Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest ways to monetize WordPress. By adding affiliate links, you can recommend products and earn commissions whenever users make a purchase. In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to add affiliate links to WordPress in 2025.
Before we dive in, you may also want to check out our guide on the Best WordPress Affiliate Plugins for managing and tracking your links effectively.
Step 1: Join an Affiliate Program
Popular affiliate networks include Amazon Associates, CJ Affiliate, and eClickZ. Choose programs that fit your niche.
Step 2: Install an Affiliate Plugin
While you can manually paste links, using a plugin saves time and provides better tracking. We recommend starting with the Monetize Plugin, which handles both affiliate monetization and native ads in one tool.
Step 3: Add Your Affiliate Links
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Open the Monetize Plugin settings.
- Add your affiliate link once — it will automatically be placed in relevant posts.
Step 4: Place Links Strategically
Don’t just dump links everywhere. Follow WordPress ad placement best practices and insert affiliate links:
- ✔ Within product reviews
- ✔ In tutorial guides (like this one)
- ✔ At the end of blog posts as recommendations
Step 5: Track & Optimize
Use analytics to see which links get clicks and conversions. With Monetize Plugin, you’ll have a real-time dashboard to optimize performance. More clicks → more revenue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Adding too many affiliate links (hurts UX & SEO)
- ❌ Not disclosing affiliate relationships (FTC requires disclosure)
- ❌ Ignoring mobile optimization
Final Thoughts
Adding affiliate links to WordPress is simple, but strategy matters. Use Monetize Plugin for automated placement, increase your revenue, and grow your site into a monetization powerhouse.