22 Affiliate Marketing Content Types: Best for Commissions

Want to maximize your affiliate commissions?

The key is choosing the right types of affiliate marketing content that:

• Resonates with the audience
• Appropriate for their stage of awareness
• Contextual for the respective platforms

You’ll want to pay attention if you’re starting affiliate marketing.

I’ll dive into the most effective types that can skyrocket your earnings.

No more guesswork.

Let’s get started.

What is affiliate marketing content? 

Affiliate marketing content refers to any digitally published material that

• promotes a product or service by another party
• and earns affiliate commissions for each sale.

You earn commissions through clicks and purchases using your affiliate link.

Different content types help you align your campaign with the customer throughout their buyer journey.

And I’m here to help you understand how each works. 

Content varies in purpose and ease of creation. 

Here are some of the best ones you can use: 

1. Product reviews

Product reviews are some of the easiest ways to get into affiliate marketing. 

For a good reason…

People rely on reviews to make smart buying decisions now more than ever.

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So why do product reviews work?

An honest review helps you 

• Earn your audience’s trust
• Establish credibility

Compelling your readers into action becomes easier. 

Action → more clicks → higher potential commissions. 

Start by sharing your experiences with the products or services you promote. 

You can either… 

• Go in-depth and talk about all product features and benefits
• Offer an honest and straightforward opinion on the product’s merits 

In-depth reviews are best for big-ticket items.

Example: A customer plans to buy the newest iPhone but is unsure if the upgrade is worth their money.  

You create an in-depth review of the phone’s features and benefits to help them decide and purchase through your affiliate link.

While shorter ones are great for popular but saturated items. 

Example: Your audience is curious about the trendy air fryer but unsure if the premium brand model is worth the purchase. 

You create a quick review and promote it on various platforms to convince your audience to buy through your affiliate link. 

2. Product comparisons (Versus posts)

Product comparisons are just like product reviews… 

Except you’re comparing two similar products based on things such as: 

• Features
• Prices 
• Benefits 
• Availability
• Pros and cons 
• And more.

These are also sometimes known as “Versus posts.”

Here’s an example:

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This type of affiliate marketing content is perfect for buyers in the consideration stage…

Choosing between two highly similar products or services… 

This is a difficult decision

So your content must help readers:

• Weigh their options
• Choose the better product
• And make a purchase.

If you’re comparing two laptop brands…

Discuss their features and intended purpose. 

Maybe one is great for work and daily use, while the other is great for gaming.

You don’t have to pick a winner…

Because you’re essentially promoting two products under the same category. 

But you must still give the reader what they want…

Ease of choice

Be clear and address your readers’ main concerns. 

Comparison guides are a surefire way to engage readers and get them to buy your products. 

3. Product roundups

“Best (product type) in (year)” 

Looks familiar?

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These are often product roundups that compare products with a set of criteria like:

• One product type across multiple brands 
• A single brand with multiple offerings
• Alternative models to a popular product 

Product roundups help you earn thousands of dollars monthly because of multiple affiliate links.  

Just make sure to offer comprehensive insights about each product. 

Offer great value for your audience, and you’ll see more $$$ in no time. 

4. Listicles 

Listicles are just like product roundups since they compare and discuss similar items… 

Except they’re less in-depth and offer only a general overview. 

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When creating a listicle…

The title must not be too clickbait-y, and the content must be unique. 

Crafting a compelling listicle is quite rewarding. Why? 

People love listicles. 

Plus, you can experiment with their purpose. 

Understand your audience and what they want to get from your content.

They can be: 

• Informative: “10 Tips When Using Tax Software” 
• Recommendations-focused: “11 Best Storage Solutions On Amazon”
• Instructional: “5 Ways To Create A Website For Free” 

Listicles also tend to go viral when they’re catchy and well-written…

So don’t sleep on this type of content. 

5. Email newsletters 

Emails aren’t just there for you to receive and delete. 

You can also start a newsletter and promote affiliate links within your emails.

Here’s an example:

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Engage your audience by: 

• Creating an educational email series about the features of a product
• Rounding up relevant content and promoting them via email 
• Adding affiliate links organically
• Directing them to blog posts with links

And always add value to every email you send.

Emails should also target specific audience interests…

These are done through tags and segmentation.

This can only be done with an affiliate marketing autoresponder.

6. Resource pages 

A resource page contains helpful links to useful tools and resources.

These can include: 

• Apps
• Products
• Services
• Media 
• Websites 

Think of it as a product roundup type of affiliate marketing content…

Except it lists resources that you use.

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These help your audience find all the best tools in one place by reading lengthy reviews.

This content type works best once you have a dedicated following that trusts your recommendations. 

The downside?

They don’t convert as well as other affiliate content types. 

So why still use resource pages? 

• It is a great way to catalog affiliate links 
• Attract website owners and entrepreneurs looking to have their links featured on your page. 
• Backlinking and SEO

Backlinks increase your domain authority and improve your ranking…

Which translates to: 

• Clicks 
• Conversions 
• Commissions 

Provided you do your SEO homework. 

That’s awesome value for you and your audience.   

7. Tutorials

Tutorials or how-to articles are perfect for promoting new and innovative products.

Engage your audience by showing how to use the product.

Maybe you’re promoting a new gadget… 

Or a piece of software that requires a bit of tinkering.

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Your goal? 

Positioning your affiliate products as the best solution when solving their problems.

How do you make a proper tutorial? 

• Be informative and practical.
• Make sure you don’t bore your audience with unnecessary details. 
• Include tips and tricks that other blogs or experts haven’t shared yet. 

If you succeed in making the product irresistible at this point…

That’s a guaranteed sale.

8. E-books

E-books are a powerful form of affiliate marketing content that serves multiple purposes.

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Not only do they establish you as an authority on a subject…

But they also act as effective lead magnets.

Here’s why:

• Depth of content: Unlike blog posts, e-books allow you to explore a topic in-depth. Think of it as an entire topic cluster in one document.
• Problem-solving: A well-crafted e-book addresses your audience’s specific problems, offering actionable solutions and tips.
• Lead generation: Offering an e-book as a freebie for using your affiliate link can boost conversions and grow your email list.
• Showcase expertise: Your personal experiences and problem-solving methods can be highlighted. This reinforces your credibility.

Creating an e-book doesn’t require you to be an expert on a topic…

It requires you to be knowledgeable enough to offer valuable insights.

The focus should be on delivering useful and relevant content to your audience.

9. Guest posts

Guest posting or guest blogging helps you establish yourself as an expert in your niche. 

You create valuable content for other blogs with an author byline. 

You get a backlink to your website…

Or get compensated for your blog. 

But the real benefit is the credibility you build (plus the website traffic).

Some websites will even let you include affiliate links to your blog. 

Here’s an example of a guest post I made on Buffer about my creator startup: 

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If you want to try your hand at guest blogging…

Start with a simple Google search.

Use relevant keywords to your affiliate marketing niche, plus words like “guest post” or “write for us.” 

Leverage platforms and online communities to engage bloggers and professionals. 

You can use guest blogger outreach tools such as: 

• Ninja Outreach
• BuzzStream
• Pitchbox

Try content aggregators such as AllTop or Feedly to discover popular blogs in your niche. 

The golden rule is simple…

Keep your guest posts informative. 

Now that you know what a good guest post looks like…

Make that pitch.

Here are some best practices to help you get started:

• Research the host site. Getting a good idea of the host’s readership and niche is important.
• Send a well-crafted email with an engaging subject line.
• Personalize your introduction. Address the recipient by name and build a solid rapport.
• Present clear and concise ideas that benefit both parties. 
• Showcase your expertise. Prove you’re a suitable contributor by mentioning your experience and credentials. 
• Show familiarity with the host’s guidelines. 
• Express a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute.
• Be polite. Whether it’s introducing yourself, pitching your ideas, or following up.

10. Gift guides

Who doesn’t love gifts? 

Gift guides are another affiliate marketing content type that leans hard on the searcher’s buying intent. 

Gift guides help readers find the perfect gift for an occasion.

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Compile gift recommendations that address an audience-specific need. 

Categorize the guide to make it easier to read and more straightforward.

You can segment it by:

• Occasion: Are the gifts for someone’s birthday? An anniversary? 
• Relationship: Is it for the readers’ partners or family members? 
• Budget: Are you recommending budget-friendly items or premium ones? 

And other such factors. 

Use your social media to promote the guide, mainly if you publish it near holiday dates…

That’s when people are searching for gift ideas. 

Highlight any amazing deals or special promotions and insert your affiliate link strategically. 

11. Interviews 

If you’re eager to expand your affiliate marketing and professional network… 

Do interviews. 

Interview relevant people or groups to your niche. 

They may be:

• Product creators 
• Company representatives 
• Satisfied customers 
• Professional marketers

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Performing interviews with such people adds more value to your content because: 

• The information comes from first-hand experience. 
• You fill the gaps in your knowledge. 
• You gain exposure to your interviewee’s network. 

And if that’s not enough… 

Interviews are great for repurposing content. 

We get our sources from anywhere credible on the internet… right?

So why not be the source by leveraging the expertise of others?

You can infuse other content types with facts and quotes from that interview.

An effective interview talks about the merits of your interviewee. 

It also asks questions about the product’s features while seamlessly mentioning your affiliate links. 

Interviews take a bit more collaborative effort to do…

But they can definitely bring a lot of value to your content.

12. Interactive content

Interactive content can be anything from quizzes and polls to interactive tools.

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And they’re perfect for engaging the audience and keeping their attention for longer periods. 

Remember those Buzzfeed quizzes with titles like: 

“Which Harry Potter Character Are You? Find Out With This Quiz!” 

Or something like that…

They generate a ton of engagement. 

They convert. Like crazy. 

And they’re great for sharing on social media channels. 

Plus, it’s easy to gain your audience’s trust when entertaining them. 

Remember to personalize interactive content for a more meaningful experience. 

Incorporate visuals and animations… Multimedia elements are a must.

And don’t forget to make the content useful for your audience. 

Provide incentives every time a user completes the quiz. 

These incentives can be e-books, newsletters, and other valuable materials.

13. Affiliate landing pages

Landing pages are specialized web pages designed for specific marketing campaigns.

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Unlike your website’s homepage…

These pages are laser-focused on promoting a single affiliate product or offer.

Users “land” on this page when they click on a link in your email or an ad.

And it’s where you present your actual offer (with the affiliate link). 

Think about them as a mini-website dedicated to the affiliate product. 

Affiliate landing pages are great for aligning your content with the prospect’s intent. 

Every person who “lands” on your landing page has a strong buying intent. 

Landing pages also help you analyze your audience’s behavior… 

You can even perform split testing so quickly on these pages.

Use your data and findings to refine your affiliate campaign and boost your EPC.

An effective landing page has:

• High conversion potential:
• Targeted messaging
• Data-driven insights
• Zero distractions

You can expect great results if your landing page has these qualities. 

14. Videos 

We all have our favorite YouTube channels. 

Or TikTok trends.

Video affiliate marketing content pieces are great because they are entertaining and quickly deliver information. 

Words are powerful, and podcasts are great. 

But videos are just more engaging. 

A staggering 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool.

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Videos have become a powerful tool for earning commissions in affiliate marketing.

They’re easy to consume…

and will always be popular. 

You can even outperform creators who only write.

The challenge would be to insert your affiliate product as seamlessly as possible. 

And make sure it’s not disruptive to your content… 

Don’t disrupt the natural flow of the video to promote your link. 

Be honest with your audience and tell them about your affiliation. 

If you’re doing a product review video… 

Assure viewers you’re giving honest feedback even if you get a commission for the purchases they make using your affiliate link. 

See: Affiliate Marketing Content FAQs for the legal context of affiliate marketing disclaimers

15. Webinars

Webinars are online seminars where you can interact with participants in a virtual classroom.

This affiliate marketing content type works well because it: 

• Offers educational value 
• Encourages interaction and engagement 
• Encourages networking and collaboration 
• Allows you to integrate affiliate links seamlessly

Webinars also generate a ton of leads. 

You can build a huge email list of people already interested in your content by asking them to sign up using their emails. 

And you’ll have a higher chance of promoting your affiliate product to them. 

Webinars are also highly reusable. Just record the webinar and repurpose it as on-demand content. 

Make sure you provide something new to your audience. Don’t regurgitate content they can easily find on other non-exclusive platforms. 

Invite well-known guests or collaborators in your niche to further boost the appeal of your webinar.

And add a strong ending CTA to encourage participants to take the next step…

Like purchasing a product or service through your affiliate link. 

16. Digital products

Digital products refer to any resource you provide in exchange for a click on your affiliate link.

These may include: 

• E-books and guides
• Online courses 
• Software and apps
• Membership promos 
• Exclusive photos or graphics
• Exclusive videos and audio clips
• Templates and themes
• Other products for digital downloads

The product must be truly relevant and useful for your audience. 

You can use offers and promotions to encourage your audience to check out these products. 

Here’s an example: 

Offering a 1-month free trial or discount is a great way to entice potential users to a subscription-based affiliate product.

17. Case studies 

Case studies take an in-depth look at a product or service’s benefits to customers. 

Their structure often goes something like this:  

Problem → Solution → Results 

Case studies discuss real-world pain points and solutions… that’s high-value content. 

Think of reviews you find in online shops. 

Case studies also share user problems, much like those reviews.

But how do they differ?

They present an in-depth account of how that product or service solved the problem…

Effectively building a success story for your promoted brand.

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Using case studies as affiliate marketing content may require thorough research into the customer’s story. 

But they’re great for social proof. 

So focus on the human element when creating case studies.

Talk about your affiliate product’s features… 

And benefits.

Features aren’t benefits. 

• Features describe capabilities.
• Benefits highlight outcomes.

Excellent case studies highlight the latter. 

18. Buyer’s guides 

Buyer’s guides are a mix of how-to articles and product reviews. 

You educate buyers about a product’s features and how to maximize them.

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Buyer’s guides are focused on a single task: educating the reader. 

They answer very specific pain points…

To convince people that they need your product. 

• Research your topic well when creating buyer’s guides. Become an expert on the subject if you can. 
• Cite numbers and industry data. 
• Recommend best practices. 

Remember: Your guide shouldn’t be overly promotional since the buyer intent is already strong. 

Just educate your audience on the product, and the affiliate clicks will come. 

19. Social media posts

Social media posts are the bread and butter of many affiliates and digital content creators. 

And that’s for a good reason. 

Social media platforms offer free and easy access to a diverse audience. 

Plus, you can leverage a variety of media like: 

• Images 
• Videos 
• Music
• Audio clips
• GIFs 

And you don’t even need multiple platforms. 

You have to find your target audience and zero in on their platforms. 

Here’s a great example: 

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This makes X affiliate marketing a highly viable source of income. 

You might also want to consider X (formerly Twitter) because: 

• It offers real-time engagement 
• It hosts diverse content formats 
• It encourages brevity and simplicity 
• It’s conducive to direct interactions 
• It provides virality 

Ensure also to read each platform’s rules on affiliates. 

What works on X may not work on the rest.

20. Curations

Curations are just like product roundups…

Except they feel more personal and specific to a particular niche.

Curations are great if you love providing insights and commentary about your affiliate products. 

They also add diversity to your content strategy since you can offer educational and engaging content instead of simply promoting products. 

A great example would be Amazon’s Idea List feature for storefront owners.

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Choose a niche where you showcase your expertise. 

Pay attention to the structure of your content…

No product should feel forced or out of place. 

And always disclose affiliate relationships. Informing your audience of the affiliation builds trust if you’re going for a more personal approach.

21. Deals and coupons 

Discount coupons and deals are a great way to entice an audience to buy a particular product. 

These can come in the form of:

• Vouchers
• Redemption codes
• Discount links

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And if you’re doubting their impact on your affiliate marketing content strategy…

Just look at the numbers: 

Around 83% of shoppers report that coupons drive changes in their purchasing behavior. 

Deals and coupons are game-changers. 

The same report from Inmar shows that a huge percentage of buyers purchase sooner with a voucher. 

It also shows that 39% of buyers buy from a brand because of a coupon…

Even if they don’t usually buy from that brand. 

Ensure the deals and coupons are relevant to your customers’ purchasing habits if you want to use them effectively. 

Loyalty coupons are highly effective if you’re partnering with a well-known brand. 

Be consistent. Provide new offers and rates regularly. 

Make your audience want more (for less).

22. Seasonal content 

Seasonal content is specific to holidays and certain times of the year.

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This type of content is great because of its relevance. 

You already know what people are actively searching for…

All you have to do is give it to them. 

Plus, the demand is sky-high for certain products. 

Seasonal content is also easy to share. 

Everyone wants recommendations this time of the year…

So people love sharing their best buys and content they find useful.

Always check your calendar when creating seasonal content.

Use engaging visuals and insert your affiliate links seamlessly. 

Seasons and trends change, so seasonal content needs a yearly refresh. 

Keep everything current… Check your old content and update it to match this year’s trend.

Why is affiliate marketing content important? 

Affiliate marketing content is a crucial element of a successful affiliate campaign. 

It’s your main conversion driver and helps you secure affiliate partners. 

It also completes the affiliate marketing funnel. 

An affiliate marketing funnel increases conversion rates through customized messaging at different stages of the buyer’s journey: 

1. Awareness 
2. Interest 
3. Consideration 
4. Conversion 
5. Loyalty 

Good affiliate marketing content moves your audience through the five awareness levels: 

• Unaware: Your customer is unaware of their need or problem. You must educate them.
• Problem aware: Your customer knows the problem but doesn’t know the solutions available. You must outline the problem in detail and hint at possible solutions. 
• Solution aware: Your customer knows the solutions available but hasn’t chosen one. You should compare solutions and guide the client toward an affiliate product or service using roundups.
• Product aware: Your customer knows about the product or service but isn’t sure if it’s right for them. Focus on the benefits and features of the product or service through an individual review.
• Most aware: Your customer knows about your product and likes it but hasn’t decided on buying it. Remove final objections by using a case study.

Every stage requires a specific type of affiliate content.

Serve the wrong one, and you won’t be able to convert them into customers.

Affiliate marketing content (FAQs)

To sum up 

So there you have it…

To maximize your earnings…

Diversify your affiliate content strategy across these 22 types, from product reviews to seasonal content.

Each type serves a unique purpose and targets different stages of the buyer’s journey.

Prioritize authenticity and value to build trust and drive conversions.

Experiment, analyze, and refine your approach for optimal results.

Remember, consistency and patience are key to long-term success as an affiliate marketer.