Lets talk about affiliate links. Disclaimer, this post contains affiliate links!
In the past four months (January 2018 – April 2018) I’ve sold 469 products through one of my top affiliate networks. This means I’m selling about a hundred products a month through my blog and social channels. I make money when I’m sleeping, riding my horse, or cuddling with my dog. It’s an amazing feeling to login to an app on your phone and see the sales come through everyday.
The purpose of this blog post isn’t to brag, it’s a chance for me to explain that little disclaimer, this blog post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links are a large part of any successful blogger’s income.
What is an Affiliate Link
An affiliate link is a specific url linked to a product online containing an affiliate ID. The affiliate ID is used to identify the source of the click and/or sale which comes from me. I am an affiliate and I create affiliate links using my ID before I post products on my blog. It can look like this > turquoise cowboy boots – when someone clicks on my unique link they are taken to the boots for purchase. If they decide to buy the boots, I make a small commission (anywhere from 5 – 20% of the current purchase price). Commission rates vary from brand to brand with 10% being standard and 20% being generous.
Why I Use Affiliate Links
The number one question I get when people find out I’m a blogger, is how do you make money? I usually answer with it’s complicated and explain that I have multiple affiliate income outlets (among other things). Affiliate links allow me to make a passive income without bombarding my readers with advertising or constantly having to push sponsored content (although I love sponsored content and we will talk about that another day). I hate pushing advertising. These days you cannot make decent money with ad networks unless you start sharing intrusive pop up ads and banners. Don’t get me started on those pop up videos! I’ve always thought they make websites look cheap and tacky. Plus high paying ad networks often require traffic minimums, which a lot of small to medium sized bloggers don’t make.
Making Sales with Affiliate Links
You don’t need millions of followers to make money with affiliate links or get your first sale. I’m a full-time blogger constantly sharing curated collections, favorite products, and finds on Horses & Heels. I make sure to stay true to myself and this blog. My rule is that if I wouldn’t buy it then I’m not sharing it. Blogging isn’t always about reaching the masses, it’s about finding the right type of reader. My ideal reader is someone who I would saddle up and go riding with or a person who would have fun on a shopping spree with me.
By sharing products I want, I get repeat sales from readers who feel inspired to shop. I love when someone responds to my newsletter and tells me how I make them want to buy everything! It means I’m doing my job and I understand my reader. I have loyal followers who like to see what I’m posting about. It’s amazing when I can share a post with my favorite office accessories and get commission when readers buy these products.
I share both high and low priced items, sometimes it’s the impulse buy like a $10 keychain or $20 tee shirt that brings in a sale. Other days it’s the $1,000 pair of cowboy boots. I do a happy dance when that happens. Another added bonus of affiliate links is that if your reader checks out a product and ends up buying a different item, you still get commision!
Sharing affiliate links also allows me to work “pro bono” or with brands I love that can’t afford to pay for a sponsored post or advertising. I help them set up an affiliate program or suggest one for them to join. Then when I post their products and sales come through, I get a little kick back. Everybody wins.
The most important thing to remember if you are sharing affiliate links, you need to disclose to your readers. You can make a statement saying your post contains affliate links on your blog and social media.
Affiliate Network Options
Passive income is a result of hard work, not a result of joining an affiliate network. Signing up for something doesn’t mean the money is going to roll in. I belong to many networks but the ones that do the best for me are the ones I’m constantly working. Below is a list of affiliate networks I belong to.
RewardStyle – My favorite network and largest earner. While they cater to fashion bloggers with their amazing LIKEtoKNOW.it app, they work with lots of great brands. Lucchese and FRYE are both part of their program, which is wonderful for me. RewardStyle can be hard to get into though, I was rejected twice after applying and accepted on my third try. If you would like a RewardStyle referral please email me and I’ll give you one.
ShopStyle Collective – Another wonderful network directed towards fashion bloggers. They originally started as a PPC (pay per click) based commission site. However they are now allowing influencers to apply for commission per sale accounts.
Pepperjam – Pepperjam is another great network with a lot of brands I work with like Rod’s and Tractor Supply.
Share A Sale – A well trusted network with tons of big brands.
Amazon – Amazon has everything! It’s pretty easy to get users to purchase products. Remember, chances are if you get someone to Amazon they will buy something. Amazon is extremely influencer friendly, they recently rolled out their shop feature. You can shop for curated products I select on Amazon in my Horses & Heels shop. As an added bonus, I am an Amazon fashion influencer, they send me a monthly stipend to purchase and promote clothing.
Commission Junction – CJ has another huge roster of brands to work with.
I could talk about affiliate links for hours, that being said, I want to create a part II post on working with affiliates in more details. If you have a specific question about a network, brand, or ANYTHING related to affiliate sales, ask away! Send me an email, reach out on social media – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or leave a comment below.
Lindsey says
I am so excited for your new series on how you run your blog! I am currently part of Amazon and ShopStyle Collective, I did a happy dance when I actually made 3 sales on Amazon within their time limit to become an affiliate. Baby steps!
Becky says
Lindsey, I’m right there with you on the worry about making the three sales from Amazon before the time is up. No happy dance for me yet as I haven’t got three but I’m determined to get there soon.
Raquel says
You will get there Becky! Feel free to ask me any specific questions too, I’ll answer them in the next blogging post.
Raquel says
It takes time, trust me! But if you are consistent and have a plan, you will get there!
Maegan says
Thank you so much for this new series! It’s really interesting to learn from successful bloggers about how they monetize. It’s really important to me to be authentic too, so interested to hear more from you. Thanks for the transparency and this great resource!
Raquel says
You are welcome Maegan! Feel free to ask or email any specific questions!
Brittany - Country Barbie says
This was a great read. You actually inspired me to sign up for Amazon Affiliates when I saw one of your blogs with so many amazing Amazon finds! I actually had NO clue they had an affiliate program. I also didn’t realize you could apply to RewardStyle. I thought I read somewhere it was hand selected influencers only. I miss normal blogging so much but once we launched the clothing line I’ve been struggling to get back into the blogging world again. You’ve definitely been an inspiration to attempt it again!
Raquel says
Thanks Brittany! Yes, it’s not just for dedicated fashion bloggers. I’ve worked with Country Outfitter with them (they are no longer in the program as of now), Lucchese, and more. While I think they are the hardest to get into, they have been my most rewarding (no pun intended) affiliate program.
Becky says
I love that you are sharing this info. My website is just starting out and I have had moments of doubt about my ability to make money with a horse blog. I know I can’t quit as I am so driven by the need to help horses have amazing lives but sometimes it is really daunting. Thanks for reminding me it is possible and I can do it!
Raquel says
I’m happy to share and I love getting feedback. It’s challenging having an equestrian blog but you too can find great horse related brands to work with within these programs.
Holly says
I don’t mind affiliate links because I do understand their purpose and I don’t mind the commission if I end up purchasing something recommended or that a blogger found. What I DO mind, is when it becomes ‘I won’t share where this is from so you have to click my link’ (whether in a post or when asked directly) and the fact that if I click on a link using affiliates, those cookies remain on my computer and that blogger continues to get credit for my purchases (sometimes up to 30 days). Those things just feel greedy and shady and it really turns me off the whole thing. I’m not saying you do this or other equestrian blogs do it, I more see it in the traditional fashion blogging world, but I desperately hope equestrian blogging stays authentic and doesn’t morph into the overcommericalized career we’ve seen happen in the fashion world.
Raquel says
I completely understand that Holly, it’s annoying when someone won’t tell you and only makes you do the click. One of my frustrations has always been people who start blogs to make money, passion should come first and then the revenue will follow. I started almost 8 years ago and this industry has changed so much – for better and worse.
Esther Kilgour says
Thanks for sharing. The blogging world (money wise) can be a bit mysterious. So it’s nice to see you sharing your knowledge. I enjoyed reading this article. Thanks
Raquel says
You are welcome Esther! It’s always changing too, so there is a lot to keep up with!