See the term affiliate link and wonder, “What is an affiliate link, exactly?”

Well, if you spend time on the internet, you've come across plenty of them! They're links that help content creators like you bring in more visitors and cash.

And today more than ever, content creators are looking for new ways to earn money doing what they love. One of the top ways to do this is with affiliate links through affiliate marketing programs.

In this article, I'll break it down further for you, from what affiliate links are to how they work. Plus, I'll show you how to use them to promote your favorite products and services.

So, let's learn more about affiliate marketing and how these affiliate links work their magic.

To put it simply, an affiliate link is a special kind of link that you share with others. When people click on this link and buy a product or service, you receive a commission.

Think of it as a small thank-you reward from the company for helping them make a sale!

Affiliate links are an ideal way for bloggers to make money while promoting products they love.

And here's a double bonus!

When your followers buy stuff through the links you add to your site or social media, you get a kickback without costing them anything extra.

Each affiliate link is unique. It has a special code that tells the company who shared the link, so the company knows who to send the money to.

affiliate link explanation

When someone clicks on your affiliate link, this code gets noted by the company's website using a cookie. This is how affiliate tracking begins. Even if they don’t buy anything right away but come back later to make a purchase, the company can remember it was you who sent them (for a period of time).

Once someone buys through your unique affiliate link, you earn a commission. At the end of the month, they send you that sweet, sweet earnings check.

It might be through the mail, a deposit in your bank, or an alternative option.

To start, you need to join affiliate marketing programs or affiliate networks.

There are tons out there! But here are some affiliate programs you might be interested in joining:

Many companies have their own affiliate programs that you can join for free. Once you're in, you get your own affiliate links.

WP Tasty affiliate signup process

To give you an idea about the process of joining an affiliate program, here's a quick breakdown of how joining WP Tasty's Affiliate Program works:

  1. Create an account on ShareASale.
  2. Apply for the WP Tasty Affiliate Program.
  3. Wait for a response.
  4. Approved? Share your links and earn cash! If not, keep working hard and try again!

And the process is pretty similar for other affiliate programs also!

Once you have your affiliate links, start using them in your content. This could be in your blog posts, on your social media, or in affiliate campaigns. The key is to use them in a natural way that makes sense and doesn’t feel pushy.

Here's a tip: Choose affiliate programs that match your interests and audience. Promoting content you genuinely like makes your content feel more authentic.

For instance, if you're a mom with a knack for giving advice, explore this list of affiliate programs for mom bloggers.

The more you promote affiliate products and get clicks, the better your chance to make money. So, lay out a good affiliate marketing strategy and pair up with the right affiliate partners to drive traffic and boost your earning potential.

Need a deeper understanding of how affiliate marketing for bloggers works? Take advantage of my affiliate marketing for beginners guide!

Using affiliate links in your content

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Got your affiliate links? Great! Keep these things in mind to add them to your content effectively:

  • Add links naturally. If you're writing about cool kitchen gadgets, include links to their product pages.
  • Disclose your affiliation. You must tell your readers you're using affiliate links. It's a great way to build trust, and there are easy ways to add disclosures to your site!
  • Use affiliate plugins. Make your life easier with a WordPress link plugin, Tasty Links. It helps you seamlessly add affiliate links to your content.
  • Include a call to action. A simple nudge can get your readers to check out the landing page of the products or services you're promoting.

Get a Wordpress Plugin for Your Affiliate Links!

After you get the hang of adding affiliate links to your site, you need to see how they do.

Try different things in your marketing campaigns and see what your audience prefers. Track your affiliate sales, and don’t be afraid to change them based on the results.

(Note: The image below comes from a test site affiliate program for Food Blogger Pro)

Track affiliate commission

Affiliate marketing constantly changes with new products, services, and affiliate programs, so stay updated!

Keeping up with the latest trends guarantees fresh and relevant offers for your audience.

This way, you'll maintain a vibrant and engaging affiliate site and maximize your passive income.

Where will you put your affiliate links?

You've unraveled the mysteries (and benefits) of affiliate links and how they can help you earn money.

Now it's time to get started with your affiliate marketing side hustle!

What questions do you still have about affiliate links? Let us know in the comments and we'll be sure to answer!

(This article may contain affiliate links.)