It's time to answer some questions: who I am, what I do, how I do it and why...PLEASE hang tight through this - it's kind of a big deal.
Who I am: I am Kim. I am a lot of things. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a neighbor, a dreamer, a thinker, an adventurer, a reader, a writer, a photographer, a bargainista, a Disney lover, a chef, a creator, an explorer, an unfiltered free spirit, a realist, a visionary, a perpetual work in progress...and so much more. I have known happiness and gut-wrenching sorrow and I've learned from all of it. I am a constant evolution of my past, my present and my future self.
What I do: I have an amazing support system that supports me 110% as I'm pursuing the things that I'm passionate about. We are evolving the website to include the ability to purchase copies of my photos (with more things to come) and I do affiliate marketing to supplement that. (This is from an earlier post I did explaining what Affiliate Marketing is)
Affiliate Marketing isn't an effortless way to make money or a get rich quick gimmick. It's not multi-level marketing (MLM) or a pyramid scheme. It's not done in exchange for goods or products from the companies and it's not "extra spending money" or a "side hustle". I actually read something earlier today that referred to it as an "easy, passive way to make extra money."
When you see a disclaimer on a page about being an affiliate or earning a commission or even #ad that means you're looking at an affiliate listing. That's how you know (there are federal requirements to protect consumers and make sure the transactions are transparent). Bear in mind, I am also registered with the state and federal government as a business and have to do all the same reporting and taxes as any business.
Affiliate marketing, in a nutshell, is advertising. How?
I seek out different companies (sometimes they come to me), I research them and the programs they offer. I apply to each and they have the option based on my content, modes of advertising and audience whether or not to accept me into their program. (As do I when I'm approached by a company) Once we agree upon the terms, a contract is entered into.
When you see me share a deal, post a link to a product in something I've written, talk about a new partner, do a themed write up, review something or put an ad on the bottom or side of a webpage - that's me advertising for them. I also have a tab on my webpage for "Partners" and that's the current list of companies I've entered into a partnership with. (I keep it current and updated as I'm constantly looking at new opportunities and eliminating partnerships that aren't the right fit.)
When you click on the links I share, it takes you to the website for that company. Hidden deep down inside that link is an "identifier" that tells the site how you got to them. When you make a purchase, I get credit for the referral to their site. In exchange for that I earn a small commission off the sale. It doesn't cost you anything and you don't pay inflated prices because of the referral - it's their payment to me for advertising for them, just like any other advertising they'd pay for.
Does it pay a lot? Well...there's a reason I am constantly asking for you to share my posts. I can't disclose specifics for legal reasons, but the amount they pay ranges anywhere from 1% to 30%. Sometimes there will be a specific "push" or item that pays more, but those are few and far between. It takes time to earn anything, but it all adds up. Eventually.
How long does that tracking link stay on your device? It depends. Some places (like Amazon) only count what a person does during that specific visit. Most run a couple of weeks to a couple of months. I have one that tracks for 6 months, but I have never seen anyone else offer that. That means if you visit that site anytime during that tracking period, I earn the commission for the follow up sale as well.
Another thing - going direct to the site? While I'm glad you find what you're looking for, that doesn't have a direct monetary benefit to me. Letting me know "I remembered you told me Disney was having a sale so I ordered" is great, but unless you click through one of my links to get there I don't get the credit for that sale. I may have done the leg work for them but without that magic link they don't know that.
How I do what I do: I have four platforms that I am currently using.
First and foremost, my website. I am my own webmaster and that's been trial by fire (a year ago I knew NOTHING about writing code), but I'm pretty proud of it. I add new content weekly (often several times a week)
Secondly, this blog. It's more of a place for the less-formal, less-structured web pages
Third, my Instagram page. Instagram doesn't allow for direct links in posts so that's been a challenge. Often you'll see "Link in Bio" because you can click on my Instagram bio and go to the website. Even with the quirks, I'd be foolish to ignore the Instagram pull though.
Finally, Facebook. Love it or hate it, it's still the best way to share those limited time deals and daily posts. FB is the only platform I use that you're going to find the Amazon deals on. It's the only one that you're going to find pop-up deals from our partners. I have a daily schedule of posts that I share on FB from the website. Facebook is the best way that I have to grow my audience, my visits, my interactions, my shares.
www.facebook.com/KimKultureClub
Why: I guess the bigger question would be "Why Not"? Yes, I work 12-16 hour days, 7 days a week without hardly ever taking a break but I get to do things I love. I've never worked harder in my life, but for the first time in my life I feel like that work matters. I've had some pretty crappy jobs and some even worse employers - I don't have that anymore. There is freedom, purpose, meaning and joy in what I do now.
Is it easy? Not even close. Is it frustrating? More than you can imagine. Is it rewarding? Absolutely. Do I miss working for someone else? (Pardon me while I choke on my laughter) Not a smidgen.
The nuts & bolts of the matter though: I need your help. Growth has to be constant and that's why I share things on my business FB page and my personal one and I'm always asking you to share. I have good content - I have the ability to be successful, but I need a broader audience. I'm finding that niche and I know full well that it takes time, but can you help? I will be forever grateful to those of you who have been so amazing about sharing my stuff and helping me network. Every referral, every share matters and is noticed. Every single one. I'm immensely grateful for those people who have reached out because they're getting ready to re-order with a company I partner with and asked me if they should go through my links. YES!!! PLEASE!!! Amazon, Disney, Fabric, Better World Books, Hemp My Pet, etc...every single one of them! You still get your deals and the benefits from your rewards on the sites that offer it and I get credit for the referral. Yes, it's an extra step for you but the boost it does for me is beyond measure. It's how I keep this dream alive.
Thank you for taking this leap of faith with me and the support you've shown. I notice and I appreciate each of you. I love feedback, I love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, I welcome the chance to grow this endeavor & I hope you'll stay on this train with me. I hope you bring friends too.
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