How to Start Affiliate Marketing with No Money (Complete Beginner’s Guide)

I remember staring at my bank account in 2019, wondering how I could possibly start an online business with $47 to my name.

Every article I read talked about buying courses, paying for web hosting, investing in paid ads. I didn’t have money for any of that.

So I asked myself: Is it actually possible to start affiliate marketing with zero dollars?

The answer is yes—but you need to be smart about it.

In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to start affiliate marketing without spending a dime. This is the same strategy I used to make my first $312 in affiliate commissions with a $0 investment.

No fluff. No “just invest in yourself” BS. Just a real, actionable plan you can start today.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

What affiliate marketing actually is (in plain English)
Why you DON’T need money to start
Step-by-step setup process (completely free)
Where to find products to promote
How to get traffic without paid ads
Timeline for your first sale

Let’s dive in.

What Is Affiliate Marketing? (Simple Explanation)

Affiliate marketing is recommending products or services to people and earning a commission when they buy through your unique link.

Think of it like this:

You tell your friend about a great book you read
Your friend buys it on Amazon
Amazon pays you $2

That’s affiliate marketing in a nutshell.

Here’s how it works:

You join an affiliate program (free to join)
You get a unique tracking link for products you want to promote
You share that link through content (blog, social media, YouTube, email)
Someone clicks your link and buys the product
You earn a commission (anywhere from 5% to 75% of the sale)

The beauty of affiliate marketing:

✅ You don’t create the product
✅ You don’t handle customer service
✅ You don’t deal with shipping or inventory
✅ You just connect people with solutions they need

You’re essentially a matchmaker between products and buyers.

Why You DON’T Need Money to Start

Here’s the lie that keeps people stuck:

“You need to invest thousands in a website, courses, and paid ads to succeed in affiliate marketing.”

Bull.

Here’s the truth:

Everything you ACTUALLY need is available for free:

Affiliate networks to find products → Free
Platforms to share content (Medium, YouTube, social media) → Free
Email marketing tools (with free plans) → Free
Landing page builders (with free plans) → Free
Traffic sources (SEO, social media, forums) → Free
Design tools to create graphics → Free

The only thing that costs money in affiliate marketing is shortcuts—paid ads to get traffic faster, premium tools for convenience, courses to learn faster.

But you don’t NEED shortcuts when you’re starting out. You need a solid strategy and consistent execution.

I started with $0. So did thousands of others.

Now let’s get into exactly how you can do the same.

Step 1: Choose Your Niche (15 Minutes)

Your niche is the topic you’ll focus on. Don’t overthink this.

Good niches for beginners:

Something you already know about (fitness, parenting, cooking, gaming)
Something you’re actively learning (investing, coding, photography)
A problem you’ve recently solved (weight loss, budgeting, career change)

Why this matters:

When you know your niche, you can:

Create helpful content people actually want
Build trust because you understand their problems
Recommend products authentically (not just chasing commissions)

How to choose:

Make a list of 3-5 topics you could talk about for hours
Search “[topic] affiliate programs” on Google
Check if products exist in that niche
Pick ONE to start with

Examples of profitable niches:

Personal finance (credit cards, budgeting apps, investment platforms)
Health & fitness (supplements, workout programs, equipment)
Technology (software, gadgets, web hosting)
Hobbies (gaming gear, art supplies, musical instruments)
Business/productivity (tools, courses, software)
Relationships/dating (courses, apps, coaching)
Parenting (products, courses, toys)

Pro tip: The more specific, the better. “Fitness” is broad. “Home workouts for busy dads over 40” is specific and easier to dominate.

Action step: Write down your chosen niche. We’ll build everything else around this.

Step 2: Join Affiliate Networks (30 Minutes)

Affiliate networks are marketplaces where you can find thousands of products to promote.

Here are the best FREE networks for beginners:

1. ClickBank

What it is: Digital products (eBooks, courses, software)
Commission rates: 50-75% (very high)
Approval: Instant
Best for: Information products, health, business, hobbies

How to join:

Go to ClickBank.com
Click “Sign Up”
Fill out basic info (takes 5 minutes)
You’re approved instantly

Pro tip: Look for products with “Gravity” between 20-100. This means other affiliates are successfully selling it, but it’s not oversaturated.

2. ShareASale

What it is: Mix of physical and digital products from 5,000+ merchants
Commission rates: 5-50% depending on merchant
Approval: Usually 1-2 days
Best for: Wide variety of niches

How to join:

Go to ShareASale.com
Click “Affiliate Sign Up”
Fill out application (they’ll ask about your promotional methods—say “blog, social media, email marketing”)
Wait for approval email (usually quick)

3. Amazon Associates

What it is: Promote any product on Amazon
Commission rates: 1-10% (lower, but HUGE selection)
Approval: Instant to start, need 3 sales within 180 days to stay active
Best for: Physical products, reviews, “best of” lists

How to join:

Go to affiliate-program.amazon.com
Sign in with your Amazon account
Complete the application
Start promoting

Pro tip: Amazon cookies only last 24 hours, so conversions need to happen fast. Great for product reviews and comparison posts.

4. Impact (formerly Impact Radius)

What it is: Premium brands and merchants
Commission rates: Varies widely
Approval: Application-based (may take a few days)
Best for: Established brands, SaaS products

5. CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)

What it is: Large network with major brands
Commission rates: Varies
Approval: Application-based
Best for: Brand-name products

Action step: Sign up for ClickBank and ShareASale today. These two will give you access to thousands of products across nearly every niche.

Step 3: Find Your First Product to Promote (20 Minutes)

Now that you have access to affiliate networks, let’s find a product to promote.

How to choose a good product:

✅ Solves a real problem in your niche
✅ Has positive reviews (Google “[product name] review”)
✅ Professional sales page (shows the company is serious)
✅ Fair price point ($20-$200 for digital products is sweet spot)
✅ High commission rate (aim for 40%+ on ClickBank)
✅ Gravity/popularity showing others are successfully promoting it

Red flags to avoid:

❌ Overhyped sales pages with fake scarcity
❌ Products with mostly negative reviews
❌ “Get rich quick” or scammy-looking offers
❌ Products you wouldn’t recommend to a friend

Action step:

Log into ClickBank
Click “Marketplace”
Choose your category
Sort by “Gravity”
Click through to 5-10 sales pages
Read like a customer: Would YOU buy this?
Pick 1-2 products that genuinely look helpful
Click “Promote” to get your affiliate link

Save your affiliate links somewhere safe (Google Doc, Notion, spreadsheet).

Step 4: Set Up Your Free Platform (1-2 Hours)

You need somewhere to share content and affiliate links. Here are your best FREE options:

Option 1: Medium (Easiest for Complete Beginners)

What it is: Free blogging platform with built-in audience
Cost: $0
Best for: Writers who want to start publishing immediately

How to set up:

Go to Medium.com
Sign up with Google or email
Start writing (no setup needed)

Pros:

Instant audience (people browse Medium looking for content)
No technical setup
Clean, professional look
Mobile-friendly automatically

Cons:

You don’t own the platform
Limited customization
Can’t collect emails directly (need workaround)

Option 2: Systeme.io (Best All-in-One Free Option)

What it is: Landing pages + email marketing + sales funnels in one platform
Cost: Free plan (up to 2,000 contacts)
Best for: People who want everything in one place

How to set up:

Go to Systeme.io
Sign up for free account
Choose a landing page template
Customize with your content
Connect email autoresponder
Publish

Pros:

All-in-one (landing pages, email, automation)
No coding needed
Generous free plan
Can build complete funnels

Cons:

Learning curve (not as simple as Medium)
Limited SEO compared to a blog

Option 3: Blogger (Free Blog from Google)

What it is: Google’s free blogging platform
Cost: $0
Best for: People who want a simple blog

How to set up:

Go to Blogger.com
Sign in with Google
Create your blog
Choose a template
Start posting

Pros:

Completely free
Owned by Google (reliable)
Easy setup

Cons:

Basic features
Dated interface
Less professional than other options

Option 4: YouTube (If You Prefer Video)

What it is: Video platform with 2+ billion users
Cost: $0
Best for: People comfortable on camera

How to set up:

Create YouTube channel
Film videos with your phone
Upload and optimize
Put affiliate links in description

Pros:

Massive built-in audience
High earning potential long-term
Video content ranks in Google

Cons:

Takes longer to monetize
Requires consistency
Some niches harder than others

My recommendation: Start with Systeme.io if you want to build an email list from day one (smart move), or Medium if you want the absolute simplest start.

Action step: Choose one platform and set it up today. Don’t wait for it to be perfect.

Step 5: Create Your Lead Magnet (2-3 Hours)

Here’s a secret most beginners miss:

The money is in the email list.

When someone visits your content once and leaves, you’ll probably never see them again. But if you capture their email, you can market to them forever.

What’s a lead magnet?

A free valuable resource you give away in exchange for an email address.

Simple lead magnets that work:

✅ Checklist (e.g., “10-Step Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers”)
✅ Cheat sheet (e.g., “50 Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas”)
✅ Template (e.g., “Monthly Budget Spreadsheet”)
✅ Mini-guide (e.g., “Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Plants”)
✅ Resource list (e.g., “15 Free Tools Every Blogger Needs”)

How to create one for FREE:

Open Canva (free)
Search for “checklist” or “guide” templates
Customize with your content (1-3 pages max)
Download as PDF
Upload to your platform

Action step: Create a simple 1-page checklist or cheat sheet related to your niche. Don’t overthink this—it just needs to be helpful.

Step 6: Set Up Free Email Marketing (30 Minutes)

You need a way to collect emails and send automated follow-ups.

Best FREE email marketing tools:

1. MailerLite

Free plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers
Features: Email automation, landing pages, pop-ups
Why I like it: Super clean interface, generous free plan

2. ConvertKit

Free plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers
Features: Email sequences, landing pages, forms
Why I like it: Built for creators, powerful automation

3. Systeme.io

Free plan: Up to 2,000 contacts
Features: Email + landing pages + sales funnels all-in-one
Why I like it: You get everything in one platform

How to set up:

Sign up for one of the above (I recommend MailerLite or ConvertKit for beginners)
Create a simple signup form
Embed it on your blog/landing page
Create a welcome email that delivers your lead magnet
Set up a 5-7 email sequence (more on this later)

Action step: Set up your email platform and create your first signup form today.

Step 7: Create Helpful Content (Ongoing)

Now comes the most important part: creating content that helps people and naturally includes your affiliate recommendations.

Types of content that convert:

1. Product Reviews

Write honest reviews of products you’ve used (or thoroughly researched).

Structure:

What the product is
Who it’s for (and who it’s NOT for)
Honest pros and cons
Your recommendation
Affiliate link with disclosure

Example: “ConvertKit Review: Is It Worth It for Beginners in 2026?”

2. Comparison Posts

Compare 2-3 products in the same category.

Example: “MailerLite vs ConvertKit vs Systeme.io: Which Email Tool Should You Choose?”

Include affiliate links for all products mentioned.

3. “Best Of” Lists

Roundup of the best products in a category.

Example: “10 Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners (High Commissions + Easy Approval)”

4. How-To Guides

Teach people how to do something and recommend tools along the way.

Example: “How to Start a Blog in 2026 (Step-by-Step for Beginners)”

Naturally mention hosting, themes, plugins with affiliate links.

5. Problem-Solution Posts

Identify a problem your audience has and recommend a product that solves it.

Example: “Struggling to Grow Your Email List? Here’s What Worked for Me”

Content creation tips:

✅ Be genuinely helpful – Don’t just pitch products
✅ Be honest – Mention cons, not just pros
✅ Use personal experience when possible
✅ Include visuals – Screenshots, graphics, photos
✅ Add disclosure – “This post contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy.”
✅ Write conversationally – Like you’re talking to a friend

How much content do you need?

Start with 4-8 pieces of content in your first 30 days. Quality over quantity.

One great review that ranks in Google is worth more than 20 mediocre posts.

Action step: Write your first piece of content this week. Publish it even if it’s not perfect.

Step 8: Drive FREE Traffic to Your Content

Content without traffic = $0.

Here’s how to get eyeballs on your content without spending money on ads:

1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

What it is: Optimizing your content to rank in Google

How to do it for free:

Research keywords using Ubersuggest (free tier) or Google autocomplete
Include keywords in your title, first paragraph, and headers
Write comprehensive content (1,500+ words)
Use descriptive URLs (e.g., /best-email-tools-for-beginners/)
Add alt text to images
Link to other relevant posts on your site

Timeline: 2-6 months to see organic traffic (slow but powerful)

2. Pinterest

What it is: Visual search engine (people search for ideas and products)

How to use it:

Create eye-catching pins with Canva (free)
Link pins to your blog posts/landing pages
Post 3-10 pins per day (use Pinterest scheduling)
Join group boards in your niche

Timeline: 1-3 months to see traffic (great for passive traffic long-term)

Best niches for Pinterest: Food, home decor, DIY, parenting, fashion, travel, health

3. Facebook Groups

What it is: Niche communities where your target audience hangs out

How to use it:

Join 10-20 groups in your niche
Provide genuinely helpful answers to questions
Include link to your content when relevant (check group rules)
Don’t spam—be a valuable member first

Timeline: Immediate traffic (if done right)

4. Reddit

What it is: Communities (subreddits) for every topic imaginable

How to use it:

Find subreddits related to your niche
Answer questions helpfully
Link to your content when it genuinely helps (be careful not to spam)
Build karma by being useful first

Timeline: Immediate traffic (but can be hit or miss)

Pro tip: Some subreddits ban promotional links. Read rules carefully.

5. Quora

What it is: Q&A platform where people ask questions

How to use it:

Search for questions in your niche
Write detailed, helpful answers
Include link to your content for “more info”
Build authority over time

Timeline: 1-2 weeks to start seeing clicks

6. YouTube (Repurpose Content)

What it is: Turn your written content into videos

How to use it:

Film yourself talking through your blog posts
Use your phone camera (good enough to start)
Put affiliate links in description
Optimize titles and descriptions for search

Timeline: 2-6 months for momentum

7. TikTok/Instagram Reels (Short-Form Video)

What it is: Short videos that can go viral

How to use it:

Share quick tips from your niche
Link to your blog/landing page in bio
Post consistently (3-7x per week)
Use trending sounds and hooks

Timeline: Can see results in days (if something goes viral)

My recommendation for beginners:

Focus on 2-3 traffic sources maximum. I’d suggest:

SEO (write keyword-optimized content for long-term traffic)
Pinterest (if visual niche) OR Facebook groups (for immediate traffic)
One social platform where your audience hangs out

Action step: Choose 2 traffic sources and commit to them for 90 days. Don’t jump around.

Step 9: Build Your Email Funnel (2-3 Hours)

Once someone joins your email list, they should get a series of automated emails that:

Deliver the lead magnet
Provide value
Build trust
Naturally introduce your affiliate products

Basic 5-email sequence:

Email 1: Welcome + deliver lead magnet
Email 2: Helpful tip (no selling)
Email 3: Your story + soft mention of affiliate product
Email 4: Case study or testimonial
Email 5: Direct affiliate recommendation

Example Email 1:

Subject: Here’s your [Lead Magnet Name]

Hey [Name],

Thanks for grabbing the [Lead Magnet]! Here it is: [LINK]

Quick intro: I’m Ryan, and I help beginners make money online without the hype.

Over the next week, I’ll send you a few emails with tips, strategies, and honest product recommendations.

Talk soon,
Ryan

Example Email 5 (Affiliate Pitch):

Subject: My #1 tool recommendation for [solving problem]

Hey [Name],

I’ve been asked a million times: “What’s the ONE tool you can’t live without?”

For email marketing, it’s [Product Name].

Here’s why: [3-5 reasons]

I’ve tried [competitors], but I keep coming back to this because [specific benefit].

If you’re serious about building your email list, check it out here: [AFFILIATE LINK]

Full transparency: I earn a small commission if you buy through my link, but it doesn’t cost you extra.

Questions? Just hit reply.

Ryan

Action step: Write your 5-email welcome sequence. It doesn’t need to be perfect—you can improve it over time.

Timeline: When Will You See Results?

Here’s a realistic timeline based on consistent effort (5-10 hours/week):

Week 1-2:

Set up affiliate accounts
Create platform and lead magnet
Publish first 2-3 pieces of content
Zero sales (this is normal)

Week 3-4:

Publish 2-3 more pieces of content
Start driving traffic
Build email list (goal: 10-50 subscribers)
Maybe your first click (no sale yet)

Week 5-8:

Content starts getting traffic from SEO/Pinterest
Email list grows (50-200 subscribers)
First sale happens (usually between week 4-8)

Month 3:

Consistent content production
Traffic growing steadily
$100-$500 in commissions (if you’re executing well)

Month 6:

Older content ranking in Google
Email list 500-1,000 subscribers
$500-$2,000/month potential

The reality:

Most people quit in week 2-4 because they don’t see immediate results.

The ones who stick with it for 3-6 months are the ones who succeed.

Your first $100 is the hardest. Once you prove it works, scaling is just more of the same.

Common Beginner Questions

“Do I need a website?”

Not necessarily. You can start with Medium, YouTube, or social media. But eventually, having your own site gives you more control and credibility.

“Can I really do this with NO money?”

Yes. I did it. Thousands of others have. The free tools I mentioned are genuinely good enough to get you to your first $1,000+.

“How many affiliate programs should I join?”

Start with 2-3. ClickBank + ShareASale + Amazon covers most niches.

“Do I need to buy the products I promote?”

It helps (you can give honest reviews), but it’s not required. Do thorough research, watch videos, read reviews if you can’t afford to buy.

“What if I don’t have an audience?”

Perfect. You’re starting from zero like everyone else. Build your audience as you create content.

“How do I disclose affiliate links?”

Be transparent. Say something like: “This post contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.”

Put this at the top of posts and before affiliate links.

“What if I pick the wrong niche?”

You can always pivot. It’s better to start in an “okay” niche than never start at all.

Mistakes That Will Keep You Stuck at $0

Avoid these and you’ll be ahead of 90% of beginners:

1. Not starting because you’re waiting for the “perfect” setup
Done is better than perfect. Publish imperfect content.

2. Promoting bad products for higher commissions
Your reputation > short-term money. Only promote what you’d recommend to a friend.

3. Creating content without doing keyword research
If nobody’s searching for it, nobody will find it.

4. Not building an email list from day one
Start collecting emails NOW. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

5. Giving up after 2-3 weeks
Affiliate marketing is a 3-6 month game, not a 2-week sprint.

6. Trying to be everywhere at once
Pick 2-3 traffic sources. Master them. Then expand.

7. Not tracking what’s working
Use analytics. See which content gets clicks. Double down on what works.

What You Need to Succeed (It’s Not Money)

Here’s what actually matters:

✅ Consistency – Showing up even when you don’t feel like it
✅ Patience – Understanding results take 2-6 months
✅ Helpfulness – Genuinely wanting to help your audience
✅ Honesty – Recommending products you believe in
✅ Resourcefulness – Figuring things out with free tools
✅ Persistence – Not quitting when it gets hard

You don’t need money. You need commitment.

Your Next Steps (Do This Today)

Here’s your action plan for the next 7 days:

Day 1:

Choose your niche
Sign up for ClickBank and ShareASale
Find 1-2 products to promote

Day 2:

Set up your platform (Systeme.io or Medium)
Sign up for email marketing tool (MailerLite or ConvertKit)

Day 3:

Create your lead magnet (simple 1-page checklist)
Set up opt-in form

Day 4-5:

Write your first piece of content (product review or how-to guide)
Publish it

Day 6:

Share your content on 2-3 platforms (Facebook groups, Reddit, Pinterest)
Write first 2 emails of your sequence

Day 7:

Finish your 5-email welcome sequence
Start working on your second piece of content

By the end of week 1, you’ll have:

✅ Affiliate accounts set up
✅ Platform live
✅ Lead magnet created
✅ Email funnel started
✅ First piece of content published

That’s a real business. Built with $0.

Final Thoughts

Five years ago, I had $47 in my bank account and no idea how to make money online.

I couldn’t afford courses. I couldn’t afford fancy tools. I couldn’t afford ads.

But I could afford to put in the work.

I used every free tool I could find. I published content nobody read for months. I answered questions in forums. I learned as I went.

My first affiliate commission was $27.50. It took 6 weeks.

By month 3, I was making $400/month. By month 6, over $2,000. By year 2, it was my full-time income.

You don’t need money to start affiliate marketing. You just need to start.

The tools are free. The knowledge is free (you’re reading it right now). The opportunity is free.

The only question is: are you going to take action?

Ready to Get Started?

I put together a complete Affiliate Marketing Starter Kit with everything you need:

✅ The 5 essential tools (all free)
✅ Step-by-step checklist from $0 to first $100
✅ Email templates you can copy
✅ Traffic strategies that work
✅ Product research guide

Download the free Affiliate Marketing Starter Kit here →