Affiliate Marketing – What it is, myths, and why you should start!

The holidays are here, and let’s be real—we’ve all been shopping non-stop. Between Christmas gifts, teacher presents, and endless dress-up and theme days for the kids, my bank account is basically begging for mercy.

With all the scrolling and shopping happening right now, I’m betting you’ve seen your fair share of affiliate links. Maybe you’ve even clicked on or bought something through one. But if you’ve ever wondered, What exactly is an affiliate link?or How is it different from any other link?, I’ve got you.

Affiliate marketing is simpler than you think, and the best part? It’s something anyone can do. Here’s how it works.

What Is Affiliate Marketing?

You know when your friend tells you about that amazing planner she uses and sends you the link to buy it? An affiliate link works the same way—but when you buy through her link, she earns a small commission as a thank-you from the company. And no, it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Affiliate links are trackable. Companies can see who referred the sale and reward them for it.
• No weird fees or markups. You pay the same price as you would otherwise.
• It’s trust-based. Brands would rather reward people who genuinely use and recommend their products than pour more money into random Facebook ads.

For example, I use Mavely every day for my business. When I share my affiliate link, I’m basically saying, “If you’re going to buy this anyway, use my link so I can earn a little something for introducing you to it.” Easy, right?

The Current Landscape: Why Affiliate Marketing Is Booming

With holiday shopping in full swing, there’s never been a better time to dive into affiliate marketing. Why? Because people are actively looking for recommendations they trust, and online shopping is bigger than ever.

Here are a few stats for my fellow data lovers:

• Global e-commerce sales are projected to surpass $7 trillion in 2024, thanks to mobile shopping, social media, and subscription services.
• In 2023, e-commerce accounted for nearly 21% of all retail sales in the U.S., and it’s still growing.
• Certain industries, like fashion, are seeing up to 61% of their sales happen online.

The takeaway? Online shopping isn’t just convenient—it’s becoming the norm. And as people scroll for the best products, trust-based recommendations are more valuable than ever. Think about it: when was the last time you bought something because a friend raved about it? That’s the power of affiliate marketing.

Demystifying Affiliate Marketing

Let’s clear up a few myths about affiliate marketing:

• You need a huge following. Nope. A small, engaged audience can be just as effective.
• It’s too saturated. Also false. There’s always room for authentic voices.
• It’s just about pushing products. Not even close. The key is recommending products you genuinely love and use.

At its core, affiliate marketing is about sharing what works for you and getting rewarded for it. It’s not a “get rich quick” scheme, but it’s absolutely a way to add some extra income—especially when you’re consistent and strategic.

How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

If you’re ready to dip your toes into affiliate marketing, here’s how to start:

1. Choose Your Niche Focus on an area you’re passionate about. Are you into fitness, photography, or parenting hacks? Pick something you’re already talking about.
2. Start with Products You Use Make a list of the tools, gadgets, or products you swear by. These are the easiest to recommend authentically.
3. Get the Basics Most affiliate programs are free to join. Look into platforms like Amazon Associates, RewardStyle, or ShareASale to find programs that align with your niche.
4. Share Naturally There are plenty of ways to share your links without feeling salesy:
   • Post on social media (Instagram Stories are great for this!)
   • Add links to blog posts or emails
   • Recommend them in conversations or private groups

Building Trust and Strategy

Affiliate marketing works best when you lead with authenticity. Here’s how to do it:

• Create helpful content. Share tips, reviews, or tutorials around the products you’re recommending.
• Keep it real. Be upfront about using affiliate links and only promote products you truly stand behind.
• Stay organized. Use tools to track your links and earnings so you’re not overwhelmed.

One idea: If you’ve recently helped a friend find a product, think about how you could have used an affiliate link to earn from that recommendation. It’s not about pushing—it’s about being intentional.

Ready to Start? Grab My Free Guide

If affiliate marketing sounds like something you’re ready to try, I’ve got just the thing for you. My free guide, “Affiliate Marketing Made Simple,” with 20+ affiliate programs you can join today.

Affiliate marketing isn’t as complicated as it sounds. It’s simply about sharing products you love and earning a little extra for it. With online shopping at an all-time high, now is the perfect time to get started. Who knows? That link you share today could be the beginning of a whole new income stream for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make those recommendations work for you!

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