avatarKristina God, MBA

Summary

The website content provides guidance on how to properly use affiliate links on Medium without violating the platform's rules, emphasizing the importance of disclosure and value-driven content.

Abstract

The article discusses the nuances of using affiliate links on Medium, a platform known for its writing community. It clarifies that while affiliate marketing is permissible, it should not be the primary focus of the content. Writers are advised to disclose their affiliate links, for instance, by using abbreviations like "aff" or by explicitly stating that they will earn a commission if the reader clicks the link and makes a purchase. The key is to ensure that the content provides genuine value to the reader rather than being a vehicle for affiliate sales. The article also mentions that Medium's editors and algorithms can detect if a piece is crafted around an affiliate link rather than for the reader's benefit. It concludes by acknowledging that affiliate marketing can be a source of income, suggesting that writers can earn money by referring to tools they genuinely love, such as ConvertKit or Canva.

Opinions

  • The author acknowledges the potential of affiliate marketing as a source of income but personally is not a fan of it.
  • The author suggests that affiliate links should be used genuinely and should fit within the context of the content.
  • There is an awareness that misuse of affiliate links can lead to penalties, including being banned from the platform.
  • The article implies that experienced writers often use affiliate links effectively without compromising the quality of their content.
  • The author provides a tip for writers to become referrers or affiliates for products or services they authentically endorse.
  • The article indicates that Medium has strict rules regarding affiliate links, and writers should be knowledgeable about these rules to avoid consequences.

How to Use Affiliate Links on Medium (Without Getting Kicked off the Platform)

You don’t need to worry if you know how to stick to the rules.

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The other day, I got an email from a new writer asking me about the use and misuse of affiliate marketing on Medium.

Affiliate marketing = means you link to a product or service you love and use. If someone buys this product or service through your affiliate link you earn a commission.

It’s simple.

Yet on Medium, you can get kicked off the platform when misusing affiliate links.

In the email, this new writer shared the example of a blogger who shared on YouTube that he was banned for using too many affiliate links in his posts.

So let’s take a closer look:

  • You’re allowed to use affiliate links as long as you disclose them, e.g. with the abbreviation “aff” or saying “I’ll earn a small commission when you click the link and sign up for (x)”.
  • What matters is that the piece you publish is primarily delivering value for the reader and isn’t focused on the affiliate click/sale.

For Boost numbers and publication editors, it’s easy to spot whether a writer is using an affiliate link because it genuinely fits and makes sense or if the piece is written to place an affiliate link.

No worries.

I often see more experienced and seasoned writers use affiliate links to their products or services or from third parties.

I’m not a fan of affiliate marketing but I know you can earn some good money with it.

My tip: if you love a tool, such as an email service provider ConvertKit or the design tool Canva, you can become a referrer or Canvasaddor and earn if you refer someone.

Now you know how to include affiliate links that pay off and bring people off the platform without penalty.

Any questions?

Medium Updated Its Rules — Here’s What You Need To Know:

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