When I tell people I am an affiliate marketer, they look at me with a blank stare and ask “What is affiliate marketing and how does it work”? Affiliate marketing is where you promote a company’s products online. When you sign up to become an affiliate (or partner) of a company, they provide you with a special link. This link contains a special code that is assigned to you. If someone purchases a product after clicking on your link, you make a commission.

     An Example of How Affiliate Marketing Works

     There are thousands of companies and millions of products you can promote. For this example I will use Amazon because it is a reputable company and sells a wide variety of products. Let’s say you have a blog or a website about weddings. The focus of one of your blog/website entries is “How to Propose to Your Girlfriend”. In this post you give the person tips on how to propose. Because you are an affiliate of Amazon, you can post a link to engagement rings their girlfriend would love. If that person clicks on the special affiliate link that is on your site it will direct them to Amazon. If they purchase a ring from Amazon, you will get a commission. (more…)

Affiliate