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Affiliate Marketing For Beginners – How It Works And How To Get Started

October 24, 20263 min read
Affiliate Marketing For Beginners – How It Works And How To Get Started
In this article

With affiliate marketing you can earn a small amount of money for recommending a product/service. If someone buys using your unique link, you may earn a percentage of their sale. You won’t need to worry about storing or delivering the product but you will need to help others make the right choice.

How it works

  1. Join an affiliate program.
  2. Get your unique link.
  3. Share the link in helpful content such as a blog or video.
  4. Earn a commission if someone buys using your link.

All programs will have different rules. Some purchases may not count towards your commission. The tracking period varies depending on where you are.

Where can I find affiliate programs?

You may find shops, software companies, and hosting companies have their own programs. Alternatively, there are also affiliate networks who will have a range of offers from multiple brands. You should always check the commission percentages, minimum payout, tracking periods and where you can share your links.

Be genuine with what you are recommending

You need to give your audience a reason to trust you. Try using the product if possible. If you haven’t used it, be honest. Research carefully and don’t write as though you have used it. Mention any negatives and who it may not be suitable for.

Choose where you want to share

  • Blog – Provide reviews and comparisons to help your audience make a decision.
  • YouTube – Show demos of the product.
  • Email Newsletter – Share great recommendations with those who have chosen to sign up.
  • Social Media – Short posts to introduce products. However, your reach will depend on the site.

You don’t need to be on all platforms. Start by choosing somewhere to regularly provide helpful content.

Be honest with your audience

Let them know if you may earn from purchases. The rules will depend on where you and your audience are based. A good start would be to have a note above the link that says something like ‘I may earn a commission for purchases made’.

Provide helpful content

  • Detailed reviews to show the pros and cons.
  • Comparisons to show which option will be best for their needs.
  • Tutorials to show how to use the product.
  • Lists with clear reasons why you recommend them.

Common mistakes

  • Recommend products that you don’t really care about, as you’ll be earning a commission.
  • Only mention the positives and don’t mention any major issues.
  • Expect to earn straight away without having an audience.
  • Not reading the rules of programs you join.
  • Claiming to have tried something when you haven’t.

How long will I earn?

Often affiliate marketing takes time to earn. You’ll need to provide helpful content and people to find your content. You may not earn much or anything at first. Focus on providing answers to real questions and helping your audience make good choices. How much you earn will depend on how much you’ve built up trust, how many people visit and if your recommendations are suitable.

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