Affiliate vs Network Marketing (for Stay at Home Moms)

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When I first stepped into the online business world when I was pregnant with my second son, preparing to have something of my own once I was a stay at home mom, I thought being an “influencer” and affiliate marketing was the only option. But then I discovered network marketing, and I realized there was so much untapped potential there. But I was a little unsure of the difference.

They both had the word “marketing,” they both promised flexibility, and both were being done by women I admired. But as I started actually living inside these models, building my own income streams while also being knee-deep in motherhood, I realized the differences are important. And so are the similarities.

I want to share what I’ve learned through my own journey, because I know how confusing this can be if you’re a mom who wants to create income from home without losing yourself in the process. My hope is that by the end of this post, you’ll feel more clarity about which path (or combination) could serve you best.

A Personal Story: My “Both/And” Realization

I used to think I had to choose. Affiliate networking felt like the “safe” path… I could promote products I already loved, drop my links, and earn a commission without building a team. Everyone was doing it, and then I wasn’t going to be one of “those” girls. Network marketing felt riskier. It carried the weight of old stereotypes I’d heard, and honestly, I was afraid people would roll their eyes if I joined a “pyramid scheme” (TOTAL myth, btw!).

So here’s what happened: I leaned into affiliate networking first. It was easy to weave into my Instagram, and then later my blog. That’s how I first started creating extra income without really noticing.

Still, something was missing. Affiliate marketing gave me freedom, but it felt lonely, and sharing one-off links was getting a little old. When I finally said “yes” to network marketing, I realized that network marketing could actually give me what affiliate marketing didn’t: a community, mentorship, and the chance to grow something.

That was my “both/and” moment. I didn’t have to choose between affiliate networking and network marketing. I could do both, intentionally, in a way that fits my season of life.

What is Affiliate Networking?

Affiliate networking is when you share products or services you believe in, and you earn a commission every time someone purchases through your link. That’s it. No teams, no structures, no recruiting.

For example, if I share my favourite toddler-friendly protein muffin recipe and link the gluten-free flour I trust, that’s affiliate marketing. If someone buys it, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to them.

Benefits for Moms:

• Easy entry, no upfront costs
• Fits naturally into blogging, Instagram, or Pinterest
• No pressure to build a team or system

But the trade-off is that it’s very independent. You need to create your own momentum, content, and strategy. If you stop posting, the income slows.

What is Network Marketing?

Network marketing, also called MLM (multi-level marketing), is when you not only use and recommend products, but also build a team. You earn income from both your personal sales and the sales your team creates.

With Arbonne, for example, I use clean skincare and wellness products every day. I share them authentically with others, just like I do with affiliate marketing. But I also mentor women who want to build income streams of their own, and I am mentored by other women in my upline (who have become some of my closest friends!)

Benefits for Moms:

• Built-in mentorship and systems
• Community and team support
• Income potential that grows beyond your personal reach

The challenge here is the stigma. Network marketing has been misunderstood for years, and some companies do operate in unhealthy ways. But that’s why I’m intentional about choosing a company with integrity, clean products, and values I actually believe in.

The Similarities Between Network and Affiliate Marketing

Both affiliate networking and network marketing:

• Allow you to work from home
• Rely on authentic sharing, not pushy selling
• Can be woven into your natural life as a mom

The difference is in the structure. One is purely independent. The other is relational and team-driven.

How to Incorporate Both Network Marketing and Affiliate Marketing Into Your Work From Home Strategy

Here’s the piece that clicked for me: You don’t have to pick one lane. You can build your own affiliate marketing presence through your blog, Instagram, LTK, or Pinterest while also building a network marketing business that gives you deeper connection.

For example, if I write a blog post on immune-boosting tips for moms, I can share both affiliate links (like essential oils) and network marketing products I use daily (like Arbonne’s vitamin D supplement). The content serves my readers either way, and I don’t feel split.

It’s less about the “business model” and more about how you show up. Do you want your income to come purely from clicks and sales, or do you crave community and mentorship alongside it? With affiliate marketing, it can only be one… with network marketing, it can be either, or both!

With a company like Arbonne, there is zero pressure to make sales or build a team — it is completely self paced. So if you decide you love the products, and only want to share the links as an affiliate, that is totally okay! It is up to you if you want to build a team and grow your income exponentially.

For more information, see this Earnings Statement from Arbonne.

And if you are curious about my journey with network marketing and why I chose Arbonne, read this blog post here about how trying their products changed the entire trajectory of my life, and why I hold this company so close to my heart.

If any of this information helped you, I’d love for you to subscribe to Let’s Glow for more posts on earning an income from home and living intentionally as a mom. Whether it’s affiliate marketing or joining a network marketing team, all that matters is that you make the right choice for you!