What is Affiliate Marketing

What is Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate Marketing (also referred to as "partnerships") is a method for companies to advertise by paying commission to on referrals that lead to sales.  There are a number of Affiliate Marketing Networks that companies join to provide their marketing graphics and materials and website owners subscribe to those network (always free, you should never have to pay) to gain access. 

Some larger companies (like Amazon) have their own partnership program. 

How do you make money with Affiliate Marketing?

In simplest terms, if you have a blog, social media presence or website that is about a specific topic, you can offer your readers and followers additional value by curating related items.  You would post special links to those items in your online presence and when someone uses your link to complete a purchase, you receive a commission. 

For example, if you are writing a wedding blog and you've got pictures of the lovely center pieces you've made, you can post special links to the materials on amazon, and if someone else buys the items, you get commission. 

How hard is it to make money with Affiliate Marketing?

It's hard and easy at the same time.  For instance, I run a successful Etsy shop, and when I post the "how to" video's on youtube, I also list the materials needed. All of the links I link are special links to Amazon. I get a commission when they make those purchases.  So, that's easy, and a kind of "set it and forget it."  HOWEVER, it's hard because my commissions are on very small craft supplies so it doesn't add up to much. 

If you're interested in learning more about affiliate marketing.  Stay tuned, and I'll provide my latest tips and tricks.