Understanding Affiliate Marketing: A Guide for Sewing and Quilting Influencers
Affiliate marketing is a fantastic way for sewing and quilting creators to earn passive income by recommending products they love and use regularly.
If you’re a content creator looking to monetize your platform, affiliate links provide a simple way to generate income without adding extra costs for your audience. In this article, we’ll cover what affiliate links are, highlight key rules to follow, and suggest affiliate programs perfect for sewing and quilting influencers.
What is an Affiliate Link?
An affiliate link is a unique URL that tracks referrals to a product or service. When someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
The commission rate is set by the retailer, and the price to the customer remains the same. These links are commonly used by influencers, bloggers, and creators to monetize their recommendations.
What is a Cookie?
When someone clicks on your affiliate link, a “cookie” is placed in their browser. This cookie tracks their activity and determines if they make a purchase within a certain time frame, called the “cookie length.”
Cookie lengths vary between programs—from just 24 hours to 30 days or more. The longer the cookie length, the better your chances of earning commissions from later purchases.
Rules and Restrictions for Affiliate Marketing
To use affiliate links effectively and stay compliant, here are some essential rules:
1. Always Disclose: Transparency is key. You must let your audience know when you’re using affiliate links. A statement like, “This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links,” is required to comply with legal guidelines and to maintain trust.
2. Follow Program Guidelines: Each affiliate program comes with its own set of rules. Some programs restrict where you can share links, such as emails or certain social media platforms. Always review these rules carefully.
3. Authenticity Matters: Only promote products you genuinely use and recommend. Your audience trusts your opinions, and maintaining that trust will keep them engaged and loyal.
Suggested Affiliate Programs for Sewing and Quilting Influencers
There are many affiliate programs available for sewing and quilting influencers. Here are some great options to consider:
Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means I earn a little something if you buy—at no extra cost to you!
- SewingMachinesPlus.com: Earn commissions by promoting sewing machines, tools, and accessories. Ideal for recommending high-end tools.
- Oliso: Their innovative irons and pressing accessories are favorites among quilters, and their affiliate program is perfect for those who frequently mention these products.
- The Daylight Company: This company offers great lighting solutions for creators, and you can earn commissions by recommending their products through their affiliate program.
- SewTites: These magnetic pins are a unique tool for quilters, and their affiliate program offers a great way to monetize your recommendations.
- Fat Quarter Shop: This popular fabric retailer offers an affiliate program, making it a great choice for those who often recommend fabric collections.
- AccuQuilt: Known for their cutting systems, AccuQuilt offers an affiliate program where the more you sell, the more you earn—a perfect option if you frequently showcase their products.
- Etsy: While Etsy’s commission rates are lower, it’s still a good option for promoting handmade goods, patterns, and materials.
- Amazon: Amazon offers a low commission rate and short cookie length, but it can pay off during high-traffic events like Prime Day.
Many of these programs can be joined through a simple online application process. Share-A-Sale (which is part of AWIN) helps facilitate many affiliate programs. Others may require an established relationship or invitation. Many times, you can navigate to the bottom of a companies website and find a link to be an affiliate. Be sure to explore each program’s specifics to find what best fits your content and audience.
Why Creative Entrepreneurs Need Multiple Revenue Streams
As a creative entrepreneur, it’s important to have more than one source of income. You know the old saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!”
I juggle many things: digital and physical pattern sales, courses, memberships, YouTube ads, affiliate marketing, website ads, lectures, and workshops. I also travel to trade shows for both brands and my own company. With so many moving parts, it’s helpful to have multiple revenue streams. I don’t always have control over each one, so the variety gives me stability. But I don’t recommend starting everything at once—focus on one area first, master it, and then add another. Slow and steady growth is key!
By incorporating affiliate marketing into your business, you can generate passive income while still providing value to your followers. This is just one of the ways to earn extra income. You can also run ads on your website – I have an article RIGHT HERE that explains how. Just remember to stay transparent, choose products you truly believe in, and follow each program’s rules.
Let me know in the comments if you have questions and be sure to join our Facebook Community for tips and inspiration!
~NIcole