Admittedly I do not work with a lot of affiliates. It isn't so much that I don't believe in it or that I don't support the idea, it's that I spend so much time curating content and working on custom designs that I simply do not have the time to work on pitches for brands or to get everything squared away to have an affiliate system.
Actually, it is also more that I haven't really found products or services that I feel fit this blog to share or affiliate myself with. Since I am a self-admitted Blogger blogger, I have no need for hosting. I have no need for plugins (Blogspot handles it all for me) and I paid for my domain right here in Blogger. As a result, I haven't spent a ton of time with affiliate marketing.
But I have decided to try to reach out a little in 2016 and get myself more established. And after scouring the internet, Pinterest and my favorite blogs. I have decided to put together a post of all the fantastic tips I could find and share them with all of you wonderful readers!
Ready, set, GO!
Only Work With What You Use
Since I am not a blogger with many needs, it would be pointless to promote Blue Host (although they really are the best, my boyfriend uses it and it's wonderful). However if I really think about what I DO use here on my blog I may be able to find affiliates that go with it. For me it's all about content creation. But I also make a ton of graphics (Canva) and I am a die hard fan of HoooteSuite for my social scheduling.
Some ideas floating through my brain:
- Hootesuite
- Canva
- PicMonkey
- Photoshop
- Photoscape
- Aha-ology
Wouldn't it be just lovely to become an affiliate to places you use and promote regularly? This way you won't feel like you're selling out and working with companies you would never actually deal with if not for chasing the almighty dollar.
Seek Out Affiliates, Delete the Spam In Your Inbox
What I mean by this is that 90% of the mail sitting in your inbox is spam. The affiliate programs you would most like to work with are not going to be sending reps who barely speak your language to get you signed up. In fact, they are probably not emailing you at all.
So what you nee to be doing here is actively seeking them out. Yes, I know. One more thing you don't have time for. But if you want to use affiliate marketing, you have to be proactive and do it yourself.
Prep Your Blog Ahead of Time
Get your TOU and Disclaimers ready to start using affiliate marketing. Each post with links to affiliates should be clearly marked. For this you can create a generic disclaimer that you just C&P right into the top or bottom of each post. Each affiliate link should also be clearly marked; just slap it in parenthesis after you add the affiliate link. It's also smart, though not required, to have a short general disclaimer on your blogs main page or in your sidebar.
Know the Difference
Between affiliates, sponsors, ads and guest posts. Everyone expects something a little different. Affiliates are specifically companies that you work with to earn a small commission when people who ready your blog click and make a purchase or buy a service. Keep all the details in mind such as how much you will make per sale, if there's any major information you need to provide (usually a tax ID) and how you want to get your fees.
Overall, making money with affiliates can be lucrative if you make time to get everything all set up and to do the research so you can do it all right.
Start the Discussion
Do you currently work with affiliates?
Do you have any tips for newbies wanting to connect?
Happy Blogging
Do you have any tips for newbies wanting to connect?
Happy Blogging
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