Affiliate marketing is becoming an increasingly popular way for everyday people to earn money online—no fancy equipment or tech background is required.
In New Zealand, interest in this field keeps growing. More Kiwis are going digital, curious about how to generate extra income without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job.
This guide is here to help you understand affiliate marketing in a clear, down-to-earth way.
We’ll break down what it actually is, how the local scene looks, and walk you through practical steps to get started confidently.
What Is Affiliate Marketing, Really?
Think of affiliate marketing as a modern version of word-of-mouth advertising—only with a commission.
You recommend someone else’s product or service (through a blog, YouTube video, or social media), and when someone makes a purchase through your special link, you earn a reward.
It’s a win-win: businesses get more exposure, and you earn for helping promote their products.
Example:
If you write a review about outdoor gear on your blog and include a link to a product from Torpedo7, you’ll earn a commission each time someone makes a purchase through that link.
Why Is Affiliate Marketing Attractive in New Zealand?
Several reasons make NZ a great place to dive into affiliate marketing:
- High Internet Usage: Most New Zealanders are active on social media and online platforms.
- Digital-Native Lifestyle: Younger generations trust online content and reviews.
- Growing E-Commerce Scene: Local stores like Mighty Ape and Torpedo7 offer affiliate programs.
- Global Reach: You can promote international products via platforms like Amazon, ClickBank, or Rakuten.
How Affiliate Marketing Works (Step-by-Step)
- Sign Up – Join an affiliate program or network (e.g., Amazon Associates, ClickBank, ShareASale).
- Get Your Link – You’ll receive a unique, trackable affiliate link.
- Promote – Share the link via blog posts, videos, social media, or newsletters.
- Earn – When someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.
How to Get Started: A Beginner-Friendly Path
1. Pick a Niche
Choose a specific topic you enjoy and that has market potential. Popular niches include:
- Travel & Outdoor
- Tech & Gadgets
- Fashion & Beauty
- Parenting
- Personal Finance
2. Build Your Platform
Decide where you’ll create content:
- Blog/Website – Great for SEO and long-form articles.
- YouTube – Best for tutorials, reviews, and storytelling.
- Instagram/TikTok – Ideal for visual and fast-paced content.
3. Create Honest, Useful Content
Good content builds trust. Consider creating:
- Product reviews
- Comparisons
- How-to guides
- “Top 10” recommendations
4. Join Affiliate Programs
Pick programs that fit your audience and offer fair terms. Trustworthiness matters.
5. Promote Consistently
Use SEO, social media, email newsletters, and videos to grow your reach.
6. Track and Improve
Use tools like:
- Google Analytics
- Pretty Links (WordPress)
- Bitly
- Built-in dashboards from affiliate programs
Ethics & Best Practices
- Always Be Transparent
Disclose affiliate links clearly, e.g., “This article contains affiliate links.”
- Promote What You Believe In
Only recommend products you trust and would use yourself.
- Build Real Trust
People buy from people they trust. Focus on helping, not just selling.
- Know the Rules
Affiliate earnings in NZ are taxable. Make sure to report your income to the IRD.
Challenges You Might Face
- Competition in saturated niches
- Learning curves with digital marketing
- Platform algorithm changes
- Affiliate program terms that may shift over time
Take That First Step
Affiliate marketing in New Zealand holds genuine potential. With proper planning, the right tools, and a willingness to learn, anyone can turn it into a reliable income source.
You don’t need to be a tech expert or social media star. Just focus on what you know, speak to your audience sincerely, and keep growing.
Start small. Master one channel. Focus on building trust. Because online, trust isn’t just helpful it’s everything.
Thinking about getting started? Now is the perfect time. Your digital journey awaits.
Want to Build a Strong Brand for Your Affiliate Journey?
You’ve found your niche, you’re creating content consistently, and you’ve started sharing affiliate links. But… why isn’t it converting? The issue might not be the product—it could be how you present your brand.
A solid brand builds trust and makes people more likely to engage. That’s where Brandcrafter comes in.
We’ve helped creators, bloggers, and small business owners across New Zealand look more professional and consistent through branding, tone of voice, logo design, and visual identity across social media.
