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Affiliate marketing is a popular strategy that companies use to increase sales and strengthen their brand. Despite being one of the most popular marketing tools in the booming creator economy, some misconceptions about using affiliate links can keep bloggers from reaping the benefits.
1. Affiliate marketing is dead
Statista shows that affiliate marketing spending in the United States increased steadily from 2010 to 2022 $8.2 billion in 2022. Obviously, not only is this channel not dead, but it is also thriving. Those days are over 80% of brands Run affiliate programs 16% of online orders attributed to affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing increases sales and is used by everyone from media outlets like Business Insider and The New York Times to smaller startups and brands that use it through referral programs.
2. It’s too much work
Modern tools make creating an affiliate link easy. Bloggers can start posting affiliate links and make money from them from day one.
Popular programs include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction. The idea is to connect customers with brands through relevant content and tools by posting affiliate links that generate sales.
Related Topics: How to start your first affiliate marketing campaign
3. It is passive income with little effort
While some believe affiliate marketing is too much work, others mistakenly believe it requires virtually no work. Although implementing these links is actually easy, in order to generate sales and make money from affiliate marketing, bloggers need to work on their content, visibility, credibility, and gain followers.
Influencers need to watch out for conversions because they get paid through promotions. That means more active calls-to-action, more sales content, and more creative product presentation will be required.
4. Size matters
A common misconception is that only influencers with a large audience can benefit from affiliate marketing. The truth is, conversions matter more than audience size.
Not only that, micro-influencers (those with 1,000-100,000 followers) at least perform well 90% for successful influencer marketing, 90% of brands want to actively collaborate with them on affiliate strategies. Because of their smaller following and high engagement rates, micro-influencers are often viewed as a cost-effective way for brands to reach audiences and boost sales.
5. Affiliate marketing blocks other revenue streams
Earning through affiliate programs doesn’t stop bloggers from making direct deals with brands, but it does help them get the attention of companies they want to work with.
Additionally, affiliate marketing often becomes a stepping stone to working more closely with the brand. Active blogger partners always have an advantage when selecting brands to partner with, as they have the results and audience data to back up their “influencer” status.
Related Topics: How to Start Affiliate Marketing in 2023 with No Money
6. “My audience is too niche”
Believe it or not, a niche is often good for affiliate marketing.
Remember, you can’t be successful if you try to appeal to everyone. Having a specific niche is good because you have a well-defined audience with reliable likes, tastes, and buying habits. Brands know this. So if your niche has captured the interest of fans, it can capture the interest of brands as well.
7. Brands only care about sales
Selling is no longer the only form of brand partnership available. Brands are willing to collaborate with other targeted measures that build awareness and credibility, such as For example, starting a trial, installing a mobile app, or requesting a free consultation.
These alternative forms of action are also suitable for bloggers who are particularly concerned with maintaining the trust of their audience and promoting a relaxed atmosphere.
8. It’s not a viable long-term plan
Long-term partnerships are common in affiliate marketing, as both parties benefit from a sustainable collaboration: you get to know the target group better, your offers are more relevant and the target group builds trust in you and the brand.
Building rapport with audiences and building trust allows marketing to extend to content such as online courses, software, and other digital products.
9. It’s too late to start
The misconception is that there is too much competition in affiliate marketing. However, as new companies emerge every year, the range of advertisers to advertise is constantly expanding. Blogs that add value will always stand out and have access to profitable brand partnerships.
Related Topics: 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Affiliate Marketing
10. It’s just advertising
When Forbes surveyed millennials, 84% said they hate advertising, so equating affiliate marketing with advertising can seem unappealing.
However, as an affiliate, you only recommend products that you have personally tried and liked, while also providing valuable content to your audience. Your readers will appreciate your tips and personal experiences as they don’t want to waste time or money experimenting. Affiliate marketing offers a more authentic and unique approach to product promotion.
11. You need a blog to be an affiliate
To sign up for affiliate marketing programs, all you need is a follower to see and click on your custom links. Having a community is far more important than having a presence on a specific platform.
For example, beauty influencers often promote brands through sponsored content on their social media platforms by creating makeup tutorials and including affiliate links to their websites in the description field of their videos.
12. Affiliate marketing is expensive
Affiliate marketing is the most affordable way to monetize a blog on a social media platform. You can create a website for free and cultivate a following using the tools provided by social networks. For example, banners, plugins, and CPA tools on affiliate marketing platforms are usually accessible for free.
While it’s true that you will need to invest time and possibly some money to monetize your blog, it’s no more expensive than monetization using any other tool available on the market if you plan on making it a full-time job, and a sizable one generate income income.
