When it comes to making money online, there are endless opportunities. But also plenty of pitfalls. With the rise of tools like Honey, which promise savings and convenience, many of us have asked: how do they actually make their money? In this post, we’ll dig into the world of affiliate marketing, browser extensions, and AI tools to uncover what’s really going on. Are these tools legitimate? How do they impact influencers and consumers? Let’s break it all down so you can make informed decisions.
What you will learn today?
- The truth about the honey app – plus a tool i made to show you the secret shady stuff in real time
- How money is made online… the good the bad and the ugly so you can protect yourself and profit from a 25 year affiliate marketer
- Secret scammy ways affiliates and big business are tricking you to make more money… and 99.9999% have NO IDEA
this is going on - How and why influencers are missing the boat and a huge opportunity to help and make money online
The Basics of Honey and Affiliate Marketing
Honey is a popular browser extension that helps users find and apply coupon codes at checkout. Sounds great, right? But here’s the kicker: Honey operates as an affiliate marketing tool. When you use Honey to apply a coupon, they earn a commission on your purchase through affiliate links. Essentially, they’re getting paid by the retailer for directing you to complete the sale.
Affiliate marketing itself isn’t shady; it’s a common and legitimate way to make money online. But the issue lies in how Honey executes this process and whether they’re transparent about their practices. For instance, influencers who promote products often use affiliate links to earn commissions. However, Honey may override those affiliate links, redirecting the commission to themselves instead. This practice has left many influencers feeling frustrated and betrayed.
The “Cookie Crumble” Effect
To understand Honey’s business model, you need to understand affiliate cookies. When you click on an affiliate link, a cookie is placed in your browser to track your activity and attribute the sale to the affiliate. Honey operates by inserting its own cookie at the last minute, often overriding cookies from other affiliates or influencers. This tactic ensures Honey gets the credit and the commission even if you discovered the product through someone else.
While this might seem unfair, Honey’s actions are within the technical scope of affiliate marketing. The real controversy arises from their lack of transparency. Most users don’t realize that by installing Honey, they’re effectively prioritizing Honey’s affiliate links over others.
The Problem with Cookie Overwriting
Some browser extensions and tools out there claim to be helping users save money or find deals, but what they’re really doing is replacing your affiliate cookies with their own. That means you could do all the hard work of creating content and driving traffic, but instead of earning that commission, it goes to someone else—often without the user even realizing it.
This lack of transparency is a big issue, and it’s why I decided to do something about it.
Why This Matters for You
Look, if you’re an affiliate marketer, every cookie counts. You work hard to drive traffic and create value, and the last thing you want is for someone else to override your links. For consumers, this tool helps you understand how browser extensions and websites use cookies, so you can decide which ones you actually trust.
Introducing My Cookie Plugin
I built a simple plugin to help you see exactly what’s happening with cookies when you’re browsing the web or using tools like coupon extensions. Here’s what it does:
- Identifies Cookies in Real Time – It scans your browser and shows you which cookies are active and what they’re doing.
- Flags Changes and Overwrites – If a cookie is being replaced (say, an affiliate cookie is swapped out for another), it will flag that for you.
- Empowers You with Transparency – This tool gives you the knowledge to see what’s happening behind the scenes so you can make informed decisions.
This plugin isn’t just for affiliate marketers—it’s for anyone who wants to understand how their data is being used online.
Credit Karma: A Smart Example of Co-Registration
Let’s talk about Credit Karma and why it’s a great example of co-registration in action. They use this tactic to streamline the process for their users, making it easier to apply for credit cards, loans, or refinancing offers.
Here’s how it works: when you sign up for a free credit score on Credit Karma, they collect your basic info (like name and email). Later, when they show you personalized financial offers, those forms are already pre-filled. This eliminates friction, increases conversions, and earns them affiliate commissions when users take the offers.
I use Credit Karma as an example because it’s a clear, ethical implementation of co-registration. They disclose what they’re doing and provide real value to users. This is a strategy you can apply to your own business. just keep it transparent and relevant to your audience.
Ethics Score Scale:
1-3: Likely unethical or violates terms of service.
4-6: Questionable or could annoy users.
7-10: Ethical and aligns with user value and affiliate policies.
| Method | Use | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Registration (Co-Reg) | Lead generation through sign-up flows | 9 |
| Pre-Populating Fields (Prepop) | Auto-fill user data to improve conversions | 8 |
| Cookie Stuffing | Dropping cookies without user consent | 2 |
| Opening a New Tab | Triggering a hidden or visible tab with an affiliate link | 5 |
| 1×1 Pixel Tracking | Embedding a tracking pixel to track or drop cookies | 4 |
| Incentive-Based Marketing | Offering rewards (e.g., cashback) for affiliate actions | 9 |
| Retargeting Ads | Using cookies to retarget users with affiliate offers | 9 |
| Exit-Intent Pop-Ups | Capturing users leaving a site with affiliate offers | 8 |
| Email Drops | Including affiliate links in third-party email campaigns | 7 |
| Invisible iFrames | Embedding hidden affiliate links in a page | 3 |
| Geo-Targeting Offers | Displaying location-based affiliate offers | 9 |
| Dynamic Content Injection | Customizing affiliate content for specific users | 7 |
| Browser Extensions | Auto-applying affiliate links via browser tools | 8 |
| Embedded Affiliate Widgets | Interactive widgets with affiliate links | 9 |
| Bridge Pages | Warming up users before redirecting to an affiliate offer | 9 |
| Funnel Hijacking | Inserting affiliate offers into others’ sales funnels | 5 |
| Social Engineering Tactics | Creating urgency or exclusivity around offers | 6 |
| Viral Content Lockers | Gating content behind affiliate actions | 8 |
| Survey Funnels | Using surveys or quizzes to tailor affiliate recommendations | 9 |
| Exit Redirects | Redirecting users leaving a site to affiliate offers | 7 |
| Pre-Landing Pages with SEO | Ranking niche pages to drive organic traffic to affiliate offers | 10 |
| Affiliate Program Arbitrage | Using commissions from one program to fund traffic for another | 9 |
| Push Notifications | Sending affiliate offers via browser or mobile notifications | 9 |
| Chatbots with Affiliate Offers | Recommending affiliate products through chatbots | 9 |
| Content Syndication | Distributing affiliate content on multiple platforms | 9 |
| URL Shorteners with Tracking | Managing and tracking affiliate links via custom short URLs | 8 |
| Integration Marketing (thank you page) | ||
How Money is Made Online
1. Amazon Embedded Sales Videos: Create and upload short review videos to Amazon product pages via the Amazon Influencer Program.
Videos appear directly on product listings, earning commissions when users purchase.
2. Amazon Live Streams: Host live shopping streams showcasing and reviewing products. Earn through affiliate commissions when viewers purchase items featured during the stream.
3. Amazon Storefronts: Curate product recommendations into a custom storefront. Share the storefront link on social media or blogs for commissions on sales.
4. TikTok Shops: Sell products directly through TikTok by linking to TikTok Shops. Combine with short, engaging videos to drive purchases.
Earn commission through TikTok affiliate programs or by selling your own products.
5. YouTube Product Ads: Use YouTube’s shopping integration to link products directly below your videos. Monetize with affiliate links or through direct product sales.
6. Shoppable Posts: Create Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook posts where users can click and buy directly.
Platforms: Instagram Shopping, Pinterest Shopping, Facebook Marketplace.
7. Facebook Creator Rewards: Earn money through programs like Facebook Stars, Reels Play, and in-stream ads.
Monetize short videos or live streams based on viewership and engagement.
8. Influencer Storefronts: Platforms like LTK (formerly LiketoKnow.it) allow influencers to link and sell products from multiple retailers, earning commissions.
Ad Revenue Models
9. AdSense: Monetize blogs, forums, or tools with Google AdSense ads. Earn based on CPC (cost per click) or CPM (cost per thousand impressions).
10. Content Networks: Monetize niche content with ad networks like Ezoic, Mediavine, or AdThrive. These platforms often offer higher CPMs than AdSense for specialized niches.
11. Ads in YouTube Videos: Besides YouTube Partner Program ads, creators can:
-Add affiliate links in descriptions.
-Include sponsored segments within videos.
12. Native Ads: Platforms like Taboola or Outbrain let you display sponsored articles or widgets on your site. Earn based on clicks or impressions.
13. In-Video Ads: Platforms like SpringServe allow video publishers to include ads in their own content, earning based on impressions. Affiliate Payout Models.
14. Pay-Per-Lead (PPL): Earn commissions for generating qualified leads for businesses.
Example Niches:
Financial Services: Loan or credit card applications.
Education: Free trial sign-ups for online courses.
15. Pay-Per-Click (PPC): Get paid for every click on an affiliate link, regardless of conversion. Platforms: Amazon Associates, certain ad networks.
16. Pay-Per-Sale (PPS): Earn commissions based on a percentage of the sale value.
Examples: eCommerce affiliate programs, SaaS subscriptions.
17. Pay-Per-Call (Phone Number Affiliates): Drive calls to businesses via unique tracking numbers.
Examples:
Legal services.
Home repair companies.
18. Hybrid Models: Combine multiple payout types, such as earning a flat fee for leads plus a percentage of sales.
Popular in SaaS and recurring subscription niches.
Direct Product and Storefront Selling.
19. Amazon Rewards: Participate in Amazon-specific programs like:
Amazon Bounty Program (flat fees for Audible, Prime trials, etc.).
Amazon Subscribe & Save promotions.
20. Digital Product Bundles: Sell bundles of tools, eBooks, or courses through platforms like AppSumo or custom Shopify stores.
21. Subscription-Based Niches
Tools like Patreon, Substack, or Ko-fi allow creators to monetize content directly through subscriptions.
22. Selling Niche Calculators or Tools
Examples:
Mortgage calculators monetized with lead generation for lenders.
Affiliate commissions for tools integrated into the calculator.
Content-Specific Monetization
23. E-Newsletter Monetization: Build a newsletter and monetize with affiliate links or sponsored slots.
Tools: ConvertKit, Substack, Beehiiv.
24. Social Media Ads: Monetize platforms like Twitter and Instagram with:
Direct sponsorship deals.
Twitter Super Follows or Instagram’s Creator Marketplace.
25. Micro-Influencer Deals: Even with smaller followings, secure deals with brands looking for niche audiences.
Platforms: Upfluence, AspireIQ.
Video-Driven Monetization.
26. YouTube Shorts Monetization: Short-form videos can generate revenue through the YouTube Shorts Fund or affiliate links in descriptions.
27. ASMR or Product Demonstration Videos: Use niche video types to attract specific audiences.
Example: ASMR tech unboxing videos with affiliate links.
28. Educational Content Sales: Sell access to webinars, courses, or tutorials directly linked to affiliate offers.
Example: “How to Start a Podcast” course with equipment affiliate links.
Commerce and Shopping Integrations
29. Pinterest Idea Pins: Create interactive pins featuring affiliate products.Users can shop directly from the pin.
30. Google Shopping Ads:
Promote products through Google Shopping, earning affiliate commissions or direct sales.
31. Influencer-Managed Shops: Use TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram Shops to showcase and sell curated products directly.
32. Retail Media Networks: Platforms like Walmart Media Group or Target Roundel allow publishers to earn revenue by promoting retail products.
Lesser-Known Revenue Streams.
33. App Partnerships: Promote apps (e.g., Honey, Rakuten) and earn per install or action.
Tools: PartnerStack, CJ Affiliate.
34. Licensing Content: License videos, images, or tutorials to brands or educational platforms.
Platforms: Shutterstock, Storyblocks.
35. Video Game Skins/Mods: Sell custom game skins or mods through platforms like Steam or Roblox.
36. Gamified Monetization: Build niche apps or websites that offer rewards for completing actions tied to affiliate offers (e.g., Offer Walls).
Why Transparency Matters
Transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. When companies like Honey fail to disclose their methods, they damage the credibility of the entire affiliate marketing industry. This can lead to:
- Bans from Affiliate Networks: Shady practices can get affiliates blacklisted.
- Legal Repercussions: Misleading consumers can result in lawsuits.
- Harm to the Industry: Trust is critical in affiliate marketing, and deceptive tactics erode that trust.
To avoid these pitfalls, companies and affiliates alike need to prioritize ethical practices. This includes clear disclosures, honest marketing, and a focus on providing real value to consumers.
How to Protect Yourself
Whether you’re an affiliate marketer or a consumer, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from unethical practices:
- Read the Fine Print: Before installing a browser extension or using a tool, read the terms and conditions. Look for disclosures about how they make money.
- Vet Your Sources: Don’t blindly trust influencers or tools. Research their business models and affiliations.
- Control Your Cookies: Use browser settings to manage cookies and protect your data.
- Ask Questions: If something seems too good to be true, ask how it works. Understanding the mechanics of affiliate marketing can help you spot red flags.
Opportunities in Ethical Affiliate Marketing
Despite the challenges, affiliate marketing remains a lucrative and ethical way to make money online. If done right. Here are some tips for success:
- Be Transparent: Clearly disclose affiliate relationships in your content.
- Provide Value: Focus on creating content that genuinely helps your audience.
- Choose Reputable Programs: Work with affiliate networks and brands that align with your values.
- Educate Your Audience: Teach your followers about affiliate marketing so they understand how it works and why it benefits them.
The rise of tools like Honey and the integration of AI have added complexity to the affiliate marketing landscape. While these advancements bring opportunities, they also highlight the importance of ethics and transparency. As a marketer or consumer, staying informed is your best defense against unethical practices.
At the end of the day, making money online isn’t just about following trends; it’s about building trust and providing value. By understanding how tools like Honey operate, you can make smarter decisions and protect your interests in the digital marketplace.
If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing and ethical strategies, stay tuned for more content.
Remember: knowledge is power, and transparency is the key to long-term success.