Hello, community! The best thing you can get from an experienced affiliate isn’t some magical funnel formula, as some might imagine. The most important thing is experience. It’s what allows you to constantly invent new methods of monetizing traffic and stay several steps ahead of the competition.
We truly want every one of our readers to run campaigns profitably. That’s why we decided to interview a real old-school affiliate, known to many as Alex Follow. He finally decided to break the silence and speak honestly with us about everything that’s currently happening in our beloved affiliate marketing space.
How does he manage to drive traffic while also developing his own information platform? Why does he prefer free traffic? Are there any niches beyond dating? And why does everyone keep talking about his Panamera? Find out in our in-depth interview!
🚀 The Future of Affiliate Marketing and Technology
How do you think affiliate marketing will change in the next 2–3 years? What trends should not be ignored if you don’t want to be left behind?
How it will change — I don’t know. Making predictions is a thankless task. But for several years, some trends have been clearly visible: solo affiliates forming teams, legalization, the use of artificial intelligence. So I believe these trends will continue to grow.
AI and affiliate marketing — allies or rivals? Is artificial intelligence already making people in CPA obsolete? Or is it just hype that’ll fade away?
It’s both an ally and a rival. On one hand, AI developments on traffic source platforms make working with gray-hat offers harder. But on the other, AI opens up opportunities for creating creatives, translating texts, and handling technical tasks more efficiently.
💰 Cases, CPA Networks, and Niches
What was your most epic case? (PS: Don’t say the Panamera — that’s already a classic!)
It was a setup that was 95% automated, meaning traffic was generated with minimal manual effort — passively. It required no more than half an hour of maintenance per day.
The traffic was sourced from around 10 similar apps, grouped into two very large networks.
Expenses were minimal — up to 5% of the revenue. Accounts were rarely banned; a single account could reach up to 2 million impressions with the target audience.
The funnel ran steadily for over 4 years. The article about the Panamera is partly based on this case, but the Panamera itself isn’t really a “case” in the strict sense))
Which CPA networks do you honestly recommend? Are there ones you no longer want to work with? How can you tell a top-tier network from a junk one?
I stopped working with and recommending CPA networks that cooperate with Russians or operate in their market. So I’m very selective with whom I work and recommend.
First, I check for any Russian presence in the media landscape. If all is clear, then I move on to checking the reputation: media visibility, market longevity, presence on English-speaking forums, availability of public cases and recommendations from other affiliates.
Then I compare offers and terms, talk to managers — and only then do I decide who gets added to the tracker first.
Networks I can recommend: ClickDealer, Cpamatica, Adsempire.
What was the weirdest or most original free traffic source you’ve used? Something that sounds totally insane but actually worked.
They weren’t highly scalable, but during testing I managed to get traffic and conversions from online libraries, video editors, and even online games. For example — PUBG.
Which niche do you think is the most underrated right now? Where’s the money hiding that few people are going after?
Sweepstakes.
📢 Ban.Media
What is Ban.Media? Is it more about community or business? What’s the mission behind this project, and what does it offer affiliates that other media don’t?
Right now, it’s probably the most technically complex media project on the affiliate marketing scene — basically its own social network that offers participants freedom above all else: freedom of publishing, freedom of style, freedom from Russian-associated content.
It’s the only platform with open publishing: you register, fill out a profile, write, publish. Boom — your article is on the homepage. Everything is automatic.
Each author has their own goals. Some promote their channel/project through content marketing, some use it as a Telegra.ph alternative. Some, like me, just clear their minds by structuring thoughts into articles for their own blog.
Unfortunately, it’s not profitable yet, so it’s hard to call it a business. It’s more of a hobby.
Ban.Media is a top-tier Ukrainian content platform. It’s obvious how much time and energy has been invested. Since you also run traffic, which is time-consuming, do you ever feel like Ban.Media is too expensive a hobby?
It’s not just a thought — it’s a fact. It’s a very expensive hobby 🥲
It’s tough to balance Ban and running traffic. I can’t say I’m actively running campaigns now, but I’m trying to fix that.
If Ban hired a team, it would be a costly project. And if I calculate the missed earnings from not running traffic… I’d rather not. That’s how Panameras happen. I try not to let FOMO-inducing thoughts take root.
What’s harder: motivating people to write for Ban.Media or moderating the content submitted? And is there any moderation at all?
Definitely motivating writers.
Moderation isn’t hard: I get a Telegram alert every time something is published and check if it breaks any rules. If it does, I message the author and explain.
There’s functionality to hide articles from the homepage, delete them, edit, feature, etc. — all done with one click from the admin panel.
What was the hardest part of creating Ban.Media? The cost, technical challenges, bureaucracy?
The hardest part was the tech — figuring out all the logic and writing the specs. Even with a strong tech specialist, a project like this brings a lot of unexpected issues that need planning.
Before launch, we resolved over 100 technical tasks in a single month — bugs and fixes. Initially, I thought it’d take 3 months and then just need support. Now I realize the tech tweaks will probably never end.
What’s the next big update planned for Ban.Media?
Advertising, a partner network directory, and a job portal.
🔥 XXXCPA, Personal Projects & Content
XXXCPA — still on top or a thing of the past? The channel is still popular, but it feels like its purpose and energy have shifted. How do you see it now?
It’s still top-tier. Content on XXXCPA is mostly basic-level info, and I believe some old posts are a must-read for anyone starting out.
For example, the series on tech setups https://t.me/xxxcpa/209 — I put a lot of effort into that, and I haven’t seen anything like it freely available on the market.
I’ll keep running it and sharing knowledge. But I don’t want to copy ChatGPT content or turn the channel into a lifestyle blog with circles and reflections.
How did the idea of creating XXXCPA come about? Was it about money, community, or something else? And have you ever thought about shutting it down?
At some point, I had so much knowledge in my head that it was overwhelming — XXXCPA was created to release and structure that knowledge somewhere.
I’ve never thought about closing the channel. It exists, demands nothing. If I want to write — I write, if not — I don’t. No obligations.
There were side “projects” like a private chat that required a lot of my time and energy. I often thought of closing it — and finally did on the first day of the full-scale invasion.
Have you ever written an article and then thought, “No, this is too much,” and didn’t publish it? If so, what was it?
It’s happened many times — I’d think of a topic, sit on it, then decide it either shouldn’t be shared or nobody needs it.
There was one case where I published an article and deleted it the next day. It was about siphoning traffic from adult sites. I removed it because it was still fresh and I didn’t feel like writing publicly about working with adult content.
Is “Follow Along” your version of X (Twitter)? Why did you start it? Do you miss connecting with an audience? Or is it more of a diary that people just happened to follow?
You’re like Robin Hood — arrow into arrow 😁
It’s a “diary” for reflections and memes about affiliate marketing. I don’t promote it, just linked it in my profile. Somehow people I talk to in DMs started following it organically.
🧠 Philosophy, Money & Lifestyle
What changed you more — affiliate marketing or money? You know that many people chase money and end up selling their values, friends, principles. Is money evil?
It was affiliate marketing that changed me — money is just the result. Starting out young changes your mindset. You begin to see “flows” everywhere.
And money didn’t change me. Once I reached a certain level of income, my needs didn’t grow, even though my earnings kept increasing.
Which skills matter most in affiliate marketing now? Can you just buy some tools, hire a team, and make millions?
Being able to find information, learn, and apply what you’ve learned.
Many think affiliate marketing is just money, cars, and vacations. What stays behind the scenes?
Affiliate marketing is money, cars, and vacations 😀 But it’s also constant financial risk, mental stress, poor sleep, and nearly 24/7 work.
If you could go back in time and give your beginner self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Buy traffic.
If you had unlimited traffic for a day but couldn’t monetize it — where would you send it?
All traffic gets monetized eventually — not always in dollars right away. If you don’t understand how traffic is monetized — then *you* are the traffic.
I’d send it to charities that support our military.
😆 Affiliate Marketing Unfiltered
If you could erase one myth about affiliate marketing forever, what would it be?
Not sure about forever, but right now I’d rather not hear that solo affiliate marketing is dead.
People ask every day: “How much money do I need to start affiliate marketing?” As a professional free traffic affiliate, explain why money isn’t everything to get started.
Actually, money is important 🙂 You need a financial cushion to cover your living expenses while you look for a working flow. Even for free traffic, you’ll still need a few hundred dollars for expenses: physical devices, cloud phones, software, proxies, tracker, and other tools.
What’s the dumbest rule or restriction in affiliate marketing? What really gets on your nerves?
This market didn’t form overnight — all the rules and restrictions exist for a reason. When you understand why they exist, nothing annoys you. It all makes sense.
If you had just one day to teach someone affiliate marketing, what would you tell them?
I think you could actually explain EVERYTHING about affiliate marketing in one day. The question is whether the person can absorb all that new info.
First, I’d explain how the internet works: what ad networks are, what traffic is, how it’s monetized, what offers and verticals exist, why affiliate networks and advertisers exist, and how their business model works.
With that knowledge, a person can choose their own direction. Because affiliate marketing is way more than just pushing gambling on PWAs.
What’s riskier in affiliate marketing — losing money or trusting the wrong people?
Trusting the wrong people is risking your money. Plus it’s a risk to your time, resources, energy — and all of that can be converted into money.
Can an affiliate earn consistently, or is it always a rollercoaster?
Yes, but if you’ve found a stable flow and feel like relaxing — don’t repeat my mistakes or those of hundreds of others. Look for another flow to back you up when your main one dies.
Or at the very least, save part of your profit “under the mattress” so when your flow dies, you’ve got money to search for the next one. That way, your financial life stays stable and comfortable.
If you’re dependent on one offer and one traffic source, then yeah, stability will be hard. One change and everything crumbles.
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Affiliate Market
Your comments are always sharp. You’re often humorous, but even your jokes are wrapped in useful info. So it’s strange that there are hardly any in-depth interviews with you. Is that intentional? And why did you decide to finally speak to our media? Btw, it’s a big compliment to us!
What does “btw” mean? 😀 I kept silent and declined interviews because of impostor syndrome.
I didn’t have a specific goal for this interview. But a lot of people follow me, so there’s some interest in my persona. If that’s the case, then this interview is just another chance to give the community some valuable content.
You’re not just a top affiliate — you’re a top *Ukrainian* affiliate. Over all these years, have you formed an idea of the “face” of Ukrainian affiliate marketing? Maybe some traits that are unique to our scene?
I’m far from a top affiliate! But I’m a mid-level affiliate who has written a lot of content and read even more. Our market is different from the English-speaking one. Here, gambling and Facebook dominate, and you rarely see other verticals or traffic sources.
We’re seeing more and more “young blood” in the community — probably chasing easy money. How do you feel about affiliate marketing attracting kids? Do you support their drive, or troll them to push them away?
It reminds me of myself. I started at around 15, asking questions on forums — probably stupid or cringey ones from the point of view of experienced folks. But no big deal, I learned something and it worked out eventually 🙂
So I have a bit of respect for teenagers. Sure, it’s hard not to troll sometimes, but if I have the knowledge, I try to help or at least point them in the right direction for Googling.
If they’ve already stepped onto this path, better they head in the right direction than fall into some scam. Who knows — maybe these same teens will be running offers through my network in a few years or using my services.
What do you think about what’s happening in Ukrainian affiliate now? We’re seeing new events and new faces coming out of nowhere.
When I went public after 10+ years of silent experience, I also looked like I came out of nowhere. Many thought I was just another scammy info seller trying to build reputation to sell low-quality courses.
I compare it to my own story — I stay skeptical of newcomers, but until they mess up, it’s all good. Many new faces bring unique skills and knowledge. Just because I’ve been around longer doesn’t make me better.
🎯 Approach to Work and Methods
Is paying for traffic a red flag? Why do you prefer free traffic?
Paying for traffic is definitely not a red flag. The real red flag is *not* paying for paid traffic while calling it “ROI optimization,” as some like to say 😅
I prefer free traffic simply because I enjoy extracting it, building flows, bypassing algorithms. That’s where I started and I’m still deep in it.
Maybe I’d like to move into paid traffic at some point, but there are still so many unrealized free traffic ideas keeping me here for now.
Why solo instead of a team? Most top affiliates build teams, but you stay solo. Is it about trust, comfort, or efficiency?
It’s about both trust and comfort. I’ve had both successful and not-so-great experiences hiring people, and the bad ones made it harder to trust again.
I’m not a manager — I’m an affiliate. I love what I do and I’m not really into the idea of running a “holding” company just yet 😄
And I’m not exactly solo. I call it “double-solo” 😀 My wife is a talented developer. She handles all the complex tech and automation, supports me, evaluates and discusses my ideas. We’ve had campaigns that I saw no potential in during testing, but she picked them up, automated the process — and they performed amazingly well.
What annoys you most in media? People, censorship, ads, or something else?
Obviously — ads from Russian projects. Whenever I see that, I just unfollow. I’m tired of being annoyed, and I won’t support even with a follow any media that sells out to Russians. And there’s no point — I’d never want to work with projects like that anyway.
💘 Dating, Gambling, and Verticals
What kind of dating offers do you prefer? Based on your experience, is it still viable to run traffic to adult dating or LGBTQ+, or is mainstream the only thing that works now?
I’ve mostly worked with adult dating, and only had one campaign in gay dating — but the results were really, really good. When you create a profile on some platform and instantly get an unsolicited pic from some Arab guy, you kind of stop questioning whether adult or mainstream is the way to go 😆
Dating is one of the pillars of affiliate marketing. But another huge one is gambling. Why do most affiliates choose iGaming over, say, e-commerce? Is it wise to go into top verticals without much experience?
Gambling is a highly hyped vertical on our market, and it really does deliver strong numbers. But I’ve rarely seen such hype on English-speaking affiliate forums.
If you don’t have experience or a big budget, you should always start with GEOs and offers that have lower payouts. That way you can buy more traffic, test more hypotheses, and get more data to analyze.
📌 UAGEEK and the Affiliate Community
What does UAGEEK mean to you, first and foremost?
UAGEEK is the first Ukrainian affiliate marketing community.
Epilogue
First of all — we are endlessly grateful to Alex Follow for giving this interview to our media. And secondly, we’re also grateful to you, dear reader, for sticking with us.
But! If you think this is all there is, and you don’t know where to find more answers — we warmly invite you to our Telegram community. Who knows — maybe it’s Alex Follow himself who’ll help you out with your issue!
With deepest respect, your Geek!