How to get affiliate links for your content
To get affiliate links, join a relevant affiliate program, complete its approval process, then copy or create your personal tracking links in the merchant’s or network’s partner dashboard. A normal product URL is not automatically an affiliate link.
What is an affiliate link?
An affiliate link is a URL associated with a partner account. It sends a visitor to a merchant while helping the program attribute eligible actions to that partner. If the visitor completes a qualifying purchase or other action under the program’s terms, the partner may earn a commission.
Tracking links can look different across providers. Some use a network domain; others use a merchant URL with tracking parameters. Do not edit or invent those parameters unless the provider’s instructions allow it.
1. Find an affiliate program that fits your audience
Search the topic you create content about, then shortlist products or services you can credibly recommend. Use AffiFind to browse affiliate programs by niche or search a topic such as fishing, camping, or software.
Compare the qualifying action, commission model, cookie window, and accepted channels. For a step-by-step process, read how to find affiliate programs for your niche.
2. Apply and complete approval
Visit the official program application page and provide accurate information about your channels and audience. Some programs approve eligible partners automatically; others review applications. Complete any account, agreement, or payment steps the provider requires. Acceptance is never guaranteed.
AffiFind helps you discover programs. It does not issue your personal affiliate links or approve your application. The merchant or its affiliate network does that.
3. Get your tracking link from the partner dashboard
After joining, look for the provider’s links, promotional assets, or link generator. Select the correct program and destination, then copy the link it supplies. If the program supports deep links, you may be able to create a link to a specific product instead of the homepage.
For example, impact.com’s official tracking-link guide explains that its link generator requires membership in at least one program, and that individual brands may restrict link generation or deep linking.
4. Share affiliate links where they are allowed
Use useful content to explain why the recommendation fits your audience. A tutorial, product comparison, or honest demonstration can give someone a reason to visit. Check both the program’s rules and your platform’s rules before placing links in a bio, video description, post, newsletter, or website.
Make the affiliate relationship clear and review the disclosure requirements that apply to you. Avoid misleading claims, unapproved promotional methods, or disguising links in ways the program prohibits.
5. Check the destination and measure approved outcomes
Confirm that the supplied link reaches the intended page. Use the provider’s dashboard to review tracked activity, validation, and payment. Do not purchase through your own link or run artificial conversions unless the program explicitly provides an approved testing method.
A recorded click is not the same as an approved commission. Returns, exclusions, attribution rules, and validation periods can affect payment. Read the affiliate program comparison checklist before investing significant time.
Find programs to apply to
Affiliate link questions
Can I get affiliate links without a website?
Some programs accept social channels, while others require a website. Check the individual program’s eligibility rules; there is no requirement shared by every provider.
Are affiliate links free?
Check the program’s terms. An affiliate link itself is a tracking tool, and programs can have different eligibility or account requirements. Be cautious about offers that promise guaranteed income in exchange for an upfront payment.
Do affiliate links pay per click?
Most sale-based programs require an eligible purchase. Other programs may pay for a qualified lead or another specified action. Read the payment terms instead of assuming a click earns money.
Can I use someone else’s affiliate link?
That link is associated with their account and will not establish your own commission attribution. Get the tracking link issued for your own approved partner account.
Still exploring earning methods? Read how to get paid on social media.