How to Become a Craft and Hobby Affiliate!

If you've ever thought about taking your love of arts and crafts to the next level and wonder what an affiliate is or does, then stay with me.  I'm going to be covering some basics about how to become an affiliate and what that entails.  Although affiliates come from many other skill sets and industries, my primary focus will be on the craft and hobby industry, as that is where my personal experience lies.  I am by no means an expert, but am happy to share what I do know, in the hopes that you can make that choice for yourself and decide if this is something that would be a good fit for you.

(FTC Disclosure: as an affiliate for various companies in the craft industry, I will receive a small commission for purchases made through my convenient affiliate links, at no additional cost to you.)

So, what is an affiliate? They come from all walks of life. If you have any interaction with social media, whether it be a company site or a craft group on Facebook, then you've probably interacted with an affiliate. An affiliate is someone who has an affiliation or relationship with a company, to sell and promote their products.  It might be a DIY blogger, a design team member or an avid fan of the product.

Not all companies have an affiliate program. Some reserve that right specifically for their design team.  However, many do. The programs vary, as do the requirements to become an affiliate. The burning question is, "How do I get started?".  

Keep in mind, most companies are looking for someone who has an active presence on social media. It never hurts to be a fan and user of the product but you will need to have a plan on how you're going to promote the product for the company, in order to be accepted as an affiliate.

There are so many different affiliate programs with different requirements. One site, that houses multiple companies under it's roof, is Shareasale.com.  I'm an affiliate for Shareasale and it's a wonderful program. You'll find so many articles and information for new affiliates on their blog.  In fact, if you sign up as an affiliate through my link above, I will receive a lead commission, once you have generated $20 in commissions.  I would be remiss if I didn't share that with you!

Why should you sign up at Shareasale? Well, it's the hub for a ton of craft companies. This is where you go if you want to become an affiliate for brands like:

Ranger Ink

Hero Arts

Scrapbook.com

Simon Says Stamp

Cricut

Therm-O-Web

Tombow USA

Pink & Main

Sunny Studio LLC

Trinity Stamps

See what I did there? I linked my affiliate link to each company above and yes, I'm an affiliate for all of them and several others, through Shareasale!

You will need to fill out an application at Shareasale which involves adding your bank account information and your tax information.  This is required.  As you earn commission, the money accrues in your Shareasale account.  There is a lock date for disbursement of commissions earned ($50 minimum) once a month and it is direct deposited into your bank account.  I don't want to confuse you and throw too much information out there at one time, but you do need to know these requirements when applying. Once you've filled out your Shareasale application and linked all the required information then, you must be approved by Shareasale.  

Once you're approved, you can then do a merchant search on the site for any brands that you're interested in becoming affiliated with. You will then fill out an application for that brand, who will require a plan of action on how you plan to promote their products. 

Keep in mind, you may or may not be approved.  Depending on your plan of action (promoting on your various social media channels, sharing sales, new releases and promotions, etc.) a company may automatically approve your application, may consider your application and notify you at a later date, or may even refuse your application.  

Honestly? I've never had a company refuse me as an affiliate. I'm selective about who I chose to become affiliated with. I also will only apply as an affiliate if I absolutely love the brand or company.  If you don't love a product or brand, it will show.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a relationship with the brand. That may be the key factor in whether or not you're accepted as an affiliate.

There are other companies who have their own affiliate programs through other sites. Typically, you can scroll to the bottom of a company corporate page and find a link or informational page to apply to their affiliate program (as pictured in my 2nd graphic).

Some companies will want to know the links to your social media, how many followers you have on Pinterest or YouTube, for example. Whether you have 500 or 10,000 followers, that's not necessarily a deal breaker in being accepted. Some companies simply want the information for tracking purposes and reports. 

There is so much information out there on affiliates, so many different programs, and so many unique ways to share your love of a product and perhaps earn a few bucks in the process.

I know a lot of crafters who have turned this into their full time job. Each one will tell you, it's a lot of hard work, albeit, work that they love!  Although I work a full time job outside this industry, I've chosen to do affiliate work on the side. As a part time craft blogger (but full time lover of all things stamping and paper!), I spend many evenings each week and some weekends, creating and in preparation for promoting my projects on social media.  Most of the projects and work I do are affiliated projects.  However, I also do other projects that are not affiliate related but simply because I love the product.

The bottom line is this. If you wish to become an affiliate in this industry, I believe there are 3 key components that every affiliate should strive for, in addition to being tech savvy.  Let's face it, if you don't understand how technology works, this is not for you. There is a learning curve involved, but if you have the will and desire, you can make it happen! So, here it is:

1. Relationship. Having a relationship with the brand is key. Being active in their forums, groups, etc and interacting with others who are like minded, gets your name out there and recognized.

2. Determination. If you don't have the desire or drive to continually be involved with the brand, interact with others and promote, promote, promote, then affiliate work may not be for you.

3. Quality. Let's be honest. If you love what you do, it shows. However, as an affiliate, you have to not only love what you do, but you have to put your best foot forward. That means, putting out quality work and imagery. If you want someone to purchase a product, imagery sells. Imagery is not only a top notch project, but excellent lighting and staging of your project. You are not only selling the product, but you are selling yourself as well. That's a whole other topic for another day!

So, let's wrap this up. Does it take money to make money? Some companies will send you products free of charge, or in exchange for product reviews. I still purchase stamps, paper and supplies that I love. The bonus factor in becoming an affiliate is some companies allow you to make a commission off your own purchases through their affiliate link. It's just a small way to offset the cost of outright buying the product at full price.

You do need to know this; there are laws and guidelines in place for affiliates. The federal trade commission requires that you make FTC disclosure and notify others that you are receiving product or commission on purchases made through your affiliate links. This is in place to avoid deceptive practices. You can learn more about FTC disclosure, here.  If you'll notice under the first paragraph of this blog post above, I always place FTC disclosure!  You also need to disclose affiliate status when sharing on other social media, whether it be a  simple "affiliate" mention somewhere in the post, or a "paid sponsorship" post.

You also need to be aware of laws in your state.  For example, I live in what's considered a Nexus state.  That means a law has been passed that requires any company who does business in that state to pay online taxes. This can affect whether you are accepted as an affiliate on a commission basis or per click basis. Because I live in a Nexus state, some of my commissions are per click.  That means if you click any of my affiliate links, I will receive a less than 0.25 cent commission, whether you make a purchase or not.  You have no idea how much I appreciate you clicking those product links!!  

The laws are different in each state and each company sets their own commission, so commission rates will vary.

Do I make a boatload of money?  I wish the answer was yes! What I do make is about enough to buy a handful of Starbucks drinks for myself and a friend, every month! It's all about time. The more time you put in, the more work you put in, the more relationships you develop with others, the more you receive. Being an affiliate, for me, is not about the money. What I do make helps offset the expense to run my blog, giveaways on social media and technology expense that is often involved for the creative process. There are free apps out there for editing photos but good quality photos often need the assistance of a paid program or software. 

I've probably gone way over my time limit here. If you've hung out until the end, then God bless you! I know I've thrown a lot at you and I hope this is invaluable information to you.  I hope I haven't scared anyone off!! Listen, if you are a lover of a product, just start out with one company. See if they'll take you on and give it a go. Learn all you can and then just blossom from there.  Good luck and I would love to hear your comments below, if this information was helpful.

Have a great day and stay crafty, my friends!  Terri 

#wavingmywand #shareasale #affiliate #howtobecomeanaffiliate #scrapbookcom #rangerink #simonsaysstamp #tombowusa #pinkandmain #trinitystamps #thermoweb #sunnystudiostamps #cricut #heroarts #craftblogger #tutorial #papercrafter #hobby #crafts #stamping #scrapbooking #mixedmedia #terriburson

Possibilities

 It's the start of a new year and, with it, comes a time for reflection; reflection on the past year and hope for what the new year might bring.  Do you make resolutions?  I don't.  What I do though, is set goals.  I've always been goal oriented and I can honestly say that every time I've set a goal, I have achieved it.  The problem I have with resolutions, is that they are based, in my opinion, on setting one's self up for failure.  Not only myself, but in those around me, I've witnessed time and again, the inability to turn a resolution into an accomplishment; whether it be to lose weight, advance in your professional life, save money.....and so forth. 

A goal, however, is a whole other animal.  According to my research, there are varying opinions on the differences between a resolution and a goal.  My experience leads me to believe that setting goals - actual, achievable goals, is the key to making real, true change in one's life.

Last year was an amazing year for me.   I realized a goal which has impacted me in ways that I never expected.  I never doubted that it would happen, and I shouldn't have been surprised when it did.

Let me briefly share the changes that took place in just one year:

1.  Six months after I started my own personal craft blog, I was asked to join two friends in forming a new, fun crafty site.  Although, it's not for profit, it is for fun!  Mountain Plains Crafters.  Look it up.

2.  Two months later:  I find out that the Craft and Hobby Association is having a big trade show in Atlanta, GA, just 2 short hours from where I live.  I'm not a member.  I'm not a big craft company.  I have no business even thinking about going.  But, I did.  I thought, and thought and thought some more.  Then, I decided to go on a campaign of sorts; a quest.  I called it, "The Quest for CHA".  (Look in my archives from June 2014)  I blogged about this quest for almost 2 months, campaigning to get in, in any way, shape and/or form.  I offered to set up tables, lay power cords...whatever it took to earn my keep.

I guess the powers-that-be, liked my quest.  I got the email, and then, the all-important phone call inviting me to attend.  But, not only was I invited to attend, I was asked to be the Guest Blogger and the Show Photographer.  A far cry from expecting to sweep floors.  It was a wonderful adventure and a life lesson in many ways.

3.  In turn, the experience has led to numerous opened doors and other opportunities.  I've made  connections, networked and formed relationships that will stay with me for as long as I choose to stay connected to the world in which I now find myself.  My year ended with more freelance blogging for several different companies.  Intentional goals obtained, specifically, for the learning experience and, to help me expand and grow in the crafty realm.

So what about 2015?  A lot of bloggers are sharing their "word" for the new year.  I would have to say that my word is "possibilities"; possibilities for what lies ahead - the new roads I might travel,  whether it be the world wide web or Interstate 20.

And yes, I have already set some goals for this year, not resolutions. 

 I plan to achieve, not fail.  

Goal #1 - Get on the design team of a major company.  I have much to learn.  Surround yourself with the best, and achieve maximum results.  I believe that.

Goal #2 - Turn a profit on my blog.  It's been very slow going.  I've recently joined some affiliate programs and am working towards that goal.  Time is a factor and I hope to spend more time learning the in's and out's.  I'm learning from those who have the answers.  Joining experienced blogger groups has been invaluable in learning and taking the steps to move forward.

Goal #3 - This goal is 2-fold.  I want to go back to a CHA trade show, next time as a member.  They now have a blogger membership.  Yes!  Now, I just need to have a profitable blog to justify the yearly membership fee.  I'm working on that too.  

I have a motto and my family is well familiar with this motto:

"If you don't ask, you don't get."  If you don't try, you'll never know.  So try.  And don't be surprised when the answer is yes.

#CHA #CHASHOW #cre8time

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in Creativebug’s affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

Blogiversary Giveaway! Let's Party!

A lot has happened in a year and just this week, I'm celebrating several milestones with Waving My Wand; 10,000 page views and 200 posts.  Plus my 1 year anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks, so it's time to give away a prize!

In the past year, not only have I grown as a crafter, but I joined a couple of cool chics and formed Mountain Plains Crafters, a fun place to hang out, enter challenges and win prizes.  If you told me a year ago that I would be the guest blogger at the Craft and Hobby Association's Inaugural Papercrafters trade show in Atlanta, (coming up July 29-31st) I'd say you were out of your mind.  To say this has been a great year, is putting it mildly.

I'm giving a prize pack of some of my favorite things:  Unity stamps, Prima enamel dots, My Minds Eye Flair 6 x 6 paper pad, American Craft ric rac ribbon and the newest issue of Papercraft and Scrapbook Magazine's Creative Spaces issue, jam packed with ways to inspire you in creating your crafty domain.  This prize pack retails for $40.00.

My Pinterest- click here

Click the Rafflecoptor link below to enter.  Contest ends 8/12/14.  Winner announced on 8/15/14.






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Countdown to CHA, the WEEKEND edition!

(To follow the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta......and I'm going!)

Stress.  I hate it.  Although, I must say, I usually handle it pretty well.  It takes a lot for me to buckle under pressure and even then, I don't buckle.

The reason I mention it is that several things have happened, all at once.  Isn't that the way of it?  Everything in life comes in three's, it seems.  I'm juggling an unusually increased work load and trying to stay caught up in anticipation of my leave taking for CHA.  At the same time, my phone has suddenly decided to have spasms and is draining at about the same speed as my bathtub when the plug has been pulled.  And, for the icing on the cake, I have two required apps to learn which will assist my blogging prowess and photo capturing finesse, courtesy of the lovely people at CHA headquarters. 

Now before my buddy Jason up at CHA headquarters blows a gasket, he has been ever so gracious in assisting me every step of the way, including options to work around those lovely apps.  What he doesn't know, is this chic don't quit!  So I've been up late at night, creating drafts, trying to figure out the phone drain, looking up online fix it solutions.....and what have I learned?

1.  One of the apps wants to load every picture on my phone, all 800+ photos into it's little happy box.  The fix?  Turn off camera upload for now so it won't keep cycling in the background.
2.  The other app is telling me I don't have certain permissions.  Somebody, give me permission. 
3.  Remove the child's silly games and any other unnecessary programs running in the background.  Done.  Phone is already back to its normal, productive self.  Hallelujah!

With all this unexpected stress, you should know that I did have a minor meltdown that was extremely cathartic.  Now I can go back to business as usual.  

On the up side, I've got excited vendors contacting me to tell me what booth they'll be at and a stunning compliment from the hubs who has been apparently reading my blog in full, each and every day.  He said, and  I quote, (because I had to ask him to repeat himself out of stunned disbelief) that I impressed him with my literary expertise and the ability to get my point across and, at the same time, surround it with my witty humor, both captivating and informative. 

Well alrighty then.  I'll take that compliment. With a side of chocolate, please.

Mountain Plains Crafters Christmas in July Blog Hop

Welcome to our Christmas in July blog hop with Mountain Plains Crafters!  So, excited that you could join us.  This is a 2 day hop so there's time to share with your friends.

If you arrived from Pam's blog, you are in the right place.  Please take a moment to thank our sponsor and go like the Clearsnap Facebook page.  Tell them Mountain Plains Crafters sent you!  Also, thanks to Hydrangea Hippo for sending us the products to test and giveaway!  @Clearsnap #Clearsnap

We are giving away an awesome prize bundle from Clearsnap:  Smooch in Spruce, Smooch Spritz in Cashmere and Colorbox archival ink in Saddle.

Leave a comment below and then hop on over to Sheryl's Creative Corner for the next stop. If you get lost, here's the other links:

Mustang Creations~Pam

Mississippi Mcgyver~MariLynn

Meticulosity~Debra

Caffeinated Papercuts~Jennifer

Christina's Creations~Christina

Scrap Addict's Attic~Paula 

P.S.  Bookmark my blog 'cause starting Monday 7/28/14, I'm having a Blogiversary Giveaway.  Don't miss it!

For my project, I masked my card with a center squared piece of cardstock and sprayed Smooch Spritz all around.  This stuff shimmers and shines! 

Next, I inked up this sweet bird (and sentiment) from the Unity Stamp Co. October 2013 Kit of the month, with the Colorbox Saddle ink.  I am in love with this ink!  It stamps so clean and crisp and is so full of color.  I think this will be my new go-to ink for vintage projects and Woodgrain or nature stamps.  Lastly, I heat embossed a mistletoe stamped image with white Ranger embossing powder, then painted on the Spruce Smooch and fussy cut after it was dry.  I also painted over a few white Basic Grey enamel dots with the Spruce.

The brown bubbles on the card and mistletoe are from Queen & Co.  Adorable, right?

*Note: the enamel dots were still a little wet the next morning, so I'd allow at least 24 hours to dry.

Supplies: Queen & Co brown bubbles, Basic Grey candy buttons, Unity Stamp Co. October 2013 Kit of the Month, Clearnap Smooch in Spruce, Clearsnap Smooch Spritz in Cashmere, Clearsnap Colorbox Archival Ink in Saddle, Ranger white embossing powder, Versamark clear ink, heat tool, embossing buddy

The Quest for CHA, Part 7

(To view the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta)

 

If you are reading about this quest for the first time, yesterday I got word from CHA that they want me to be a guest blogger.  I think it's kind of cool that this is an inaugural event, not only the fact that its papercrafter oriented but that it's also the first time to have a guest blogger.  I'm not sure if they've had guest bloggers before that were industry people, but for sure, never someone like you and me; end users of the products.  So it's a duo-inaugural event! 

 

Yesterday, as you can imagine, I was pretty jacked up on adrenaline and coffee.  By late evening, I had so many thoughts going through my mind that I called my mom and chewed her ear for almost an hour and a half.   By 11:20 pm, she pointed out the fact that I had chewed her ear for almost an hour and a half and promptly went to bed.

 

So, here's a few of the rambling thoughts that set up residence in my head:

 

• Have I bitten off more than I can chew? 

When I visualize the task ahead it does seem a daunting task indeed.  This is a first for CHA, but it's also a first for me.  There's a lot of what ifs but regardless of the occasional niggling doubt, deep down, I am up for the challenge and ready to go!

 

• Which Terri do they want?  Professional Terri or Jim Carrey on estrogen?                       

 

How about a nice mix? Even though, I do lean more towards Jim Carrey as my friends and family will attest.....(Seriously? He stole a lot of my material!)  I've got to be me, right? I will do my best to keep it in check. 

Any advice for me? I would love it if you share your advice and maybe even some questions you'd like answered. Is there something you would like me to ask some of these wonderful companies or anything specific you want to know? Comment here if you do.
 

Now for a shameless plug: we're having a challenge giveaway at Mountain Plains Crafters this week. Come and link up for a chance at a prize! Submit your beach/ nautical themed project. Hurry, ends 7/18/14.

 

 My Pinterest-click here

The Quest for CHA, PART 6...or is it 7? Who cares?! I'm in!

(If you're just tuning in, this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby Association's Inaugural Papercrafting event in Atlanta.  Click the header on my blog to view previous posts.)

As you can see from my before and after shots, I've been somewhat on pins and needles waiting on CHA to call.  And, as you can see from the after photo.... same face but different reaction!  You will not believe it.  Seriously, you will not.  I still can't believe it. 

So here's the dealio: they want me to be a guest blogger! I told you, you wouldn't believe it. If I can recall the conversation correctly (because we all know in my head, there's a mini freakout going on during this conversation) they want me to pretty much blog and chronical the entire event, not only on my blog but on their site as well. Also, I'll be doing photography and possibly sitting in on some workshops too. I'll even have a station set up so I can recharge (my head and my phone).

So, for all intense purposes, they want me to give the perspective of a crafters viewpoint. At least I think that's what they said?? I think they also said this is the first time they've done anything like this so they'll still be working out details over the next two weeks. Whew, kind of a blur although I was taking notes as we spoke and worried because I was on speakerphone and might miss something. By the way, it has been my experience, if you're on the listening end of a speakerphone, hold your phone out a little and you can hear better. Try it, I'm not kidding. I would NOT kid you!

Before they called, I had written down some things that I wanted to do at CHA and everything lined up exactly with what they were saying. Amazing!

Shall I share my short list with you? The question I wrote is, "What do I want to blog about at CHA?"

• The people I meet - I definately want to talk about who I'm meeting; people behind the scenes, in the booths, sponsors of Mountain Plains Crafters, the guy who brings me coffee....(just kidding. Ok, not really. Somebody, get me coffee! With cream AND sugar!)
• Cool new products - This is THE place to see all the latest and greatest. You bet, I want to hear about it and share with my crafty friends and followers.
• Techniques - I hope to goodness I learn something new. It's so easy to get stuck doing the same old thing. You can look at You Tube videos and online blog techniques but there's nothing like someone personally showing you new tricks. It sinks in a little better don't you think?
• Atmosphere - Sure, I might be a little starstruck at first. I'm so looking forward to just the atmosphere and being surrounded by the smell of paper!! Crafty paper! It's going to be 3 days of new experiences for me and I know the atmosphere is going to be electric. You will hear about it.
• Expectations of Sponsors - I want to know what do sponsors want from the crafters they sponsor. What are their expections? How can we grow our blog and draw in more participants? How can we promote better? I want to hear advice from sponsors.

So there's my short list. I can't wait to see how everything falls into place. Before the conversation ended, I asked if anything stupid came out of my mouth and they said no. Hallelujah! Actually, I think they were just be kind. Haha! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this Quest.    I know some of you have been praying and I truly appreciate it!!   I'll be keeping you posted.....