As a business owner or blogger, you're always looking for ways to increase your income. One way to do that is through affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing is where you promote other businesses' products on your site via unique links. When someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you get a cut from the sale.
With an estimated 80% of brands offering affiliate programs, there's no better time than now to start taking advantage of this nearly passive income stream, regardless of your industry.
In this post, we'll walk you through how to get started with affiliate marketing and include 30 affiliate blog post examples for inspiration.
Let's dive in.
How do you get started with affiliate marketing?
The process is pretty simple and only takes a little effort if you already have a website.
Important things to remember as an affiliate:
Promote products you believe in
When writing an affiliate blog post, one key thing to keep in mind is to promote products or services you believe in. Don't promote products you know nothing about to make a quick buck. Your audience will eventually see through this and leave your site.
Update your blog post from time to time
You'll also want to continually update your affiliate blog post so that it stays relevant and continues to rank high in search results.
Disclose that you're an affiliate
Most importantly, make sure you disclose that if the reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission from it. You want to maintain ethical business practices while making money blogging. Don't get yourself in trouble!
Different ways to write an affiliate post:
30 affiliate blog post examples
Tech Radar reviewed ten web hosting platforms, offering in-depth pros and cons for each site. They listed affiliate links for the reader to follow to sign up for each hosting web service. Often with web hosting affiliate links, they'll give the potential buyer a discount to entice them to buy. Once the buyer purchases the web hosting, the blogger receives a commission from the sale.
Wirecutter is a well-known hub for in-depth product reviews to help you make the best choice when purchasing a new product, be it a snazzy coffee maker or a comfy mattress. This blog post breaks down the pros and cons of different coffee makers and offers links for shoppers to purchase them on various sites. The affiliate links include Home Depot, Amazon, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Nerdwallet leads the way as an example of a successful affiliate marketer. They offer countless thorough articles comparing different credit cards, financial institutions, insurance companies, and so much more. Their Best Cashback Credit Cards post compares a comprehensive list of credit cards, their interest rates, and, of course, their rewards features. Nerdwallet earns a commission whenever a buyer clicks on their "Apply Now" buttons and applies for that card.
The Every Girl is one affiliate blog post example that covers a range of relatable content for women, including the latest trends in fashion and advice on improving your romantic relationship. Their post 7 Holiday Outfits Under $100 That Will Earn You Compliments is one example of how they embed affiliate links within their content. Whenever a reader clicks one of the links and purchases that cute winter sweater, The Every Girl earns a cut of that sale.
The Gym Lab focuses on writing blog posts that recommend different types of home workout equipment to help you find something right for you. They believe that you don't have to go to a gym to stay fit, so they offer suggestions on how to get in a workout from the comfort of your home. They make a commission when you click their "Check Price" button and purchase the equipment.
Sincerely Jules is a fashion blog that showcases Julia's many outfits, favorites, and recommendations. This post has minimal text but includes numerous photos representing New Balance, Ambercrombie and Fitch, and Chanel. She incorporates links to each of her pieces so readers can buy on the spot. When the reader buys through her connection, the clothing company gives her a nice commission.
Jamie, the owner of the blog C.R.A.F.T, shares humorous and creative ideas for DIY costumes and crafts. Part of her breakdown of 44 DIY Adult Costumes includes affiliate links to Amazon, where people can purchase accessories to deck out their costumes. For example, whenever someone clicks on her link and buys a wacky Waldo hat, she earns a quick buck (if not more!).
Miss Mustard Seed is a home improvement blog that provides inspiration, advice, and tutorials on making your home. The author covers everything from furniture remodels to repainting your house. In this affiliate blog post example, How to Paint a Granite Fireplace Surround, she talks about different tools and paints to accomplish her task. She links to websites like Walmart that offer the product she references, and whenever someone purchases it through that link, she makes a commission.
Rover acts as a middleman for connecting pet owners with trusted dog walkers, pet sitters, and groomers. To communicate with their customers, they write relevant blog posts that offer tips for pet owners, such as this one: 7 Best Brushes for Dogs with Short Hair. They include affiliate links to websites like Amazon and Chewy, so passionate pet owners can easily purchase through the site. Rover gets a cut of that sale if they decide to purchase one of the recommended brushes through an affiliate link. Consider checking out affiliate programs with Chewy and Amazon to increase your site revenue if you're a pet blogger.
Cool of the Wild is a blog focused on providing tips, tutorials, and advice on making the most of your outdoor adventures. Their post-Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners compare the best bikes based on terrain and preference. They include a link with each cycle, most often to REI, where the reader can make a direct purchase. If the potential buyer chooses to buy that bike through the affiliate link, Cool of the Wild receives a commission.
Ree is a popular beauty blog that covers all things skincare and haircare. In this affiliate blog post example, the author breaks down different moisturizers to help readers decide which one would work best for their skin type. She includes affiliate links within her post to make it easy for her readers to purchase the moisturizer she's reviewing. If the reader decides to buy that product through the link, she'll earn a commission for it. Sites like Cult Beauty, Kiel's, and Sephora offer affiliate programs that you can use if you write about beauty products.
Cup of Jo is a lifestyle and parenting blog that shares tips on motherhood, travel, and relationships. In Joanna's post Motherhood Mondays: Ten Tips for Traveling With a Baby, she gives the advice to help mothers prepare for taking a trip with their little one – which isn't always easy! She shares things like her favorite car seat or travel crib in her posts and includes affiliate links for these products. Joanna will get a nice commission once a reader clicks on her link and purchases that product.
Common Sense Home offers tips on gardening and home remedies. This affiliate post example walks the reader through how to start a garden. They include multiple affiliate links, but one is notable because it offers the reader a discount if they purchase through the link. Of course, the author also makes a small commission. Some affiliate programs will incentivize the potential buyer, like 10% off, when you use their links in your blog posts. You'll want to take advantage of this if you can!
Lori Ballen is a digital marketing strategist who effectively uses affiliate marketing as a part of her strategy. Lori embeds several affiliate links in her post How to Use WordPress Widgets and breaks down how different widgets work. Whenever a reader purchases through her links, she gets a commission.
A Broken Backpack is a blog about travel and planning for a trip. In the post, Best Waterproof Backpacks, the author breaks down the top packs that'll hold up and includes affiliate links to Amazon for readers to buy those backpacks. When they purchase through her connection, she earns a small cut. The typical percentage rate of commissions for Amazon Affiliates is 1-10%. Amazon offers such a wide array of products that no matter what industry you're in, chances are you can probably take advantage of their affiliate program.
The Strategist covers various topics, from kitchen and dining to travel and tech. This particular affiliate post example breaks down a beginner's guide to skateboarding, embellished with an extensive list of skateboarding accessories. The author embeds links beside each addition so the reader can easily purchase a new helmet or skate shoes. The site earns a commission whenever someone buys through their affiliate link.
WPBeginner is a well-known domain that helps people looking to start a blog or website get the guidance and resources they need. Their blog post 7 Best Email Marketing Services for Small Businesses (2022) reviews the best email marketing companies and includes affiliate links so you can quickly sign up for the one you like most. Whenever an interested reader clicks on the link and signs up with one of the email marketing services, WPBeginner makes a commission.
Develop Good Habits is a personal development blog that helps people form healthy habits and live a more successful life. This affiliate post created a list of 21 Personal Development and Self-Improvement Books. With each book listed, they embed an affiliate link so the reader can purchase that book. Once they purchase through that link, Develop Good Habits gets a cut of the sale.
Travel With a Plan is centered around travel, and in this blog post, they offer an extensive list of what types of food you should pack for a road trip. They even break it down by breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you'll be set no matter the time of day. The author includes affiliate links for portable cooler or fun-shaped sandwich cutters. With each purchase someone makes from her Amazon affiliate links, she gets to keep a portion of that sale. As a reminder, if you use affiliate links, you'll want to disclose this on your blog (it's typically listed at the beginning or end of the blog post).
Family Handyman covers everything from learning DIY carpentry to landscaping your front yard. Their blog post, Best Appliances for Small Spaces, shares a list of compact appliances you can fit into a small home or apartment. Under each appliance, they have a button that says "Shop Now." If the reader clicks that link and purchases the GE Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, the blogger gets a commission from that sale.
Popular Science covers all things science, tech, and DIY. In this particular tech post, they compare and contrast the best wireless phone chargers. They use affiliate links to take you to those chargers so you can purchase one on the spot. If the reader were to buy one through the affiliate link they provide, Popular Science gets a cut from that purchase.
Art Is Fun is a website dedicated to teaching art lessons. This affiliate post lays out different types of watercolor paintbrushes you can use and why they are effective. The author includes affiliate links to websites like Blick and Amazon, so the reader can purchase if they choose. These links are woven seamlessly into the text, so she isn't hard selling here. If a reader decides to purchase one of the brushes from her affiliate links, she will earn a commission. If you have an art blog or business, consider checking out Michaels' or Blick's affiliate programs to make some extra income.
All Recipes is a central foodie hub with great recipes to spend hours reading. One of their blog posts, The 12 Best Slow Cookers to Buy in 2021, itemizes the best slow cookers for your kitchen based on numerous factors. Under each slow cooker breakdown, there is an affiliate link beside the words "Buy It." Whenever interested buyers decide to purchase through that link, All Recipes gets a cut from the sale.
CNET is a tech and news website. They're well known for creating how-to guides and comparing tech products. Their blog post, The Best Budget App for 2022, highlights the features of different personal finance apps so you can find one that fits your budgeting needs. CNET earns a commission whenever someone purchases or signs up for one of these apps.
PC Gamer is the authoritative site on all things related to PC gaming. Their post Best Gaming Keyboards in 2022 ranks various gaming keyboards, breaking down the specs so readers can determine what suits their gaming needs best. When an interested buyer clicks on one of their affiliate links, PC Gamer gets an excellent cut from the sale. Most of the affiliate links they have in their post are with Amazon and Walmart.
Neil Patel is a leading authoritative figure for digital marketing and driving traffic to your site. In this affiliate blog post example, he provides a thorough breakdown of different auto dialer systems. Autodialer systems automatically call phone numbers and connect those calls with either a live person or a recorded message. He quickly highlights his top pick at the beginning of his post, Nextiva, including an affiliate link. So if someone clicks that link and decides to buy from Nextiva, he gets a cut.
Money is an all-in-one place for comparing mortgage companies, insurance providers, and crypto-wallets. In their affiliate blog post 5 Best Crypto Wallets of 2022, the site offers a list of comparisons. They also provide many affiliate links, so their readers have multiple options. Money gets to keep a certain percentage from the sale once someone has purchased one of these wallets through the affiliate link.
Martha Stewart, best known for her decadent recipes, also offers insights on home decor. In her blog post, These Pretty Vases Are Perfect for Your Flower Arrangements. She gives three suggestions of vase designs to complement your flowers perfectly. After each vase description, an affiliate link is included. Martha Stewart earns a commission when an interested buyer purchases one of these vases through the link.
Music Critic is a website that focuses primarily on posting music reviews. In one of their affiliate posts, The 10 Best Car Stereos in 2022, they break down the specs of various car stereos. Whether you want more bass or the ability to hook your phone up via Bluetooth, they lay it all out. Under each stereo, they have a button you can click that says "Click here for price." Whenever someone purchases a stereo through one of those links, Music Critic gets a cut from it.
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Although typically known for providing up-to-date information on current events, NBC News also has a blog, and they don't hold back from utilizing affiliate links. In one of their blog posts, How to Buy the Best Dog Treats, the author includes quotes from trusted veterinarians on which treats to buy and why. The post provides affiliate links to the various brands of treats, so whenever a pet owner buys through one of those links, NBC gets a commission. Using the opinions of trusted authorities can help you better promote the affiliate products you share in your blog posts.
The takeaway
If you are a blogger, business owner, or marketer, learning how to leverage affiliate marketing can be an excellent tool for earning a little (or a lot of) extra cash. As you've seen in this post, nearly every industry has some affiliate program that can be utilized. Be creative and find the best blog post ideas. When writing your affiliate blog posts, remember to be honest about your suggestions, as building trust and credibility should come before putting another dollar in your pocket.
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