How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing?

Here are 4 lessons I’ve learned on how to start as an affiliate marketer.

The beginning is a lot more nuanced than what is said by people who have ‘made it.’

This is my second attempt at digital and affiliate marketing.

The first time I tried it, I, along with a family member, purchased a $1,500 course from ‘gurus.’

And guess what happened? Nothing.

All we did was spend thousands of our hard-earned money to get nothing in return except knowledge and lessons about what not to do.

I’m taking a crack at it again.

This time, I’m not going in blind (mistake number one).

I’m reading blog after blog, watching video after video, and filling myself with as much relevant information as possible about how to start a digital marketing side hustle.

I wanted to take you, my readers, along this journey while it’s happening in real time so you can see what it really takes to grow this kind of business.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned thus far that can help you if you want to start but are hesitant.

Lesson 1: There’s a huge learning curve. Astronomically HUGE!

There’s so much information out there, and you need to take the time to sort through it and figure out how you want to start.

If you have the resources to do it fancy, maybe hire someone to help you with the technical aspects, like automation software, email marketing systems, landing pages, etc. Go for it. Just make sure you understand the purpose of every single piece you’re using.

If, on the other hand, you’re like me and don't want to spend a ton of money upfront (again), do your research.

Medium has been a helpful resource. I’ve searched affiliate marketing and was surprised to find relevant and straightforward information with actionable steps you can take.

As I said, the learning curve is a big one. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to have it all figured out tomorrow.

I find this is how these ‘gurus’ can hook people in and have them spending thousands of dollars from the get-go. They convince us that we can start making thousands today.

We want to make money now. But we have to be patient and careful. The truth is, it’s going to take time. If you want to make this work, get used to the idea.

Lesson 2: You need to create an audience.

If there’s anything you can take from this blog about digital and affiliate marketing, let it be this — you need an audience.

Who are you going to sell to?

If you do not have an established audience, this is your actionable step number one (besides the learning part).

How do you build an audience?

You don’t have to rack your brain for this one. Social media sites like Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, Pinterest, etc., can you be a good place for you to start.

I’m currently focusing on Pinterest.

Why? Which platform should you pick?

This should be based on your preferences and interests, and most importantly, can you stick with it?

I’m learning consistency is the name of the game.

You need to be consistent with the content you’re creating and posting. Otherwise, you will never be found.

Take the time to find out which platform you prefer.

Do you like making short videos? Do you like video editing? Do you like picture editing? Do you like designing?

Consider your interests and find the type of content you want to create. Once you know, it will point you to which platform is best for you to build an audience.

That’s why I picked Pinterest. I like the platform and the content and can stick with posting consistently.

Lesson 3: Do not overcomplicate the beginning.

Like I said, there’s so much information on digital marketing and affiliate marketing your head could explode.

I’ve learned the less complicated you start, the better.

You can always build from this point anyways.

I invested in a super expensive course that gave me a step-by-step list of things to do, systems to set up, landing pages, websites, hoplinks, etc.

What this course did not teach me is why each step was necessary. It didn’t teach the foundation of affiliate and digital marketing.

I was sold the dream of automating a few ads and collecting hundreds the next day.

I'm not saying this can’t happen. What I’m saying is it’s not the norm, and the people selling all these courses are making you believe it is.

Do not fall for the trap of overnight success. I did, and it was both a waste of time and money.

Lesson 4: Be patient and stay consistent

I’ve already said this, but it needs to be repeated.

Patience and consistency are the names of the game.

Create content that you like consistently, and post it consistently.

Don’t go crazy over your views and follows. Just keep going.

Algorithms aren’t too difficult to understand. Plus, there’s plenty of information on them, so you can do your research and figure out pretty quickly how they work.

But again, consistency is your best friend.

Remember, this is a long-term commitment. You will need to stick with this for months, even years, to see results.

I learned my lesson after buying that course.

Now that I’m giving myself the time to learn, things are different. I’m building an audience (with no initial cost) on Pinterest, and I’m excited to see where this attempt will take me.

Conclusion.

I genuinely believe this is how every successful affiliate and digital marketer started their journey.

Learning as they went.

If you’re just starting or are curious about how to start a digital marketing or affiliate marketing side hustle, these are the four lessons I’ve learned and wanted to share to help prepare you.

1. There’s a huge learning curve. Be patient with your learning pace.

2. You need to build an audience. You want to be looked at as a source of reliable information.

3. Do not overcomplicate the beginning. You do not need fancy software, landing pages, or email marketing. At least not right now. Look to social media to build your first audience.

4. Lastly, be patient with the process and stay consistent. The growth you want will only happen when you combine these two.

What were the first lessons you learned at the start of your digital marketing journey?