How Do I Get Affiliate Links?

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Updated: August 2026Oleksandr Honcharov, CEO at FlawlessMLM Affiliate links are unique URLs that identify you as the referring affiliate for a specific product or store. Knowing how do I get affiliate links comes down to joining affiliate programs and generating tracking links through their dashboards.In short: get affiliate links by joining an affiliate program (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, ClickBank, or a direct brand program), navigating to the product you want to. And using the program's link generator or browser extension to create a tracking link with your unique affiliate ID embedded.The process is straightforward. Sign up for an affiliate program and wait for approval (instant for Amazon Associates, up to 30 days for some networks). Log into the affiliate dashboard. Find the product you want to promote. Click "Get Link" or use the browser extension to grab a link on any product page.The resulting link contains your unique affiliate ID, usually as a URL parameter like `?tag=youraffid` or `?aff=youraffid`. When someone clicks and buys, the network attributes the sale to you.For maintenance, affiliate networks offer link management tools. Some (Amazon SiteStripe, ShareASale's browser extension) generate links directly from product pages. Others require deeper dashboard work.In MLM, the equivalent isn't quite the same. Distributors get replicated websites and unique referral codes rather than product-specific affiliate links. The compensation plan pays through multi-level commissions across the entire downline, not per-link tracking.Common mistakes to avoidSharing pre-approval affiliate links — most programs require approval before commissions count. Sharing links before approval loses commissions.Using expired or invalid affiliate IDs — recheck your account status quarterly.Cloaking links without disclosure — FTC requires clear affiliate disclosure regardless of link format.Losing track of which links point where — use a link manager (Pretty Links, ThirstyAffiliates) to keep organized.Overloading content with affiliate links — dense linking hurts trust and often lowers conversion.Conclusion: getting affiliate links means joining a program, finding a product, and using the program's link generator. The link contains your unique affiliate ID for tracking. In MLM, replicated distributor websites and referral codes handle attribution across the multi-level compensation plan.Related questionsHow long does it take to get affiliate links approved?Amazon Associates approves instantly (though you must make 3 sales in 180 days to keep the account). ShareASale, CJ, and Impact take 1-30 days depending on the merchant.Can I make my own affiliate links look cleaner?Yes, using link management plugins (Pretty Links, ThirstyAffiliates) or URL shorteners. Always disclose the affiliate relationship regardless.Do I need a website to get affiliate links?Most programs require a website, blog, or social account for approval. A few (Amazon Associates included) accept social media only.How do MLM distributor links compare to affiliate links?MLM distributors get a personalized referral URL for the whole company site, not per-product links. Multi-level commissions track through this single link.