Affiliate SEO: The 5 Types of Blog Posts That Actually Rank and Convert

byNickNachkov

202 followers

6 months ago

Let’s not pretend all affiliate blog posts are created equal. You can crank out 50 posts full of affiliate links, but if none of them actually rank or get clicks, you’re just wasting your time.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that a handful of post types consistently pull in traffic and get readers to click. They’re not magic formulas, but they work — if you do them right.

Here’s a breakdown of the five formats that perform best in affiliate SEO, and how to make them helpful without looking like you’re trying too hard to sell.

1. “Best Of” Lists

These are your classic roundup posts:

• Best Coffee Grinders for Small Kitchens,
• Top 5 Budget Laptops for Students,
• Best Dog Beds for Senior Pomeranians (ok, that one might just be me).

They rank well because they target clear search intent. People typing “best [thing] for [situation]” are usually close to buying — they just want to compare options and get a final push.

Quick tips:

• Keep it organized and easy to skim. Use tables, short pros/cons, and highlight key features.
• Don’t add 20 random products just to squeeze in links. Curate.
• Start with a quick summary — some folks won’t scroll far.

2. Comparison Posts

People love side-by-sides: Product A vs. Product B – Which One’s Worth It?

It’s a killer format because readers are already weighing options. They’re basically saying, “Help me choose.”

What works well:

• Show where each product wins. Don’t make it feel like a forced conclusion.
• Include specs, usability, and who each is best for.
• Be honest — even if one is better, admit where the other pulls ahead.

These posts build a lot of trust. And trust leads to clicks.

3. Tutorials or How-To Posts

This format isn’t always directly about a product — and that’s the beauty of it.

Say you write:

How to Brew Coffee Without a Machine

Inside, you mention a portable grinder, a manual pour-over, and some beans you like. Boom — affiliate links that feel natural, not forced.

Just keep in mind:

• Solve a real problem.
• Only link products if they genuinely help.
• Use step-by-step instructions with photos or screenshots if you can.

These posts usually bring in a broader audience, but they convert well because they offer value first, then gently recommend.

4. Problem-Solver Posts

These are the kind of posts that answer annoying, specific questions:

• Why does my blender keep leaking?
• How to fix a squeaky treadmill belt
• How to keep your headphones from shorting out

Sometimes you’re not selling the main product — you’re selling a fix, an accessory, or a better version.

These posts feel helpful because they are. And that trust creates the perfect setup for a relevant affiliate link.

5. Detailed Product Reviews

Not the spammy kind — I mean actual reviews that walk the reader through the product like they’re seeing it in person.

What works best:

• Structure matters: overview, pros/cons, key features, and who it’s good for.
• Add personal touches — even if you haven’t used it yourself, compare it to similar items or what others are saying.
• Stay neutral. People hate being sold to but love being helped.

These can rank long-term and convert well, especially when you focus on low-competition products people are still searching for.

Final Thought

If you’re writing affiliate content that doesn’t rank or convert, chances are you’re not hitting the right format for the search intent.

Stick to content types that solve problems, answer questions, or help people make a decision. That’s what Google wants to serve – and what people actually want to read.

Structure it clean, write like you care, and make your affiliate links feel like part of the conversation – not the whole point of the post.