Creators: don’t do this with affiliate marketing (even though everyone says to)

I see this advice over and over. It sucks.

It goes something like this:

1. Sign up at Clickbank or any of the other platforms where advertisers host their programs.

2. Scroll through programs in your niche.

3. Pick one to sell. One with good reviews or a high commission rate.

No.

Do not do this.

Affiliate marketing should serve your audience

What you promote is a direct reflection on you, your values, and your brand.

Play a longer game

Try the products and services first. Get to know the companies behind them. Build a relationship with someone in the company, if at all possible.

Refer products, services, companies, and people you trust.

Only then can you have the confidence to promote a third-party offering to your audience. Done right, affiliate marketing improves a creator's brand and builds audience trust.