Affiliate Marketing vs. Network Marketing

In researching home based business opportunities, you might have run across the terms “affiliate marketing” and “network marketing.” You can work from home in either type of business, but it is a good idea to learn what each one is before you commit to the program. While similar, there are some differences.

1. You usually sell different types of products in affiliate marketing than in network marketing. In the former, you would likely sell products that only have to be bought once. A product like this could be anything from an ebook to a condo timeshare. The customer buys it from your company and then you will probably not sell to her again. In network marketing, the focus is on making a lasting relationship so that you can sell an ongoing supply of products, usually physical rather than digital.

2. The Internet use may be different. Network Marketing has come to rely heavily on Internet communication, sales, and advertising. If you do network marketing, you will probably like to use all of these tools, although they are usually not required. On the other hand, affiliate marketing is usually done exclusively through the Internet. People find out about it, purchase it, and receive it through the Internet.

3. Advertising, then, is through the Internet with affiliate marketing. With network marketing, print ads, flyers, and radio commercials are also used quite often by the individual entrepreneur to promote his/her business.

4. As far as work required, they are both businesses that need attention. That is not to say that you have to spend every waking moment on your affiliate marketing or network marketing business. However, you will need to set aside time routinely to watch over your business and take care of any tasks that come up.

5. The structure may be different for affiliate marketing and network marketing. Affiliate marketing usually has five or fewer levels. There may be only two levels that affect your business and income, for example. Network marketing is usually done on a broader basis with many levels of your network having a bearing on how well you do.

6. Both affiliate marketing and network marketing have good potential for income, but they may be paid in different ways. In affiliate marketing, the sale is usually made, and then that transaction is over. The customer goes in the serviced file and you go on to the next customer. You will probably be paid for the sale, and you might also be paid for extras such as clicks on the website, for example. With network marketing, you are paid when someone purchases a product. You are also paid when someone in your down line sells a product. The residual income can hold you over for years after you retire. When choosing a work from home business, make sure you are happy with the business of affiliate or network marketing.

Jocelyn Jones

Network Marketing Expert

For more tips and strategies on how to be successful in Your Network Marketing Business, visit my blog: Jocelyn Jones' Network Marketing Blog