Affiliate Marketing VS E-commerce: Who’s The Real Winner?

If you’ve been around the internet long enough, then you’re probably familiar with these two terms already – especially if you constantly inquire about ways to earn online.

Yes, that’s quite the hot topic in the net nowadays huh? Many of us key in “how to earn online” or searches similar to that. After all, who wouldn’t want to break free from the restricting grasp of the 9 to 5 gig? If you’re unlucky enough, you might even land yourself a couple more hours of overtime. Working full-time and not feeling well-compensated for your efforts can be a very dreadful feeling. Every day, it would seem like you’re dragging yourself out the door just to experience the same kind of dread over and over again. If there is one thing that can help you break loose off this infinite loop, I bet on my lucky stars that you would take it.

For the simple argument that, who wouldn’t?

When we log online, we see all sorts of people coming from different backgrounds earning more than enough from their online authority. We often call these people marketers, bloggers, vloggers, influencers etc. These people are everyday folk who have somehow managed to create an established identity online (read more). They have their own subscribers, people who follow them and their advice. They are basically what you’d call “Millennial Celebrities.” And mind you, they’re raking in cash enough to feed three families – no, try ten!

You, too, might be wondering how you can make this kind of future for yourself. The road may be challenging but it is very much possible. You should know that being lax is not part of the deal though.

Basically, if you are to go down this career path, you have two options:

Affiliate Marketing
E-commerce

If you think that a career online is really something that you would want to go for, then I will also put my best foot forward to help you. Take this little cheat sheet as my own way of helping a friend with similar goals. Here is everything you need to know about Affiliate Marketing and E-commerce – what they are exactly, what makes them different, and which one is best suited for you.

Affiliate Marketing VS E-commerce

Let’s begin by defining these two online money makers.

Affiliate marketing is when a company offers you to partner with them and help them advertise their products and services. Oftentimes, they will not guarantee you a fixed fee for your advertising services (but I do know a few people who’ve been offered such fees later on in their company-affiliate relationships). What they would offer, however, is a cut or a percentage of their sales. This affiliate fee may range anywhere between 3 to 10 percent – higher in some cases. So, whenever a customer buys from your affiliate link, you get a portion of the total sale price. You can also check out Drew’s Review for more information.

E-commerce, on the other hand, is when you sell your own unique product or service online. This means you either create or introduce a product or service of your own and you sell it online. Common examples are small business and entrepreneurs who create Shopify accounts, B2B agencies, software companies, etc. Many e-commerce establishments offer services that can be used digitally or electronically. Of course, there are those that sell dry goods as well and deliver door-to-door.

Are You An Affiliate Marketer or an E-commerce Guy?

Well, it all really depends on what you can bring to the table.

For instance, you can’t become an affiliate if you don’t have substantial influence online. Most affiliate marketers or websites have had to build online identities and authorities extensively. You don’t just come up to Amazon or other big brands and tell them to let you become an Affiliate Marketer. Most people or establishments that get offers or approved requests to become one are those that are largely visible online (e.g. YouTubers, websites with amazingly high authority. If you think you have what it takes (already or you’re just planning to start out), then by all means – aim to be one. Here’s a start-up guide for all those interested: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/launching-affiliate-marketing-business-2531501.

On the other hand, if you’re more of the innovative and creative type of businessman and you think you have something ground-breaking to introduce the world to, then maybe a career in E-commerce will suit you best. Create your own product or service line and sell your idea to the world. If you have something that sells, then there really is no stopping you. A website plus killer marketing skills are what you need to make this happen.

At the end of the day, it’s not really about “what’s better” but rather “what’s more applicable” to your expertise. Choose one or choose all. It’s your call.