So, here’s the script. A typical guy, your average Tom is making six figures online. More specifically, he’s into affiliate marketing, and by the look of things, it seems to work for him. You must have come across such stories, right?

But wait, can you make money online? Is affiliate marketing worth pursuing in the first place? How long does it take to earn your first buck? These are most likely the questions running through your mind right now if you’re new to creating a passive online income.

Here’s thing – yes, you can bank big with affiliate marketing. You only need to know the basics. Oh and, the profitable networks to join. The guide below will help you get the ball rolling.

Narrow Down to One Niche

Yes, you need to start by finding your niche (how do you pronounce it? -“nitch” or “neesh”).  Of course, the pronunciation doesn’t matter, as long as you know what it means. For starters, having a specific niche will allow you to figure out the direction of your business from the get-go.

In other words, you will have a hard time building a formidable business if you choose the wrong niche. Still, it doesn’t have to be hard to decide.

Consider a topic that you’re passionate about and one that’s big enough. On top that, gauge the competition. The last thing that you want to do is to pursue an oversaturated niche. Don’t forget to check if there are customers to target in that field.

Build a Website

While you can do affiliate marketing without a site, it is easier if you have one.  Your website is the place where your target audience will visit before making a purchase.  Make sure that your site is easy to navigate.

Create high-quality content around your topic. Keep in mind that people are looking for valuable information, so give them what they want. Consider hiring an experienced freelance writer to churn out articles for you. Further, drive traffic to your website and hone your SEO skills. The idea is to stand out from your competition.

Grow your Email List

Email list still work for affiliate marketing. In fact, it is the number one communication channel with your audience and prospective customers. Plus, research shows that you’re likely to make a reasonable $38 for every $1 you spend to list. Do you know what this means? Well, it implies that it is 3,800% worth investing your cash and time in growing your email list.

Pro tip – One of the best ways to get subscribers is to use a popup window on your website.

Don’t worry if that doesn’t make any sense to your right now. Hustle Life is an excellent place to start your affiliate marketing journey as you make your way through the ranks.

Choose Affiliate Products to Promote

You have the niche. Your website is up and running. The content is on point as well. It’s time to choose the products to promote. You shouldn’t have a problem with the selection process if you got the niche correct. You can start with what you already use and love.  Write detailed reviews and plug in affiliate links. Or, you can go with items that fill a specific need in your niche.

Sign Up for an Affiliate Marketing Network

These are online marketplaces where retailers list their products. Your job is to identify the items to sell. In other words, the networks act as a middleman, and you earn a commission for the sales that you make. Some of the most sought after affiliate networks include ShareASale, ClickBank, CJ Affiliate and Amazon Associates. It is essential to mention at this point that you should not pay to join an affiliate marketing network.

The Bottom Line

So, these are pretty much the basics that you need to start affiliate marketing. While it isn’t the simplest of things to do, the rewards are high in the long run. You only need to be patient and consistent. And once you have made some money with one program, you may consider joining other networks to test the waters.

The affiliate marketing scene keeps changing from time to time. It is, therefore, essential that you know what’s working and what’s not.  The last thing that you want is to spend a lot of time trying to promote your content with no results to show for your efforts.  And, don’t forget to track your results to enable you to gauge your progress.