I follow various content creators on social media and visit their platforms frequently. I often notice some will mention affiliate links in their content and how purchasing from those links helps them earn commissions.
Before working in marketing, I wasn't sure what that meant. Now, I know these creators participate in affiliate programs, and if you're a creator or business, you can also benefit from these programs.
Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to monetize your content, especially when you don't sell products or services.
There are many affiliate programs, ranging from online courses to website builders to marketing and business affiliates.
Here, we will explore:
- What is an affiliate program?
- What is an affiliate partner?
- What makes a good affiliate partner?
- How do affiliates make money?
- Types of Affiliate Programs
- Best Affiliate Marketing Networks for Beginners
- Best Affiliate Programs
- Resources for Getting Started with an Affiliate Marketing Program
To further understand affiliate programs, I'll use an example.
Wirecutter.com, a New York Times company, is a website that lists product recommendations for shoppers. Wirecutter largely earns commission based on affiliate relationships with retailers.
The publication’s affiliate monetization model might make you doubt the legitimacy of its recommendations — but, in fact, it's quite the opposite.
Wirecutter only makes a commission when a reader purchases a product from an affiliate retailer and doesn't return the product. Wirecutter, then, has no incentive to promote inferior products.
If they did, they'd make less money and turn away readers — and who wants that?
What is an affiliate partner?
An affiliate partner is the creator, influencer, or business that partners with a company and earns commissions by promoting the company's products or services.
While there are several kinds of affiliate partnerships, you only want to be one kind...