In almost every industry, referrals are the gold standard of customer acquisition. Research has repeatedly shown that referred leads close faster, buy more, and stay longer — all with significantly less effort and at a much lower CPA than non-referred prospects. A University of Pennsylvania study[1] found that referred customers are more loyal and profitable — by a 16% margin — than their non-referred counterparts.

I’m proud to announce that today, Inc. Magazine has ranked Ambassador Software no. 1144 in their 37th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. 

Before starting Ambassador in 2009, I founded a company in the affiliate marketing space. I quickly discovered companies were generating millions and millions of dollars through their affiliate channels. It was eye-opening, and since then, I've known that affiliate marketing is a must-have for every business.

My first taste of an affiliate marketing program came with law school and online poker. While not the most common cocktail when it comes to word-of-mouth marketing strategies, I saw the network effect firsthand. I was referring friends to play poker online and making a small amount in affiliate fees. As I continued to share my affiliate links, that small amount doubled, tripled, and eventually grew to be enough to pay off my law school loans, shift my career path, and kick off my journey as an ...

As a company that is built on the importance of relationships, Ambassador is humbled and excited to be included in the G2 Crowd's Spring 2018 Grid® Report for Brand Advocacy as well as mentioned in the Relationship Index for Brand Advocacy.

Relationship marketing refers to everything your brand does to develop strong, lifelong relationships with your customers. From influencer programs to referral campaigns to affiliate marketing, relationship marketing builds brand awareness and positions your brand as your customers best option. The most important part of relationship marketing is facilitating two-way conversations with your customers.

What can I say? This has been quite an extraordinary year for Ambassador. From awards to new customers to growing our own team, I'm incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished in 2017.