Affiliate marketing is one of the most common ways blogs earn money. You recommend a product, include a special tracking link, and if a reader buys through that link, you earn a commission. The reader pays the same price. Done well, it’s a win for everyone. Done badly, it destroys trust.
How affiliate marketing works
- You join a company’s affiliate program (directly or through an affiliate network).
- You get unique links that track visitors you send.
- You include those links in helpful content.
- When a reader buys within the tracking period (the “cookie window”), you earn a commission.
Where to find affiliate programs
- Retailer programs: large online stores run programs covering millions of products. Commissions are often small but conversion is easy.
- Affiliate networks: platforms that host programs for many brands in one dashboard.
- Direct programs: many software tools, courses and brands run their own. Search “[brand] affiliate program”.
- Products you already use: check the footer of their websites for an “Affiliates” or “Partners” link.
What makes a good affiliate product
- You’ve used it, or researched it thoroughly.
- It genuinely solves a problem your readers have.
- The company has good reviews and support.
- The commission and cookie window are fair.
- Recurring commissions (for subscriptions) are a bonus.
Posts that convert best
| Post type | Why it works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product review | Reader is close to buying | “[Product] Review After 6 Months” |
| Comparison | Reader is choosing between options | “[A] vs [B]: Which Is Better for Beginners?” |
| Best-of list | Reader wants a recommendation | “Best Budget Microphones for Podcasting” |
| Tutorial | The product is needed for the task | “How to Start a Blog” (links to hosting) |
| Resource page | A trusted list of your tools | “Tools I Use to Run My Blog” |
How to write affiliate content people trust
- Show real experience: photos, screenshots, results and specifics.
- Include downsides: no product is perfect, and saying so builds credibility.
- Say who it’s not for.
- Offer alternatives, including free options when appropriate.
- Don’t link everything: a few relevant links beat dozens.
Disclosure and rules
In many countries, including the United States (FTC guidelines) and the United Kingdom, you must clearly disclose affiliate relationships. Best practice:
- Add a short disclosure near the top of any post with affiliate links, before the first link.
- Use plain language: “This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”
- Have a full disclosure page linked in your footer.
- Follow each program’s own rules (some don’t allow links in emails, for example).
- Mark affiliate links with rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow”.
Realistic expectations
Affiliate income usually starts small and grows with traffic. A handful of well-ranking reviews and comparisons often produce most of the income. Focus on helpful content in your niche first; add affiliate links where they genuinely help.
Mistakes to avoid
- Recommending products only for high commissions.
- Writing “best of” lists of products you’ve never touched.
- Hiding or forgetting disclosures.
- Choosing a niche where readers rarely buy anything.
- Relying on a single program that could change its rates.
FAQs
Can I do affiliate marketing with a new blog?
Yes, many programs accept new blogs. Some require a minimum amount of content or traffic, so publish several helpful posts before applying.
Do affiliate links hurt SEO?
Not when they’re relevant, disclosed and marked with rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow”. Thin pages that exist only to push affiliate links can perform poorly.
See all the ways blogs earn in how to make money blogging.