You often hear about the term Affiliate Marketing by some bloggers, but you always wonder what it is exactly. Nowadays, everything depends on digital marketing that means in internet promotion.
Just imagine it is like what we used to say, "word of mouth". Do you know that this kind of marketing has existed since ancient times and still exists today? Back then of course, people called it a bit differently, I will explain to you and you will understand straightaway.
Don't you have a lady in your neighborhood who wants to spread the news faster than anyone else? This so-called lady says to you: "Have you seen what our neighboor bought? A brand new sofa for his backyard. It only cost 200€ from the little store operated since last week in the corner. I will definately visit it today to buy some new chairs".
Some people will follow her advice and visit this little shop.
I'll give you another example. How many times have you bought a product or service just because a friend suggested it? Or just because you see it while window-shopping and you just loved it? After Covid - 19 season, we can not even do that with pleasure or freedom either. The modern age makes us spending more time in front of a screen and this automatically leads us to do more online shopping.
So how would you feel if reading your favorite blog, you could find favorite products or services suggested by their authors? This is exactly what affiliate marketing is all about.
And how exactly does it work?
The blogger collaborates with various companies that want to promote their products or services and they include a specific link in their post (affiliate link) that contains the personal tracking code. Once the reader makes an online purchase, the blogger gets a commission on sales. In my opinion, it is one of the easiest and fastest ways to make money online.
So if this lady in the neighborhood was working in the public relations of the shop, in the example above, she could get a commission every time a friend of hers bought something from there. Funny huh; But yet, this is exactly what affiliate marketing is doing.
How can the company you promote know that it was your link that clicked - and not someone else? Well, when you click on an affiliate link, your computer will save a cookie that will be activated as soon as you make a purchase.
How long these cookies last?
It depends on the company. You will find cookies that last 24 hours, two months or years! Each company has its own policy, which is listed the moment you become its partner.
How can I make money with affiliate marketing?
First you need to look for companies that offer an affiliate marketing program. Then find products, tools or services that you truly believe in. Those that you would recommend to your friends and family for free. You want to offer the best value to your audience, right? Never promote something you have not tried or do not think is worth it.
Take advantage of seasonal promotions. You can not promote ski boots in the summer, nor Valentine's gift during Christmas holidays. Try to get into your audience's mind before them. So do you know that summer is coming? Plan ahead. And if your strategy does not work, do not wait until next year - start planning right away! Google and Pinterest love to plan in advance, don't they?
You've seen it all your life in physical stores, online stores and almost everywhere. Immediately after the summer the shelves of stores are filled with Halloween, and then with Christmas decorations. In January, the first Valentine's Day cards start appearing in every corner and so on. Now it is your turn to start promoting your products or services, before others start.
Now, you may be wondering where you can get affiliate links with your personal tracking code, right? Well, all you have to do is sign up for an affiliate program - which can be as easy as filling out a form where you need to leave your name, website URL and payment details to receive your commission.
How do you find "Affiliate Partners"?
There are different "Affiliate Marketing" partners and networks that you can choose from:
Through other bloggers. This is probably the most lucrative option, as other bloggers can offer up to 40% commissions. Ask them directly about their affiliate program, especially if you have already completed a course or purchased the product you want to promote. So think about any books, tutorials or tools you have used that you would like to suggest. The only downside here is that selling products from an unknown blogger can be more difficult than from most established brand.
Companies that offer an Affiliate program to sell their products or services. The percentage can also become relatively high and your advantage here is that you are promoting a more seasonal brand, whose marketing efforts may benefit you. Once again, just be sure to promote ONLY those products and services that you know and love. Otherwise, the damage may outweigh the financial benefits, so it is not worth it.
Some Affiliate partners and networks that I use and I really like:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks.com is the most popular online rewards program that gives you free gift cards and cash for the day-to-day activities you already do online. You earn points when you shop at your favorite retail stores, when you watch funny videos, when you browse the web, when you answer surveys and find great deals. You redeem your points with gift cards to favorite partners such as Amazon, E-bay, Expedia etc or you can receive cash from Paypal. Swagbucks has already paid over $ 542,162,464 in cash and free gift cards.
2. Bundles
Ultimate Bundles offers packages of ebooks, courses and services at very reduced prices ranging from 90 - 95% of the original price. Once you register you will have a 40% commission on every sale you make.
3.Yazing
Yazing is a new platform that gives you the ability to easily earn the highest cash rewards when you influence to make online purchases from leading brands.
I choose among other brands: Asos , Shein , American Eagle , Banana Republic , Bjorn Borg , Calzedonia , Columbia , Crocs and thousands more.
The Amazon Associates Program is one of the largest affiliate networks in the world that helps content creators, publishers, and website owners monetize their traffic. Not only do Associates earn commission on products they refer traffic to, they may also earn on other products their readers may purchase on Amazon.
That's all for now. Find out more to another post.
Until then, subscribe, follow and share.
Take care,
S.A
NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that I love using.
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