⚠ Official Notice: www.ijisrt.com is the official website of the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) Journal for research paper submission and publication. Please beware of fake or duplicate websites using the IJISRT name.



The Role of Affiliate in Marketing Strategy to Grow Brand Image (Case Study of Sunsilk at Unilever Indonesia Company)


Authors : Ruhul Yasinna; Dr. Purwanto

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2u3kup8x

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdhv7pz9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1732

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study examines the marketing strategy utilized by Unilever Indonesia company for Sunsilk, particularly focusing on the partnerships developed with beauty content creators in the digital age. As marketing strategies move towards digital collaborations, this research looks into the influence affiliate marketing has on positioning Sunsilk with beauty content creators. Through a case study and digital content analysis, the research utilizes a qualitative methodology. It highlights the impact affiliate marketing has on brand visibility and positioning Sunsilk in the audience’s mind as a relevant brand in the hair care industry. Sponsored beauty content creators are powerful influencers as they convincingly deliver the brand message through their tutorials, reviews, and storytelling. The brand’s strong market positioning can be attributed to the strategy created for interaction, trust building, and sales conversion through engagement on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and e-commerce affiliates.

Keywords : Affiliate Marketing, Content Creator, Digital Era, Brand Image, Sunsilk.

References :

  1. Acceleration Partner. (2004, 12 6 ). Affiliate Marketing For Beauty Brands. Retrieved From Acceleration Partner: https://Www.Accelerationpartners.Com/Resources/Dtc-Beauty-Brands-Affiliate-Marketing/#
  2. Costin, B. U. T. A. (2025). The Impact Of Communication On Collaborative Innovation In Complex Business Environments. In Proceedings Of The International Conference On Business Excellence (Vol. 19, No. 1, Pp. 747-760). https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/picbe-2025-0060
  3. Gerry, N., & Ellitan, L. (2024). Supply Chain Management And Operational Performance Of Unilever Indonesia. Supply Chain Management. International Journal Of Research, 12(4), 1–11. https://zenodo.org/records/10934620
  4. Angraini, N. (2023). Social Media Marketing Influencer: Literature Review On Promotional Strategies Using The Influence Of Social Media Celebrities. International Journal Of Economic Research And Financial Accounting (IJERFA), 1(4), 169-175. https://ijerfa.afdifaljournal.com/index.php/ijerfa/article/view/42
  5. Top Brand Award (2024, 4 18). Top Brand Index. Retrieved From Top Brand Award: https://www.topbrand-award.com/top-brand-index/?tbi_year=2024&tbi_index=top-brand&type=subcategory&tbi_find=shampo
  6. Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources And Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal Of Management, 17(1), 99-120 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/014920639101700108
  7. Octaviani R.Syahmi M, Riza E,Wiradharma G.P .I (2022). Employee Training And Development On Organizational Performance Using Systematic Literature Review Analysis. Journal Of Economic, Business And Innovation Research  4 (1), 2964-0865. https://e-journal.citakonsultindo.or.id/index.php/IJEBIR/article/view/1473
  8. Blomme, R. J., Kodden, B., & Beasley-Suffolk, A. (2015). Leadership Theories And The Concept Of Work Engagement: Creating A Conceptual Framework For Management Implications And Research. Journal Of Management & Organization, 21(2), 125-144. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-management-and-organization/article/abs/leadership-theories-and-the-concept-of-work-engagement-creating-a-conceptual-framework-for-management-implications-and-research/E4A4A1FC3D4263B99E1F24B0E6598D21
  9. Savsar, M. (2006). Maintenance Management And Modeling In Modern Manufacturing Systems. INTECH Open Access Publisher. Https://Www.Intechopen.Com/Chapters/415
  10. WYROZĘBSKI, M. T. P. Project Planning And Scheduling: Tools And Good Practices.  ISBN: 978-83-8030-181-8
  11. Chikezie, P. M., Achumie, G., Adams, A., Ifeanyi, O., & Chukwunweike, M. O. K. O. G. W. U. (2024). Developing A Cross-Functional Team Coordination Framework: A Model For Optimizing Business Operations. International Journal Of Frontline Research In Multidisciplinary Studies, 4(1), 15-34. https://frontlinejournals.com/ijfrms/content/developing-cross-functional-team-coordination-framework-model-optimizing-business-operations
  12. Gardiner, P. (2017). Project Management: A Strategic Planning Approach. Bloomsbury Publishing. Isbn : 0333982223
  13. Coccia, M. (2018). The Fishbone Diagram To Identify, Systematize And Analyze The Sources Of General Purpose Technologies. Journal Of Social And Administrative Sciences, 4(4), 291-303. https://journals.econsciences.com/index.php/JSAS/article/view/1518/1531
  14. Oosterlaken, I., & Van Den Hoven, J. (Eds.). (2012). The Capability Approach, Technology And Design. Springer. ISBN: 978-94-007-3879-9
  15. Deming, W. E. (1986). Out Of The Crisis. USA: The MIT Press. ISBN: 9780262541152
  16. Detomasi, D. A. (2008). The Political Roots Of Corporate Social Responsibility. Journal Of Business Ethics, 82(4), 807-819. https://Link.Springer.Com/Article/10.1007/S10551-007-9594-Y
  17. Djafarova, E., & Trofimenko, O. (2019). ‘Instafamous’–Credibility And Self-Presentation Of Micro-Celebrities On Social Media. Information, Communication & Society, 22(10), 1432-1446. https://www.sci-hub.in/10.1080/1369118X.2018.1438491
  18. Samwel, J. O. (2018). Impact Of Employee Training On Organizational Performance–Case Study Of Drilling Companies In Geita, Shinyanga And Mara Regions In Tanzania. International Journal Of Managerial Studies And Research, 6(1), 36-41. https://www.studocu.com/row/document/helwan-university/salivary-gland/impact-of-employee-training-on-organizational-performance/57200008
  19. Elis-Chadwick, D. C. (2019, 2 5). Digital Marketing 7th Edition. Retrieved From Pearson: https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/subject-catalog/p/digital-marketing/P200000003911/9781292241623
  20. Mansor, F. A., Jusoh, Y. H. M., Hashim, M. Z., Muhammad, N., & Omar, S. N. Z. (2023). Employee Engagement And Organizational Performance. International Journal Of Accounting, Finance And Business, 8(50), 69-80. https://www.studocu.com/my/document/inti-international-university/organization-behaviour/employee-engagement-and-organizational-performance/109243878
  21. Wessner, C. W., & Jorgenson, D. W. (Eds.). (2004). Productivity And Cyclicality In Semiconductors: Trends, Implications, And Questions: Report Of A Symposium. National Academies Press. Isbn :0309165571
  22. Free Yourself. (2025, 1 4). Beauty Affiliate Marketing Trends. Retrieved From Free Yourself: Https://Freeyourself.Com/Blogs/News/Beauty-Affiliate-Marketing-Trends
  23. Akpa, V. O., Asikhia, O. U., & Nneji, N. E. (2021). Organizational Culture And Organizational Performance: A Review Of Literature. International Journal Of Advances In Engineering And Management, 3(1), 361-372.  https://ijaem.net/issue_dcp/Organizational%20Culture%20and%20Organizational%20Performance%20%20A%20Review%20of%20Literature.pdf
  24. Daniel, C. O. (2018). Effects Of Training On Organizational Performance. Asian Journal Of Business And Management, 6(5). https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJBM/article/view/5489
  25. Henning, K., Wolfgang, W., & Johannes, H. (2013). Recommendations For Implementing The Strategic Initiative INDUSTRIE 4.0. Final Report Of The Industrie, 4(0). h ttps://www.din.de/resource/blob/76902/e8cac883f42bf28536e7e8165993f1fd/recommendations-for-implementing-industry-4-0-data.pdf
  26. Horngren, C. T., Sundem, G. L., Burgstahler, D., & Schatzberg, J. (2014). Introduction To Management Accounting Sixteenth Edition.Isbn : 978-0-13-305878-9
  27. Kapoor, M. (2025, 1 24). The Pros And Cons Of Affiliate Marketing (Ultimate List). Retrieved From AFFILIATEWP: https://affiliatewp.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-affiliate-marketing/
  28. Schlechtendahl, J., Keinert, M., Kretschmer, F., Lechler, A., & Verl, A. (2015). Making Existing Production Systems Industry 4.0-Ready: Holistic Approach To The Integration Of Existing Production Systems In Industry 4.0 Environments. Production Engineering, 9(1), 143-148.. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11740-014-0586-3
  29. Kelley Jr, J. E., & Walker, M. R. (1959, December). Critical-Path Planning And Scheduling. In Papers Presented At The December 1-3, 1959, Eastern Joint IRE-AIEE-ACM Computer Conference (Pp. 160-173). https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1460299.1460318
  30. Kwan, M. C. (2023). The Use Of Tiktok Affiliate Marketing For E-Commerce And Online Business. Jurnal Adijaya Multidisplin, 1(01), 221-228. https://e-journal.naureendigition.com/index.php/jam/article/view/214
  31. Qin, J., Liu, Y., & Grosvenor, R. (2016). A Categorical Framework Of Manufacturing For Industry 4.0 And Beyond. Procedia Cirp, 52, 173-178. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221282711630854X?via%3Dihub
  32. Kimbell, L. (2011). Rethinking Design Thinking: Part I. Design And Culture, 3(3), 285-306. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/175470811X13071166525216
  33. De Veirman, M., Cauberghe, V., & Hudders, L. (2017). Marketing Through Instagram Influencers: The Impact Of Number Of Followers And Product Divergence On Brand Attitude. International Journal Of Advertising, 36(5), 798-828.  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/175470811X13071166525216
  34. Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content Analysis And Thematic Analysis: Implications For Conducting A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15(3), 398-405. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nhs.12048
  35. Morgan, R. M., & Hunt, S. D. (1994). The Commitment-Trust Theory Of Relationship Marketing. Journal Of Marketing, 58(3), 20-38. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/002224299405800302
  36. Nasution, I. A., Silaban, P., & Toni, N. (2026). The Influence Of Social Media Marketing And Affiliate Marketing On Willingness To Buy On Shopee In Medan City. Proceeding Of The International Conference On Management, Entrepreneurship, And Business, 3(1), 25–34. https://prosiding.arimbi.or.id/index.php/ICMEB/article/view/381
  37. Nguyen, J. (2026, 2 13). Affiliate Marketing 101: The Definitive Guide To Success In 2026. Retrieved From Upptomote: Https://Uppromote.Com/Blog/What-Is-Affiliate-Marketing/
  38. Nonaka, I. &. Hirotaka, T. (1995). The Knowledge-Creating Company: How Japanesecompanies Create The Dynamics Of Innovation. New York: Oxford University Press. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23735082.2023.2272611
  39. Utami, N. I., Setyowibowo, F., & Sangka, K. B. (2025). Transformasi Ekonomi Digital Di Indonesia: Peluang, Tantangan, Dan Dampaknya Terhadap Perekonomian journal Bisnis Manajement , 3(4),24-32. https://ejournal-nipamof.id/index.php/EBISMAN/article/view/1178
  40. Ozdoruk, C. (2024, 4 5). Marketing Strategies For Cosmetics Brands. Retrieved From Firework: https://firework.com/blog/marketing-strategies-for-cosmetics-brands-in-2024
  41. Ramadhani, F. (2022, 5 4). Data Penjualan Shampo Bulan April – Juni 2022 Di Shopee: 10 Brand Ini Menjuarai! Retrieved From Compas.Co.Id: https://compas.co.id/article/data-penjualan-shampo/
  42. Razzouk, R., & Shute, V. (2012). What Is Design Thinking And Why Is It Important?. Review Of Educational Research, 82(3), 330-348. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/0034654312457429
  43. Pereira, A. C., & Romero, F. (2017). A Review Of The Meanings And The Implications Of The Industry 4.0 Concept. Procedia Manufacturing, 13, 1206-1214. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978917306649?via%3Dihub
  44. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The" What" And" Why" Of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs And The Self-Determination Of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2000_DeciRyan_PIWhatWhy.pdf
  45. Sahey, S. (2025, 09 19). Surge Of Sustainability And Natural Ingredients In The Cruelty-Free Makeup Market: Strategic Insights Driving Cruelty-Free Makeup Market Momentum In 2025. Retrieved From Open PR Worldwide Public Relations: https://www.openpr.com/news/4189076/surge-of-sustainability-and-natural-ingredients-in#
  46. Schaller, R. R. (1997). Moore's Law: Past, Present And Future. IEEE Spectrum, 34(6), 52-59. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/591665
  47. Shastri, A. (2026, 5 8). Sunsilk Marketing Strategy 2026: Gaming Revival& Sisterhood Success. Retrieved From IIDE: https://iide.co/case-studies/marketing-strategy-of-sunsilk/
  48. Smętkowska, M., & Mrugalska, B. (2018). Using Six Sigma DMAIC To Improve The Quality Of The Production Process: A Case Study. Procedia-Social And Behavioral Sciences, 238, 590-596. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042818300697
  49. Sofia, E., & Wicaksono, A. (2020). Mengembangkan Strategi Pemasaran Yang Sukses Untuk Click Cafe. Jurnal Muhammadiyah Manajemen Bisnis, 1(1), 57-66.  https://jurnal.umj.ac.id/index.php/JMMB/article/view/5939
  50. Taherdoost, H., & Keshavarzsaleh, A. (2018). Enhancing Project Performance Through Integrated Risk Management. Recent Advances On Computer Engineering. https://www.taherdoost.com/Enhancing-Project-Performance-Through-Integrated-Risk-Management/
  51. The Red Tree. (2024, 6 25). The Power And Perils Of Influencer Marketing In The Beauty Industry. Retrieved From Thered Tree: https://theredtree.co.uk/Articles/The-Power-And-Perils-Of-Influencer-Marketing-In-The-Beauty-Industry/
  52. Thoben, K. D., Wiesner, S., & Wuest, T. (2017). “Industrie 4.0” And Smart Manufacturing-A Review Of Research Issues And Application Examples. International Journal Of Automation Technology, 11(1), 4-16.. https://www.fujipress.jp/ijat/au/ijate001100010004/
  53. Djafarova, E., & Trofimenko, O. (2019). ‘Instafamous’–Credibility And Self-Presentation Of Micro-Celebrities On Social Media. Information, Communication & Society, 22(10), 1432-1446. https://www.sci-hub.in/10.1080/1369118X.2018.1438491
  54. Vrontis, D., Makrides, A., Christofi, M., & Thrassou, A. (2021). Social Media Influencer Marketing: A Systematic Review, Integrative Framework And Future Research Agenda. International Journal Of Consumer Studies, 45(4), 617-644. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijcs.12647
  55. Oscar, Y., & Keni, K. (2019). Pengaruh Brand Image, Persepi Harga, Dan Service Quality Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Konsumen. Jurnal Muara Ilmu Ekonomi Dan Bisnis, 3(1), 20-28. https://journal.untar.ac.id/index.php/jmieb/article/view/3300
  56. Keller, K. L. (2013). Building Strong Brands In A Modern Marketing Communications Environment. In The Evolution Of Integrated Marketing Communications (Pp. 65-81). Routledge. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13527260902757530

This study examines the marketing strategy utilized by Unilever Indonesia company for Sunsilk, particularly focusing on the partnerships developed with beauty content creators in the digital age. As marketing strategies move towards digital collaborations, this research looks into the influence affiliate marketing has on positioning Sunsilk with beauty content creators. Through a case study and digital content analysis, the research utilizes a qualitative methodology. It highlights the impact affiliate marketing has on brand visibility and positioning Sunsilk in the audience’s mind as a relevant brand in the hair care industry. Sponsored beauty content creators are powerful influencers as they convincingly deliver the brand message through their tutorials, reviews, and storytelling. The brand’s strong market positioning can be attributed to the strategy created for interaction, trust building, and sales conversion through engagement on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and e-commerce affiliates.

Keywords : Affiliate Marketing, Content Creator, Digital Era, Brand Image, Sunsilk.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - July - 2026

SUBMIT YOUR PAPER CALL FOR PAPERS
Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe