How to Use Affiliate Links, Without Making Your Posts Looks Spammy

Affiliate links are a great way to make money from blogging. Although you need a fairly large readership to make enough money to sustain yourself as commissions can be quite small, if you’re able to make it work than using affiliates can be a low maintenance way to make a living as a blogger. If you want more information on how affiliate links work, then take a look at this article on how to make money from your blog.

There is just one issue with affiliate linking; if not used properly then affiliate links can look a little too much like you’re pushing for a sale rather than offering advice or an opinion on a product. Here is a brief guide on how to use affiliate links successfully, pleasing both your readers and your bank account!

Always Keep Your Product Reviews 100% Honest

I almost feel silly adding this point in as I’m sure you all already do this without question, but it’s such an important point it needs to be mentioned. There is literally no point in embellishing the truth when it comes to writing about product that you have an affiliate link to; it will destroy any trust your readers have in you, meaning your sales will drop dramatically. As a blogger, you should place yourself as a trusted adviser, so your readers know they can rely on your advice whether they intend to buy through you or not.

A Well Rounded Review is More Likely to Boost Sales

I’m not just talking about making sure you tell your readers if you don’t like a product; even if you love a product make sure you add in any aspects of the product that might not suit others. For example, if you’re a beauty blogger writing up the latest BB cream it might be an idea to add in how it could affect readers with different skin types, as products like this can effect different skin-types in different ways. Providing as much information as you can will allow your readers to make a better judgement on whether they should buy a product you recommend. It’s not about writing up a sales pitch; it’s about providing your readers with enough information so they can make an informed decision on the product in question and if it will suit them.

Only Put an Affiliate Link Where it Makes Sense to

I’ve seen a few affiliate link programmes that automatically place affiliate links for you throughout your posts- and I’m really unsure about them. As mentioned above, affiliate links work best as part of a recommendation; they can always work really well when they are very relevant to your blog. Adding in links to random words in a post is not the way to go in my view; where is the incentive to buy?? You’re not offering your readers an advice or opinion; you’re simply asking the to buy something at random. Affiliate links can work brilliantly if you make the effort to pick the products carefully. Don’t underestimate your readership- putting an affiliate link in a post won’t automatically make you money. You need to work on building a trusting relationship between yourself, your readers, and the brands involved. That’s the winning formula!

Do you use affiliate links? Give us your advice in the comments below!