Ready to level up your affiliate marketing strategy? In our latest Mavely University tutorial, Marguerite, a Senior Influencer Account Manager, breaks down how to choose the best brands and products to promote—so you can boost conversions, increase your earnings, and keep your audience engaged with the content they actually want.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your affiliate marketing approach, this guide will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions about the links you share.
Why Choosing the Right Brands & Products Matters
Affiliate marketing strategy isn’t just about sharing links—it’s about matching your audience’s needs with products they’ll actually buy. When you recommend the right products, you’re not just making sales—you’re building trust and positioning yourself as your audience’s go-to shopping expert.
Key takeaway? When your audience knows they can rely on your recommendations, they’ll keep coming back for more.
Step 1: Understand Your Audience’s Buying Behavior
Before you even think about what to promote, you need to know who you’re promoting to. Ask yourself:
Is my audience budget-conscious, or do they prefer luxury items?
Walmart shoppers vs. Michael Kors enthusiasts—knowing the difference will help you tailor your links.
Are they deal-driven, or do they prioritize quality?
Some people love a good bargain, while others don’t mind paying full price for premium products.
What types of products do they love most?
Your niche matters. Are you a fashion guru, a home decor pro, or a deal hunter for household items? Your audience is following you for a reason—lean into it.
When do they shop?
Do they love impulse buys, or are they strategic about their purchases (e.g., shopping during seasonal sales and flash deals)?
The better you understand their buying motivations, the easier it will be to promote brands and products that actually convert.
Step 2: Analyze Your Social Media Data
Your social media analytics are a goldmine of insights. If you’re not using them yet, it’s time to start.
- Check your platform demographics to see your audience’s:
- Age range (Are you reaching Gen Z, Millennials, or Gen X?)
- Gender breakdown (Are your followers mostly women, men, or a mix?)
- Location (Where in the U.S. are your followers based?)
- Use engagement insights to see what content gets the most clicks, saves, and shares. These are clues about what they’re interested in buying.
- Ask them directly! Polls, Q&As, and Instagram story questions are all great ways to get feedback straight from your followers while building community.
Step 3: Choose High-Converting Brands and Products
Not all brands perform the same—and when it comes to affiliate marketing, choosing the right ones is key.
Here’s what to look for when deciding which brands to promote:
Does the brand resonate with your audience?
If your followers love sustainable products, promote eco-friendly brands. If they prioritize affordability, focus on budget-friendly retailers.
Does the brand offer competitive commission rates?
Higher commissions mean higher earnings per sale—so choose wisely.
Does the brand convert well?
Some brands naturally perform better than others. Track your data and see which ones drive the most clicks and sales for you.
Are there discounts or seasonal promotions?
People love limited-time deals. Use them to your advantage.
Pro tip: You can track brand performance directly on your Mavely dashboard—so make sure to check your data regularly.
Step 4: Test, Track, and Adjust
The key to long-term affiliate success? Experimentation.
- Start with a mix of brands and products to see what resonates.
- Monitor your data—track clicks, conversions, and sales in your Mavely dashboard.
- Double down on what works and cut what doesn’t.
The best affiliates refine their strategy over time—so don’t be afraid to tweak, test, and optimize your approach.
Your Homework: Get Started Today!
Want to put this lesson into action? Here’s what to do next:
- Pick five brands to start linking through Mavely.
- Share your links on your social media channels.
- Track your earnings in your Mavely app dashboard.
- Make adjustments based on what’s performing best.
Looking for more ways to sharpen your affiliate marketing strategy? Explore more Mavely University content for expert insights, actionable tips, and everything you need to build a successful creator business. Happy linking, and happy earning!
