Partner with adjacent non-competing professionals who advise your target customers for affiliate-driven growth
Instead of targeting end customers directly, identify professionals who serve the same customers in non-competing ways (e.g., photographers, coaches, trainers for real estate agents). These professionals have established trust with your target audience and can recommend your tool as part of their service offering. Structure as recurring affiliate commissions to align long-term incentives.
When to use
When your target customers rely on a network of professional advisors who don't compete with your product but serve the same audience
Don't do this
Only targeting end customers directly while ignoring the ecosystem of adjacent professionals who influence their purchasing decisions
1 Founder Who Did This
Partnered with real estate photographers, coaches, trainers, and consultants who already had trusted relationships with real estate agents. Offered 15% recurring affiliate commission for referrals.