Tip #1: If you want to make affiliate marketing your full-time business, then (in US) you’ll need an EIN.
- You can get one for free by clicking this link.
- Once you have your EIN, go to your local bank to open a business checking account. Shop banks. Some charge a monthly fee, others don’t.
- Now open a PayPal business account.
Tip #2: You’re going to need a website, a podcast, a Facebook fan page, an Instagram page and/or a blog.
- When you apply to an affiliate network or directly to the company, they ask for your website’s URL.
- You can give them the URL to, not just a website, but if you podcast, give them that URL. If you’re a blogger (or vlogger), then that will be the URL you list.
- Or if you’re on Facebook or Instagram and have a business page, give them that URL.
- Whichever you use, just make sure it is secure (https) because there are very few companies that will accept an unsecure (http) URL.
Affiliate marketing can take on many different forms, but there are 3 main types:
1. Unattached affiliate marketing. As the name suggests, this type of affiliate marketing doesn’t require the affiliate to have any attachment to or knowledge of the product. The most common example is PPC (paid per click) ads on the affiliate’s website or platform. With this type of marketing, the affiliate doesn’t claim to know anything about the quality of the product or service. Examples are products from ClickBank. This is the easiest type to set up.
2. Related affiliate marketing. Here the affiliate promotes products related to their content niche. For example, a photographer promotes camera equipment. Or, a dog trainer promotes pet insurance. The affiliate leverages their knowledge in the field to promote products that would appeal to their audience. And like above, the affiliate makes no claims that they personally use the product.
3. Involved affiliate marketing. This is the most involved type of affiliate marketing because it requires the affiliate to have knowledge about the product or service, use the product or service, and vouch for it. The affiliate goes a step further by making a personal recommendation. Because these affiliates need to build credibility with their audience, this one tends to get better results because of the trust their audience has in the affiliate.
Side Note: There are plenty of places to make a free website or blog page. You can also start a free podcast at SpotifyforPodcasters.com.
