Affiliate Marketing and Waiters & Waitresses: Serving Tables, Then Serving Traffic

byJDenesovych

836 followers

5 months ago

You know how to hustle.

Whether it’s juggling five tables during the lunch rush, memorizing regulars’ drink orders, or turning a grumpy diner into a happy tipper — you’ve got people skills, grit, and a work ethic that doesn’t quit.

But what happens after the shift ends?

What if you could turn that same service mindset into a digital side hustle that pays — even when you’re off the clock?

Because affiliate marketing?
It’s not just for bloggers and influencers.
It’s for the ones who already know how to deliver.

Step 1: You're Already Recommending Stuff Anyway

Let’s be real.

You’ve probably said:

• “Our most popular dish is the…”
• “If you like that drink, try the…”
• “Want dessert? The [insert pie] is amazing.”

Every shift, you’re guiding decisions and influencing purchases. That’s sales — done with heart.

Affiliate marketing is just the online version of that.
You recommend products or services, but instead of doing it face-to-face… you write about it, film it, or post about it — and you get paid when people buy through your link.

Step 2: Your Industry Experience = Niche Gold

You’ve seen it all behind the scenes:

• The best non-slip shoes
• The go-to headache remedies after a double
• Budget-friendly meal prep tools
• Coffee makers that actually work
• Side-hustle gear for restaurant workers

You can create content around:

• “Top 5 Shoes for Servers on the Move”
• “How I Make Extra Money After My Restaurant Shift”
• “Best Kitchen Gadgets Under $50 for Restaurant Pros”

You already live this niche — affiliate marketing just lets you own it.

Step 3: Side Hustle That Fits Between Shifts

You don’t need 40 hours a week to build something solid.

Affiliate marketing happens:

• During slow hours (yes, even phone-based blogging)
• On breaks with a notebook in hand
• After work, before bed — just 30 minutes at a time

Start with a free website, a few blog posts, or short social media clips.
Small steps stack up — just like tips do.

Step 4: No Fancy Gear, Just Real Talk

You don’t need:

• A ring light
• A business degree
• A massive social following

You need:

• Honesty
• Curiosity
• And a willingness to try

That’s it.

Affiliate marketing works best when you’re authentic. So write like you talk. Review the stuff you actually use. Share what makes life easier in your world — and connect with others who live that life too.

Step 5: Start With What You Know, Grow With What You Learn

Maybe you're the go-to person for:

• Late-night diner hacks
• “How to survive on tips” budgeting tricks
• Favorite energy drinks or supplements for long shifts
• The best delivery apps for side income

Turn those into short posts.
Use platforms like Wealthy Affiliate to learn the ropes.
And let your next side hustle come from the life you already know inside and out.

🔁 Share This With a Server You Know Deserves More Than Tips

Got a friend in food service who’s always grinding?

Tag ‘em.
Send this their way.
Let them know that the same energy they put into every shift could start building something for them.

And if you’re already in WA — post your link.
The next affiliate marketer might be clocking out of their shift right now, wondering how to get ahead.