Affiliate links, from sign-up to first sale

What an affiliate link is

It is an address with a code that identifies you. When someone clicks it and buys, the platform records that the sale came from your recommendation and pays you a percentage, the commission.

You don't hold stock, ship orders or handle returns. Your job is to bring the right person to the right product and help them decide.

How to get yours

Stores: Amazon Associates and similar programs

Join the store's program, such as Amazon Associates, Walmart Creator or eBay Partner Network. Once you are logged in, any product page offers a way to generate your link.

Networks: Impact, Awin, ShareASale, ClickBank

Networks bring thousands of brands together. Apply to the brands you want to promote; some approve instantly, others review your site or audience. Your links appear in the dashboard after approval.

Plugins for your own site

On WordPress, plugins like AffiliateWP or Pretty Links keep many affiliate links under your own domain and make it easy to replace one that stops working.

Where to promote

• Content that answers a real question. Comparisons ("best air fryer under $100"), tutorials and honest reviews sell more than lists of deals.
• Social posts with context. A video of the product in use, with the link in your bio, beats a bare link in the comments.
• Your email list or channel. People who asked for your recommendations buy more and complain less.
• Groups you run. Deals with clear rules and an agreed frequency, not a flood of messages.

Where a contact link fits

Most people don't buy on the first click. They want to ask: "will it work for me?", "will it arrive by Friday?", "do you use it?". Whoever answers those questions makes the sale.

Next to your affiliate link, add a WhatsApp link with a ready message, such as "Hi, I saw your air fryer review and have a question". You chat, help them decide and send the affiliate link at the right moment. With a CriarMeuLink account you also see which post the conversations came from.

Frequently asked questions

Does CriarMeuLink create affiliate links?

No. Affiliate links are generated by the product's platform, because the platform tracks the sale and pays the commission. CriarMeuLink creates contact links, such as a WhatsApp link, that you use next to your affiliate link to answer questions from people who are close to buying.

Can I shorten my affiliate link?

Usually, as long as the program allows it and the redirect keeps your affiliate code. Read the program rules first. Amazon Associates, for example, requires that it is clear where a link goes.

Do I have to disclose that a link is an affiliate link?

Yes. In the US, the FTC requires a clear and conspicuous disclosure near the link, such as "I earn a commission if you buy through this link". The UK ASA and CMA have similar rules. Disclosing also builds trust.

How long after the click does a sale still count for me?

It depends on the program. This window, often called cookie duration, ranges from 24 hours on Amazon to 30, 60 or more days on many digital products. It is listed in each program's terms.

Can I share affiliate links in WhatsApp or Telegram groups?

In groups you run, where people joined to get deals, yes. In other people's groups, only with permission. Sending affiliate links to people who did not ask for them is spam and can get your number banned.

Which programs are good for beginners?

Amazon Associates for physical products, Shopify's affiliate program and software companies for B2B, and marketplaces like ClickBank, Impact or Awin for a wide catalogue. Start with products you already use.

Mistakes that cost commissions

• Recommending what you don't know. A return cancels the commission and the buyer's trust.
• Hiding that it's an ad. Besides breaking the rules, people who find out stop following you.
• Using someone else's link by accident. Test your link in a private window and check your code is in the address.
• Using one link everywhere. Use separate links per source, when the program allows it, to learn what actually sells.