Trusted Affiliate Marketing Network

Here are some example bonuses you could offer:

Step-by-step checklists

Quick-start guides

Video overviews or demos

Complimentary or discounted services (e.g., coaching calls)

Step 4: Comply with Legal Requirements (and Best Practices)

In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that you let people know you’ll earn a commission.

But even if it isn’t required by law where you’re located, we recommend it. It’s just good business.

Don’t be afraid to be transparent. People will appreciate your honesty and want to support you to repay you for making their lives better.

So wherever you share an affiliate link, whether it’s in blog posts, web pages, or emails, let your readers know that you stand to earn a small commission if they buy through you — and if they choose not to use your link, no worries.

Assure them that you wouldn’t recommend any products if you hadn’t used them yourself or were confident they could help them.

It’s also a good idea to create an Affiliate Disclaimer page on your website.

Here’s an example of our own disclaimer page at Smart Blogger:

affiliate disclaimer

We’re also clear on how those affiliate links might look within blog posts:

affiliate link

Affiliate Marketing Examples: 4 Types of Affiliate Products to Promote

So, we’ve walked through the process of becoming a successful affiliate marketer. Now let’s step through some real-world affiliate marketing program examples, walking through four different types of products you can promote and make a tidy profit.

Usually, most of your affiliate income will come from one or two “ringers” — core products that just about everyone in your audience needs and which also pay a good commission.

As you progress, you can add complementary products to round out your offerings and help your audience in new ways, but identifying your core earners is an essential first step.

Option #1: Digital Downloads

Digital downloads are online resources that your readers can access instantly, without having to wait for a package to come in the mail (as is true for physical products).

They could be audio or video files, PDFs, ebooks, or even links to webpages where the content lives online.

Examples:

Books or ebooks — Books that are either self-hosted on your merchant’s website or downloaded from Amazon, iBooks, or other online sellers.

Backlinko hosted ebook

Business

Software — Downloadable programs, games, apps, plugins, and cloud services.

Mobile applications — Some of the hundreds of apps that are available through the iTunes Affiliate Program and other mobile app affiliate networks.

iTunes affiliate program

Music, movies, TV shows, and more — Media offered through Amazon as well as the iTunes Affiliate Program and others.

Advantages

Digital downloads are an easy way to get started and help your audience with pressing problems.

There are no overhead costs of production, shipping or storage.

Your buyer can access and begin benefiting from their digital product immediately.

Disadvantages

Many ebook, software, or other download products are relatively inexpensive. You’d have to sell a lot of them to make any significant money.

Our Recommendation?

Do it! But expect higher earnings from other options on this list.

Option #2: Online, Hosted, and Professional Services

When it comes to selling services as an affiliate, it’s important to concentrate on those which will be accessible to your entire audience no matter where they’re located (as opposed to service providers who serve local customers only).

In other words, don’t limit your earning potential by geography.

Your best bet is to represent online, hosted, or professional service providers/influencers you’ve worked with in the past and have full confidence in.