You’ve been posting about your favorite things on social media—maybe a game-changing app, your favorite coffee blend, or that perfect tote bag. Your friends comment. They click. They buy. You feel proud… until you realize you didn’t make a dime. Meanwhile, that brand just scored another happy customer thanks to you. If you’ve ever shared a product recommendation and wished there was a way to get rewarded for it, this post is for you.
What is affiliate marketing and why should you care? Because it’s one of the simplest, smartest ways to earn passive income by sharing things you already love. Whether you’re a blogger, freelancer, digital creator, or just someone with a tight-knit online community, affiliate marketing turns everyday influence into actual income—with no upfront investment and no need to create your own product.
In this post, we’re diving into exactly what affiliate marketing is, how it works, and why it’s a legit strategy for adding a new revenue stream to your business or side hustle. I’ll also show you how I use it (ethically and authentically!) in my own brand—and how you can start doing the same today. Plus, if you’re ready to jump in, I’ve got a freebie and a Trello + spreadsheet bundle that’ll organize your affiliate hustle from day one. Join my FB group and introduce yourself with a mention of this post to score your copy for free.
✅ What Is Affiliate Marketing? (Simple Answer)
Affiliate marketing is the practice of promoting someone else’s product or service using a unique link or code. When someone makes a purchase using your link, you earn a commission—at no extra cost to the buyer.
You don’t have to create your own product. You don’t have to handle customer service. And you’re not stuck hoping someone buys something—affiliate marketing is performance-based, so you only earn money when someone takes action (usually a sale, but sometimes a signup or free trial too). It’s a way to monetize your content and recommendations without being “salesy” or pushy.
🛍 Real Talk: You’re Already Doing Affiliate Marketing (You Just Aren’t Getting Paid Yet)
Think about how often you send someone a link to something you love—a book, a tool, your favorite $5 mascara. You’re constantly recommending products and brands. That’s word-of-mouth marketing, and it’s powerful.
The difference with affiliate marketing is that instead of sharing a random product link, you share a special trackable link that tells the brand you referred the customer. And when that person buys, you get rewarded for the recommendation. It’s as simple as sharing your favorite finds—with a money-making bonus attached.
So if you’ve been promoting stuff for free, this is your sign to stop leaving money on the table. Amazon is a great place to start.
🤝 Why Affiliate Marketing Works So Well
Affiliate marketing isn’t scammy. In fact, it’s one of the most trusted forms of marketing. Brands love it because they only pay when someone makes a purchase. You love it because you don’t have to stock inventory or deal with refunds. And your audience loves it because you’re sharing things that you actually use and believe in.
Affiliate programs range from massive retailers like Amazon and Target to digital creators selling templates, software, or courses. Some go through platforms like AWIN, Impact, or Commission Junction. Others, especially smaller business owners, offer affiliate options through tools like ThriveCart or Podia.
💡 My Experience with Affiliate Marketing
In my business, I share affiliate links to products, summits, and resources I genuinely use. From planner templates to business bundles to marketing events, I include affiliate links in my blog posts, Substack newsletter, emails, and social media content.
And transparency matters: I always disclose when I’m using an affiliate link (you should too—it’s legally required). It’s usually a quick sentence like, “This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.”
Being honest builds trust. And guess what? Your readers will actually appreciate you curating helpful stuff for them. Not sure how to create an affiliate marketing notice? Head to my Privacy Policy page, where I offer a free template you can copy, edit, and paste to your website, email, and anywhere else you’re sharing affiliate links. Having it at the bottom of your website in the footer section is perfect for keeping you legally covered. Or contact me to have a custom copy written or to ask for a prompt you can use to get the perfect pitch from AI.
🧰 Tools to Make Affiliate Marketing Way Easier
Ready to start affiliate marketing but feel overwhelmed by all the links, graphics, and promos? I’ve got you.
👉 Grab my free 10-Step Affiliate Marketing Checklist to get started the right way (with zero confusion).
👉 Want to go pro from day one? My Affiliate Trello Board & Spreadsheet Bundle gives you two systems to track your links, promo plans, and performance—without ever losing a link again.
You can use these tools to build your first system in under an hour.
📚 What’s Next in the Series?
This post is just the beginning. In the next installment, we’ll tackle:
➡️ Why Businesses Use Affiliate Marketing (And Why It Works So Dang Well) – get ready for a peek behind the curtain into the brand side of things.
Want to keep learning (and earning)? Be sure to check out Post 2 in the series, or subscribe to my weekly Frugal Freelancer newsletter so you don’t miss a thing. I’ll be walking you step-by-step through building your affiliate income stream from scratch.
🎁 Your Next Step
Drop a comment below and tell me: have you ever bought something from someone’s recommendation? Did they use an affiliate link? Are YOU ready to start earning?
💬 Comment “I’m ready” and I’ll send you my free affiliate checklist.
💌 Want to stay in the loop? Join my Sarandipity’s email list for weekly tips, bundle events, and behind-the-scenes access.
