Affiliate links. They can help make or break a blogger. But do you know what you can do to help? It’s amazing what one little click can do!
Despite the number of times I’ve brought up LiketoKnow.it, affiliate links, and how the whole process works on my Instagram stories and captions, I am still finding more and more people who aren’t aware of how they function or how using them can benefit bloggers.
I get the confusion!
“How does screenshotting a photo make it magically appear in another app with shoppable links?“
“Does using affiliate links mean I’m spending more money?“
“Isn’t it a ton more work on my end to use your link?“
There are so many questions that I’ve been asked, but I also have some answers that may help you out!
Affiliate links are easy to use, free, and beneficial!
First of all, let me explain what an affiliate link is.
An affiliate link is a unique URL created through an affiliate program (I use RewardStyle) that records the traffic sent to a retailer’s website. It often includes a “code” at the end of the link that is unique to the user (A.K.A. me). This way, when that link is used, I make a small amount of commission through that retailer and the affiliate program’s partnership. The percentage of commission is different for each website, and can even vary on the same item across several retailers. What you need to know is that none of this “extra money” is coming from your wallet. Think of it as the affiliate program paying me for participating and making sales on their behalf.
How do you use these links?
Well, I’ve made it pretty simple for you to shop through my affiliate links. The shop tab on my blog includes a list of popular retailers (like Old Navy, Target, Nordstrom, and more). All you have to do is click on one of those links, and shop to your heart’s content. As long as you make your purchase within the same “visit” to the site, I’ll make commission. However, if you click on a different link to the same website (say, on another blog), open a promotional email, or even wait for a couple of days and then come back to your cart, the cookies may be erased, and no commission will be made.
What’s the benefit?
Shocking as it may seem, bloggers can really succeed in their business strictly through their readers utilizing affiliate links. In a similar fashion, some affiliate programs reward bloggers with campaigns and opportunities that they wouldn’t come by if no one used their unique links. Now, that’s just some of the benefit for the blogger – what about the benefit for you? When you click on a link and make a purchase, I know that there’s interest in that item – I see it in the sales results on the affiliate program website (don’t worry, it doesn’t show your name or any of your personal information, just that someone used that link to make a purchase). When that’s the case, I can then determine what I should be talking more about on this blog, or what articles are best serving my readers. It even dictates what I purchase for myself, so that I can share more of what you like!
So what is LiketoKnow.it?
You’ve probably seen this name on Instagram a million times over. Maybe you’re even sick of hearing about it, but let me tell you, it’s an incredibly useful app to have on hand. If you enjoy mobile shopping, ease, and lightening-fast access to information, this app is for you. It was created by RewardStyle (remember, that’s the affiliate program I use) so that you can screenshot a photo on Instagram, and instantly receive the product details within the app. You can also follow your favorite bloggers and content creators on the app, and there’s no algorithm, making it incredibly easy to see all the photos and shop right there. *Helpful tip, if you click on a product in-app and it opens the retailer’s app (such as the Target app or the Amazon app), make sure to be considerate of the blogger and use a web browser instead. We can’t make any commission through retailer apps right now.
Will these links work if I click-through on a particular item but in the end, I buy a different one?
Yep! If you click on a couch from West Elm but you purchase a set of pillows and some placemats instead, I’ll still make the commission.
Will you still make commission if I return the item?
Unfortunately, no. But that’s okay! I never want you to feel like you have to keep something around, just because I might make $0.80 off of it. This isn’t a pushy saleswoman situation. You purchase what makes you the happiest – and if you use my links, just know I’m sending you a serious THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
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Rachel says
Love this breakdown of affiliate links, Stephanie! As a blogger, affiliate links are part of the job but for people who don’t blog they can be SO confusing!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
rebecca says
SUCH a great idea for a post — we need to do this lol, because it is so true!!!
xx reb
Jordyn says
This is a great post and so helpful for your readers. As a blogger I know what affiliate links are and understand how they work so I sometimes forget that non-bloggers don’t.
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly. I feel like in order for my readers to even WANT to utilize my links, they gotta know how they work first! This way the education is out there for anyone who wants or needs it!
Anna English says
This is such an informative post, you did a great job breaking it down!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I hope it can be helpful for bloggers and readers alike!
Tabitha Bradley-Raines says
I finally feel like someone explained affiliate links. How does one find affiliate programs that will take them though? Especially if they are a very small blog?
Tanvi Rastogi says
Great post. Well explained. I use these links minimally but they are needed by most bloggers.
❥ tanvii.com
Rachel says
Love this breakdown of affiliate links, Stephanie! As a blogger, affiliate links are part of the job but for people who don’t blog they can be SO confusing!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! And I want to erase the “stigma” of sorts that bloggers just want to steal your money or they’re money-hungry haha. These links help us survive in the blogging world, and can even bring more opportunities our way!
rebecca says
SUCH a great idea for a post — we need to do this lol, because it is so true!!!
xx reb
Stephanie Whitman says
I find that the more I educate my readers, the more they trust me. And I definitely want them to trust me, because in the end, I’m here for them anyways!
Caitlin says
This is such a helpful breakdown of affiliate links! I feel like affiliate links can be a bit confusing at times, but it so helps to be transparent about it. I have explained something similar before on IG stories, but hadn’t thought to do a blog post about it-such a good idea!
Caitlin
http://www.lemonadepressblog.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Yeah! I’ve done so many stories, but I feel like so much of my audience misses those or passes through them, thinking they’re unnecessary. This way I have all the answers in one spot if anyone ever asks again!
Jordyn says
This is a great post and so helpful for your readers. As a blogger I know what affiliate links are and understand how they work so I sometimes forget that non-bloggers don’t.
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly. I feel like in order for my readers to even WANT to utilize my links, they gotta know how they work first! This way the education is out there for anyone who wants or needs it!
Anna English says
This is such an informative post, you did a great job breaking it down!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I hope it can be helpful for bloggers and readers alike!
Tabitha Bradley-Raines says
I finally feel like someone explained affiliate links. How does one find affiliate programs that will take them though? Especially if they are a very small blog?
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s really helpful to hear. I’m glad you found this beneficial! I think that most affiliate programs accept bloggers, no matter the following. Personally, RewardStyle accepted me when I had less than 200 blog readers a month + less than 8k on Instagram, and I know Amazon is constantly accepting affiliates. I would go on Pinterest and research the different programs and see which best suits your genre and readership!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Great post. Well explained. I use these links minimally but they are needed by most bloggers.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
If it weren’t for the fact that blogging is my full-time job and my primary source of income, I probably wouldn’t find affiliate links to be as beneficial. However, they are incredibly important for me!
Caitlin says
This is such a helpful breakdown of affiliate links! I feel like affiliate links can be a bit confusing at times, but it so helps to be transparent about it. I have explained something similar before on IG stories, but hadn’t thought to do a blog post about it-such a good idea!
Caitlin
http://www.lemonadepressblog.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Yeah! I’ve done so many stories, but I feel like so much of my audience misses those or passes through them, thinking they’re unnecessary. This way I have all the answers in one spot if anyone ever asks again!
Carolyn Arentson says
This is a great post to bring clarity around links for your readers! It’s helpful for people to know that every little bit counts. Thanks for explaining how this all works!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s for sure! I can only imagine how much better it would be for my business if everyone who read my blog or was a friend of mine utilized my links when they went on a shopping spree hehe.
Candace Hampton says
Great post! Although I try to stay up to date with all the social media topics, it can get really confusing. I like how explanatory and instructive was this post regarding affiliate links.
Candace Hampton
Stephanie Whitman says
I appreciate the encouragement. I think it’s really good to be continuously doing research about the different blogging resources out there. Hopefully this will help consumers and bloggers alike!
Sarah Lindner says
Awesome post – I love knowing I am not the only confused one out here trying to keep up!
xoxo Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha well, hopefully this will help with some of the confusion. I don’t think they’re all that scary or confusing once a little research is done 🙂
Erin says
This is such a great breakdown Stephanie! I love supporting other bloggers through my purchases and sharing things I love.
Stephanie Whitman says
I agree! I try to always ask friends for their links before making a purchase of any kind. Always good to support the fellow blogger!
Lydia says
I’ve been a member of reward style since practically the beginning, but I still haven’t managed to make much money off it. At least I click my own links, haha!
Chic on the Cheap
Stephanie Whitman says
Actually, clicking your own links can sometimes be a red-flag on their end! You gotta be careful about that. I’ve found some helpful tips on utilizing affiliate links and making profit, but I’d be the first to tell you, I don’t make a ton either. I want to continue educating my readers so that there’s less fear in using my links and more knowledge instead!
lee says
this is a great resource!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad to hear that you think so.
Carolyn Arentson says
This is a great post to bring clarity around links for your readers! It’s helpful for people to know that every little bit counts. Thanks for explaining how this all works!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s for sure! I can only imagine how much better it would be for my business if everyone who read my blog or was a friend of mine utilized my links when they went on a shopping spree hehe.
Candace Hampton says
Great post! Although I try to stay up to date with all the social media topics, it can get really confusing. I like how explanatory and instructive was this post regarding affiliate links.
Candace Hampton
Stephanie Whitman says
I appreciate the encouragement. I think it’s really good to be continuously doing research about the different blogging resources out there. Hopefully this will help consumers and bloggers alike!
Sarah Lindner says
Awesome post – I love knowing I am not the only confused one out here trying to keep up!
xoxo Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha well, hopefully this will help with some of the confusion. I don’t think they’re all that scary or confusing once a little research is done 🙂
Erin says
This is such a great breakdown Stephanie! I love supporting other bloggers through my purchases and sharing things I love.
Stephanie Whitman says
I agree! I try to always ask friends for their links before making a purchase of any kind. Always good to support the fellow blogger!
Kileen says
Such a helpful post babe!! It can be a little confusing to some, so I love that you explained it here!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad you found this to be helpful. I worked really hard to articulate what I was trying to say!
Taylor Aube says
Such a good post about a confusing topic. I feel like most people don’t know how it works and are always unsure of clicking on them or having to download another app on their phones!
Stephanie Whitman says
I definitely find that to be the case with the app, specifically. I know some of my friends will use a link I send them, but are wary of the LTK app, and I’m like “but it makes it ALL easier if you just use the app” haha!
Lydia says
I’ve been a member of reward style since practically the beginning, but I still haven’t managed to make much money off it. At least I click my own links, haha!
Chic on the Cheap
Stephanie Whitman says
Actually, clicking your own links can sometimes be a red-flag on their end! You gotta be careful about that. I’ve found some helpful tips on utilizing affiliate links and making profit, but I’d be the first to tell you, I don’t make a ton either. I want to continue educating my readers so that there’s less fear in using my links and more knowledge instead!
lee says
this is a great resource!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad to hear that you think so.
grace says
Tried joining reward style a year ago but was not accepted. I think I will be ready to reapply soon since my followers have grown. Do you have a referral link for that? I heard it helps if you get referred.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’d be more than happy to refer you! Feel free to send me an email. And make sure you’re consistently posting on your Instagram and stories, alerting people of sales and products. RS notices that when they’re selecting their members – though it’s definitely not a follower thing. I was accepted at under 8k!
Laura S says
Love this breakdown! Definitely a resource I will be using to send to my own readers!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s awesome to hear. I hope it can help loads of people answer any questions they might have!
Kileen says
Such a helpful post babe!! It can be a little confusing to some, so I love that you explained it here!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad you found this to be helpful. I worked really hard to articulate what I was trying to say!
Taylor Aube says
Such a good post about a confusing topic. I feel like most people don’t know how it works and are always unsure of clicking on them or having to download another app on their phones!
Stephanie Whitman says
I definitely find that to be the case with the app, specifically. I know some of my friends will use a link I send them, but are wary of the LTK app, and I’m like “but it makes it ALL easier if you just use the app” haha!
Jennifer Prince says
I use them but not with a huge amount of success. I really need to ramp it up in this department!
Stephanie Whitman says
I think “success” is relative! It depends on what you’re hoping to achieve with the links 🙂 Just keep at it, and you may notice a difference. Plus, I find that educating your audience can help a lot too!
Becky says
Thank you for explaining this! There definitely is some confusion but it’s really a win-win. Our blog readers don’t spend any extra money on stuff they want and bloggers get money to help keep the blog going.
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! And for me, personally, blogging is my full-time job and the primary source of income, so any commission from those affiliate links is insanely helpful!
Monica says
This is such a helpful post! Even as a blogger, I still find confusion around explaining what an affiliate link is! This sums it up perfectly and makes them feel less intrusive. I need to start using my affiliate links more strategically. I usually use them for holiday gift guides, but I always let it fall off with the start of the new year…. hmm, better get on that!
Stephanie Whitman says
They’re awesome to use for holiday gift guides, but they’re also awesome all year round! I feel like you could even benefit from the Amazon affiliate program because of the different craft and recipe ideas you share – that way you could provide resources straight from the post itself! 🙂
Deborah says
This is such a great breakdown! As a blogger but also as a conscientious person, I know there’s a lot of side eye going on when influencers talk about affiliate links and such but this is a good post addressing the potential “hazards” (cookies) but also the benefits that most readers may not even think about!
Jennifer Prince says
I use them but not with a huge amount of success. I really need to ramp it up in this department!
Stephanie Whitman says
I think “success” is relative! It depends on what you’re hoping to achieve with the links 🙂 Just keep at it, and you may notice a difference. Plus, I find that educating your audience can help a lot too!
Cathy says
This is so good, so many non-bloggers don’t understand how affiliates work. Thanks for posting!
XOXO
Cathy
Ashley Rollins says
This post was super helpful. As a blogger, sometimes I feel like I’m ALWAYS reminding my followers of this but so many don’t know!
Becky says
Thank you for explaining this! There definitely is some confusion but it’s really a win-win. Our blog readers don’t spend any extra money on stuff they want and bloggers get money to help keep the blog going.
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! And for me, personally, blogging is my full-time job and the primary source of income, so any commission from those affiliate links is insanely helpful!
Em says
This is such a great, informative post for those who don’t know how it all works!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s what I was hoping for. I know in the blogosphere, we have a lot of information on-hand, but non-bloggers are typically more unaware!
Monica says
This is such a helpful post! Even as a blogger, I still find confusion around explaining what an affiliate link is! This sums it up perfectly and makes them feel less intrusive. I need to start using my affiliate links more strategically. I usually use them for holiday gift guides, but I always let it fall off with the start of the new year…. hmm, better get on that!
Stephanie Whitman says
They’re awesome to use for holiday gift guides, but they’re also awesome all year round! I feel like you could even benefit from the Amazon affiliate program because of the different craft and recipe ideas you share – that way you could provide resources straight from the post itself! 🙂
Deborah says
This is such a great breakdown! As a blogger but also as a conscientious person, I know there’s a lot of side eye going on when influencers talk about affiliate links and such but this is a good post addressing the potential “hazards” (cookies) but also the benefits that most readers may not even think about!
Stephanie Whitman says
There definitely is, but I want to help break that “stigma.” Affiliate links aren’t a bad thing, they help us make money – it’s just a different way of making money than the typical job!
Kim says
This is such an informative post to explain how affiliate links work! I feel like most people don’t understand how they work.
xoxo,
Kim
Delia Atenea says
Love this breakdown Stephanie! Answers a lot of questions! I need to share this!
Cathy says
This is so good, so many non-bloggers don’t understand how affiliates work. Thanks for posting!
XOXO
Cathy
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s what I figured, and I want to provide as much education as I can. Plus, I felt like I personally learned a lot by researching what to add to this post!
Ashley Rollins says
This post was super helpful. As a blogger, sometimes I feel like I’m ALWAYS reminding my followers of this but so many don’t know!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s true! I feel the same way on a regular basis, but it’s incredible how many readers get missed or how many stories go unseen. Sometimes it’s just good to have all the information in one convenient place!
Kim says
This is such an informative post to explain how affiliate links work! I feel like most people don’t understand how they work.
xoxo,
Kim
Stephanie Whitman says
I agree, which is why I decided to write this up. I felt like it was necessary for those who wanted the information 🙂
Delia Atenea says
Love this breakdown Stephanie! Answers a lot of questions! I need to share this!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so glad to hear you found it beneficial. I really want to share as much about this as I possibly can, because I know so many need to hear it!
Kait | Slumber & Scones says
I love affiliate links. They are such an easy way for people to support their favorite blogger friends! This was a great breakdown for anyone unfamiliar.
Lecy | A Simpler Grace says
This is great information! I like the opportunity that affiliate links provide, but some people go way overboard with how many links they use. If they are tastefully done, I can totally get behind them! 🙂
Kait | Slumber & Scones says
I love affiliate links. They are such an easy way for people to support their favorite blogger friends! This was a great breakdown for anyone unfamiliar.
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s right! I always try to utilize friends links when making a purchase 🙂
Maria says
What a great resource. I have been researching affiliate links and what would fit best for my brand and blog. This gave me some ideas. Thanks!
Stephanie Whitman says
There’s a lot of awesome programs out there, but I definitely applaud you for doing your research first. That’s super important!
Lecy | A Simpler Grace says
This is great information! I like the opportunity that affiliate links provide, but some people go way overboard with how many links they use. If they are tastefully done, I can totally get behind them! 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
I see both sides to this! I think affiliate links should definitely be tastefully done, but I also understand why some people utilize them as often as possible. They’re a benefit to bloggers – especially full time bloggers who really need help with the income! It’s good to find a balance though 🙂
Mandi says
This was a great idea for a blog post, really breaking down what an affiliate link means with full transparency. I personally love to use an affiliate link to be able to give some commission to the person who has promoted and shared a good product. I truly hope others understand they aren’t paying extra for their purchase when using and affiliate link, just giving credit to the person who referred them.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad that’s something that you do! It’s an awesome way to support the fellow blogger. I just think a lot of people who don’t blog get lost on the meaning and how these links function. So I was happy to provide some insight!
Nataly says
Such a good read! I am love how you put this post to together. It is very informative!
Kenzi - Life of a Sister says
This is truly a great read! I love that you break it down and show anyone who isn’t a blogger how affiliate links work. Thank you girl!
Kimberly Burke says
This is such a great Blog Post! I get asked all of the time and everyone assumes it costs them! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely share this with my audience! Have a great day gf!
Nataly says
Such a good read! I am love how you put this post to together. It is very informative!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s what I was hoping for! So thank you for the encouragement!
Jasmine Vargas says
Sharing this to my Facebook account because I think it’s great for everyone to know why it’s important to shop using affiliate links.
Laura Adney says
Such a great post and way of explaining affiliate links especially for those people who may not understand it or really know how they can support us.
xo, Laura
Kenzi - Life of a Sister says
This is truly a great read! I love that you break it down and show anyone who isn’t a blogger how affiliate links work. Thank you girl!
Kimberly Burke says
This is such a great Blog Post! I get asked all of the time and everyone assumes it costs them! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely share this with my audience! Have a great day gf!
Lily says
Such a good breakdown! I recently polled my followers and a majority of them want to know how they work and how we make money, etc.
Jasmine Vargas says
Sharing this to my Facebook account because I think it’s great for everyone to know why it’s important to shop using affiliate links.
Laura Adney says
Such a great post and way of explaining affiliate links especially for those people who may not understand it or really know how they can support us.
xo, Laura
Helena Marz says
This is such a great post and very organized with each tips explaining every detail of how it works with LIKEtoKNOW. It and how bloggers make money. I will definitely have to use some of these tips to educate my followers to be able to make consistent sales and hopefully this will be a better understanding for them on how to use these affiliate links. Thank you for sharing this❤️
Azanique S Rawl says
This is such a helpful post! Even though I use affiliate links, I have such a hard time explaining them to people + why they are so important to bloggers/influencers! Thank you for putting this together, Stephanie 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Helena Marz says
This is such a great post and very organized with each tips explaining every detail of how it works with LIKEtoKNOW. It and how bloggers make money. I will definitely have to use some of these tips to educate my followers to be able to make consistent sales and hopefully this will be a better understanding for them on how to use these affiliate links. Thank you for sharing this❤️
Caitlin says
Such a great post fr anyone who doesn’t understand affiliate links!
Azanique S Rawl says
This is such a helpful post! Even though I use affiliate links, I have such a hard time explaining them to people + why they are so important to bloggers/influencers! Thank you for putting this together, Stephanie 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Ashley Hargrove says
This is such a great and informative post. I feel like all of these affiliate links and platforms get so confusing and no one knows what to even do half the time!!
Denise Kokinis says
Loved reading this. I try and explain affiliate links to different people, but can never accurately get the information across. I will need to share this with other people the next time I need to give them a more in-depth explanation.
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Marlene says
What a great guide, so helpful for everyone who is new to affiliate links! Way to break it down in an easy-to-understand way
Kristina says
Okay, this post is SO helpful!! You broke it down perfectly and there should definitely be more transparency about affiliate links but I also feel like most people by know should also have a clue- from blogs to facebook and google, ads and affiliate links are literally everywhere!
Annette says
Such a great and informative post!
Lauryn Hock says
STEPH! I love how informative this post is! I definitely will reference it to people when they ask about affiliate links.
Ashlye says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been wondering about a few similar services that have popped up
Taylor Mobley says
Thank you for breaking this down SO easily girl – I need to do the same on my website I think!!!
erin says
Thanks for sharing this! I wish more readers knew how they worked!