I’m so excited you’re here. If you’ve been thinking about starting an online business but don’t have a product or service to sell yet, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Today, we’re talking about the #1 way to make money online even if you don’t have an offer yet. Grab a notebook, your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!

Why Start with the Audience-First Path?

When I started my online business and coaching journey, I decided to take the audience-first approach. Instead of jumping straight into selling products or services, I focused on building a community first. I launched my podcast, provided valuable content, and engaged with my audience regularly.

Maybe you’re in the same boat. You’re building a blog, a YouTube channel, or a podcast, but you’re still figuring out what to offer. The big question is: How do you make money while building your audience?

Well, let me introduce you to the best way to start monetizing your online presence right now—Affiliate Marketing!

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a commission-based way to earn money by promoting other people’s products or services. Businesses partner with affiliates (like you!) to promote their offerings, and in return, you earn a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link.

Think of it like this: You’re recommending a product you love, and when someone buys it using your link, you get paid. Easy, right?

Why Affiliate Marketing is Perfect for Beginners

Affiliate marketing is an amazing way to start earning online, especially when you’re still figuring out what you want to sell. Here’s why:

• No Product Creation – You don’t need to create anything yourself.
• No Upfront Costs – Most affiliate programs are free to join.
• Earn While You Learn – As you build your audience and understand their needs, you can make money recommending helpful products.
• Passive Income Potential – Once your affiliate links are out there, they can keep making money for you over time!

How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

Now that you see why affiliate marketing is a great option, let’s break it down into simple steps.

1. Make a List of Products You Love & Trust

The best affiliate marketers promote products they genuinely believe in. Think about tools, courses, books, or software you’ve used and loved.

Here are some examples:

• Online courses that helped you grow your business
• Software like email marketing platforms or website builders
• Physical products that align with your niche (e.g., pet products if you’re a pet blogger)

You don’t want to recommend anything just for the sake of making money—it should be something valuable to your audience.

2. Sign Up for Affiliate Programs

Once you’ve got your list, check if those companies offer an affiliate program. Many brands have an affiliate section on their website where you can sign up.

Popular affiliate programs include:

• Amazon Associates (for physical products)
• ShareASale and Rakuten (for various brands)
• Kajabi, Teachable, and Thinkific (for course platforms)
• ConvertKit and Mailchimp (for email marketing)

When you’re accepted, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link for each product you want to promote.

3. Share Your Affiliate Links with Your Audience

Once you have your affiliate links, it’s time to start promoting! Here are some ways to do it:

• Write blog posts recommending the product
• Create social media posts sharing how you use it
• Record a YouTube video or podcast reviewing the product
• Send an email to your list explaining why you love it

The key is to provide value. Don’t just drop links—explain how the product helps solve a problem for your audience.

4. Track Your Earnings & Optimize

Most affiliate programs have dashboards where you can track your clicks, conversions, and commissions. Pay attention to what’s working so you can refine your strategy!

How Much Can You Earn with Affiliate Marketing?

Your earnings depend on the type of product you’re promoting:

• Physical products – Typically offer 1% to 10% commission
• Digital products – Offer 20% to 50% commission (sometimes even 75%!)

For example, if you promote a $500 course with a 40% commission rate, you’d earn $200 per sale. Sell five courses a month? That’s $1,000 right there!

When Will You Get Paid?

Each company has different payment schedules. Some pay monthly, others bi-weekly, and some quarterly. Most affiliate programs pay via PayPal, Stripe, or direct deposit. Always check the payment terms before signing up!

Best Practices for Affiliate Marketing Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your affiliate marketing journey is successful:

• Be Honest – Only recommend products you truly believe in.
• Stay Relevant – Promote products that align with your niche.
• Focus on Value – Teach your audience why the product is helpful, not just what it is.
• Disclose Your Links – Be transparent that you’re using affiliate links (it’s required by law in many places).
• Be Patient – It takes time to build momentum, but consistency pays off!

Recap: Start Making Money Online Today!

If you’re still building your audience and don’t have a product to sell yet, affiliate marketing is your best bet. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Make a list of products you love and trust.
2. Sign up for affiliate programs.
3. Share your affiliate links with valuable content.
4. Track your results and refine your strategy.

Remember, even if you don’t have your own offer yet, you can still start making money online. It’s all about serving your audience and connecting them with valuable resources.

So, what’s the first affiliate product you’re going to promote? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who’s looking to start an online business. And if you’re ready to take the next step, subscribe to my email list for more tips on building a profitable, service-based business from scratch!