TLDR: Affiliate programs are partnerships where a brand pays a promoter (e.g. an influencer, cashback website, content website, voucher site) a commission for driving traffic, leads, or sales via a unique tracking link.
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What are affiliate programs?
An affiliate program is a partnership between a business and a promoter (affiliate). The affiliate promotes a brand’s product or service and earns a commission in return for generating sales, leads, or clicks.
These programs are typically hosted on affiliate networks, platforms that connect brands with affiliates. Affiliates can join, get access to marketing assets, and track their performance, all in one place.
Who can join affiliate programs?
If you have an online presence or a way to share links, you can join an affiliate program. That includes:
- Bloggers
- Influencers on Instagram, TikTok, etc.
- YouTubers
- Content website owners
- Cashback and voucher sites
If you can place a link online and drive traffic, you’re in!
How do affiliate programs work?
Step-by-step process
- Join an affiliate program
Apply via an affiliate network or directly through a brand’s site. - Get a unique tracking link
Once approved, you’ll receive a unique link that tracks clicks and sales. - Promote the product or service
Share the link on your blog, YouTube channel, social media, or emails. - Earn a commission when someone takes action
When a visitor clicks your link and completes an action (e.g. buying a product or signing up for a service), you earn a commission.
Types of actions within an affiliate program
- Sale: A purchase made via your link.
- Lead: A signup or inquiry form completed.
- Click: Simply generating traffic through clicks.
- Install: App installations tracked via your link.
Example scenario of an affiliate program sale
Let’s say you write a blog about kitchen gadgets. You could link to a blender using your affiliate link. If someone clicks that link and buys the blender, you earn a commission.
Types of affiliate programs
- Cost-per-acquisition (CPA)
You earn a commission for every sale you drive. For example, £50 per sale. - Cost-per-lead (CPL)
You get paid for every lead you generate, such as a completed form or inquiry. - Cost-per-click (CPC)
You earn a set amount for every click on your affiliate link, regardless of purchase. Less common in affiliate marketing but still used in some sectors. - Recurring commission programs
Great for subscriptions, you get paid a percentage each time the customer renews their subscription, like monthly software services.
Why join an affiliate program?
- Low barrier to entry: You don’t need to create or own a product.
- Flexible and scalable income: Earn from one sale or thousands, the sky’s the limit depending on your reach and niche.
- Perfect for content creators: If you already have an audience, you can monetise your platform.
- Learn valuable skills: Improve your digital marketing, SEO, and content creation abilities.
- Monetise existing platforms: Blogs, YouTube channels, social media pages, all great avenues for affiliate links.
What to look for in a good affiliate network
If you’re a brand thinking about setting up an affiliate programme, choosing the right affiliate network is crucial. Consider:
- Commission rate capabilities
- Reliable tracking and reporting tools
- Available insights and customer support
- Marketing support and transparent payout structures
Additionally, some affiliate networks have regional strengths, some are stronger in Europe, others in North America. This can impact your reach and programme potential.
How to get started as an affiliate creator
- Choose a niche
Pick a subject area you’re passionate about and that resonates with your audience. - Find and apply to affiliate programs
Look for affiliate programs that fit your niche and audience. - Create valuable content
Blogs, videos, or social media posts that genuinely help your audience will always perform better. - Promote your links
Use email newsletters, social media platforms, or SEO-driven blog content to share your affiliate links. - Track and optimise
Monitor your performance and tweak your strategy based on what’s working.
How agencies can help brands who have an affiliate program
Agencies like Modo25 work directly with brands and affiliate networks to manage and optimize affiliate programs. By partnering with agencies, brands can:
- Leverage industry insights and data.
- Stay ahead of affiliate marketing trends.
- Access exclusive network deals and events.
- Get tailored strategies for growth and optimisation.
- Benefit from ongoing training and expertise in the affiliate space.
Final thoughts
Affiliate marketing can be a game-changer for both creators and brands, but only with the right strategy and support. At Modo25, we help businesses design, manage, and grow affiliate programs that drive real results.
Whether you’re a brand seeking to scale or an agency looking for expertise, Modo25 is here to help you elevate your affiliate strategy. For more information on this story, or for support with your Affiliate Marketing, get in touch with one of Awin’s Agency Partners, certified Webgains Agency and Impact Agency Partner. Send us an email to team@modo25.com.
