If you’ve ever recommended a favourite product, app, or service to a friend, you’ve already (and unknowingly) touched on the principle of Affiliate Marketing – just without the commission. In South Africa, Affiliate Marketing is growing rapidly as more people turn to online business models, side hustles, and passive income streams BUT be careful there are many scams out there. What people call Social Media Marketing or Affiliate Marketing is not what they are promoting. Here are some basic definitions:
Social media marketing is the use of social media — the platforms on which users build social networks and share information — to build a company’s brand, increase sales, and drive website traffic. In addition to providing companies with a way to engage with existing customers and reach new ones, SMM has purpose-built data analytics that allows marketers to track the success of their efforts and identify even more ways to engage.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media-marketing-smm.asp
Social media marketing is NOT just reselling digital products. While social media can be a powerful tool for promoting and selling digital products, it is different from reselling. Social media marketing involves using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to connect with potential customers, share information about products, and drive sales. Hours of research/data-analysing and content creation goes into each Campaign. Reselling, on the other hand, often involves purchasing a product first and then selling it to someone else for a profit, often without adding significant value.
Affiliate marketing is an advertising model where a company compensates third-party publishers to generate traffic or leads to the company’s products and services. The third-party publishers are affiliates, and the commission fee incentivizes them to find ways to promote the company.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/affiliate-marketing.asp
Whether you’re a blogger, influencer, content creator, or small business owner; Affiliate Marketing offers a low-barrier way to start earning more from your digital platforms. You will need to have some insight into Social Media Marketing, Content Creation and other related subjects, but you can learn as you go. There are many courses available to guide you on the way. You can also contact me for one-on-one training sessions.
What is Affiliate Marketing?
So, in summary, Affiliate Marketing is a performance-based marketing model where you earn a commission for promoting someone else’s product or service. You share a unique tracking link, and when someone purchases through that link, you get paid. You can and should select products or services that align with your business or brand.
Why It Works in South Africa
South Africa’s growing e-commerce market, increasing social media usage, and hunger for side incomes make it a great space for Affiliate Marketing. As a South African content creator or entrepreneur, you can:
- Promote local brands that align with your audience.
- Tap into global affiliate programs that accept South African partners.
- Monetise your blog, email list, YouTube channel, or social media.
South African Affiliate Platforms / Programs
Here is a great starting point for South Africans:
OfferForge – One of SA’s leading affiliate networks with campaigns in finance, education, insurance, and more; Offerforge connects you with a variety of brands to promote. You can select the brands that suit your blog/business/brand the most.
Have further questions? Book a session with me or leave a comment below!
