Episode 103 - Affiliate Marketing with Rick Magennis

Learn what affiliate marketing is with Rick Magennis, and how easy it can be for paper florists, and how you can start earning passive income.   What is affiliate marketing?    If you’re unfamiliar with it, it might sound like a very complicated business term. In reality, it can be a fantastic and simple form of passive income for paper florists. To put it simply, you can make a little bit of money by recommending products you already use and love. People click your link, buy a product, and you get a portion of that sale. In our latest episode of Paper Talk we chatted with Rick Magennis of Bearcat Media. He helps businesses set up their affiliate marketing programs, and he shared so much valuable insight into this often overlooked form of marketing. As he said, “I’m actually shocked that it’s not as mainstream as those other marketing channels because it’s really the lowest cost, but also possesses the highest return on investment as well.” Listen to the episode to learn about how and where to start as an affiliate. For now, here are three reasons to convince you why you should sign up for your favorite brands’ affiliate programs.   Listen to our conversation to hear:► How affiliate marketing works for both the brand and the affiliate. ► Where to start if you want to be an affiliate. ► Tips on how to be more successful as an affiliate. ► How to set up your own affiliate program, and how Rick can help.► Why affiliate marketing works so well.   Recommend Products You Already Use  As paper florists, we use many tools and materials, and we have our favorites. As small business owners, we also utilize apps and programs that make it easier to keep things running smoothly. You’re probably already recommending certain products to people.  The most successful affiliate marketing isn’t pushy salespeak. It comes from people who are already loyal users of a product. You don’t need to go out of your way to push for sales. Most of the time, you’re simply adding in a link directing people to buy the thing you’re already recommending.  As Rick said,   “It’s not as scary or as much work as you think.”   Listen to the podcast to hear our recommendation for where to start when you’re first wading into the affiliate world.   Help Others Find Great Products Affiliate marketing is really a win for everyone involved. Brands win because they increase sales. Affiliates win because they earn a little extra income. And customers who purchase through affiliate links also win because they’re connecting with products that have been vetted by someone they trust.  Not all materials we use are of equal value. It’s no secret that some are of better quality than others. But if you haven’t used the two different brands of pastels yourself, how are you supposed to know which one to buy? Is the higher priced one really worth it? If a paper florist you trust tells you which one they use, that helps you make a better decision.    Help Others Find Great Products Affiliate marketing is really a win for everyone involved. Brands win because they increase sales. Affiliates win because they earn a little extra income. And customers who purchase through affiliate links also win because they’re connecting with products that have been vetted by someone they trust.  Not all materials we use are of equal value. It’s no secret that some are of better quality than others. But if you haven’t used the two different brands of pastels yourself, how are you supposed to know which one to buy? Is the higher priced one really worth it? If a paper florist you trust tells you which one they use, that helps you make a better decision.    Earn Easy, Passive Income This season of Paper Talk is all about earning passive income—money that you don’t have to actively work to bring in. Every penny counts when it comes to running a creative small business.  Affiliate marketing is great for this. As Rick shared in the episode, “It’s not as scary or as much work as you think.” Most brands will even provide graphics and copy for you to use. With just a small amount of work upfront, you can start bringing in money. Rick covered much more info on the podcast. If you’re at all curious about becoming an affiliate, you should listen right away.