Smart AF: How to Build an Affiliate Program That Actually Works with Ryan Hilliard

In this episode of Smart AF, Erica Sietsma sits down with Ryan Hilliard, CEO of Refersion, to break down everything automotive and motorsports brands need to know about building a successful affiliate program. Ryan shares why flexibility and ease of use matter more than access to big publisher networks (especially in niche industries where the right micro-influencers are hard to find), how to set realistic expectations around conversion timelines for high-consideration purchases, and why longer attribution windows, like 90 days or more, are essential for big-ticket parts. They also dig into the power of blending commission structures with discount codes for creator communities, tips for switching affiliate platforms without losing momentum, and the #1 mistake brands make: expecting massive results from too few relationships. Check out Ryan and Refersion here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanahilliard https://www.refersion.com/