Whilst an Affiliate Marketing position does have similarities to a general Digital Marketing position, there are also some key differences professionals need to be aware of. An Affiliate position does require you to be skilled in areas such as content creation, copywriting, and analysing and tracking data, but as an affiliate, there are skills you need to be able to promote and sell services as well as products, effectively. A high level of communication, both written and verbal is an essential skill to have. You also need to be good with numbers to manage budgets effectively.

You could say your soft skills are equally as important as your technical skills in an affiliate position; now let's look at the skills you need to succeed in this position. 

Marketing and Sales Knowledge: Understanding the principles of marketing and sales is crucial. This includes knowledge of target audiences, consumer behavior, persuasion techniques, and effective communication strategies.

Content Creation: The ability to create compelling and engaging content is essential. This can include blog posts, articles, social media posts, videos, podcasts, or any other form of content that resonates with your audience and promotes the products you're affiliated with.

Copywriting: Writing persuasive copy is a valuable skill in affiliate marketing. The ability to craft compelling product descriptions, call-to-action statements, and promotional materials can significantly impact conversion rates.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): Familiarity with SEO techniques is important for driving organic traffic to your affiliate content. Understanding keyword research, on-page optimisation, backlink building, and other SEO strategies can help improve your website's visibility and rankings in search engine results.

Analytics and Data Interpretation: Proficiency in using analytics tools to track and analyze data is crucial for evaluating the performance of your affiliate marketing campaigns. This includes measuring the traffic, conversions, click-through rates, and other metrics to make informed decisions and optimize your strategies.

Relationship Building: Building strong relationships with affiliate networks, advertisers, and your audience is key. This involves effective networking, negotiation skills, and maintaining open lines of communication to maximize collaboration and opportunities.

Social Media Marketing: Leveraging social media platforms to promote your affiliate products is highly valuable. Understanding how to create engaging social media content, build a following, and utilize paid advertising can boost your affiliate marketing efforts.

Technical Skills: Basic technical skills are beneficial, such as website management, familiarity with content management systems (CMS), email marketing tools, and tracking software. This helps in optimizing your affiliate marketing campaigns and managing your online presence effectively.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Affiliate marketing is a dynamic field, and staying updated with the latest trends, strategies, and tools is crucial. Being adaptable to changes and willing to continuously learn and improve your skills will set you apart from competitors.

Remember, while these skills are important, success in affiliate marketing also relies on perseverance, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience's needs and preferences.