A Beginners Guide on How to do Affiliate Marketing in India

Updated on: Sep 4, 2024

Quick Read

 

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning commissions for sales made through unique affiliate links. It offers flexibility, low costs, and significant income potential. Beginners can start by finding a niche, building an audience, and joining affiliate programs. In 2024, global affiliate marketing spending is projected to surpass $12 billion.

Learn From Asia’s #1
Digital Marketing Institute

AI-Based Curriculum

Dive in to the future with the latest AI tools

Placement at top brands and agencies

& more...

Talk to counsellor

Watch Free Masterclass
Today, many people mint money just by creating a website and using affiliate marketing. Questions such as “How to do affiliate marketing?” and “How can one make a profit without actually creating and promoting their products and services?” might have developed a feeling of curiosity to understand how this works.

Still trying to convince yourself fully? Let me explain it with the help of an example. Let’s assume that a character named “A” loves to explore new products occasionally. After trying so many products, A has created a website to share his experience with the rest of the world. Here, he decides to promote affiliate products by linking to the ones he enjoys and encouraging others to buy them and derive benefits from them. Now, another character named “B” visits A’s website, likes his product recommendations, and purchases by clicking on the provided link.

When B buys a product from the link on A’s website, A receives a commission or a part of the profit for recommending a company’s products and services. Interesting, right? This is what affiliate marketing is all about.

In this blog, I have covered what you need to learn about affiliate marketing for beginners and how to do it so that you can quickly generate another source of income for yourself. Whether you’re looking for affiliate marketing tips or a beginner guide to affiliate marketing, this comprehensive resource will take you through each step.

I’ll share a step-by-step tutorial covering everything from starting affiliate marketing to choosing affiliate products and affiliate marketing strategies that work. You’ll also discover affiliate marketing success stories, the best affiliate programs to join, and effective affiliate marketing techniques that can lead to success. Even if you’re interested in affiliate marketing without a website, there are methods you can use to build an income stream.

Before we begin, If you want to leverage the power of digital marketing for your business or career, enrolling in a digital marketing course is essential. These courses equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital era. Curious to get started? A free digital marketing masterclass offers an excellent opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes and learn the secrets of effective online marketing.

Get Assured Placements - PG in Digital Marketing

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is all about promoting another company’s products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link. In simple terms, whenever someone buys a product using your link, you get a share of the profit.

This strategy is a win-win for both the company and the affiliate marketer. Companies can increase their revenue without spending heavily on ads, while affiliate marketers earn passive income by promoting products they believe in.

Affiliate marketing has grown tremendously over the years. According to BigCommerce, spending on affiliate marketing in the U.S. alone surged from $5.4 billion in 2017 to $8.2 billion in 2022. With this rapid growth, it’s no wonder more people are diving into digital marketing and exploring affiliate opportunities.

To boost their skills, many aspiring affiliate marketers enrol in PG in digital marketing programme. These courses teach them how to create effective affiliate marketing strategies for promoting products, choosing the best affiliate programs, and generating sales.

Now that you have a better understanding of affiliate marketing, let’s explore why it’s a great career choice and how you can succeed by following a beginner’s guide to affiliate marketing.

I hope that you are enjoying this exploration so far? Before we go any further ,Many companies, like Netflix, leverage the power of digital marketing to promote their businesses. So, dive deeper by reading real-world digital marketing case studies.

Or, if you’re looking for specific, then explore these case studies on various marketing approaches. Learn about it through the SWOT analysis of Zara.

 

Why Should One Become an Affiliate Marketer?

Here are some of the reasons suggesting why one should become an affiliate marketer:

1. Another Source of Income

Affiliate marketing and your regular job income will help you earn money even when you are not working. By investing a reasonable amount of time and money in your campaign, you can earn commission profits over time. Many students who complete their MBA in digital marketing combine this knowledge with affiliate marketing to earn extra income.

They can maximise their earnings by following a beginner guide to affiliate marketing and applying affiliate marketing strategies to their advantage.

Read this blog on ‘MBA Salary in India’ and know how much a person can earn after completing their MBA.

2. Work Anywhere

Affiliate marketing does not require you to work from the office, meaning you can work from anywhere in the world at your convenience and be a massive success at affiliate marketing. This flexibility ensures you earn money through campaigns in the comfort of your home.

As we know, one of the most crucial aspects of marketing today is digital marketing, which is the future. By acquiring digital marketing skills, you can open up similar opportunities for your career or business. Whether you seek an online digital marketing course with placement to kickstart your journey

Or, If you are someone who is engrossed in the power of AI? Check out this free ChatGPT course to be among the first to master this revolutionary technology.

3. Cost-Effective

Affiliate marketing does not require you to work from the office, meaning you can work from anywhere in the world at your convenience. This flexibility ensures you earn money through campaigns in the comfort of your home, even if you do affiliate marketing without a website.

4. Commission based on performance

In affiliate marketing, you can earn money based on the number of sales you make, so investing more time in affiliate marketing can be more rewarding than a regular job where you will receive the same salary regardless of the awesome time you receive.

Many people also pursue digital marketing from the best colleges offering master’s in digital marketing to combine these skills in their affiliate marketing campaigns and boost their affiliate marketing income ten times.

 

How Does Affiliate Marketing Work?

After you start affiliate marketing, for example, to promote Amazon’s products and services, you will receive a unique link or code that is the tracking ID so that it helps the company track if you have referred and sent customers to them.

Potential customers who click on your provided link get a file called a cookie that has the expiry date for the link so that an affiliate marketer can receive their commission even after one makes a delay in their purchase. Effective affiliate marketing techniques can help optimise the process and increase your chances of earning commissions.

Let me explain this with the help of an example:

  • A person sees your post on “Trending casual wear.”
  • He clicks on the post (unique link) and lands on the shopper’s website
  • After going through the pattern size and other features, the person checks more websites before making a final purchase decision.
  • After extensive research, the person decides to purchase the product recommended in your post.
  • Now, that person goes on the website and makes a purchase

Because the affiliate cookie is on the person’s device, the company can track the source of its customer’s journey to its website. By using effective affiliate marketing techniques, such as leveraging this cookie feature, the affiliate marketer receives the commission for sales

Many people also prefer to learn the basics of learning digital marketing online to use this knowledge to boost their affiliate marketing practices.

 

What Are the Types of Affiliate Marketing?

Most of the time, people must be aware of whether or not the affiliate marketer uses the product. Have they genuinely tried the product, or is it just a promotional activity? The question always stays. Most of the time, the usage factor does not matter. Still, in some cases, such as hair colour, the audience will hesitate to purchase if the affiliate marketer has not tested the product and shared a positive review.

In 2009, Pat Flynn, a renowned affiliate marketer, divided affiliate marketing into three methods: unattached, related, and involved. Now, let us dive into each category and understand how each type of affiliate marketing functions.

1. Unattached

In an unattached affiliate marketing model, the affiliate marketer has no authority over the product or service being promoted, and there is no connection between the marketer and the end consumer. They adopt a variety of pay-per-click marketing campaigns with their affiliate link with the hope that one will click on the link and buy the recommended product.

People resort to this type of affiliate marketing because they don’t have the time to build a reputation and relationship with their customers. They may not have the time to commit to writing a blog or creating a website. People generally enter this field who want to generate income without actually investing in building a relationship with their customers.

2. Related

In a related affiliate marketing model, the affiliate marketer has an online presence through social media, podcasts, videos, etc. Here, the affiliates influence the niche and hence have some authority. For instance, if you are promoting sportswear that has not been used by you but has an audience you have created through your social media or a blog, affiliate marketing strategies can play a crucial role.

In such cases, you become a related affiliate marketing trainer. Such a form of affiliate marketing helps to bring traffic as the affiliate marketer has an audience. However, recommending an untested product can work to your disadvantage if they don’t like it.

3. Involved

In an involved affiliate marketing model, the affiliate marketer uses the product himself, believes in the product, and encourages the audience to buy the same. Instead of relying on a PPC campaign, an affiliate marketer can promote the purchase of their products by sharing their personal experiences. Such affiliate marketing success stories demonstrate how authenticity can lead to higher conversion rates.

Because the affiliate has tried the product, he has the authority to make any claims regarding the product. Customers will trust such recommendations as the affiliate has tested them. Hence, creating a relationship with your audience may be time-consuming, but this will help you generate more income than any other affiliate marketing type.

 

How Much Can I Make as a New Affiliate Marketer?

The amount of money that an affiliate can make varies among affiliates. A well-established affiliate marketer will earn much more than someone who has just entered this field. It will also depend on other factors, such as how much traffic you can bring to your website and the trust and relationship you build with your customers.

Such factors play a pivotal role in determining the earning potential and affiliate marketing income of an affiliate marketer. The commission earned by an affiliate also varies depending on the company one decides to work for.

Choosing affiliate products and the best affiliate programs can impact your earnings significantly. If you apply for an Amazon Associate Program, you can earn a commission anywhere between 1% to 20% on sales generated. Other companies, such as Thrive Market, offer a commission between $5 to $20 every time a sale is made, and ButcherBox, where an affiliate marketer can earn a commission of $20.

Additionally, there are other affiliate network marketing programs where an affiliate marketer can earn a high commission of up to 30% on every sale.

 

How to Start Your Affiliate Marketing Journey in India?

Dreaming of turning your passion into profit? Affiliate marketing for beginners offers a fantastic opportunity to earn money online without creating your products. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started in India:

  • Find Your Niche

      • Identify your interests: What topics or products are you passionate about?
      • Research market trends: Use tools like Google Trends to find popular niches.
      • Choose a platform: Decide where you’ll build your audience (blog, social media, YouTube, etc.).
  • Build Your Audience

      • Create valuable content: Share your knowledge and expertise through articles, videos, or social media posts.
      • Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages to build relationships.
      • Promote your content: Share it on social media, forums, and relevant communities.
  • Join Affiliate Programs

      • Research popular programs: Explore options like Amazon Associates, Flipkart Affiliate, or niche-specific programs.
      • Create a website: If required by the program, set up a website to promote your affiliate links.
      • Get your unique affiliate links: Once approved, you’ll receive links to share with your audience.
  • Create Compelling Content

      • Write informative articles: Share reviews, tutorials, or comparison guides.
      • Produce engaging videos: Show your audience how to use the product or its benefits.
      • Be genuine and authentic: Your audience will appreciate your honest opinions.
  • Track Your Performance

    • Use tracking tools: Monitor your affiliate links to see which products are converting.
    • Analyse your data: Identify what’s working and what’s not to optimise your strategy.
    • Make adjustments: Continuously improve your content and marketing efforts based on your findings.

Remember: Building a successful affiliate marketing business takes time and effort. Be patient and consistent, and always strive to provide value to your audience. Affiliate marketing strategies, affiliate marketing tips, and affiliate marketing techniques will guide you along the way. By understanding how to start affiliate marketing and choosing the best affiliate programs, you’ll be on your way to achieving affiliate marketing success.

Get Assured Placements - PG in Digital Marketing

Conclusion

Affiliate marketing is an excellent way to create a passive income stream while leveraging your skills in digital marketing. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to enhance your existing efforts, understanding the nuances of affiliate marketing strategies can significantly boost your earning potential.

From choosing the best affiliate programs to learning how to promote affiliate products effectively, there is a wealth of opportunities waiting for those who are committed to this journey. With dedication and the right affiliate marketing techniques, you can gradually build a sustainable source of income that complements your primary job.

For beginners, following a step-by-step guide on how to start affiliate marketing is crucial. By implementing proven affiliate marketing tips and focusing on promoting products you genuinely believe in, success becomes more attainable.

Even if you’re starting affiliate marketing without a website, there are still multiple ways to thrive in this field, such as using social media platforms or other digital channels.

Ultimately, success in affiliate marketing depends on consistently applying strategies, staying updated with the latest trends, and continuously refining your approach. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the methods for earning through affiliate marketing.

With the right mix of affiliate marketing strategies and an understanding of affiliate network marketing, you can achieve long-term success and financial growth in this rewarding field.

Whether you’re an experienced marketer or a beginner exploring this space, affiliate marketing offers endless possibilities to increase your income, establish your online presence, and achieve financial freedom. Keep learning keep experimenting, and your journey toward becoming a successful affiliate marketer will undoubtedly bear fruit over time.

 

Extra Details

Lastly, If you are a resident of any of these places then check out the digital marketing courses in delhi, digital marketing courses in faridabad and digital marketing courses in meerut.

Or, if you want to take a step forward then consider reading our digital marketing blogs to find which of the listed institutes would be the best for you.

FAQs About How to Do Affiliate Marketing in India

Q1. What are the three main types of affiliates?

The three primary types of affiliates are – unattached, related, and involved. Each of them has their advantages and disadvantages. However, adopting an involved affiliate model is ideal as it ensures that one can build a good relationship with the audience to reap benefits in the long run.

Q2.Can I start affiliate marketing for free?

Yes, of course, you do not necessarily need to invest any money in affiliate marketing. As an affiliate marketer, you can create a page on various social media platforms and promote a company’s products and services for free. Similarly, by researching multiple free tools, one can efficiently perform promotional activities without actually investing.

Q3.How do I start affiliate marketing with 0 followers?

One can start affiliate marketing by writing blogs and articles about a product or service. You will have to spend a lot of time initially to bring an audience to your page or website, build a relationship with them and eventually encourage them to purchase the product from your affiliated link.

Q4.Where can I post my affiliate links for free?

One can start affiliate marketing for free by using various platforms like emails, YouTube, forums, social media, their website and much more. The above platforms will allow you to post for free and help you create another source of revenue whenever a purchase is made through your link.

Q5. Are affiliate links legal?

An affiliate marketer performs promotional activities on behalf of the company to promote its goods and services. For every sale, they receive a commission or a fixed income. To answer your question, “Is affiliate marketing legal?” – Yes, this type of marketing is 100% legal.

Q6.How can I choose the best affiliate programs?

Choosing the best affiliate programs involves researching the reputation of the program, understanding the commission structure, evaluating the products or services offered, and ensuring that the program aligns with your audience's interests. Look for programs with competitive commissions, reliable tracking systems, and supportive affiliate managers.

Q7. How can I improve my affiliate marketing success?

Improving your affiliate marketing success involves implementing effective affiliate marketing strategies, such as optimising your content for search engines, building a strong online presence, engaging with your audience, and continuously analysing and adjusting your approach. Stay updated with industry trends and learn from successful affiliate marketing success stories to refine your techniques.

Share post via

Free Digital Marketing Masterclass

IIDE Course Recommendation

Post-Graduation in Digital Marketing & Strategy

Offline

Post-Graduation in Digital Marketing & Strategy

Post-Graduation Programme

11 Months

Placement Assistance

View Course
Advanced Online Digital Marketing Course

Hybrid

Advanced Online Digital Marketing Course

Certification Programme

4-6 Months

Exclusive Access to Bookmark

View Course
Digital Marketing Certification Courses

Online

10+ Digital Marketing Certification Courses

Certification Programme

7+ Hours

1-on-1 Mentorship

View Course
Q
Q

Schedule a Call

Q
Q
Q

Karan Shah

Founder and CEO at IIDE

He is a passionate public speaker and teacher for over 10 years. He has trained over 60,000+ students and 25+ corporates in Digital Marketing via online and offline channels. He is a Harvard alumnus specialising in E-commerce......[Read full bio]

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Posts