Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aleksandr Tihhonjuk, an accomplished affiliate marketer in the iGaming industry. Aleksandr is the mastermind behind TopBettingSites.ng and Canada-Betting.com. We covered a wide range of topics, from how he got started in affiliate marketing to his insights on SEO strategies. It was an engaging conversation full of actionable advice for anyone in the industry. Let’s dive into the highlights of our discussion.
Brian: Aleksandr, how did you first get into the affiliate business?
Aleksandr: It wasn’t something I planned. It all began when I overheard people discussing web design and the differences between complex coding and simpler platforms like WordPress. WordPress, being a no-code solution, caught my attention as it didn’t require extensive technical knowledge. Around the same time, I had a conversation with a friend who worked at a casino. He explained how online casino affiliates bring in players and earn commissions, which piqued my curiosity. I thought, “Why not give this a try?”
Within a week, I built my first website. Admittedly, it was a disaster—poor content, terrible design, slow loading. But it was a start, and the experience taught me valuable lessons about what not to do.
Brian: That’s a great story. So, how did you move on to launch Canada-Betting.com?
Aleksandr: Canada-Betting.com came later, but my journey started with my Nigerian-focused site. Working in iGaming gave me insights into the Nigerian market, which I saw as an underdeveloped opportunity for affiliate marketing. The entry barriers were low, and I quickly began generating traffic.
The challenge, however, was that Nigerian players typically had low lifetime values. They would bet small amounts, and when they won, it was often on high-risk accumulators that left me with negative affiliate balances. Despite these hurdles, the site gained traction over time. It started generating income through SEO services and guest post sales long before it became profitable from player commissions. This initial success inspired me to replicate the strategy in more lucrative markets, which eventually led to Canada-Betting.com.
Brian: Speaking of SEO, selling links is often frowned upon. Have you noticed any negative effects on your rankings?
Aleksandr: Not at all. In fact, some of the paid content on my sites performs quite well. Of course, I don’t rely solely on selling links—I balance it with high-quality, original content that I research and write myself. This balance ensures my sites maintain authority and credibility.
I also vet the articles I publish. If a client submits low-quality content, I’ll request permission to improve it. If they decline, I’ll still publish it but keep an eye on its performance. Sometimes these articles are well-optimized for specific keywords and contribute positively to my site’s traffic. The key is moderation and ensuring paid links don’t overshadow the organic quality of the site.
Brian: Beyond SEO, what other strategies do you use to drive traffic?
Aleksandr: I’ve experimented with several methods. For instance, I create region-specific content that resonates with local audiences. My Nigerian site, for example, focuses entirely on Nigerian players, from payment methods to sports betting reviews tailored to their needs. This localized approach often outperforms more generic, authoritative competitors.
I also run a YouTube channel for the Nigerian site. The videos are simple—screen recordings demonstrating how to register on specific platforms—but they complement my written content and drive significant traffic. One video, for example, has over 30,000 views despite my channel having only about 700 subscribers.
Additionally, I invest in expired domains with strong backlink profiles. Sometimes I find incredible deals on domains for as little as $20, which can have significant long-term value for building authority or redirecting traffic.
Brian: That’s impressive. Have you tried building a forum or community?
Aleksandr: Yes, I experimented with a community page on my Nigerian site. Initially, I promoted it heavily and managed to spark real discussions among users. However, once I stopped actively pushing it, the forum activity dwindled. While I see potential in forums, they require constant management, and right now, my focus is elsewhere.
Brian: Let’s talk about the helpful content update. You mentioned it benefited you. How so?
Aleksandr: Yes, the 2023 update worked wonders for my sites. While many reported significant drops in rankings and traffic, my impressions and clicks doubled. I believe this success is tied to my focus on user-centric, localized content. However, the December core update caused some temporary fluctuations, but things are stabilizing again.
Brian: That’s fantastic. Most people I know struggled with that update. Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring affiliate marketers?
Aleksandr: Focus on localized, region-specific content. Tailor your site to the audience’s needs, from payment methods to platform reviews. Use tools like VPNs to see your site from their perspective and create a seamless experience. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of diversified strategies, whether it’s acquiring expired domains, exchanging links, or even simple YouTube videos.
Brian: Great advice. Thanks for sharing your insights! How can people connect with you?
Aleksandr: I’m not big on social media, but you can find me on LinkedIn under my name.
Brian Jeacoma
January 9, 2025