So you’ve signed up as an affiliate for a brand you truly love — congratulations!
You’re now part of a team that rewards you for sharing great products with your audience.
Make no mistake, this is a massive opportunity to earn passive income while starting your journey to becoming a full-time content creator — and that shouldn’t be downplayed.
It’s the dream spot. One that could free you from the 9-5 that makes your weeks feel like a slog.
Just being an affiliate, however, doesn’t guarantee you those perks. It requires proactivity and consistency, although that doesn’t have to mean countless hours of tough grind.
We’ve put together a guide on how you can thrive as an affiliate, without having the workload of two jobs zapping your reserves.
Here’s how to kick off your journey, earn commission, and make the most of your affiliate status.
Step 1: Enjoy Your Freebies and Welcome Gift
Once you’ve joined, you’ll usually receive a welcome package with some products to try. Now, the first mistake people make is diving blindly into content creation.
Remember: your audience pays attention. They may have even used the products themselves and have a good idea of what they’re all about.
If you miss the mark or offer up an unoriginal review, it’ll soon become apparent. Take the time to try them and figure out which ones are your favourites.
Authentic experiences lead to authentic promotions. It’s true that people buy from people, not brands. Your audience could likely find a discount code elsewhere if they really wanted to.
The most successful affiliates drives sales because their followers want to support their journey. The easiest way to build that connection? Become an authority they can trust.
Step 2: Understand Your Commission
Being an affiliate isn’t a one-and-done scenario. Treated with consistency and care, it can be an ongoing earner.
For every sale you generate, you’ll earn a commission. This means the more you promote your code or link, the more you can earn.
You are very much in charge of that potential. All the tools are in the palm of your hands, and there’s literally no cap on what you can achieve with the right mindset. Every sale counts!
Step 3: Tell Your Followers and Share Your Code
Now it’s time to let your audience know you’re officially an affiliate. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Make an Announcement Post
Don’t be the person who lets a good opportunity slip by because you’re afraid to shout about your achievements. Celebrate it with your followers and they’ll show up for you.
Posting a story that lasts for 24 hours is a common misstep. Some of your existing followers will likely miss it, and anyone new to your page will be completely in the dark.
Create a dedicated post featuring the products you’ve received. In your caption, share how excited you are to work with the brand, highlight your favourite product, and clearly include your discount code and how much it saves the user.
Be Transparent
Always call yourself an affiliate — not an ambassador, athlete, or anything else. This keeps expectations clear for both you and your audience.
You are promoting the brand because you love the products and want to share them with your followers — not because you’re being paid a big retainer to be the public face.
Active affiliates with connected follower bases can yield just as much value for a brand as six-figure athletes.
Pin Your Post
Visibility is key to success as an affiliate. Your announcement should be pinned to the top of your profile so it’s easy for new followers to see — even those profile snoopers who don’t hit the blue button.
Don’t forget to tag the brand in your post to strengthen your connection and authority. You are very much part of their network, so don’t be shy about it!
Add Your Code to Your Profile Description
You want your discount to be easy to find. Adding it to your profile description is a belt-and-braces way of ensuring it can’t be missed.
The value of this isn’t all one way. Brands and new followers peeping your profile will see you’re an affiliate and take note. It gives you authority and opens doors to potential paid campaigns in the future.
Example:
Use my code [YOURCODE] for 15% off @brandname
Step 4: Keep the Momentum Going
Keep your foot on the gas peddle, even if you aren’t seeing instant success. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was a thriving affiliate network.
Once your announcement post is live and pinned, keep promoting:
- Share regular Instagram Stories showcasing your favourite products in action. The better the story, the more likely it is to convert.
- Post Reels and updates to keep your followers engaged and aware of your code.
- Answer questions and encourage followers to try the products using your discount. You could even test a Q&A and become a source of authority. All these things build trust and show you aren’t just another snake oil salesperson.
Final Tip: Stay Consistent
The most successful affiliates are the ones who stay consistent. Keep posting, tagging, and reminding your audience about the products and your code.
Don’t be disheartened, even if your first couple of posts don’t hit. No success was ever achieved without consistency.
Over time, you’ll see your efforts pay off — both in trust and in commission.
Ready to Get Going as an Affiliate?
If there’s one thing to keep in mind as an affiliate, it’s this: there’s no ceiling. No cap on your creativity, your earnings, or your growth.
The harder you push, the higher you climb — and keeping these tips in mind will help you do that without burning out. We’re excited to see what you create!
SEE ALSO: Gifting Campaigns, Paid Opportunities, And Common Content Missteps
