Affiliate marketing is all about driving targeted traffic to your offers and converting clicks into commissions. While SEO, PPC, and social media marketing are popular strategies, native advertising has emerged as a powerful and underutilized method for promoting affiliate products.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use native advertising for affiliate marketing, the best platforms to use, and strategies to maximize conversions.
1. What is Native Advertising?
Native advertising is a paid advertising format that blends seamlessly with organic content on websites and apps. Unlike traditional banner ads, native ads appear as “recommended articles” or “sponsored content” on popular websites, making them less intrusive and more engaging.
Where You’ll See Native Ads:
- News websites (e.g., CNN, Forbes, The Guardian)
- Blogs and article-based platforms
- Social media feeds (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)
- Video platforms (e.g., YouTube in-feed ads)
Examples of Native Ad Networks:
- Taboola
- Outbrain
- MGID
- Revcontent
2. Why Use Native Advertising for Affiliate Marketing?
Native ads are highly effective for affiliate marketing because:
✅ They don’t look like ads → People engage with them more.
✅ They drive warm traffic → Users see them while consuming related content.
✅ They allow storytelling → You can use articles, videos, and case studies.
✅ They work well for niche products → Ideal for finance, health, and lifestyle niches.
3. How to Set Up Native Ads for Affiliate Marketing
Step 1: Choose the Right Affiliate Offer
Not all affiliate products work well with native ads. Choose offers that:
✔️ Solve a problem (weight loss, finance tips, home improvement)
✔️ Have broad appeal (not too niche-specific)
✔️ Pay high commissions (CPL or CPA offers work best)
✔️ Provide engaging content (video sales letters, case studies)
Best Affiliate Networks for Native Ads:
- ClickBank
- MaxBounty
- CJ Affiliate
- PartnerStack
Step 2: Create a High-Converting Landing Page
You can’t direct-link native ads to affiliate offers—you need a bridge page.
Your landing page should:
✅ Have a strong, curiosity-driven headline
✅ Include engaging content (review, case study, tutorial)
✅ Have a clear CTA (e.g., “Get Your Discount Now”)
✅ Be fast-loading & mobile-friendly
Example Formats:
- Listicles (“Top 5 Supplements for Fat Loss in 2024”)
- Story-Based Pages (“How I Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months Using This Method”)
- Comparison Articles (“Best VPNs Compared – See Which One Wins”)
Step 3: Choose a Native Ad Network
Each network has different targeting options, pricing, and audience reach.
Best Native Ad Platforms for Affiliate Marketing:
- Taboola & Outbrain → Best for news and blog placements.
- MGID & Revcontent → More budget-friendly options for beginners.
- Facebook Native Ads → Works well for viral content and listicles.
Step 4: Create Click-Worthy Ad Creatives
Your native ad should grab attention and make people curious enough to click.
Tips for Creating High-CTR Native Ads:
✔️ Use curiosity-driven headlines
- “Doctors Shocked: This Simple Trick Lowers Blood Sugar Naturally”
- “Why Are So Many People Switching to This New VPN?”
✔️ Use eye-catching images - Avoid generic stock photos—use real-life images or product demonstrations.
✔️ Make it engaging & natural - Avoid “salesy” language—focus on storytelling and problem-solving.
4. Optimizing Your Native Advertising Campaigns
✔️ 1. A/B Test Your Ads
- Test different headlines & images
- Try long-form vs. short-form content
- Experiment with different CTA placements
✔️ 2. Use Targeting Features Wisely
- Geo-targeting → Run ads in high-converting regions (US, UK, Canada)
- Device targeting → Some offers convert better on mobile than desktop
- Behavioral targeting → Focus on users interested in your niche
✔️ 3. Track & Optimize Your Performance
- Use Google Analytics or Voluum for tracking.
- Focus on CTR, conversion rate, and cost-per-conversion.
- Cut out low-performing ads and scale the winners.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Native Advertising
🚫 Using low-quality landing pages → Visitors will bounce quickly.
🚫 Not testing different creatives → Poor ads = wasted budget.
🚫 Choosing the wrong offer → Some affiliate products don’t work with native ads.
🚫 Ignoring compliance rules → Each ad network has strict policies (e.g., no misleading claims).
6. Final Thoughts: Is Native Advertising Worth It for Affiliate Marketing?
Yes—if done correctly! Native advertising allows affiliate marketers to tap into high-quality traffic, build trust, and scale earnings. Unlike traditional ads, native ads blend naturally with content, leading to better engagement and higher conversion rates.
To succeed:
✔️ Pick a high-converting affiliate product
✔️ Create engaging, curiosity-driven ads
✔️ Use a landing page that educates & converts
✔️ Optimize your campaign with A/B testing & tracking
Start small, track results, and scale once you find a winning formula. With the right strategy, native advertising can become one of the most profitable affiliate marketing channels.
Ready to start? Test your first native ad campaign today and watch your affiliate commissions grow!
Happy Marketing!