You've likely ended up here because you've been invited to join or apply for an affiliate program by a brand or agency, and you have questions about what exactly is involved with an affiliate program. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions that you might have before joining an affiliate program:
Q: What is an affiliate program?
An affiliate program allows you to make commission by sharing links or coupon codes to products via social media.
An affiliate program is a partnership where a company pays a content creator, like you, a commission for driving sales through links or coupon codes that you share with your audience.
Here's how it works at a high level:
- First, you'll sign up with a brand’s affiliate program,
- Then, you'll get a unique link or coupon code,
- Next, you'll share that link in your content.
- Then, when a member of your audience clicks the link and makes a purchase, or uses your coupon code when making a purchase, this will be recorded,
- After this, there'll be a period of validation,
- And finally, you'll receive a commission!
Q: How can I join an affiliate program?
Some affiliate programs are open for any creators to apply to join, and others are by invitation only. Either way, you'll provide the information that a brand requests as part of your application, and then you'll hear back directly from the brand letting you know if you've made it into their affiliate program.
Q: How often do I have to post? How much Commission will I make? What are the rules?
Great questions! This varies depending on the brand you're working with, so be sure to read the instructions and terms and conditions of any affiliate program you're considering applying for!
You'll also want to be sure you're following any relevant advertising guidelines or rules for your location. For example, the UK's advertising standards agency requires affiliate content to be clearly marked, as does the USA's Federal Trade Commission.
Q: How can I find my Coupon Codes?
If your partnering brand is providing you with coupon codes as part of your affiliate partnership, you'll find these on the Campaign Details Page in your Creator Dashboard.
Q: How can I create my affiliate links?
If you're partnering with a brand and they've asked you to generate your affiliate links, you can follow the steps in this guide to use the Link Generator!
Q: How can I see my commissions?
Once your audience begins using your affiliate link or coupon code, you'll be able to see information about the commission you've earned in your Creator Dashboard. Learn more here!
Q: Will I receive my commission payment instantly?
Generally, commission payments are subject to a validation period that ensures that person who has made the purchase does not return their order after you've been paid your commission. This time period will vary based on the brand you're working with. Learn more here!
Q: Who can answer my questions about an affiliate program?
If you have questions about participating in an affiliate program, be sure to reach out to your Campaign Manager who will be best placed to help!