Affiliate marketing for beginners is simpler than it sounds. A company gives you a unique link, and when someone buys through it, you earn a commission. You do not need to create a product, handle customer service or deliver anything.
It is also one of the most abused areas of digital marketing, with lots of spammy links and misleading promotion, so doing it honestly is a real advantage. This guide explains how it works, how to do it well and the UK rules you must follow.
The quick answer: with affiliate marketing, you earn a commission by recommending products you genuinely rate through your own tracking link. Recommend only what you have used or researched, say who it is for, and always disclose your affiliate links clearly, as UK advertising rules require.
In this guide
1. What Is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing lets you earn by recommending products you genuinely rate. It can also help other people sell yours.
It is a popular way to start earning online because you do not need your own product. Results vary and no income is guaranteed, so please read our Earnings Disclaimer.
2. How Affiliate Marketing Works
- You join an affiliate programme, either directly with a company or through an affiliate network.
- You receive a tracking link or code.
- You recommend the product in content, emails or on your website, with clear disclosure.
- A buyer clicks your link and purchases within the tracking period.
- You earn a commission, paid according to the programme’s terms.
3. Types of Affiliate Programmes
| Type | Examples | Typical features |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Amazon Associates and other big retailers | Huge product range, usually lower commission rates |
| Software and tools | Design tools, email platforms, website builders | Often higher or recurring commissions |
| Digital products and courses | Other creators’ guides and courses | Higher commissions, but quality varies widely |
| Networks | Programmes that host many brands | One account for many affiliate offers |
4. How to Do Affiliate Marketing Well
- Recommend only what you rate: use or thoroughly research every product first.
- Create helpful content: reviews, comparisons, tutorials and “what I use” lists.
- Be specific: say who the product is for and who it is not for.
- Disclose clearly: every single time.
- Follow the rules: each programme has its own rules about where and how you can share links.
Social media is a great place to share helpful content. See how to sell digital products on TikTok and how to grow on Instagram for ideas.
5. UK Rules: Disclose Your Affiliate Links
Disclosure is a legal requirement. Affiliate links count as advertising in the UK. Make it clear before people click, for example with #ad or “Ad: affiliate link”. Hiding affiliate relationships can break consumer protection law and advertising rules.
Read the latest guidance on the ASA website, and see how we handle this in our Affiliate Disclosure.
6. Running Your Own Affiliate Programme
Once you have products that sell, you can let others promote them for a commission. Some creator platforms include affiliate features, and our guide on where to sell digital products covers several.
- Choose affiliates who genuinely fit your audience.
- Give them accurate information about the product.
- Make sure they disclose and never make misleading claims on your behalf.
7. Affiliate Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
- Promoting products you have not used or researched
- Hiding or forgetting to disclose affiliate links
- Posting spammy links with no helpful content
- Making income promises or misleading claims
- Ignoring each programme’s own rules
8. Your First Steps
- List five tools or products you genuinely use in your niche.
- Check whether each has an affiliate programme and read its terms in full.
- Create one helpful piece of content, such as a review or tutorial.
- Add a clear disclosure before every affiliate link.
9. Affiliate Marketing for Beginners FAQ
Do I need my own product for affiliate marketing?
No. You can earn by recommending other companies’ products, without creating, delivering or supporting anything yourself.
Do I have to disclose affiliate links in the UK?
Yes. Affiliate links count as advertising, so make it clear before people click, for example with #ad.
How much can I earn from affiliate marketing?
It varies, and no income is guaranteed. See our Earnings Disclaimer.
What should I promote?
Only products you have used or thoroughly researched and genuinely rate.
Keep learning: read where to sell digital products, learn how to sell digital products on TikTok, or browse all my digital products.
THE DIGITAL MARKETING HANDBOOK
Learn to Promote and Sell Online
The handbook includes a full chapter on affiliate marketing, plus email, SEO, ads and UK legal basics.
- 58 pages and 21 chapters
- Create, sell and promote digital products
- A 90-day action plan
- Digital download