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Lets find differences in this article whose don’t know what is affiliate marketing and what is digital marketing we are going to tell you everything about both in this article. Differences in them and their uses.

If you don’t know or confused what they are and what’s the difference between them we will explain you everything in this articles.

Scrabble tiles spelling 'SEO' on a wooden surface. Ideal for digital marketing themes.

Topics we cover in this article.

  • What is digital marketing?
  • Types of Digital marketing?
  • What is affiliate marketing?
  • How affiliate marketing works?
  • Digital Marketing vs Affiliate Marketing
  • How to Start with Affiliate Marketing (Step-by-Step)
  • How to Start with Digital Marketing (Step-by-Step)

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is the broad term used to describe all online marketing efforts. It includes various strategies like SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, PPC (pay per click), and many more. The goal of digital marketing is to promote products, services, or brands using the internet.

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Types of Digital Marketing

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimizing websites and content to rank higher in search engine results.

Example: A beauty blog ranks on Google for best skincare products. Then it’s called SEO optimization.

Social Media Marketing (SMM)

Promoting brands through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Example: A fashion brand runs Instagram ads to reach a wider audience.

Content Marketing

Creating valuable content like blogs, videos, and infographics to attract customers.

Example: A fitness trainer shares workout videos on YouTube.

Email Marketing

Sending promotional emails to a list of subscribers.

Example: An online store sends discount offers to its email list.

Pay Per Click Advertising (PPC)

Running paid ads on Google, Facebook, and other platforms.

Example: A real estate company runs Google Ads to attract buyers.

Flatlay of a business analytics report of digital marketing

Affiliate Marketing (Yes, it’s a part of digital marketing!)

Earning commissions by promoting other companies’ products.

Example: A blogger earns commissions by recommending Amazon products.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a specific type of online marketing where you earn a commission by promoting other companies’ products or services. It’s based on performance, meaning you only get commission when someone makes a purchase through your referral link.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

Join an Affiliate Program

Sign up with a company that offers an affiliate program (Amazon, ClickBank, etc.).

Get a Unique Affiliate Link

The company gives you a tracking link to promote their product.

Promote the Product

Share the link on your blog, YouTube channel, social media, or emails to gain traffic.

Earn Commissions

When someone buys through your link, you get a percentage of the sale.

Types of Affiliate Marketing

  • Pay Per Sale (PPS) – You earn a commission only when a sale is made.
  • Pay Per Click (PPC) – You earn money when someone clicks on your link.
  • Pay Per Lead (PPL) – You get paid when someone signs up for a free trial or fills out a form.
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Difference Between Affiliate Marketing and Digital Marketing

Now, let’s compare the two in detail.

Digital Marketing vs Affiliate Marketing

When to Choose Digital Marketing

  • You have a business and want to grow online.
  • You’re interested in long-term branding and customer relationships.
  • You’re willing to invest time and money into SEO, ads, and content marketing.

When to Choose Affiliate Marketing

  • You want to make money online without creating your own product.
  • You are comfortable promote other brands products and earn commission
  • You want a low risk, passive income method.

Can You Do Both?

Many people use digital marketing techniques to grow their affiliate marketing business. For example:

  • SEO + Affiliate Marketing – Rank on Google and earn commissions.
  • YouTube + Affiliate Marketing – Create product review videos with affiliate links.
  • Social Media + Affiliate Marketing – Share affiliate links on Instagram and Facebook.

How to Start with Affiliate Marketing (Step-by-Step)

  • Choose a Niche

Find a profitable niche (fitness, beauty, tech, finance, etc.).

  • Join Affiliate Programs

Sign up for Amazon Associates, ClickBank, ShareASale, etc.

  • Create a Website or start a Blog

Use WordPress or Blogger to start your affiliate site.

  • Write Content & Reviews

Publish high quality content that helps users and includes your affiliate links.

  • Drive Traffic

Use SEO, social media, and email marketing to get visitors.

  • Earn Commissions

The more traffic you drive, the higher your earnings!

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How to Start with Digital Marketing (Step-by-Step)

  • Learn the Basics

Take online courses on SEO, PPC, email marketing, etc.

  • Choose Your Specialization

Decide if you want to focus on social media, content marketing, paid ads, etc.

  • Create a Website or Portfolio

Showcase your skills and previous work.

  • Find Clients or a Job

Offer freelance services or apply for digital marketing jobs.

  • Keep Learning & Scaling

Stay updated with industry trends and new tools.

Both affiliate marketing and digital marketing offer great opportunities to make money online. If you want passive income, affiliate marketing is a great choice. If you enjoy branding, advertising, and client work, digital marketing might be better for you.