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Writer's pictureBernadette Henry
Nov 65 min read

The Power of Affiliate Marketing: How I Use Affiliate Partnerships to Support My Life and Goals



Introduction


In today’s digital age, finding creative and flexible income streams has become essential, especially for those juggling multiple roles like working full-time, being a student, and raising a family. Affiliate marketing has been a significant part of my life for over a decade. It has helped me earn extra income without sacrificing more time away from my kids or taking on an exhausting part-time job. In this post, I want to dive into the world of affiliate marketing—what it is, how it works, and how you can get started if you're interested. Whether you’re a content creator or someone looking to monetize your social media presence, affiliate marketing offers an accessible path to generating income.


As a CTA, if you’re inspired to explore this path or want to check out some of the products I retail, I’ll leave links to my website and affiliate products at the end.


What is Affiliate Marketing?


Affiliate marketing is performance-based marketing where you earn a commission by promoting another company’s products or services. You don’t need to create or stock products; your role is to promote, and when someone purchases through your unique affiliate link, you receive a commission. This commission varies depending on the company and the product. According to research, affiliate marketing spending in the U.S. alone is expected to reach $8.2 billion by 2022, up from $5.4 billion in 2017, showing the growing potential of this revenue stream (Statista, 2021).


Affiliate marketing can be highly lucrative, but it requires the right approach. It's not about randomly promoting products but finding products that align with your brand and resonate with your audience. Over the years, I’ve partnered with various companies whose products I genuinely believe in. Let’s break down my journey and my strategies to make affiliate marketing work for me.


My Brand: Make It Fun NYC


Before diving fully into affiliate marketing, I started with my brand, Make It Fun NYC. With my background in fitness, specifically jump rope, I launched a collection of my products, including jump ropes, T-shirts, and even a book. My products aligned with my message of promoting fun and active living, and my audience was receptive because I was passionate about these items. However, I knew there was potential to earn beyond my products by partnering with other brands.


Through affiliate marketing, I started promoting products I used daily. For instance, I’ve been a long-time partner with Crossrope, a brand that sells weighted jump ropes. Since 2015, I’ve used Crossrope in my workouts, and it fits seamlessly into my content because jump roping is what I do daily. By sharing my love for Crossrope, I encourage others to experience the benefits of a weighted jump rope, and when they purchase through my affiliate link, I earn a commission. Affiliate marketing is powerful because it allows me to monetize my everyday lifestyle without feeling like I'm constantly “selling” something.


The Benefits of Affiliate Marketing for Content Creators


One of affiliate marketing's biggest advantages is the flexibility it offers. My time is precious as a graduate student, a full-time employee, and a mom of three. Working part-time on top of everything else felt daunting, so affiliate marketing became my solution. Rather than clocking extra hours in a job that would keep me away from my family, I can integrate affiliate marketing into my existing activities.


Research shows that affiliate marketing is becoming an increasingly popular revenue stream for individuals with an active online presence. A study published by the Journal of Marketing Research found that consumer trust in affiliate marketing is driven by authenticity and the perceived expertise of the influencer (JMR, 2019). This aligns with my approach; I only promote products I genuinely use and believe in so my audience can trust my recommendations.


Some of my affiliates include wellness brands, protein shakes, sports bras, and health supplements. My audience often asks questions about my routine, my products, and the gear I recommend. Instead of just answering, I direct them to links where they can purchase these items—and when they do, I earn a commission. It’s that simple.


Everyday Products for Everyday People


I don’t consider myself a “beauty influencer,” but wellness and health are areas I’m passionate about, so I look for products in those categories. For example, my recent partnership with Farmasi offers an extensive range of products, from beauty items to wellness supplements. Farmasi has something for everyone: skincare, bath products, protein powders, and more. And while I may not focus on beauty, I use skincare and wellness products daily. When my audience sees me incorporating these products into my life, it feels genuine because I use them regularly.


If you’re interested in affiliate marketing, start with products you’re passionate about. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, consider promoting gear or supplements that align with your workout routines. If you’re into beauty, find makeup or skincare products you genuinely use and love. People can tell when you’re being authentic, and that’s what builds trust—and sales.


Creating Content That Sells Without Selling Out


Another reason affiliate marketing has been successful for me is my approach to content creation. Rather than making my content feel like a series of ads, I incorporate affiliate products naturally into my posts. On TikTok, for example, I can share my workouts with weighted ropes or highlight my go-to sports bras, and I can seamlessly integrate affiliate links without taking away from the content.


Platforms like TikTok now have creator programs that allow you to promote items directly on the app, making it even easier for people to purchase without leaving the platform. Integrating products effortlessly into your content makes it natural to the audience, making them more likely to engage.


For example, everyone has experienced recommending a favorite restaurant or item without being compensated. Affiliate marketing allows you to take this further by monetizing those everyday recommendations. If you’re promoting products that fit into your life authentically, it doesn’t feel forced. You’re simply sharing what you love, and your audience can benefit from your honest reviews.


My CTA and Affiliate Offerings


I’ve spent years refining my approach to affiliate marketing, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided. Now, as a CTA, if you’re interested in any of the products I use or are inspired to explore affiliate marketing yourself, I’ve included links below. I believe in these products and stand by them because they’re part of my everyday life.



Conclusion: The Affiliate Marketing Advantage


Affiliate marketing has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to share products I genuinely use while providing an additional income stream that doesn’t interfere with my busy schedule. With the rise of digital marketing and influencer partnerships, affiliate marketing offers an accessible path to financial growth for those who use social media actively.


If you’re interested in affiliate marketing, remember that authenticity is key. Share products that align with your brand and lifestyle, and your audience will appreciate your transparency. Affiliate marketing is a fantastic way to turn everyday recommendations into a reliable income source.


Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you have any questions about getting started in affiliate marketing or want to know more about the products I promote, feel free to reach out. Let’s make the most of our digital spaces, promote what we love, and create a path to success together!




References

  • Statista. (2021). Affiliate Marketing Spending in the U.S. Retrieved from Statista.com

  • Journal of Marketing Research. (2019). "Consumer Trust and Authenticity in Affiliate Marketing."


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