Affiliate marketing for influencers: interview with Elisa Gallois

Interview with Elisa Gallois, content creator, about affiliate marketing for influencers

Can you tell us about your background? How did you start your Instagram account (@etdieucrea)?

Hi, I’m Elisa. I’m 47, a mother of three, and I spent over 20 years in the luxury sector, mainly fashion, designers, and accessories, holding positions from sales to communications. Those years gave me a broad perspective and real meaning in what I do today.

I started sharing online almost 18 years ago, back in the early blogging era, long before it was a job or a source of partnerships. My first blog was lifestyle-focused, but when I got pregnant with my second child, I shifted to more of a family diary. By 2011, my blog really started gaining traction.

For several years, I balanced my full-time job with my online activities. My first collaborations came gradually, with brands like Monoprix, for whom I wrote newsletters and created white-label content. Eventually, after a team change at my company, we mutually agreed that I could focus on content creation full-time about six years ago.

What was your strategy for growing your community? How do you stand out and attract followers and brands?

At first, I didn’t have a precise strategy. My blog and social media were spaces for personal expression. That authenticity helped me build a loyal community, many of whom have been following me for years. That bond, based on trust, is irreplaceable.

I maintain this connection by interacting a lot with my followers. My Instagram Stories, for example, are key to creating that closeness. Over time, my activity has become more professional, but I always keep my spontaneity and authenticity.

What sets me apart is having a strong and sincere identity. I don’t chase trends; I aim to stay true to myself while offering something unique—like my lifestyle vlogs and simple daily life content.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from daily life. I feed it by reading a lot, visiting museums, and exploring exhibitions. These moments of curiosity and discovery keep my ideas fresh and enrich my creative universe.

How do you choose the brands you work with?

I always prioritize brands that share my values. For me, it’s essential to collaborate with companies I genuinely believe in—not just for financial reasons.

This thoughtful approach leads to authentic, long-lasting partnerships that resonate with my community. It ensures quality and sincerity for both me and the brands I work with.

Can you give an example of a successful partnership campaign, and explain why it worked?

A standout campaign for me was with Sézane. As an older woman with a different body type, I represent a relatable “next-door” image for many women. This inclusive and approachable dimension is what made the collaboration successful.

How do you adapt your messaging so followers engage with the brands you work with?

Authenticity comes first. My followers know that when I talk about a brand, it’s because I genuinely know and believe in it. I don’t fake it—I show up as myself. This transparency builds trust, making my recommendations credible and engaging.

What are the benefits of affiliate marketing for influencers?

Affiliate marketing is perfect for long-term relationships, far from “one-off” collaborations. It allows creators to highlight products they care about while earning income.

This model also helps brands understand the real impact of our content. It’s a win-win: creators and brands can plan sustainable, meaningful partnerships.

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

I mainly track the number of clicks generated and purchases made. These indicators measure both community engagement and campaign effectiveness.

How do you see affiliate marketing evolving for content creators?

Affiliate marketing has a bright future, especially in uncertain economic times. It pays based on conversion, which offers security to brands and real relevance for creators.

That said, it’s crucial to find an approach that fits your audience. Personally, I prefer limiting collaborations to brands that align with my community rather than multiplying partnerships.

What are the advantages of working with a platform like Affilae?

Affilae offers a clear, intuitive dashboard, making it easy to track campaign performance and top-selling products.

I also appreciate their approachable and human team, which makes collaborations enjoyable. Thanks to Affilae, I’ve worked with brands like Make My Lemonade, as well as established names like Sœur, American Vintage, and Ba&sh.

Finally, Affilae simplifies administrative tasks, from issuing invoices to full accounting reports. It’s a huge time-saver and efficiency booster.

If you want, I can also make a more “magazine-style” layout with pull quotes, bold highlights, and section dividers to make it visually appealing for online publication. Do you want me to do that?