Interview with Levi Hogan – Head Of Affiliates at MyShare Partners

Company: MyShare Partners
Interviewee: Levi Hogan
Interview Date: 12/26/2023
LinkedIn: Click Here

In an exclusive interview presented by The Inside Bet, in collaboration with Affiliate Roulette, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Levi Hogan, the Head of Affiliates at MyShare Partners. As we delve deeper into the dynamic world of iGaming, Levi shared his invaluable insights on the industry’s latest trends and growth strategies.

Edward: Could you please share your background and how you initially entered the iGaming industry?

Embarking on a dynamic journey in 2006, my professional trajectory within the iGaming sphere has been a vibrant tapestry of diverse roles and transformative experiences. My odyssey commenced as a VIP Team Leader, swiftly transitioning through pivotal domains encompassing Acquisition, Conversion, Retention, and Marcom. Embracing the ever-evolving landscape of iGaming, my trajectory evolved fluidly, assuming roles of escalating responsibility—navigating through the realms of Affiliate Management, Product Leadership, and Team Management. With each step, my passion and expertise flourished, culminating in pivotal positions as Head of Affiliates, Team Leader, and Director of Affiliates. This enriching journey has not only honed my skill set but also forged an unwavering commitment to driving innovation, fostering robust partnerships, and steering strategies that propel the iGaming industry towards greater heights.

Edward: Reflecting on your journey from your entry into the industry to where we are today, what are the most significant concerns you have regarding the iGaming sector?

Throughout my time in this industry, building strong, lasting relationships has been incredibly important. In the world of iGaming, these partnerships are the guiding stars of our work. We’ve put a lot of effort into nurturing these connections, ensuring they’re not just strong but also helpful for everyone involved. Hearing about the struggles trusted traffic providers face in finding reliable platforms hits hard, highlighting the urgent need for trust and transparent teamwork. Upholding these relationships isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to creating a community where we all succeed together, based on trust and honesty.

Edward: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an iGaming Affiliate Manager? In your opinion, what are some effective strategies or tools that could help overcome these challenges? For example, how do you distinguish legitimate affiliates from the fraudulent ones?

Navigating the realm of iGaming as an Affiliate Manager presents a spectrum of challenges, primarily centered around distinguishing credible affiliates amidst a landscape rife with fraudulent entities. To combat this, we’ve fortified our defenses using various external sources and comprehensive lists, augmented by collaborative efforts with fellow operators to validate the authenticity of contacts. While details of our internal risk management tools remain confidential, our team’s agility in swiftly vetting and discerning legitimate affiliates stands as a hallmark of our operations.

Regarding “the biggest challenges we face as an iGaming Affiliate Managers?” Amidst the daily hustle, the proliferation of operators exerts a destabilizing influence on traffic, spurring escalations in listing fees and deal negotiations. However, leveraging our reputation as an honest and transparent operator has proven pivotal. We approach partnerships with a long-term perspective, forging mutually beneficial deals that foster trust and sustainability. By prioritizing honesty, transparency, and nurturing relationships built on integrity, we chart a course that steers through the turbulence, mitigating the industry’s destabilizing effects and fostering an environment where all parties thrive in the long run.

Edward: When evaluating potential affiliates, what is your perspective on verifying an affiliate’s past performance? Do you rely on screenshots they provide, or do you have other methods of assessment in place?

When it comes to assessing potential affiliates, evaluating their past performance stands as a crucial criterion. While screenshots provided by affiliates are a common benchmark, our approach extends beyond surface-level validations. In our quest for authenticity, we rely on a robust framework fortified by diverse external sources and meticulous lists. Additionally, our collaborative endeavors with industry peers serve as a litmus test, validating the credibility of prospective affiliates.

While specifics of our internal risk management tools remain confidential, our multifaceted approach underscores the depth of our evaluation process. Beyond mere snapshots, we seek comprehensive insights into an affiliate’s track record, leveraging a network of trusted sources and collaborative verifications. This multifaceted approach allows us to establish a more holistic understanding of an affiliate’s performance, ensuring a more reliable assessment that aligns with our commitment to integrity and reliability.

Edward: It appears that many affiliates are now requesting listing fees and high CPA’s, which seem to have become an industry standard. Do you find it difficult to determine who can justify the fees they charge and who overpromises and under delivers?

In the dynamic iGaming landscape, a prominent trend emerges: a rising number of affiliates seeking listing fees and higher CPA rates, perceived as industry standards. Amidst this surge, the challenge lies in distinguishing between affiliates deserving of these fees and those who may overpromise without delivering.

Our strategy in addressing this involves a robust approach, drawing insights from our fortified defenses against fraudulent entities. We utilize external sources, comprehensive lists, and collaborate closely with industry peers to evaluate the credibility of affiliates seeking elevated fees. While we maintain confidentiality regarding our internal risk management tools, our assessment goes beyond mere demands. We scrutinize affiliates’ track records to align their promises with past performance.

Moreover, in navigating this landscape, a discerning eye and a comprehensive assessment are crucial. We evaluate promises against historical performance and industry collaborations, aiming to identify partners who deliver genuine value and honor their commitments. Additionally, we leverage external tools like Semrush, Se Ranking and various social media metrics to gauge search volumes and other pertinent factors. This multifaceted approach ensures that our affiliations are rooted in trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to enduring success.

Edward: How do you think a platform like Affiliate Roulette can benefit affiliate managers in the iGaming industry? Can you share any experiences or insights on how Affiliate Roulette has influenced your approach to affiliate management?

Affiliate Roulette is an incredibly promising tool for us in iGaming. It effectively connects us with new affiliates we might not discover otherwise. Having experienced its impact firsthand, I truly believe its approach of forging unexpected partnerships aligns perfectly with our innovative industry. Embracing fresh ways to discover affiliates often sparks new ideas and collaborations. I’m genuinely excited to witness how Affiliate Roulette will elevate our affiliate management, ushering in thrilling partnerships and significantly expanding our network within the vibrant landscape of iGaming.

Edward: In closing, what would you like to see offered from Affiliate Roulette that would help you have outstanding performance in 2024?

In closing, looking ahead to 2024, I hope Affiliate Roulette can provide more robust vetting tools for affiliates, real-time analytics, a community space for industry collaboration, and improved matching algorithms. These enhancements could greatly boost our performance and effectiveness in the iGaming landscape.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Levi Hogan, the Head of Affiliates at MyShare Partners, for sharing his invaluable insights and expertise with us today. His thoughtful perspectives on the iGaming industry and affiliate strategies are truly enlightening. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to our loyal audience at The Inside Bet, in collaboration with Affiliate Roulette, for your continued support. We look forward to bringing you more engaging interviews and content to empower your journey in the iGaming world. Thank you for being a part of our community.