One of the biggest misconceptions of affiliate marketing is that it’s a good way to make a quick buck. On the contrary, affiliate marketing, just like any other business, takes time to develop. With a solid strategy and the guidance of the #1 Affiliate Network, your affiliate program can be one of your largest profit drivers. Below are 4 tips and best practices that can be used by both affiliate veterans and newbies alike:

1. Choose the Right Partners

The key to success is making sure you choose to partner with brands that appeal to your existing audience. These partnerships will have the potential to grow into long-term, productive partnerships. You already have a general understanding of what your readers expect so it is important to use your affiliate program to enhance those expectations and read true to your audience. For advertisers, it’s key to find partners that not only understand your goals, but also your brand too. Your publisher partners are essentially extensions of your brand so be sure to recruit accordingly.

2. Utilize Your Content

One of the most effective ways to use your affiliate links is to integrate them directly into your content. Because you will already be writing about a brand you love, your readers will trust your recommendations and opinions leading to increased sales. Content isn’t just important for publishers. Modern day shoppers are making purchasing decisions based on their peer’s opinions so it’s crucial to leverage authentic reviews written about your brand.

3. Diversify Your Reach

The most successful bloggers utilize a variety of social media channels to share their images, content and affiliate links. It can be counterproductive to rely too heavily on one content channel. By expanding to find the right media mix, you are putting yourself in a better position to attract new readers and sales. For advertisers, it’s important not to set your sights on just one type of publisher. Experimenting with different types of publishers will only help you diversify your affiliate program and grow partnerships.

4. Data, Data, Data!

The data available from your affiliate program will help you figure out what content is attracting your readers and help you optimize your site to increase traffic and conversions. Taking advantage of the tools, reporting and data allows advertisers and publishers to develop links and content based on what is engaging and converting.

Most importantly, don’t give up! Once you develop an affiliate program and start implementing links, you may expect to see an increase in commissions and sales immediately. But keep in mind, successful affiliate marketing takes time to develop. Publishers and advertisers working together to build out a successful affiliate program will eventually see the results expected. You can do it!

Rakuten Affiliate Network is dedicated to providing advertisers and publishers with the best service and technology making us the #1 affiliate network for the past 5 consecutive years.