Digital Marketing vs. Affiliate Marketing: Key Differences for Business Owners
Digital marketing and affiliate marketing are two popular online strategies, but they work quite differently.
Digital marketing is like being the captain of your own ship. You’re in charge of promoting your products or services across various online channels. You call the shots on your campaigns and brand image.
Affiliate marketing? It’s more like being a salesperson for someone else’s products. You’re promoting other businesses’ stuff and earning a commission when you make a sale.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
You’re the boss of your campaigns | You rely on other businesses |
Uses many channels (SEO, ads, social media, email) | Mainly uses affiliate websites and social media |
Costs more upfront | Cheaper to start, pay for results |
Needs a wide range of skills | Focuses on networking and relationships |
Makes money in various ways | Earns commissions on sales or leads |
Take HubSpot, for example. They use digital marketing to create and promote their own content, software, and services across multiple channels.
Now, look at Amazon’s Associate program. Bloggers and influencers promote Amazon products and get a slice of the sales. That’s affiliate marketing in action.
So, which one’s better? It depends on your goals, budget, and skills. Many businesses use both to cover all their bases.
Here’s a quick comparison of the various contrasting aspects from each:
Aspect | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Control | Full control over campaigns | Limited control, relies on partners |
Costs | Higher upfront, ongoing expenses | Lower initial costs, pay for results |
Skills Needed | SEO, content creation, analytics | Networking, relationship building |
Reach | Broad audience targeting | Niche-focused through influencers |
Income | Various (ads, direct sales, etc.) | Commission-based on affiliate sales |
Many businesses use both to maximize their online presence and sales. Your choice depends on your goals, budget, and resources.
In this article breaks down the key differences, costs, and strategies to help you decide which approach is best for your business.
Affiliate Marketing Vs Digital Marketing (The Differences)
Basic Concepts
Digital marketing and affiliate marketing are different beasts. Let’s break them down so you can figure out which one’s right for your business.
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is the whole shebang of online promotion. It’s about getting your brand out there in the digital world. Here’s what it includes:
- SEO: Making your site pop up in Google searches
- PPC: Paying for ads on platforms like Google
- Social media: Chatting with customers on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Content marketing: Creating stuff people want to read or watch
- Email marketing: Sliding into your customers’ inboxes (with permission)
With digital marketing, you’re the boss. You control your message and talk directly to your customers.
How Affiliate Marketing Works
Affiliate marketing is all about teamwork, in essence. You partner up with others to sell your stuff. Here’s how it generally goes:
- You set up an affiliate program
- People sign up and get special links
- They promote your products on their blogs, social media, wherever
- When someone buys through their link, they get a cut
Think along the lines of Amazon’s affiliate program; bloggers can make money by recommending any Amazon product – simple as that.
Check out this recent post on our blog about how affiliate marketing for fashion brands helps the fashion industry stay ahead of the game.
What’s New In These Marketing Spheres?
The marketing world keeps changing. Here’s what’s hot:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Voice search optimization | Micro and nano affiliates on the rise |
AI and machine learning | Influencer marketing partnerships |
Video marketing dominance | Better affiliate management tools |
Further Reading: Influencer Marketing vs. Affiliate Marketing: Which Is Right for Your Brand?
Business Model Differences
Here’s where things get interesting:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
You spend money upfront | You pay only when you make a sale |
You’re in control | Your affiliates do the promoting |
Builds your brand | Focuses on making sales |
You need a bunch of skills | You need a network of partners |
Digital marketing is like building your own store. It costs more to start, but you call all the shots. Affiliate marketing is like hiring a bunch of salespeople who only get paid when they make a sale.
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Digital marketing is about creating a robust online presence for your brand, while affiliate marketing leverages others’ audiences to drive sales. Both have their place in a comprehensive marketing strategy.
In other words, you might want to use both. Digital marketing to build your brand, and affiliate marketing to boost sales. It’s not one-size-fits-all – you’ve got to figure out what works for your business.
Main Differences
Digital marketing and affiliate marketing have some key differences. Let’s break them down:
Who Controls What
In digital marketing, you’re in charge. You decide:
- Your message
- Which channels to use
- How to present your brand
For example, with Google Ads, you pick the keywords, write the ad copy, and design the landing pages.
Affiliate marketing? You share control. You set the rules, but your affiliates choose:
- How to promote your products
- Which audience to target
- What content to create
Take Amazon’s affiliate program. Affiliates can promote any Amazon product, but can’t use certain tactics like email marketing.
How Money is Made
These approaches make money differently:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Various pricing models (PPC, CPM) | Commission-based |
Pay for exposure | Pay for results |
Income from direct sales | Income from affiliate-driven sales |
Potential for brand deals | Passive income potential |
With digital marketing, you might pay $2 per click on a Google Ad, hoping for a sale. In affiliate marketing, you only pay when a sale happens.
Skills and Tools Needed
Each type of marketing requires different skills and tools:
Digital Marketing:
- SEO know-how
- Content creation
- Data analysis
- Social media skills
- Email marketing expertise
Affiliate Marketing:
- Relationship building
- Networking
- Persuasive writing
- Performance tracking
- Affiliate program management
Digital marketers often use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush. Affiliate marketers use platforms like ShareASale or custom tracking software.
Risks and Costs
Both have their own risks and costs:
Digital Marketing:
- Higher upfront costs
- Risk of wasted budget
- Possible negative brand exposure
Affiliate Marketing:
- Lower upfront costs
- Risk of brand misrepresentation
- Potential for fraud
For example, a small business might spend $5,000 on Facebook ads with no guaranteed return. With affiliate marketing, they might pay $5,000 in commissions after $50,000 in sales.
Measuring Success
Both track results, but with different metrics:
Metric | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Traffic | Website visits, page views | Affiliate link clicks |
Engagement | Time on site, bounce rate | Conversion rate |
Conversions | Lead form submissions, sales | Sales through affiliate links |
ROI | (Revenue – Cost) / Cost | (Affiliate Sales – Commissions) / Commissions |
Quick Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of the main differences:
Aspect | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Control | Full control | Limited control |
Income Model | Various (PPC, CPM, direct sales) | Commission-based |
Key Skills | SEO, content creation, analysis | Relationship building, copywriting |
Main Costs | Ad spend, content production | Commissions, affiliate software |
Primary Metrics | Traffic, engagement, direct sales | Affiliate sales, conversion rates |
Relationship Focus | Business to customer | Business to affiliate to customer |
“The most successful online businesses don’t choose between digital marketing and affiliate marketing – they leverage both to create a comprehensive strategy that maximizes reach and conversions.” – Neil Patel, digital marketing expert
Often, the best approach combines both digital and affiliate marketing.
Money Matters
Let’s talk cash. Digital marketing and affiliate marketing have different costs and returns. Here’s the typical breakdown:
Starting Costs
Digital marketing? More upfront cash needed. Affiliate marketing? Less needed to start.
Expense | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Website | $200 – $1,000 | $200 – $1,000 |
Software | $100 – $500/month | $0 – $700 (lifetime) |
Content Creation | $500 – $5,000/month | $0 – $500 |
Advertising | $500 – $10,000/month | $0 – $100/day |
Digital marketing needs at least $1,300 to kick off, plus ongoing costs (but this number can vary wildly depending on the size of your company and the scope of your campaigns). Affiliate marketing? This can be as low as $0-$200 to start with, with room to grow.
Monthly Expenses
Digital marketing keeps on costing, whereas affiliate marketing is mostly pay-as-you-go.
Digital Marketing:
- Content creation: $500 – $5,000
- Ad spend: $500 – $10,000
- Tools and software: $100 – $500
- Team salaries (if needed): $4,000 – $20,000+
Affiliate Marketing:
- Commission payouts: 5% – 30% of sales
- Affiliate software: $0 – $300
- Content updates: $0 – $500
Expected Returns
Results vary. A lot!
Digital Marketing:
- ROI: 5% to 200%
- Example: Spend $10,000/month, get $20,000 – $30,000 back in new revenue
Affiliate Marketing:
- ROI often higher (you only pay for results)
- Example: $10,000 in affiliate sales, $2,000 in commissions (20% rate)
“Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine, but you need solid affiliates and smart commission rates.” – Pat Flynn, Smart Passive Income
Growth Options
Both can scale, but differently:
Digital Marketing:
- Add new channels (like YouTube)
- Pump more cash into winning campaigns
- Hire experts for SEO, PPC, content
Affiliate Marketing:
- Get more affiliates
- Boost commissions for top performers
- Branch into new products or markets
Cost vs. Income
Here’s a 6-month snapshot for a small business:
Metric | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Initial Investment | $5,000 | $1,000 |
Monthly Spend | $3,000 | $500 + Commissions |
Total 6-Month Cost | $23,000 | $4,000 + Commissions |
Potential 6-Month Revenue | $50,000 – $100,000 | $30,000 – $80,000 |
Profit Range | $27,000 – $77,000 | $18,000 – $60,000 |
These numbers? Just examples. Your mileage may vary.
“Affiliate marketing is pay-for-performance. You’re buying results, which can mean steadier ROI.” – Neil Patel, Digital Marketing Expert
Choosing between digital and affiliate marketing? Think about your budget, risk comfort, and long-term goals. Many businesses use both to max out their online game and sales.
Making the Right Choice
Picking between digital marketing and affiliate marketing isn’t easy. Let’s break it down.
Fits Your Business?
Think about what your business needs:
Business Type | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
E-commerce | ✓ Builds brand ✓ Direct sales | ✓ Quick sales boost ✓ Reaches more people |
SaaS | ✓ Gets leads ✓ Educates customers | ✓ Grows based on results ✓ Costs less upfront |
Local Service | ✓ Local SEO ✓ Community focus | ✗ Not great for local reach ✗ Less message control |
A local plumber? Digital marketing might work better. Think local SEO and Google My Business. Running a dropshipping biz? Affiliate marketing could help you grow fast without spending big.
What You Have Now
Look at what you’ve got:
- Money: Digital marketing often costs more upfront. Short on cash? Maybe start with affiliate marketing.
- People: Got marketing pros on your team? If not, affiliate marketing might be easier to handle at first.
- Time: Digital marketing needs constant attention. Affiliate programs? Set ’em up and they mostly run themselves.
Market Standing
Where you stand matters:
- New kid on the block: Affiliate marketing lets you tap into influencers’ audiences.
- Been around the block: Digital marketing lets you use your brand power and control your message.
Got a strong brand? Digital marketing gives you more control. Want to grow fast in new markets? Affiliate marketing can do that with less risk.
Future Plans
Think about where you’re headed:
- Want to grow fast: Affiliate marketing can help you reach new people quickly.
- Want to build a lasting brand: Digital marketing gives you more say over your story.
Choice Guide
Use this to help you decide:
If You Want To… | Go With |
Get your name out there | Digital Marketing |
Make sales fast | Affiliate Marketing |
Control what people hear about you | Digital Marketing |
Spend less upfront | Affiliate Marketing |
Reach specific groups | Affiliate Marketing |
Show up higher in searches | Digital Marketing |
Here’s the thing: many businesses use both. You can use digital marketing to build your brand and rank in searches. But you also have an affiliate program that pays $$$ for each new customer. A smart approach, right?
Start with what works best for you now. Then, as you grow, keep checking if your marketing mix still fits your goals.
Getting Started
Want to jump into digital or affiliate marketing? Here’s what you need to know:
Tech Setup
Both need some tech tools, but they’re a bit different:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Website builder | Website or blog |
SEO tools | Affiliate network access |
Email marketing software | Link tracking software |
Social media tools | Content management system |
Analytics platform | Payment processing system |
Digital marketing needs a solid website and tools for different channels. Affiliate marketing can start with just a basic site and access to affiliate programs.
Building Your Team
Your team size depends on your approach:
Digital Marketing Team:
- Content writer
- SEO specialist
- Social media manager
- PPC expert
- Data analyst
Affiliate Marketing Team:
- Content creator
- Affiliate manager
- Web developer (part-time)
Affiliate marketing often needs a smaller team to start.
Time Required
Time investment is different for each:
Digital Marketing:
- Setup: 1-3 months for website and initial strategy
- Ongoing: 20-40 hours per week for content, campaigns, and analysis
Affiliate Marketing:
- Setup: 2-4 weeks for website and joining programs
- Ongoing: 10-20 hours per week for content and relationships
“Digital marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to build a strong online presence, but the long-term benefits are worth it.” – Neil Patel, digital marketing expert
Training Needs
Both need specific skills:
Digital Marketing Skills:
- SEO techniques
- Content marketing strategies
- Social media management
- Data analysis
- Paid advertising
Affiliate Marketing Skills:
- Persuasive writing
- Relationship building
- Product research
- Performance tracking
- Conversion optimization
For digital marketing, check out HubSpot Academy or Google Digital Garage. For affiliate marketing, check out this free course.
Setup Checklist
Use this to make sure you’re ready:
Task | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Create website | ✓ | ✓ |
Set up analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
Choose marketing channels | ✓ | – |
Join affiliate networks | – | ✓ |
Develop content strategy | ✓ | ✓ |
Set up email list | ✓ | Optional |
Install tracking tools | ✓ | ✓ |
Create social media profiles | ✓ | Optional |
Start with the basics and build from there. Sean Ogle, Founder of Location Rebel, says: “Start with one product and one platform. Master that before expanding. It’s better to do one thing well than many things poorly.”
No matter which you choose, the key is to start. Begin small, learn as you go, and be ready to change your strategy as you gain experience.
My Take on Digital Marketing vs Affiliate Marketing
In a nutshell, digital marketing builds your brand’s online presence. Affiliate marketing uses others’ audiences to drive sales; but both fit into a solid marketing plan.
I’m bullish on affiliate marketing as it can be very, very powerful, and can be very, very effective.
I view affiliate marketing as a form of influencer marketing, tapping into affiliates’ social networks.
Winning Strategies
Experts agree: success in both fields needs a smart approach.
For digital marketing:
- Set clear, measurable goals
- Pick the right channels
- Create engaging, SEO-friendly content
- Use analytics to track progress
For affiliate marketing:
- Join reputable programs
- Build strong brand relationships
- Write persuasive copy
- Know your customer’s lifetime value
Avoid These Mistakes
Don’t fall into these common traps:
Digital Marketing No-Nos | Affiliate Marketing Blunders |
Ignoring mobile users | Promoting too many products |
Skipping data analysis | Not disclosing affiliate links |
Mixed brand messages | Relying only on affiliate links |
Forgetting about email | Not knowing products well |
Expert Tips at a Glance
Quick advice through my expert tips:
Tip | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
1 | Use multiple channels | Focus on niches |
2 | Invest in content | Build real brand relationships |
3 | Optimize for voice search | Work with micro-influencers |
4 | Use AI for personalization | Know your audience |
5 | Make more videos | Give honest product reviews |
Wrap-Up
Let’s recap the main differences between digital marketing and affiliate marketing to help you choose the right strategy for your business.
Key Differences
Control and Flexibility
Digital marketing gives you full control over your campaigns. Affiliate marketing? Not so much. It relies on partners to promote your products.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Aspect | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Control | You’re the boss | Partners call some shots |
Flexibility | Change course anytime | Depends on affiliate performance |
Branding | Build your brand directly | Risk of brand misrepresentation |
Cost Structure
These two approaches hit your wallet differently:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Higher upfront costs | Lower initial investment |
Ongoing expenses | Pay only for results |
Potential ad spend waste | Commissions on actual sales |
Skill Requirements
Each strategy needs different skills:
Digital marketing: SEO, content creation, data analysis, platform know-how. Affiliate marketing: Relationship building, networking, understanding affiliate networks.
Reach and Targeting
Digital marketing casts a wide net. Affiliate marketing? It’s more niche-focused through trusted influencers.
Measuring Success
Different metrics for different strategies:
Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketing |
Website traffic | Affiliate link clicks |
Engagement rates | Conversion rates |
Brand awareness | Sales via affiliate links |
ROI across channels | Commission payouts |
Making Your Choice
Think about your goals, resources, and target audience. Many businesses use both strategies to maximize their online presence and sales.
The digital world keeps changing. Stay informed about trends and be ready to adapt. Success in both digital and affiliate marketing comes down to knowing your audience, creating valuable content, and tweaking your approach based on data.