If you've ever wondered whether affiliate marketing is worth it, or if it's actually as passive as everyone claims, this episode is for you.

We're breaking down everything you need to know about affiliate marketing: what it is, how it works, why companies create affiliate programs in the first place, and how to choose which products and services to promote. We're also sharing which affiliate programs we use in our own businesses, how we promote them, and what realistic income expectations look like.

Spoiler alert: Affiliate marketing isn't actually passive. It requires effort and intention. But it's still one of the easiest second income streams you can add to your business without majorly increasing your workload.

We're also tackling common misconceptions, sharing mistakes people make, and giving you practical tips for getting started today.

Topics We Cover

• What we first imagined when we heard "passive income"
• What affiliate marketing actually is
• How we use affiliate marketing in our businesses
• Why companies create affiliate programs
• Why affiliate marketing works better when it feels natural
• Is affiliate marketing actually passive income?
• The Amazon Influencer program (and how it works)
• Different ways to promote affiliate links (blog posts, podcasts, YouTube, email newsletters, resources pages)
• How to choose which companies to work with for affiliate income
• Why you should only promote products you've actually used
• Saying no to affiliate opportunities that aren't a good fit
• Tools and companies we promote (Showit, Tonic, 17 Hats, Honeybook, Flodesk, Contract Club, and more)
• How to stay consistent with promoting your affiliates
• Keeping your affiliate links organized
• Realistic expectations for affiliate income
• How long it takes to see meaningful income
• Common misconceptions about affiliate marketing
• Biggest mistakes people make with affiliate marketing
• Why every business should have multiple revenue streams
• Where to look for affiliate programs in your business

Time Stamps

03:31 – What did you first imagine when you heard "passive income"?

04:47 – First thoughts about affiliate marketing

06:18 – What is affiliate marketing?

06:52 – How we use affiliate marketing in our businesses

08:34 – Why companies create affiliate programs

10:32 – Why it works better when it feels natural

13:05 – Is affiliate marketing actually passive income?

15:45 – Different ways to promote affiliate links

15:45 – How to choose companies to work with

16:40 – Saying no to opportunities that aren't a good fit

18:25 – Tools and companies we promote

20:37 – Staying consistent with promotions

22:25 – Keeping affiliate links organized

25:36 – Realistic expectations for affiliate income

28:08 – Misconceptions about affiliate marketing

31:12 – Biggest mistakes with affiliate marketing

31:35 – Should every business have multiple revenue streams?

33:39 – Where to look for affiliate programs

Links & Resources Mentioned

Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com

Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com

Affiliate Programs & Tools Mentioned:

• Showit (website platform): Get 1 month free!
• Tonic (design templates for Showit and Canva)
• 17 Hats (CRM)
• Honeybook (CRM)
• Flodesk (email marketing): Get 50% off your first year!
• Interact (quiz creator)
• Tailwind (Pinterest scheduling)
• Rank for Revenue (SEO course by Sarah Does SEO)
• Acuity (scheduling tool)
• ManyChat (Instagram automation)
• The Contract Club (website policies and contracts)
• The Legal Paige (website policies and contracts)
• BDOW (pop-up opt-in forms)
• Hautet Stock and Elevate Visuals (stock photos)
• Booked Out Designer (Showit Designer Course by Elizabeth McCravy)
• Podcast Success Blueprint (Podcasting Course by Elizabeth McCravy)
• Amazon Influencer Program