background and how did you start your Instagram account?

My name is Manon, I’m 29, and I’ve been on Instagram for 10 years with my account MGCH. Fashion naturally became my focus, probably because my grandmother was a seamstress. I grew up surrounded by fabrics and threads, which nurtured my passion.

I started on Instagram when I moved to Dijon for my studies. Initially, it was mostly to share things with my friends. But gradually, followers started to join. I remember going home at lunchtime to take a photo and post it — that’s how my community began to form.

What was your strategy to grow your community? How do you stand out and attract followers or brands?

Back then, it was completely organic. Every lunchtime, posting a photo became a daily routine. When stories came along, I started posting them every day as well, alongside the 4–5 feed posts each week.

What really helped was my consistency. Even without a precise strategy, my spontaneity allowed my community to relate to me, and it worked. Ten years ago, brand collaborations were rare.

Today, with algorithm changes, you need to pay attention to details like posting times. But I keep it natural: I post when I feel like it, without overthinking.

Where do you find inspiration?

Social media is a goldmine for inspiration and content creation. Beyond that, I love observing people on the street. Sometimes I sit in a café to watch passersby and their outfits. Everyday fashion is a huge source of ideas.

How do you choose the brands you work with?

I’m very selective. I work with brands like Orta, Stella and Suzie, and Balzac, which I often knew as a customer before collaborating. I knew their products and customer service, so when they reached out, it was a natural step.

For brands I don’t know, I do research: I check their social media, websites, fabric composition, and sourcing. I go by instinct — if I wouldn’t buy it myself, I prefer not to collaborate.

Can you share an example of a successful affiliate campaign or partnership? Why was it a success?

A campaign that has worked very well for several years is with Balzac Paris. I’ve been in their affiliate program for 4 years. The great thing is that they trust me. I have creative freedom — no brief, no strict posting schedule.

I wear their clothes in my daily life and incorporate them naturally into my outfits. Because I’ve worked with them for a long time, my followers feel that I genuinely like the brand and trust it. This authenticity is key to our collaborations’ success.

What are the benefits of affiliate marketing in influencer marketing for you?

When I started, performance-based influence via affiliate marketing didn’t exist yet. Today, it gives me an additional source of income while maintaining freedom. With an affiliate program, I manage it at my own pace.

It’s very transparent: you can see stats like clicks or revenue generated. This helps you know your value, especially when negotiating with brands. For brands with limited budgets, affiliate marketing is ideal: they send products, receive content, and I generate revenue. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Which metrics do you track to measure the success of an affiliate campaign?

I focus on two main elements: the number of clicks and sales. I also consider feedback from my followers, whether via direct messages or comments.

How do you see the evolution of affiliate marketing in the coming years for content creators?

Affiliate marketing has evolved a lot since I started. It’s increasingly appreciated by both brands and creators. Recently, I’ve noticed more brands joining platforms like Affilae, which shows the sector’s growth.

For creators, it’s a great complement to paid campaigns. For brands, it’s an easy way to collaborate. I believe affiliate marketing in influencer marketing will continue to grow in the coming years.

From your experience, what are the advantages of working with a platform like Affilae?

Affilae is extremely simple to use. Everything, from signing up to creating a profile, is quick. Adding tracked links in content becomes second nature.

A big advantage is integrated invoicing on the platform. The team is always available and very responsive if issues arise. I also appreciate the transparency in statistics, which isn’t always available with paid campaigns.

Finally, Affilae makes brand contact easier. Through the marketplace, I’ve collaborated with brands I might not have contacted directly on Instagram. It’s a real asset for setting up partnerships.