In this three part series, our team had a chance to interview four of the industry’s top affiliates to get an insider look on how they grew their business from a singular site to a successful business across multiple verticals.   From their common decision to diversify to their top tips for affiliates looking to progress their businesses, these industry leaders share their secrets on their own formulas for success.

In Part 1, we ask the question:

Over the years, you have expanded into other verticals. What led you to make this decision?

Jesper Søgaard – Better Collective

When we initially launched , we ensured that we built a high quality tool for our users before expanding into anything else. However, once we had delivered a best-in-class product, which we continue to maintain and improve, we saw the possibility of expansion.

The reason we pursued sports betting was because it served as a natural extension opportunity of our casino platform. We were actually users (and fans) of the BettingExpert platform before we took control, and having an alternate business model in mind for the established site helped make the decision easier.

Roxana Blaj – 2iVentures

When we added a sportsbook section to GamingZion, the reasoning was simple: we kept up with industry trends and our audience’s interests. Our players wanted a space to explore more types of gaming sites and we were happy to oblige.

Just recently, we actually added a lotto section to the site which will soon be joined by DFS.

Simon Jones – Focus Online Management

Slots is a natural companion to bingo and we felt the market was right to expand into reviewing slot sites and games. It’s early days yet, but we’re working on a big things for JustSlots.

I can’t say much more at the moment, but it will be interesting.  Think AskGamblers and you’ll be on the right track.

Jocelyn Wood – Rakeback.com

We have built a business skill set that we have proven works just as efficiently in other fields as it does for online poker. Promoting similar activities is a natural fit. We are pleased with the results we have seen with FindCasinoBonuses, RealFantasyFootball, BinaryBrokerSearch and FXBrokerSearch.

We are also on the lookout for the next opportunity to present itself. For example, the eSports betting market looks like it may take off in the next few years, so we will also look at how we can get involved in the growth that it represents.

Next: Making and Landing your Vertical Jump: Affiliate Diversification Series Parts 2 & 3

Do these affiliates have you thinking about opportunities in other verticals, or engaging your database to promote across multiple products? Find out what challenges the four affiliates faced while expanding and how they used their experience to achieve success, as well as their top tips for fellow affiliates looking to diversify in parts 2 and 3 of our series.

Part 2

What were the challenges of moving from one vertical to another? How did your previously acquired skills aid you in this process?

Part 3

What advice would you give existing affiliates looking to expand their businesses into new verticals?