Affiliate marketing has become a powerhouse in the digital space, growing from $5.4B in 2017 to $8.2B in 2022. Its success lies in the unique dynamic between affiliate marketers and their audiences—audiences trust the affiliate and are already primed to convert, while the marketer has a clear incentive to drive results. Beyond direct conversions, affiliate partnerships also support long-term strategies like SEO through backlinks and brand visibility.
For small businesses especially, affiliate marketing offers scalable promotion, social proof, and strong ROI with minimal upfront cost. Affiliates bring their own skill sets and networks to the table, acting as effective brand advocates.
With 16% of U.S. online orders now coming from affiliate channels, and 31% of web publishers ranking it among their top income sources, the model clearly works. It’s low-cost, high-reward, and targeted—exactly what modern businesses need to grow.
If you’re still unsure whether it’s the right move for your brand, I’d be happy to walk you through how it can work in your space. Just reach out through the contact form.
Further Reading:
Forbes: Affiliate Partnerships: Why You Should Consider Them And How To Get Started
Takeaways:
- Affiliate Marketing is a growing industruy (Up to 8.2B in 2022 from 5.4B in 2017)
- Affiliate marketers and their audience have a shared connection with the project: The audience generally wants the product, and the marketer has a vested interest in the audience converting.
- Use Affiliate Marketing Relationships to promote SEO through the use of backlinking, etc.
Business.com: Affiliate Marketing Benefits for Small Businesses
Takeaways:
- Affiliate Marketing defined: Affiliate Marketers are paid based on conversion
- Affiliate marketers act as brand advocates and make money by converting interested buyers
- Pros of Affiliate Marketing:
- Enhanced promotion of product
- Lends social credibility to brand
- Is scalable
- Strong return on Investment
- Leverage unique skillsets of Affiliate Marketer
Impact: What Is Affiliate Marketing? (+6 Benefits of the Model)
Takeaways:
- Affiliate marketing is low cost, low maintenance and has a high ROI
- 31% of web publishers say affiliate marketing is a top revenue source
- 16% of all US internet orders come from affiliate marketing
- Affiliate marketing involves targeted traffic, with a tailored approach to a specific audience who are willing and already interested in buying your product.
Lemlist: 6 Major Benefits of Affiliate Marketing in 2025
WordStream: 6 Reasons to Start an Affiliate Marketing Program for Your Small Business
LiveChat Partners: Affiliate Marketing: The Ultimate List of Pros and Cons
UpPromote: Advantages of Affiliate Marketing for Brands (+Success Stories)
Expedia Group: Understanding the Benefits of Affiliate Marketing
Forbes: Affiliate Marketing For Small Business: Pass Or Play?
SliceWP: 20 Benefits of Affiliate Marketing (For Businesses)
Tapfiliate: The Complete Guide to the Benefits of Affiliate Marketing