Is your dream to be able to make money online? Make a full time income by working at home? Quit a dead end job and retire early? My dream was YES to all of those!
But I had no experience, and after losing money to a scam program years ago, I certainly didn’t know who to trust. Every time I wanted to pursue my dream, I just had more questions than answers!
What business model should I use?Â
Do I need a website?  How do I set up a website? Â
How do I get traffic?  Do I sell products? Â
How do I promote products?  Do I have to use social media? Â
How do I actually get paid?
Well, I’m here to tell you that starting as a complete newbie, I did it! The answer was to find a simple business model that was easy to understand and get the right training.
I was able to start earning money at home online, retired early, and have 6 websites so far. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how anyone can become successful online if you’re willing to put in the time and effort!
Best Business Model For Beginners
There are several ways to start an online business, but the business model that is the best, in my opinion, is Affiliate Marketing. What is affiliate marketing? If you Google it, here’s the definition you get: 
Affiliate marketing is really a lot more simple than people think! I use my websites to promote the products and services of online retailers.  If the visitors I refer to those retailers buy something, I get a commission!
I don’t do any selling, I don’t have to worry about product inventory or shipping, I don’t have to deal with customer service or anything that the retailer deals with.
I just communicate with my readers about things that I like and products or services that are useful, and then provide a link where they can purchase them! The commissions I earn average anywhere from 3-5% all the way up to 75%!
Even if my referrals don’t buy the item I was promoting, I still get a commission from anything they purchase on the retailer’s website.
Most retailers will even pay you a commission if the referral doesn’t buy right away, but comes back at a later time and purchases something–sweet deal!
Sounding pretty good so far? Let’s see the benefits of starting an affiliate marketing business!
Benefits Of Choosing Affiliate Marketing
Let’s see why it’s so good for anyone with little to no experience:
~ Low Cost Startup–You don’t need an upfront outlay of cash–if you have a laptop and an internet connection, you can start an affiliate marketing business!
You don’t need to buy inventory to sell products, you don’t need to buy expensive equipment, and you don’t need to rent any office space. All you need is to be online with a laptop or computer.
~ Choose Your Own Niche–The topic of your business can be anything you want it to be! No matter what your interest or passion is, you’ll be able to find affiliate programs to join to start making money.
Choosing a niche that you love will also make it more enjoyable when you’re new to online marketing and trying to learn everything you need to do.
~ No Selling–Worried that you don’t know how to sell to people? No problem! Remember, with affiliate marketing you aren’t going to be doing any selling–you’re going to be communicating and promoting.
On your site, you’ll be discussing interesting topics related to your niche, educating your readers, answering common questions people ask, reviewing products, and helping your readers with solutions to problems they may have.
While you’re writing those posts, you will give recommendations about things you use and services you like, compare different items, show products that help solve problems or make tasks easier, etc.
Within these recommendations, you just provide a link to a retailer that you’ve signed up with. When your readers click on the links and purchase something, you make money!
~ Work From Anywhere–As long as you have your laptop or mobile device and internet access, you can run your online business. You don’t have to be stuck at home or in an office, you can literally take your business with you wherever you go!
~ Work Anytime–You don’t have to have any set hours to work on your affiliate marketing business. It doesn’t matter whether you have just a couple hours in the evenings, 2 or 3 days a week, or an hour every morning before you go to work. You can work on your business any time it’s convenient for you!
~ Passive Income–You don’t need to monitor your business all day because your website is up and running and generating sales 24/7 365 days a year. So while you will need to spend time and effort adding quality content to your website, those posts can earn income for you indefinitely!
==> Get my FREE Proven 5 Step Plan To Start Making Money With Affiliate Marketing <==
Where Do I Learn How To Do It?
Many of you are thinking, “It doesn’t matter how great an affiliate marketing business would be, I don’t know how to do it!”
That’s exactly what I was thinking when I started looking at online marketing.
Not only was I worried about my lack of experience, I had already lost money on a scam program and was more than hesitant to take a chance on something else.
But then I found the legitimate platform that changed everything for me by teaching me all I needed to know!
That program is Wealthy Affiliate, and it’s a 100% legit platform that is designed to help you become successful by providing step-by-step instructions to start and run your business.
The best part is that it’s totally FREE to try out their system with their starter membership, and you can stay on this membership indefinitely!
==>==> Check out the Starter Membership now–no credit card required <==<==
If you decide that affiliate marketing is for you and you want to own your own website with their advanced features, you can sign up for Wealthy Affiliate’s premium membership. It’s just $49 per month to get advanced training and multiple websites!
I’ll go over the basic features of Wealthy Affiliate so you can see what they have to offer. If you’d like complete details, you can read my full review here.
~ Secure Website Hosting–To have an affiliate marketing business, you need a website. But you don’t want just any website, you want a secure, powerful WordPress site! Wealthy Affiliate’s free starter program gives you 2 WordPress sites on their SiteRubix platform–complete with SSL encryption for a totally secure experience for your visitors.
With the premium membership, you can host up to 50 websites with Wealthy Affiliate, 25 domains that you own and 25 free domains–at no extra charge. Each of these websites is another income stream you can add to your business!
To see all the details of this world-class hosting service, you can read my blog post Who Has The Best Website Hosting Services For Your Online Business?
~ Complete Affiliate Marketing Training–You will get step-by-step training that covers how to create your website (which takes about 3 minutes!), how to write terrific content, how to drive traffic to your site, how to sign up for affiliate programs and monetize your site, how to use social media, and so much more!
The Online Entrepreneur Certification course is organized into 5 sections of 10 lessons each. These lessons consist of both written and video tutorials and daily tasks, which make them easy to understand and accomplish.
~ Community Forum–I can’t say enough about WA’s very active community! This is a feature that sets Wealthy Affiliate apart from every other legitimate program out there. You have access to literally hundreds of experienced marketers at any one time, and they are all willing to help and answer questions.
~ Weekly Live Training–Every week there is a 1 hour live training class by Jay, the WA Live Training Coach. These classes cover a different topic each week, and they are recorded so you can see any of them whenever you want to. **This feature is available in the premium membership.
~ 1-on1 Coaching and Live Chat–Sometimes you need an answer right away, and you can get it in Live Chat! There is also 1-on-1 coaching available to you, which is something I haven’t found anywhere else. These 2 features are available for 7 days for starter members with unlimited access for premium members. However, I will personally coach anyone who is referred by me any time, regardless of which membership you have!
Realistic Expectations
If you’re going to become successful with affiliate marketing, I’m going to tell you something that a lot of people won’t–you need to have realistic expectations!
I don’t care how many people out there swear their program will make you thousands of dollars fast, it just isn’t going to be true. If your goal is to make long-term, consistent, substantial money online, you will have to put in the time and effort–there’s no shortcuts.
But if you need to make money now, you should look for a job and then start your online business as a side hustle in your spare time. You can get a realistic timeline with our video below, How Long Does It Take To Start Making Money With Affiliate Marketing?
I’ve reviewed a lot of make money online programs, and it’s really disheartening to see just how many get-rich-quick schemes there are out there. They promise you that all you need to make hundreds and thousands of dollars a day with barely any work is their latest and greatest program!
Don’t fall for these schemes because the only ones making money are the people selling it to you. I know how easy it is because I’ve fallen for one. You can learn how to avoid scams by knowing what to look for at Make Money Online Fast–Beware Of The Scams!
So be sure to go into an online business with the right expectations. If not, you’ll get discouraged and won’t enjoy the process.
It can be extremely hard to keep your motivation going and stick with it. Unfortunately, a lot of people wind up quitting right at the time their website is likely to take off–don’t let that be you!
==> Tired of seeing nothing but scams? See my #1 rated program here <==
How Much Can You Make? $100,000+!
Check out the latest update from a Wealthy Affiliate member who was able to make 6 figures in 2018! See it by clicking on the image below:
Want more motivation? Check these out below!
10 Internet Business Success Stories
Making Money By Affiliate Marketing–Earn $100,000+ A Year!
Any Beginner Can Learn How To Make Money Online
There are a lot of ways to start an online business to make money. But if you’re a beginner, the best way to start out is with affiliate marketing. The benefits are great, it’s the easiest business model, it’s extremely low cost, and with the training and hosting you can get with Wealthy Affiliate, it’s the best chance of success!
Do you have any experience with affiliate marketing? Have you started an online business? We’d love for you to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments below!
It is really not a joke when it comes to making money online whether for full time purpose or just to cover up some bills. This that you have shared here is massive and I really fancy it a lot. Thanks. I would like to have a detailed knowledge about this affiliate marketing and possibly look at my chances of making anything meaningful out of it. Also, thanks for sharing the best platform to learn from. Thanks
The way I got my knowledge was from all of the detailed training at Wealthy Affiliate. In fact, there is so much available that I had to slow down and take it one step at a time so I could absorb it all. If you decide to try it out, you will definitely get the detailed knowledge you’re looking for!
I think affiliate marketing is the best way to make money online, it offers unlimited earning potential and time and location freedom, but it’s misunderstood because some people think it’s just spamming affiliate links everywhere and that’s just not the case. I’m actually a member of the platform you mentioned, Wealthy Affiliate, and under their training I’ve built 3 websites so far that’s earning me $1000+ every month. It took 3 years of hard work, but it’s worth it. My advice is to be patient and to put in consistent work and it will pay off.
You’re so right! So many scam type programs tell you that affiliate marketing is fast and easy. But you either need to spam or pay for ads that stand very little chance of making any money.
Thank you for sharing your experience with Wealthy Affiliate. The training they provide works for anyone who’s willing to put in the time and effort. Congratulations on making your online business a success, and I hope it keeps going up!
Affiliate Marketing has been around for a while now and so has many of these scammy programs out to obtain people’s money illegally. Therefore it qis quite pertinent to be careful when choosing an online money making program and that’s where wealthy affiliates comes in because not only are you provided with the opportunity to be your own boss,you will go through professional training and get your site hosted and excellent community building for only a small charge.
Indeed, beginners have been provided with a comprehensive guide on how to make money online,they just have to follow the guide and start working from home to escape that 9-5 syndrome..
You’re exactly right! WA is an awesome program that provides everything you need to be a successful affiliate marketer. I don’t think that a beginner can find this kind of value for their money anywhere else!
I like the emphasis on the training you provided for free because this is what people are seeking online. When a platform invites people to free stuff in order to become a successful entrepreneur it’s something to be grabbed. But when a platform invites people to join them and pay for a system that generates money they should be shunned.
Affiliate marketing is never an overnight system this is work of love that everyone should know.
I definitely have no problem paying for a legitimate program that has great value for the price. But a program needs to allow you to see their features and show that they work before expecting anyone to purchase them!
Can remember when I started online jobs, I wasted a lot of time on low income programs, and even lost so money to fraudsters as well. It’s a difficult terrain to navigate for beginners, because a lot of information is online about products that can earn a lot of bucks in a short time. However, most of these programs are just scams!
After learning the hard way, I really wish I had come across your article earlier. Would have saved myself all the stress and troubles.
As an affiliate marketer, I believe this is absolutely the best way to earn online. With little start-up and huge potentials, it’s almost a no risk investment. However, before joining affiliate program, one needs to be really acquainted with the best marketing practices and tools, to ensure success in this business.
I agree! The low start up cost and huge potential make affiliate marketing the best online business for a beginner!
Wow !. This was just like telling my side of the story as a beginner. I wish I had enough information before dabbling into making money online. The wonderful information here would have been the best way to kick start my online money making career.
Nevertheless I have learnt a lot since the last time I lost some money. Right now I operate four websites for my affiliate marketing. All in two different niche, fish farming and dog breeding.
That’s wonderful that you have made a success with your online businesses–and I love your niches!
Thank you for writing this great review on how to make money online as a beginner you explain it very well.
I been a member of Wealthy Affiliate for about four months and like you say is great place for beginners, when a join Wealthy Affiliate I didn’t know nothing about Affiliate program I only knew that I want to make money online from home and when I found WA it was a good fit for me, because WA is beginner friendly.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Wealthy Affiliate, and I wish you success with your business!
Hi Janelle, thanks for sharing the best way to make money online.
About a year ago, I had no idea what affiliate marketing is all about. But while I was searching for ways to make some cash online, I came across a lot of articles saying how it is by far the most effective way. And for someone who is a complete beginner, I was afraid to jump in before knowing more about it. I guess my biggest regret to date was not finding the program that provides the best training as soon as possible, because although I learned some things from the programs I signed up with, apparently those information and training were not enough.
I’m just glad I stumbled upon Wealthy Affiliate as a result of reading some reviews of another program I was planning to join. As of today, I can’t still decide what niche to go for. I’m thinking of something on the health and wealth niche but perhaps it’s too broad, what do you think?
You can’t go wrong with health and wealth, but you will need to narrow it down in order to get targeted traffic to your site. My blog post, What Is An Affiliate Marketing Niche and How Do I Choose One?, can give you some good ideas about how to find the best niche for you.
Good luck with your online business!
Affiliate marketing is definitely a business model beginners online entrepreneurs should venture into. It is a low-cost business venture and requires very little money to maintain. As soon as you start seeing results, it can continue that way for a very long time.
Those programs claiming instant wealth in the online world don’t have your best interest at heart and are just there to take your money because making money online is not a one day’s job and requires consistent effort on a regular basis before you can start to see the benefits of your effort.
You’re exactly right! Consistent effort on a regular basis is definitely key to making money online for the long term.
I really like the fact that any niche in affiliate marketing is fair game. I’ve seen niches that in my personal opinion I thought were lame, stupid, or boring have some serious financial success behind it for the person who pursued it.
In fact, there was a genealogy (family trees) blog that was making $100 per month (not my cup of tea) thanks to a genealogy affiliate program.
It really goes to show that you shouldn’t knock it until you’ve tried it and that any passion can make money.
You’re right! Any niche can make money, in fact, some of the niches that are not very popular can be extremely lucrative just because there is so little competition.
Dear Janelle,
Thanks a lot for the very thorough and comprehensive post.
I love Affiliate Marketing and I am a full-time Affiliate Marketer. Why I love this business? Its because of the awesome benefits of Affiliate Marketing you discussed on your excellent post.
I am sure your post is going to be very helpful for many newbies and when I started I was looking for a proper guidance i.e where and how to start. Also I was always looking for some coaching and a place where I can get help when I am stuck. You have provided all the guidelines to start an online business.
Realistic Expectations topic is very helpful and much needed. One of the main reason why many quit and fail online is they want to make money immediately and want to become rich quick. They need to know it will take time and effort to earn money online as you have mentioned it clearly and I appreciate it.
Wishing you Great Success!
Paul
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with affiliate marketing! I always try to make sure that anyone who starts any online business knows that it takes time to make money and they’ll need to put in a lot of effort. Those who think they can make money fast are easily persuaded by the many scams out there and lose money. With the wrong expectations, it will be hard not to get discouraged and give up!
The site is very informative and useful in helping people who do not know much about online business or affiliate marketing to get started and how to build their very own website. I like the fact that you not only talk about the benefits of starting in affiliate marketing but you also give tools on how to get started. The content is very well put together and easy to understand. Good job.
So glad you found the information useful! Good luck starting your online business, and I hope you’ll come back again!
Thank you so much, you have done a whole lot of explanation here, Its crazy that I didn’t find this type of informative post earlier on, anyways am just starting on wealthy affiliate and I look forward to implement all the strategies you have stated above. I won’t be far form your blog in getting help for my affiliate journey.
I’m so glad you found it helpful and hope you come back again!
By far affiliate marketing is the best method on how to make money online like you said. It requires very little money to start up and all you need to do is just keep on writing a post that is related to the product that you want to sell. We all want to make money fast, count me as one of those people. I will try to set a realistic goal as you mentioned. You see I am my worst critic. I beat myself up when I do not see the result. Will keep on trying. Thank you for an informative post!
Definitely don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see results right away! The fact is that it will take time before you start to see results from affiliate marketing. To see a realistic general timeline to start making money, I recommend my blog post, How Long Does It Take To Start Making Money With Affiliate Marketing?
Keep on trying and good luck!
Thanks for this very informative post! I love how you’ve covered so many areas of affiliate marketing and where to get started. There are so many scams out there, so good to see there are legit ones around also. well done! I have to disclose that I’m already a premium member of Wealthy Affiliate, and have been for the past 5 years. Never looked back 🙂
cheersKarina
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Wealthy Affiliate! It’s good to know that you’re making a success with affiliate marketing and that can help inspire others who are just getting started!
Affiliate marketing is a great way for both beginners and advanced marketers to make money online.
I wish I had started with Affiliate Marketing in the beginning. Instead, I wasted valuable time trying out various MLM opportunities. Total waste of time. Now I see clearly that I was making money for the owners of the MLM businesses instead of focussing on building out a long-term business for myself.
Affiliate marketing, although is not a fast method to earn a full time income, is definitely the way to go long term.
Your last sentence is the key–affiliate marketing is not a fast way to make money, but can produce fantastic results long term. The fact is that there is no fast, easy way to make money online because it all takes time and a great deal of effort. But affiliate marketing is a low cost way to start an online business that anyone can do, and a program like Wealthy Affiliate can teach everything a beginner needs to know!
Hi Janelle, I think building an online affiliate marketing business is an excellent idea for anyone who wants financial independence. I started my own online business a little over 12 months ago now, whilst working full time, and it is slowly building into something that I am very proud of. I am earning money every month now. Not enough to live on, but it’s moving in the right direction and I know that with more work I will be able to fire my boss. It is truly the best decision I’ve made in a long time and I wish I’d known about it sooner. Everyone should do this!
Thank you for sharing your experience and success with your online business! You’re the perfect example of someone who’s putting in the time and effort to build out your site and lay the foundation for steady, long-term income. I wish you continued success!
Awesome tips you’ve written here Janelle,
How I wish I had found your article sooner when I first started! I had to go through the old way of trial and errors and read books to understand how blogs work last time before I finally switched to do Affiliate Marketing. It’s super easy and definitely doable for beginners 🙂
How was your experience when you first started Affiliate Marketing?
I’ve loved affiliate marketing since I started my first website! I’m a huge dog lover, so that site was in the dog care niche. Starting out with something that really interests me and that I could add my own experiences to made the process easier and enjoyable–especially when it took time to made money and I felt discouraged.
But the great thing about hosting all my sites at Wealthy Affiliate is that there are so many great marketers that give their success stories and talk about their journeys and how long it took. They would give me the motivation to keep going, and sure enough, after a few months my rankings started to go up and things fell into place. I just love having an online business–thanks for taking time to share!