Did you know the global affiliate marketing industry is expected to spend almost $16 billion by 2024?

If you're like many others, you want to get a slice of that pie! And that's where using your blog for affiliate marketing comes in! You already have an audience. Why not use it to promote the products you love? They get amazing products, and you earn a commission.

Everybody wins!

So, this post is your ticket to learning how to make a little cash from your blog. From different ways to make money to a step-by-step affiliate marketing for bloggers tutorial, this post has everything you need to get started.

If all that sounds like what you need (and more), let's dive right in.

How much can bloggers make from affiliate marketing?

First things first, affiliate marketing isn't a get-rich-quick scheme.

That's not how affiliate marketing works.

It takes years of planning, high-quality content creation, and digital marketing to become one of the top earners in the industry and generate consistent passive income. But that doesn't mean you can't make a little extra on the side. Especially when you consider that blogging is the top channel brands use for affiliate marketing efforts.

Brands choose to work with bloggers for affiliate marketing more than any others

So it's no wonder bloggers use affiliate programs to boost their incomes!

And, according to Influencer Marketing Hub, over 57% of affiliate marketers make less than $10k annually. But about 16% earn between $10k-$50k, so there's still the chance to turn affiliate marketing into a side hustle to help pay extra bills or even for your next vacation!

So, if you're ready to buckle down, work hard, and be in it for the long haul, we know you can succeed!

But before we start explaining how to get started, let's show you some ways to use affiliate marketing on your blogging platform.

Ways to use affiliate marketing on a blog

Blogs and affiliate marketing go together like a good ol' PB&J. (Just way less sticky.)

There are plenty of ways you can promote products on your site and earn money, but here are a few tried and tested methods to get you started:

  1. Product reviews: Write detailed, balanced reviews of products in your niche. Include your affiliate links as an opportunity for readers to buy the product. 
  2. Tool and resource lists: Create a list of tools or resources you use in your niche and include affiliate links. Your loyal readers trust you already, so share what you're using in a simple landing page.
  3. How-to guides: Create tutorials or guides and include affiliate links for any products or services you recommend. You have tons of knowledge your readers want to know. So share it with them (while also sharing the tools that help you do it!)
  4. Email marketing: Email is still HUGE. And if you've got a sizeable list, send your favorite products to your subscribers. Remember, ‘helpful' should always precede ‘salesy.' So, only recommend a product you truly believe in.
  5. Social media Promotion: Use social media to connect with your audience and recommend products. Be sure to match the link to the content of your post so it doesn't feel forced or out of place. Transparency is key!

Okay, you're feeling good now, and we're sure you've got plenty of ideas floating around in your head.

So, let's dive into how you can get started — step by step.

How to get started with affiliate marketing on your blog

1. Find your products

Start by thinking about your blog's niche — what is it that fires up your readers?

Hunting for affiliate products related to your niche keeps things relatable and engaging for your audience.

Love running a lifestyle blog? Consider promoting lifestyle-enhancing items. Got a tech-focused platform? There are more tech gadgets every day! Blend your blog and affiliate products, and you're on your way to making some serious dough!

Product comparisons are a great affiliate marketing for bloggers tool

Remember, you want to pick items that resonate with your readers — products they'll value, love, and, most importantly, want to buy. 

We recommend starting with a good ol' fashioned pen and paper.

For example, if you're in the travel niche, start by listing out the different areas you cover.

Luggage, clothing, flight newsletters, or search engines are all great categories to promote your favorite products!

Then, break it down even further until you've narrowed down the exact products your audience (and you, of course) will love!

2. Sign up for affiliate programs for bloggers

The hardest part of starting with affiliate marketing can be knowing which companies to use.

From Amazon Associates to CJ Affiliate to ClickBank, many affiliate networks are ready to work with you! But it's actually better to be picky and choose what aligns with your content, audience, and ethical stance.

To start, sign up for the program that piques your interest. You'll need to answer some basic questions, revealing details about your blog's niche, audience, traffic, etc. Submit this, and once your application is approved (fingers crossed!), you'll get unique affiliate links related to the products you want to promote! 

Now, start gathering your links so you can easily spread them across the content you create.

Tasty Links dashboard

We recommend Tasty Links for this because it's as simple as matching a keyword to a link. Then, every time you type in that keyword, it'll automatically add your affiliate link!

That way, you never miss out on an affiliate opportunity. And that means you don't miss out on any extra cash in your pocket!

3. Create content to promote the products

That's right!

You're not just jotting down some random blurb about the products. You're creating content you know your readers will love. But it's up to you to decide how you do it.

Do you create product reviews and post them on your blog? Or do you create detailed how-to guides showing your readers the ins and outs of your niche (including the best products)? Maybe you could create a giant resource page on your blog that your most loyal fans would LOVE to see.

Product roundups using Tasty Roundups is also another excellent way to get many products in front of customers!

Or do a combination of all of them.

The choice is up to you because you know your audience best! But it should always be done in a way that resonates with your message. If it goes off-brand, your loyal readers will know instantly.

Just remember, don't rush it.

Great content is the backbone of successful affiliate marketing, so invest some time and energy here.

4. Market your content

You don't have to be the next ‘Mad Men' to succeed in marketing your content.

All you need is a bit of creativity and consistency. You learn more as you go and what works best for your audience, and then you double down on it.

Start by sharing that blog post everywhere — your social channels, your email newsletter, through smoke signals if you gotta!

Use all social channels to promote you content

Repurposing your blog content is the fastest way to get more (and new!) eyes on your blog post to help it get traffic. So adapt your blog post to a YouTube video, which you turn into an Instagram Reel that turns into a Twitter (er, X?) thread, and then….we think you get it.

It's not always about creating new content.

Sometimes, it's just about spreading the content you already have!

5. Watch your earnings grow

You've put in the elbow grease and made savvy choices, and now it's time to reap those sweet rewards.

Just remember. You can't simply stop once you make a few bucks! The reward comes through you consistently creating content and delivering what your audience wants!

Only then can you join that 16% that make more than $10k annually!

Tips for affiliate marketing and your blog

Let's break down some more advanced things you can focus on once you're up and running: 

  • Learn SEO: It's your secret weapon for getting a larger audience. Give your blog SEO-friendly titles, meta descriptions, and keywords that pack a punch. The aim? More eyes (and clicks) on your affiliate links.
  • Give value to get trust: Are you more likely to buy when someone hard-sells you or when they give you a valuable, honest review? Exactly. Provide your readers with quality content. To build trust, offer comprehensive product reviews, comparisons, tutorials, and more.
  • Attract the right crowd: If you want your affiliate marketing website to be a success, focus on bringing in the kind of crowd that's ready to take action. Ensure your content and promotions are tailored to those who genuinely need the product.
  • Analyze and adjust: Analytics tools are invaluable in helping you assess your strategies and tweak them for even better results. Keep testing content formats, marketing strategies, affiliate programs, and more.

Alright, that wraps up our bullet-proof guide. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, nor is successful affiliate marketing. But hey, with these tips, you're already one giant leap ahead!

What ways will you use affiliate marketing on your blog?

Isn't it thrilling to realize all the potential buried in your blog, just waiting to be tapped?

We know how excited you are.

And, if you're interested in the top affiliate marketing programs, we've got plenty for you. Here are some of the top niche affiliate programs we've covered:

Now, over to you. It's your turn to put these steps into action. Have questions? Comments? Unexpected plot twists? Share them in the comment section below.

Here's to turning your blog into the perfect moneymaker for you!