Affiliate Marketing vs. Network Marketing – Which is Better?

If you’re looking to earn some additional income then you’ve likely at some time explored network marketing, also known as Multi-Level Marketing. But what about Affiliate Marketing? What’s the difference? Which is better?

Let’s dive in!

Network Marketing (MLM)

Network Marketing has various names including pyramid selling and network marketing. It’s a form of controversial marketing to sell one’s products or services where the revenue is generated from a non-salaried workforce. The earning of the participants is created from a pyramid-shaped compensation commission system.

Network marketing has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism with comedians even chiming in.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a much less controversial way to make extra income. Plus, you’re more unlikely to irritate your friends and family with the non-stop unsolicited party request. Unlike Network Marketing, Affiliate Marketing is not tied to a pyramid structure for compensation. Instead, businesses pay a commission direct tracked sales you’ve generated for them.

For an example; Colorado-based CBD Oil manufacturer, NuLeaf Naturals has an CBD affiliate program that offers any sales generated through an affiliate marketer a 20% commission. That means, if you refer them $1,000/mo in sales, you’ll get a kickback of $200/mo.

Additionally, Affiliate Marketing tends to be an easier way to generate income, especially if you’re an influencer or a part of any large scale social media group.

PRO Tip #1 – Discover Your Passion

Convincing others about a product or service will be a lot easier for you if it’s something you’re passionate about. If you’re not, that will show through to your audience and therefore make lower income. Once you have a particular product in mind, you’ll want to search around for businesses offering affiliate commissions for referrals. A simple search for Company Name + Affiliate Program will likely turn up whether or not that particular company offers an affiliate program. If not, you can subscribe to services like Commission Junction which hosts a variety of brands, products, and services for you to browse and apply for.

PRO Tip #2 – Promote Products/Services You Buy

Your readers will be more likely to buy the products you promote if you’ve tried them and vouch for them yourself. For example; we recently bought a Clam Quick-Set shelter — and we love it! We took it camping, snapped pics, and even did a video showing how easy it was to setup. From there, we searched for various affiliate marketing opportunities and found that Walmart, Camping World, and others both sold the product and offered a commission for those who sent them referrals for it!

PRO Tip #3 – Don’t Rush

There are a lot of ways to make money with affiliate marketing. Additionally, there are a lot of channels that can help you make even more money. Some of the more popular channels are social media, video reviews on YouTube, Facebook groups and optimized blogs. In fact, there are some businesses like Health.com who’s business model is wrapped around affiliate marketing likely make millions from their ‘product recommendations.’

Whether you’re a brand, or a potential publisher (YOU) – at Castle Rock Advertising — we can help. Since 2001, our online marketers have been building relationships and channels designed for success.