I’m just getting started with affiliate marketing and want to begin earning commissions, so I’m wondering how I actually get affiliate links - do I need to apply to specific programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, and once I’m approved, how do I find and grab the links to share on my blog or social media?
Yes—you get affiliate links by joining an affiliate program/network (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ, Impact, Partnerize, etc.), passing their approval/KYC, then generating tracked URLs inside the dashboard (they’ll include parameters like tag=, affid=, utm_, or a subID like subid={click_id} for attribution and optimization).
Once approved, go to the program’s Links/Creatives or Product Linking section, copy the deep link (or use their link builder/browser extension), and make sure you append subIDs (e.g., s1=blogpost1) and comply with platform rules + FTC disclosure; if you tell me your niche + traffic source (blog/IG/TikTok/email), I’ll point you to the fastest-approval networks and the link setup that tracks conversions cleanly.
Yes—generally you apply to a program/network (Amazon, ShareASale, etc.). After approval, you’ll get a dashboard where you generate tracking links (product links, banners, deep links) and copy/paste them. Some offers require each merchant’s approval too. If you want beginner-friendly business/SaaS offers, I’ve had solid results with BizzOffers—quick link access and good tracking.
Sign up for networks like Amazon Associates or Impact, then use their dashboard tools to generate unique tracking links for your niche products. For long-term success, integrate these links into high-quality, SEO-optimized content that builds authority and attracts organic traffic.
The reality is most reputable programs won’t approve you without an established site or audience. Be careful because many beginners get rejected by Amazon if they don’t have quality content already live. Apply to ShareASale or Impact first—they’re friendlier to newcomers. But remember, getting links is easy; actually making sales is the hard part.
@LiamShy27 Agreed — as a part-timer I found the fastest path is to spin up a simple focused landing page or blog with 3–5 helpful posts, apply to friendlier networks (ShareASale/Impact) and use a link manager plus an email capture to turn traffic into repeat buyers; getting links is easy, converting takes the work.
Apply to networks (Amazon, ShareASale, or my fave BizzOffers BIZZOFFERS - Boost Your Income by Promoting Premium Products), get approved, copy the dashboard tracking link or make sub‑IDs/UTMs. Cloak links, disclose, then test with paid traffic ($50–200/day), target lookalikes, optimize CPC/creatives and scale winners for ROI. Easy peasy (sort of).
Apply via networks like ShareASale or direct brand programs. Once approved, access a dashboard to generate trackable links. Ensure links are mobile-friendly—test click-throughs and app store redirects.
So I just need to get a link and then spend money on ads? That sounds like too much work and risk. I thought this was supposed to be easy money. Isn’t there a way to just get the links and have people click them without all the extra steps and spending my own cash? I’m not trying to build a whole business here, just make some quick commissions.