List of Best Affiliate Networks and Programs for Artists

In the first article in this series we explained how affiliate marketing opportunities work, and how artists can use it to earn extra money online.

Affiliate networks and programs are free, no risk and are more beneficial for those with a website or blog - or have a large email list. They are also very easy to signup for and promote.

This is the second post in our Affiliate Marketing for Artists series.

 

Affiliate Marketing for Artists Series

Part1: Advantages of Making Money Online with Art Affiliate Programs

Part2: List of Best Affiliate Networks and Programs for Artists

Part3: Coming Soon!

(Please subscribe to be notified when future posts arrive)

 

Recommended types of Affilate Programs for Artists

1. Art Books
   Art books are one of the best affiliate products for artists to promote.
2. Artist Website Services
3. Web Hosting
4. Art Supplies
5. How to Paint and Draw Courses

There are two categories of affiliate programs:

1. Affiliate opportunities managed by a single online business.

   There are many online artist sites that run their own affiliate programs. To find these, you will have to look for a Affiliate link, usually at the bottom of the page. You can also search for them by searching on Google for the topic, followed by affiliate programs – for example art affiliate programs. Here is an example of online art businesses which have their own affiliate programs:
   
   The Goal Wheel for Artists
   
   This is another great resource for artists about setting goals for selling, promoting and creating art. The Goal Wheel for Artists was written by Tara Reed, who runs Art Licensing Blog. She offers 35% commission for sales of her book by affiliates. Tara Reed also offers several other books about art licensing, all of which affiliates can earn a commission from. Find out more about her affiliate program by clicking here, then clicking the Affiliate Program link at the top.
   
   

2. Affiliate Networks

   Affiliate networks are free, and carry listings of programs from all sorts of online companies. To be accepted, you often have to have a blog or website. The advantage of these is searching for opportunities based on your own interests (the topic of your blog or website). For example, by searching for art affiliate programs, you can find Dick Blick Art Materials, Fine Art America, Redbubble, and more.
   
   You can also search by the type of affiliate program – pay per sale or pay per lead. Pay per sale is self explanatory – you receive a specific percentage or amount when a sale is made through your link. With pay per lead, you receive a specific commission for referring leads. Here are some of the more popular affiliate networks:
   
   Shareasale
   
   Shareasale lists affiliate programs from hundreds of merchants. Shareasale even has it’s own affiliate program, which pays out $1 per lead and $150 per sale (for referring a merchant). Some of the affiliate programs we recommend for an art related blogs are Blick Art Materials and Blurb (for art catalogues). To signup for Shareasale, please click here.
   
   Commission Junction
   
   CJ is another large network of affiliates, with thousands of promotion options to choose from, along with a useful search system.

 

How to Promote Art Affiliate Networks and Programs

Affiliate advertising is a great way to earn some extra money, but please do not overdo it.  There is no need to fill your blog or website with ads. For artist portfolios, we recommend not having any ads at all, except at resource pages. Art blogs are actually a great place to advertise. Begin by placing just one banner at the top of your sidebar. This is one of the best placements for high click through.

By far, the best way to promote affiliate products is by posting unbiased reviews. Explain the features of the product, and give your own opinions – things you like about it, and how it could be better. In promoting a product, it may be tempting to just list benefits, but we urge you not to do this. People will trust your review more, and are more likely to purchase if the review is from your own viewpoint, and you demonstrate that you have experience with it.

We intentionally kept this article very simple, for artists who have never experienced affiliate marketing. In a future article, we will include a much larger list of affiliate programs specifically for art blogs and website resource pages. Please subscribe here.