Laid Off? Replace Your Income with Brand Partnerships

Getting laid off can feel like the rug has been pulled from under you, but here's some good news: affiliate marketing can help you bounce back by turning your digital presence into a revenue stream. Let’s dive into how you can start replacing your income by promoting brands that align with your interests through affiliate partnerships.

Affiliate Network vs. Affiliate Program: What’s the Difference?

Think of an affiliate network as the matchmaking middleman. It brings together various brands and pairs them with affiliate marketers. You sign up with one network, like AWIN, CJ Affiliate, or ShareASale, and suddenly you have access to dozens of brands that need affiliates to spread the word.

Tik Tok Shop & Amazon are also not to be ignored. 

TikTok Shop: TikTok Shop offers creators the chance to showcase and sell products directly through the platform, blending entertainment with commerce. With its massive, engaged user base and viral potential, it’s a great way to promote trending products and earn commissions, especially for creators who excel at short-form video content.

Amazon Affiliates: Amazon Associates is one of the most trusted and beginner-friendly affiliate programs. With an enormous selection of products across every category, it allows affiliates to earn commissions on any product purchased through their referral link, even if it’s not the exact item they promoted. Perfect for those looking to tap into Amazon’s global reach and household name.

On the flip side, an affiliate program is more of a direct connection with the brand. The brand itself manages its affiliate efforts, either through software like ReferralCandy or Refersion or by hiring a dedicated affiliate manager. By running their own program, brands can skip paying fees to a network middleman, giving them more control. And that’s where you, the affiliate, can benefit from higher commissions or more tailored support!

What Makes a Good Affiliate Marketing Program in 2025?

If you're looking to make affiliate marketing your new income stream, here's what you need to look for in a solid program:

• High Commission Rates & Transparent Payments: You’re not just working for pennies. Programs like HubSpot and Elementor offer tiered commission structures, rewarding you with more income as you bring in more customers. Make sure the program you choose is clear about how and when you get paid.

• Long Cookie Duration: Ever wonder how long you’ll get credit for a referral? Some programs offer short windows, but a great affiliate program has longer cookie durations. For example, Capitalist Exploits offers a 365-day cookie, so you’ll still earn a commission even if the sale happens months after your referral.

• Top-Notch Support & Resources: You don’t want to be left hanging. Look for programs with stellar support, like AWeber and Shopify, which offer creative libraries, dedicated affiliate managers, and tracking tools so you know exactly how your referrals are performing.

• Strong Brand Reputation & Product Quality: Promoting a product you don’t believe in is a fast way to lose trust with your audience. Stick with brands like Amazon Associates or Skyscanner, whose solid reputations make it easier for you to convert clicks into commissions.

• Flexibility in Promotional Methods: Are you a TikTok fanatic or more of an email newsletter pro? Either way, the best affiliate programs let you leverage multiple channels—whether it’s social media, blogs, or even podcasts. Programs that embrace flexibility, like those that allow promotion across Instagram and email, can dramatically boost your earning potential.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to choosing affiliate programs that align with your personal brand and financial goals.

How to Find the Best Affiliate Offers

Now that you know what makes a good affiliate program, the next step is finding offers that not only suit your audience but also your earning potential. Here are the best places to start:

• Affiliate Networks: Dive into massive affiliate networks like ShareASale or CJ Affiliate. These platforms offer a buffet of brands to choose from, plus they come with handy tracking tools. ShareASale, in particular, spans across countless industries, making it a great option for diverse niches.

• Digital Product Platforms: If you're more interested in promoting courses or software, ClickBank is a digital marketer’s dream, offering higher-than-average commissions. JVZoo and WarriorPlus also shine in this category, specifically for those focusing on internet marketing products.

• Direct Company Programs: Don't forget that many brands run their own affiliate programs. A quick search for “affiliate program” paired with your favorite brand can lead you to exclusive opportunities.

• Affiliate Directories & Marketplaces: Websites like AffiliatePrograms.com and OfferVault are treasure troves of affiliate offers. Here, you can easily compare different programs and find the best deals.

• Social Media & Forums: Reddit’s r/Affiliatemarketing community, along with other online marketing forums, often host lively discussions on the latest affiliate programs. Fellow marketers share their experiences and tips, making it a goldmine for anyone just starting out.

Whether you're a TikTok star or a blog-writing pro, the world of affiliate marketing offers something for everyone. By choosing the right networks and programs and understanding how to tap into your audience’s needs, you'll be well on your way to replacing your lost income—maybe even with a boost!