Shop My or LTK? What I’ve Learned as a Creative Affiliate
This post: Shop My or LTK? Here’s the platform I almost overlooked—and why I’m glad I didn’t.
When Billion Dollar Beauty first reached out to me, I was already considering branching out into beauty sales—but I had a lot of hesitation.
The other brand I was looking at is a direct sales company (aka MLM), and if I’m being honest? I’ve done MLM sales in the past, and that model just doesn’t sit well with me. I didn’t want to buy into a company, hold inventory, send out samples, or host parties. And I definitely didn’t want to recruit people into a “team.”
So I paused. I sat with the decision.
Then Billion Dollar Beauty invited me to their affiliate program—through a platform I’d never used before called ShopMy.
And the moment I realized that the commission payout through ShopMy (a full 25%) was the same as the MLM brand I was about to sign up with—without any of the strings attached? I was sold.
No inventory.
No starter kit.
No parties.
No pressure.
Just a streamlined way to earn affiliate income from a brand I was already using every day—and the ability to link products from hundreds of other brands I love, too.
LTK vs. ShopMy: A Quick Overview
I now use both LTK and ShopMy to build creative income streams, and they each have their place. But they are very different platforms. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
LTK: Big Platform Energy
LTK (formerly LIKEtoKNOW.it) is well-established in the influencer space. It’s perfect for creators who have a strong following and want to tap into a huge network of retailers.
Pros:
- Trusted platform with over 200,000 creators
- Shoppable links in the LTK app
- Great educational resources
Cons:
- A little overwhelming if you’re just starting out
- Getting approved as an LTK creator can be tough
- Commission rates vary and are less transparent
Here’s a “shop my post” widget I created from my LTK summer capsule collection:
(Pretty easy to create and update on the platform)
ShopMy: Streamlined + Creator-Friendly
If you’re wondering about Shop My requirements, the good news is the application process is simple!
ShopMy was designed for creators who want a clean, customizable space to curate product recommendations. Think digital storefront meets simple affiliate backend.
Pros:
- Higher commission rates (10–30% depending on the brand)
- Gorgeous, minimal storefront layout
- Easier to get started—even with a small following
- Access to clean beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle brands
Cons:
- Still growing its brand library, though it’s expanded a lot
- Not as well-known to audiences yet (but that’s changing)
What Are the ShopMy Requirements?
If you’re wondering how hard it is to get started, here’s what you need:
- A social media presence (1,000+ followers is helpful but not required)
- Consistent content creation
- An application through their website
You can apply here using my personal referral link:
👉 shopmy.us/join/simplykristylynn?referral=RJ9YUY
Once you’re approved, you’ll get access to your own storefront, where you can start linking products and earning commissions right away.
Here’s an example my “every day makeup” collection on Shopmy:
(This only took a few minutes to create.)
Shop My or LTK? (Here’s What I Recommend…)
When Billion Dollar Beauty reached out to me, I was at a crossroads: sell makeup through an MLM company with high buy-in and monthly sales minimums… or build an affiliate income stream with products I already loved—without jumping through hoops.
ShopMy made the choice easy.
I’m now earning affiliate income through beauty, fashion, and clean lifestyle brands I love and use. I didn’t have to invest in inventory or start a new Instagram account. I didn’t have to build a team or push products I don’t believe in.
Instead, I get to share what I already love—with full transparency and creative freedom.
Bonus: You and I Both Benefit
ShopMy also offers a referral program for creators. When you sign up using my link, you’ll get a 10% bonus on your commissions and brand collabs for your first six months. I’ll also earn a 10% bonus for referring you. It’s a simple win-win.
👉 Join ShopMy here and start creating your own storefront
Final Thoughts
I still use both LTK and ShopMy—and I plan to keep using both. They serve different parts of my creative business.
But if you’re looking for an affiliate platform that makes it easy to start today—with higher commissions, no pressure to sell, and brands you already trust—ShopMy might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
And if you’re an introverted creative like me, wanting to earn without selling your soul (or bugging your friends)? This path is 100% for you.
Let me know if you have questions. I’d love to help you get started—I love hearing from you!
xo, Kristy
👉 P.S. Quick links:
