Viktorija Jonikane is the UK Publisher Director, and is one of the longest serving team members in our London office. With an admirable tenure of 9 years, she started as a Fashion & Beauty Account Manager. Since then much in affiliate marketing has changed, yet she remains to be one of the most brilliant and driven colleagues we have the pleasure to work with. We picked her brains about who she’d like to be for a day (if not her brilliant self), the challenges facing the industry, what her day-to-day at Webgains looks like, and a word of advice for new starters.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your current role & responsibilities? 

I head up the Publisher Services Team here at Webgains UK. My main responsibilities include identifying and acquiring new partnerships, development of new publisher team processes, and continuously building strong relationship. I work on strategy building for advertisers and publishers, as well as on expanding the portfolio of partners for the network. I especially enjoy being the ambassador and representative for Webgains at major industry events, it’s a great opportunity to make new contacts and build business portfolio.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

My job is to introduce and connect publishers and advertisers. Publishers have a lot to say, and advertisers have products they would like them to talk about. I create a network, like a spiders’ web, connecting the two, so they can work together.

What has been your experience at working at Webgains so far?

Webgains is a great place to work with vibrant culture and great opportunities for growth. I have been in the business for 9 years and I can freely say I am an industry enthusiast. With new technologies and partnerships constantly evolving, it’s a great field to work and develop in. During my career at Webgains I have evolved and progressed from the Account Management to the Publisher Services team, and it’s been a fascinating journey – to be part of the technological progress and evolution of affiliate marketing in general.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Strategy, Innovation, Partnerships.

What advice would you give to recent new entrants?

Webgains is a great place to learn and develop both personally and professionally. It facilitates a lot of opportunities to work with great brands and learn from industry experts. Work hard and learn as much as you can. And don’t forget work hard, play hard.

Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

I would like to be involved in marine sea turtle conservation program, somewhere in Costa Rica. I find the flora and fauna of our world fascinating and have a huge love for the sea and nature.

What are the challenges you’re facing in the affiliate industry?

The largest challenge within affiliate marketing is the recent industry shift. More emerging sectors and innovative partners coming into play and marketers should not lose vigilance to be on top of industry updates. Relationships building is the key to fruitful campaigns and highly profitable partnerships. Advertisers should embrace publisher space in a competitive landscape and have an open mind and think outside of the box when it comes to new opportunities. Trying to balance out digital strategy and cover all the spectrum of partnerships as well as measure success within e-commerce eco system.  With the right tools, partnerships and data in place marketers will be able to make an informative, educated decision to overcome the challenge and grow online performance.

Last word: a recommendation, an idea, a quote to live by?

Never stop learning…Obviously!

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