Helpers Who Sell! How to Start an Affiliate Program for Your Business
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you how to start an affiliate program. That’s way number seven on Lynnaider’s list!
Other people tell their followers about your product, and you only pay them when somebody buys! Sounds like magic, right?
Way 7: having affiliates
Usually affiliate marketing means YOU share other businesses’ stuff. This time it’s the other way around! Creators sign up to be your affiliates. Then you pay them a little reward for every sale that happens because of them. Grown-ups call it a commission.
Why it’s great
- You only pay when money actually comes in.
- No ad money upfront!
- No risk of spending money for nothing.
And affiliates bring trust! People often buy because someone they follow recommends something. Your affiliates share that trust with you. As long as they really believe in your product!
Free or paid?
Really, it’s a paid way, because you pay rewards when sales happen. But you never pay anything before a sale. So Lynnaider puts it with the free ways, to keep things simple!
Which businesses is it good for?
Since you only pay when something sells, it works great for digital products and online courses. Platforms like Kajabi and Teachable have affiliate helpers built in!
Shops can do it too. Shopify works with affiliate apps like GoAffPro. And service businesses can have referral programs, thanking people who send new clients.
Is your offer ready? Affiliates want to share things that sell! So first make sure you have some sales, good reviews and a clear product page.
Step by step
- Pick the reward. A percentage or a set amount per sale. Nice enough for affiliates, but you still keep a good piece! Digital products often allow bigger rewards than real ones.
- Set up the tracking. Use the affiliate part of your platform, or add an affiliate app. It makes the special links and counts the sales.
- Write simple rules. How rewards are counted, when they’re paid, what affiliates can and can’t say, and that they must tell their followers it’s an affiliate link.
- Invite your first affiliates. Start with happy customers and creators in your niche who already like your product. Personal invites work better than big announcements!
- Help them. Give them nice product photos, the main benefits, and answers to common questions. The easier you make it, the more they’ll share!
Finding affiliates
Your best first affiliates often already know and like your product! Look at customers who left happy reviews, followers who share your posts, and creators in your niche who talk about similar things. Write to them personally, and explain it in a few sentences.
Super private
This is one of the most private ways of all! Your affiliates make the content and talk to their followers. You just focus on your product.
And since you only pay when you earn, it’s great for a tiny budget. Lots of platforms include affiliate tools. You can run it yourself, no agency needed!
What’s next?
Having affiliates is like affiliate marketing, one of the ten ways to earn, seen from the other side! The next article explains how affiliate tracking works. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you start? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What does having affiliates mean?
Other people tell their followers about your stuff, and you pay them a reward per sale.
Is it free or paid?
Really paid, but never before a sale. So Lynnaider puts it with free.
Which businesses is it good for?
Digital products and online courses most. Shops can do it too.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What’s the difference from affiliate marketing?
In affiliate marketing, you share other people’s stuff. Here, others share yours!
Can I choose who joins?
Yes! You can check people before saying yes.
How can I start for free or almost free?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
