Affiliate Links
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3 minute read
This page explains the affiliate and referral programs that are commonly used by independent engineers building their brand and monetizing their work. These links earn a small commission if someone clicks and purchases - at no extra cost to them.
Why Use Affiliate Links?
- They take minutes to set up
- They integrate naturally with blog posts, resource pages, or YouTube descriptions
- They generate passive income - even modest traffic can produce recurring payouts
A Look Behind the Scenes
You’re literally seeing affiliate links in action here on this site. When I link to things I genuinely use - VPNs, books, software tools, etc - those are often affiliate links. They don’t affect the price you pay, and I only link things I actually use or recommend.
This is how many independent engineers make side income: by turning recommendations into revenue.
Programs I Use
These are programs I’m actively working on setting up, using, and recommend exploring yourself:
| Category | Name | Notes | Join Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Privacy | ProtonMail | Privacy-first email with a generous referral program | ProtonMail Referral |
| VPN | PrivateInternetAccess | Longstanding VPN with solid payouts | PIA Affiliate |
| Domains + Pages | Cloudflare | No affiliate, but you should use it | N/A |
| Domains | Namecheap | Easy program, good payouts | Namecheap Affiliate |
| Hosting | DigitalOcean | $25–$200 per signup depending on plan | DO Referral |
| Hosting | RackNerd | Known for low-cost VPS deals | RackNerd Affiliate |
| Hardware | Synology | No public affiliate program, consider Amazon links | N/A |
| Networking | UniFi (Ubiquiti) | No program, but Amazon links work for gear | N/A |
| Tech Deals | Newegg | Commission-based, via CJ Affiliate | Newegg via CJ |
| Tech Retail | BestBuy | Pays per-sale commission | BestBuy Affiliate |
| eCommerce | eBay | Varies per category | eBay Partner |
| Everything Else | Amazon & Audible | Default go-to for books and gear | Amazon Affiliate |
| Fiverr | Fiverr | Freelance services, easy to join and promote | Fiverr Affiliate |
Feel free to borrow this table or modify it for your own site.
How to Use Affiliate Links Well
- Don’t spam. Focus on authentic recommendations.
- If you post content like blog articles or YouTube videos, naturally link the tool you’re demonstrating.
- Disclose transparently when a link is an affiliate. This builds trust and keeps you legally compliant.
The FTC requires you to disclose affiliate links. A simple note like “This post contains affiliate links” is sufficient. See FTC guidelines for more details.
Bonus Tip: Cross-Promote with Peers
If you have colleagues building similar sites or channels, consider:
- Linking to each other’s content
- Sharing traffic or mentions
- Swapping guest posts or interviews
If even one of you finds traction, it can lift everyone up.
If you’re starting from scratch, start with Amazon, Namecheap, and DigitalOcean - they’re simple to join and most people already use them.