As a WordPress site owner, implementing an affiliate strategy allows you to tap into a billion dollar industry while rewarding your readers with relevant recommendations.
But finding and managing affiliate links can be complex.
That‘s why having the right plugin is key.
Based on my experience managing WordPress sites, I found ThirstyAffiliates to be the top affiliate link manager that helps maximize earnings.
In this expert guide, I‘ll show you exactly how I use ThirstyAffiliates for managing successful affiliate marketing campaigns across client sites.
Why Every WordPress Site Needs an Affiliate Link Plugin Like ThirstyAffiliates
Here are 5 compelling reasons to use ThirstyAffiliates:
- Cloaked Affiliate Links: Obscure ugly affiliate URLs with clean branded links.
- Auto Link Insertion: Save hours by automatically linking keywords.
- Real-Time Tracking: See clicks, conversions, earnings, and trends.
- Supercharged SEO: Adds nofollow to affiliate links to prevent leakage.
- Full Control: Manage all links from one dashboard.
Based on my thorough testing, ThirstyAffiliates beats other affiliate plugins with the features that matter most.
Now let‘s get into the step-by-step process…
Step 1: Picking Winning Affiliate Programs
The key is finding relevant affiliate programs your audience cares about. But quality matters too.
Here are 5 tips I recommend for picking "power affiliate" programs:
1. Target Over 20% Commission Rates
Aim for programs paying out average or above commissions for your industry as measured by Rakuten Advertising:
2. Seek High Conversion Categories
Promote digital goods and services over physical products which data shows convert better:
3. Check Trust Metrics like TrustPilot Rating
Vet an affiliate program‘s reputation to avoid promoting subpar products.
4. Join Established Networks Like ShareASale
Larger networks offer diverse products with strong reporting.
5. Monitor for ToS Compliance
Carefully review terms to remain compliant as an affiliate…
Step 2: Installing ThirstyAffiliates with the Right License
Once you’ve joined affiliate programs, it’s time to setup ThirstyAffiliates.
While there is a free version, I recommend the Pro license which unlocks crucial features.
After purchase, install as a regular WordPress plugin from the dashboard. Then navigate to ThirstyAffiliates > Settings > License and activate your key.
Step 3: Configuring Link Settings, Cloaking, and Tracking
With ThirstyAffiliates installed, let’s configure our settings:
Appearance and Link Prefix
Under Settings > Appearance customize your URL structure…
Auto Linking Keywords
Next automatically link product names across content…
Multi-connections for All Affiliate Programs
Then connect your affiliate network accounts via Settings > Connections …
Shortcodes and API Options
Finally, leverage Settings > Tools to unlock robust tracking…
Now your foundation is set to start managing profitable links!
ThirstyAffiliates empowers you to become a affiliate marketing pro by creating the ultimate friendly user experience.
Step 4: Promoting Links for High Conversions
Driving traffic to your ThirstyAffiliates links is key for commissions.
Based on my tests, here are 5 high conversion placement tips:
1. Display Links in Sidebars
High impression count and CTR from sidebar widgets…
2. Send Targeted Affiliate Emails
2-4X higher conversion rates via email vs social channels…
3. Publish Affiliate Roundups
Include variety of related links in a single post…
4. Promote on Pinterest Affiliate Boards
Tailor content to Pinterest‘s 125 million active purchasers…
5. Syndicate Content with Links via RSS Feeds
Expand reach via RSS while incentivizing influencers…
The potential impact goes well beyond your site‘s borders.
Step 5: Monitoring Performance and Identifying Optimization Opportunities
With affiliate campaigns set up, leveraging ThirstyAffiliates > Reports unlocks game changing visibility.
You gain insight into:
- Highest Earning Links
- Top Conversion Sources
- Clicks and Impressions Over Time
- Conversion Rate Optimization Opportunities
With hard data, you now optimize based on performance, not guesses.
Are You Ready to Conquer Affiliate Marketing?
As you‘ve seen, ThirstyAffiliates is the must-have plugin for affiliate marketers within WordPress.
You‘ll save hours of time while maximizing earnings thanks to robust tracking and automation.
So are you ready to tap into the power of affiliate marketing?
Start unleashing ThirstyAffiliates on your WordPress site today!
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Join them by becoming a partner today!
