7 Businesses That Surprisingly Use The Hub-Centric Affiliate Business Model

Wirecutter is a product review and recommendation site owned by The New York Times Company. It’s known for its rigorous testing and unbiased evaluations of consumer products. Unlike many review sites, Wirecutter doesn’t just skim the surface—they spend hours, sometimes even weeks, testing products in real-world scenarios to determine the absolute best options in various categories.

From tech gadgets to home appliances, Wirecutter’s team of experts put products through their paces, often resulting in comprehensive buying guides.

This high-quality review on “The Best Wi-Fi Extender and Signal Booster” showcases their detailed approach on their affiliate site.

Their team didn’t just read product specifications or rely on manufacturer claims. Instead, they tested multiple Wi-Fi extenders in various home environments, measuring their range, throughput, usability, and reliability.

They even updated the article with a disclaimer and added a review of a new product, showing their commitment to only providing their readers with the best recommendations. Supplement this with suggestions on fixing the issue before buying a product, and you have a comprehensive guide that also educates readers on the underlying issues they may be facing

Who hasn’t heard of Buzzfeed? It’s a global digital media powerhouse known for its diverse content that spans news, entertainment, quizzes, and more. Buzzfeed's Affiliate hub has successfully tapped into various monetization streams for its business model, one of which is being an affiliate of products and services.

Their shopping section, Buzzfeed Shopping, often features lists like “The Top 10 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets” or “20 Stylish Accessories Under $20.” These articles are curated with a blend of humor, insight, and trendy flair that aligns with Buzzfeed’s unique voice.

The products in these lists often carry affiliate tags, meaning Buzzfeed earns affiliate commissions on sales made through these links. This article on “28 Things That’ll Make Working From Home A True Delight In 2023” is a prime example of how Buzzfeed's Marketer team cleverly integrates affiliate partnerships into its content. Aimed at the growing remote work community, this landing page presents a mix of essential, novel, and quirky products designed to enhance the work-from-home experience.

The article lists items ranging from compact treadmills and side table accessories to whimsical mini trash cans. Each recommendation is accompanied by a witty description that captures Buzzfeed’s signature style, engaging readers while guiding them toward potentially useful purchases.

Lucie's List is a trusted resource for new and expecting parents, curating product recommendations, safety guides, and expert advice. Their comprehensive website functions as a central hub filled with meticulously researched product recommendations, expert advice, and valuable safety information tailored to this specific industry. By weaving their affiliate partners links into their informative content, they provide immense value to their audience while generating revenue.

This approach fosters trust and loyalty, encouraging parents to return to Lucie's List throughout their parenting journey for product guidance and recommendations – making it a prime example of a successful HUB-Centric model.

Credit Karma surprises many with its use of affiliate marketing. As a platform committed to providing free credit scores and financial advice, Credit Karma leverages financial affiliate partner products and services that align with the users' needs.

It's a brilliant blend of financial education and affiliate offers, transforming the way we view credit management.

GearJunkie offers in-depth reviews and recommendations for outdoor equipment and adventure gear. It’s a go-to source for outdoor enthusiasts looking for trustworthy evaluations, how-to guides, and the latest news in the industry.

A great example of GearJunkie’s affiliate marketing approach is their review of the “Timex ‘Standard’ Watch.” The article covers all the essential details, including specs and pros and cons. But what sets this review apart is the personal touch. The writer shares his own experiences with the watch and describes how it feels to wear it.

PCMag, the tech oracle offering a tech-savvy haven for insightful reviews, analyses, and recommendations spanning the vast landscape of technology products. Their fame? Well-earned, thanks to detailed reviews that serve as beacons of critical information for both consumers and businesses, guiding them towards purchasing decisions.

Behold their standout creation: "The Best Project Management Software for 2024." This masterpiece is a result of PCMag's expert team diving into the tech sea, evaluating various project management solutions in the market.

No stone is left unturned – features, usability, integrations, pricing – it's all there, laid bare for readers to devour. But here's where the magic happens – PCMag seamlessly weaves in affiliate links to the reviewed products. It's not just about information; it's about accessibility. Readers can go straight into a purchase or explore further, all while PCMag earns commissions through these affiliate links.

The beauty lies in the delicate dance between in-depth, unbiased insights and the subtle promotion brought by those affiliate links. For businesses and individuals on the hunt for the perfect project management solution, their article is the treasure map, and PCMag is the guide.

But what truly sets PCMag apart is their genuine tone and firsthand insights. It's not just about features; it's about the experience. By candidly sharing both the highs and lows, PCMag builds trust with readers, making their recommendations not just credible but also relatable. That's PCMag, where affiliate offers become a part of the tech journey, guided by genuine expertise and a commitment to empowering the tech community.

NerdWallet, the financial wizard of the online realm, offering a treasure trove of personal finance wisdom, comprehensive advice, and nifty comparison tools. But here's the twist – NerdWallet doesn't just provide; it partners, with a plethora of affiliates in the financial sector, raking in revenue through referrals to credit card issuers, banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.

Now, feast your eyes on their masterpiece: "Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of March 2024." This isn't your run-of-the-mill listicle. It's a meticulously crafted guide, designed to do more than just lure clicks – it's a financial education in itself.

Picture this: The article kicks off with a carefully curated list of the top no-fee credit card options. But wait, there's more – a comparison table breaking down the key features of each card, from interest rates to rewards and bonuses. It's a feast for the financially curious, allowing readers to effortlessly weigh their options.

But NerdWallet goes beyond the surface. The article unfolds, educating readers on what these credit cards truly are, unraveling their benefits and drawbacks like a financial Sherlock Holmes.

This isn't just affiliate marketing; it's financial empowerment. NerdWallet's commitment goes beyond nudging readers towards potential purchases; it's about arming them with knowledge. Because, at NerdWallet, it's not just about transactions; it's about transforming financial novices into skilled navigators.

That's NerdWallet – where affiliate marketing meets financial education, creating more informed choices and fiscal confidence.

Now this would technically count as number 8 Hub-Centric Affiliate Business, yet I would be amiss if I didn't mention Legacy Builders Alliance. It is a perfect example of a hub-centric affiliate brand. Where we focus on what we call the trifecta life which consist of 3 major categories: Happiness, Health, and Wealth. This is represented in our mission statement, blog, and top recommended resources. We used the Affiliate Business System (ABS) by Vick Strizheus to speed up our build, we have expanded into building our own income streams for ourselves and our community.

It is our top recommended resources for creating your own HUB-Centric affiliate business in 7 days or less. I would be doing you a disfavor by not recommending you to watch the ABS demo if you haven't already. This is the biggest game changer for my business in years.

This is not just affiliate marketing; it is a means of empowering people financially. Our commitment extends beyond nudging people toward potential purchases; we seek to equip you with information that will enable you to make an informed decision on what is best for you. Because, just like NerdWallet(worth $1.3 Billion), whose not just about transactions; but about transforming financial novices into skilled navigators. At Legacy Builders Alliance, we are not concerned only with transactions (although they do contribute to our growth and our ability to expand our community and better serve them, so thank you for this); however, our mission is to transform people's lives into one of abundance.

As with NerdWallet, we strive to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to achieve the lifestyle they desire. The Trifecta Life of happiness, health, and wealth enables you to fulfill your dreams and create your own life of time and financial freedom.

Alright, so you've chosen a niche that you are excited about, and now it's time to build the income with either an affiliate program, the use of an Affiliate Network, directly with the business that owns the product or service, or a combination. But where do you even begin to unearth this digital gold? Fear not, we are here to be your map and compass on this treasure hunt!

Here are some prospecting methods guaranteed to lead you to affiliate programs that perfectly complement your niche:

Become a CSI:

Competitor Scene Investigation! The best places to find inspiration are often right under your nose (or should we say, on the same internet screen!). Scope out successful affiliate marketers in your niche and see what products or services they're promoting. Chances are, they've discovered some real gems!

Think Like a Bloodhound:

Sniff Out Affiliate Networks! These online communities bring together affiliate marketers and businesses, offering a bunch of programs to choose from. Explore popular networks like ClickBank, ShareASale, or Commission Junction to find programs that resonate with your audience.

Embrace the Power of Social! Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn discussions, and online forums dedicated to your niche. Not only will you gain valuable industry insights, but you might also stumble upon affiliate program recommendations from fellow hustlers.

The key is to prioritize quality over quantity. Seek programs with a solid reputation, excellent products or services, and competitive commission structures.

These Affiliate program finding techniques, will help you be well on your way to building an affiliate program arsenal that brings home the bacon (or should we say, the kale and avocado smoothie? We promote healthy lifestyles here at Legacy Builders Alliance!). By empowering the affiliate marketer with the HUB-Centric businesses model, they are able to create valuable content, foster their loyal audience into an engaging community, and strategically integrate affiliate links.

Then businesses can become the go-to resources in their niche increasing their brand awareness. It’s a strategic approach that prioritizes value creation over quick sales, thus creating long-term relationships that naturally lead to a thriving online affiliate business system. With real-world examples like Wirecutter (sold for $30million in 2016) and NerdWallet (worth $1.3 Billion), the HUB-Centric model shows versatility and potential, paving the way for affiliate success in various industries. So, are you ready to transform your affiliate game with a HUB-Centric approach?