New to affiliate marketing? You’re in the right place. Learn how to start your first affiliate marketing business in this guide.
Written by Shopify Staff Reviewed by Mike Magistro Jun 19, 2024
The affiliate marketing sector is a multibillion-dollar industry with exciting opportunities for creators. It’s become a common way for ecommerce brands to promote their products and services, with a reported 79% of online companies leveraging affiliates. The best affiliate marketing programs are often free to join, so it doesn’t cost much to start affiliate marketing. Many entrepreneurs begin affiliate marketing as a side hustle and grow their businesses over time.
This beginner’s guide to affiliate marketing will help you get up and running fast. Learn how to find an affiliate program, create affiliate links, and start earning as an affiliate partner.
Affiliate marketing is a sales model where a company pays a third party to sell a product or service. If you’ve ever listened to a podcast ad or seen a social media influencer promote a product, you've likely been a recipient of affiliate marketing. In exchange for recommending products and services to their audiences, affiliate partners receive a commission for any sales made as a result of their referrals. When you become an affiliate, you’ll receive a unique link that allows your program manager to track every customer you send their way. When a customer purchases the product through your link, you earn a commission. 🌟 Do you want to become an affiliate marketer but have limited funds? Learn how to start an affiliate marketing business with no money. You can find an affiliate program directly through a company or via an affiliate network that lists multiple programs. Regardless, here’s how the standard affiliate program works: 1. You promote Store A on your website, blog, or social network.
2. Someone clicks your unique link.
3. They make a purchase in Store A.
4. The company or affiliate network records the transaction.
5. The purchase is confirmed by Store A.
6. You receive a commission.
For example, Instagrammer @caullenfit promotes the watch brand MVMT, directing users toward the affiliate link in his bio. MVMT has an affiliate program to attract lifestyle influencers like him.
