AFFILIATE MARKETING
5 Ways To Grow Your Affiliate Marketing Side Hustle On Instagram
Side hustles are a great way to boost your income, and sometimes they even turn into something more than a side hustle, making them definitely worth a shot for anyone interested.
But where does one begin on the side hustle journey? And which side hustles are the best to try out?
We’ve got it all laid out here in a helpful guide to side hustles!
Specifically, we’ll talk about how affiliate marketing is one of the best options, especially if you’d like to use Instagram as one of your main tools. Insta can be a great way to reach your audience, especially when undertaking affiliate marketing.
So let’s dive right into how you can do exactly that!
5 ways to win on Instagram with affiliate marketing
Want to win at affiliate marketing?
It can be a valuable undertaking if you know what you’re doing – essentially, you earn commission on products by promoting them to followers on social media.
Here are some of our hot tips for making your affiliate marketing journey a success:
1. Add an affiliate link to your Instagram bio
When using affiliate marketing as a side hustle, it’s important to utilize Instagram’s link in bio feature. Here, you can provide a link to whatever products you’re promoting so your followers will have easy access to purchase them. And this is good for you because the more followers that purchase the products you’re promoting, the more money you’ll earn via commissions!
Although Instagram only allows each account to provide a single link in its bio, there are tools that allow you to turn one link into multiple. Essentially, when a user clicks on the link in your bio, they’ll be taken to a list of links that you have created. That’s where you can link multiple products or websites at one time.
2. Tag affiliate products as paid partnerships
Using the paid partnership feature on Instagram helps to establish you as an affiliate marketer or influencer.
When other users view your posts, they’ll see that you participate in paid partnerships, which gives you credibility as an influencer as well as promotes transparency between you and your audience.
When other brands view your posts and see that you participate in paid partnerships, they’re likely to be more interested in working with you as an affiliate marketer. And, when your followers see that a post is labeled as a paid partnership, they’ll likely be more inclined to check out what you’re promoting in the post, especially if you have a follower base that adheres closely to what you recommend.
3. Create content on product tutorials
Tutorials are all the rage these days – everyone seems to love watching them, especially with the rise in short-form video content. Use this to your advantage when promoting products!
If you’re looking to promote a particular product to your audience, try filming a tutorial on how to use it. This will get people familiar with the product, raise their curiosity, and overall increase their interest and likelihood of purchasing.
Plus, when your followers see you film a tutorial for a product, they’ll be seeing you use the product. This confirms that you actually use the products you promote, rather than just creating content that entices other people to buy the items.
People love to see “real-life” content, so sometimes a video filmed in your own kitchen resonates better than a photoshoot from an idyllic location.
4. Optimize your hashtags
Hashtags are one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal as a social media content creator! Social-media-based side hustles thrive on proper hashtag use, so make sure you’re using this feature to your advantage.
When promoting a product, make sure that you select hashtags related to that product or related to the audience that you are targeting. This will ensure that your post is promoted among the proper market of users.
It’s important that each of your posts has a unique set of hashtags – recycling the same tags over and over won’t get you anywhere. So, ensure that the hashtags you use on each post and story are relevant not only to your own account, but also to the specific product you’re promoting.
5. Track affiliate performance
One of the best parts about using Instagram for side hustles is that the app allows you to track the performance of all of your posts. The insights provided by Instagram are thorough and help you to keep an eye on how well each of your posts is received – so make sure to take advantage of this feature!
Using Instagram’s analytics, you can compare and contrast how successful your affiliate marketing posts are. This allows you to experiment with various techniques and determine which ones work best for you.
How to get started
Sold on the idea of affiliate marketing?
Here’s how you can get started!
1. Switch to creator
The first step you’ll want to take in this process is to switch your account into creator mode. In order to do this, simply navigate to the settings on your personal profile. Then select “account” and then “switch to professional account.” From there, all you need to do is select “creator.”
Now, you’ve got a professional creator account!
This will give you the ability to track the analytics and insights on the performance of your account’s posts, and your account will appear more official to viewers. You’ll also be able to learn more about your followers, create a contact button, and create promotions to reach a wider audience.
2. Focus on growing your followers
When using Instagram for an affiliate marketing side hustle, it’s important to ensure that you are reaching a sizeable audience. Without a significant amount of followers, your product promotions likely won’t be very successful.
In order to grow your audience and boost the success of your account, we recommend using a growth service like Kicksta.
Kicksta is an Instagram growth service that prides itself on providing organic growth to its customers. It’s a good idea to employ a service that promotes natural growth on the app, as this will lead you to reach a wider audience of genuine followers who are interested in your content and, therefore, more likely to purchase the products that you promote.
3. Pick the right affiliate partners
When starting out in affiliate marketing, it can feel exciting and overwhelming, and you may want to jump at every opportunity for a partnership that presents itself. However, it’s a good idea to be selective about the brands that you choose to work with.
As an affiliate marketer, you’ll be developing a social media presence that is a reflection of who you are. Therefore, you should only promote products that fall in line with your personal branding as well as the values that you want to promote on your page.
When determining which brands you’ll partner with, consider what your page stands for. Are you a health and wellness account? Fashion and beauty? Family-based? Travel? Each of these is a unique sort of branding, and certain products will align better with some accounts than with others. So make sure that you carefully craft a list of affiliate partners who work well with the branding you’ve developed for your own page.
4. Share your unique link
As an affiliate marketer, you’ll receive a unique link from your affiliate program. This is the link that your followers will click when looking into the products that you’re promoting. It’s important for you to share this link specifically, as it’ll allow your affiliate program to track your performance as a marketer.
Your affiliate program will be able to track the sales, clicks, and commissions garnered from your unique link, which is important to your success as an affiliate marketer. So, when looking to grow a successful side hustle in this area, it’ll be important to boost this link to make sure that your followers use it as much as possible!
Ready, set, market!
Are you geared up to create a successful affiliate marketing side hustle now?
We hope that this article has been helpful in developing your understanding of the value of using Instagram for affiliate marketing.
Among all the side hustles that you can choose from, affiliate marketing can certainly be a lucrative – and fun – option!
So, why not give it a shot? Keep these tips in mind, and refer back to this article for guidance throughout the process. And, of course…Good luck!
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AFFILIATE MARKETING
Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.
For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.
While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.
However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.
For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.
Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.
If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.
Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.
Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.
I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.
Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise
For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.
2. Tech gender gap narrows
One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.
3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.
Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur
A promising future
Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.
Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money
In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.
A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.
The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.
The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.
The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.
Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.
Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.
Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know
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