Are you eager to start affiliate marketing but worried you have no following, no experience, and limited funds? Don’t worry! You can begin affiliate marketing with no following and still make your first thousand dollars. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share a tried-and-true method that works even for complete beginners. Let’s dive in!
Why Start Affiliate Marketing with No Following?
Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways to earn money online. You don’t need to create your own product, handle customer service, or manage inventory. Instead, you promote someone else’s product and earn a commission on sales. Even if you have no audience or social media following, you can still succeed by leveraging strategic techniques.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Affiliate Marketing with No Following
Step 1: Find a Niche Software with Low Competition
To start affiliate marketing with no following, the first step is to find a niche software with low competition. Here’s how:
Begin by going to Google, typing “Capterra,” and visiting their website. Capterra offers an extensive list of software across various niches. Choose software in a niche that has little to no competition. This strategy helps you target an audience already interested in the product, increasing your chances of conversion.
If you prefer, search for niche-specific software on Google by typing the niche plus “software” (e.g., “email marketing software”). This alternative method can also yield great results. For example if I wanted to look for CRM system affiliate programs, I would search ‘CRM systems affiliate program’.
Step 2: Choose the Right Product
When starting affiliate marketing with no following, choosing the right product is crucial. Consider the following:
Focus on software that businesses are likely to use, such as email marketing, SEO tools, blogging platforms, or video editing software. Businesses often have larger budgets, leading to higher sales.
Opt for products offering recurring commissions. For example, email marketing software often pays a percentage of the subscription fee every month, providing a steady income stream. Ensure the product has low competition by searching its name on Google. Avoid products with many ads running for them.
Step 3: Run Traffic Using Google Ads
Once you have your product, the next step is to drive traffic to your affiliate link. Google Ads is a powerful tool for this purpose.
1. Set Up Google Ads Account: Sign up for a free Google Ads account. The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
2. Create a New Campaign: Choose “website traffic” and select “search” as the campaign type. Set a daily budget, starting with $10 is a good idea. This means that when someone searches on Google with your keyword it is most likely to appear. For example if I was promoting an email marketing software and someone was to search ’email marketing software’ my link would most likely appear.
3. Target Keywords: Use the software name and relevant keywords, including common misspellings, to ensure your ad appears in relevant searches. This increases the chances of your ad being seen by potential buyers. Use Keyword Planner by Google to search for keywords that are targeted but with low competition.
4. Join the Affiliate Program: Obtain your affiliate link by joining the software’s affiliate program. Use a landing page or blog post in your ad and then add your affiliate link on the page. Some programs may require approval, so plan accordingly.
5. Create an Ad: Design an ad with a compelling headline and description. Ensure it looks professional and is free of errors. Google does not allow you to directly add the affiliate link so you will have to create a bridge page. You can use a blog, website or landing page to create an additional page and then add your affiliate link.
Going back to our email marketing software example. You can create a piece of content like the best email marketing software list, comparison of email marketing software or just a review of a specific software. Then you can add the link to your affiliate link.
You can either create a blog using WordPress or using a landing page builder like Systeme.io or Leadpages.
6. Launch the Campaign: Publish the campaign. Google typically reviews ads within 24 hours. Once approved, your ad will go live, driving traffic to your affiliate link.
Additional Tips for Success
Utilize Free Ad Credits: Check for any available free ad credits on Google Ads to minimize your initial investment. This can be a great way to start without spending much money.
Monitor Performance: Regularly review your ad’s performance and make adjustments as needed. Monitoring key metrics will help you optimize your campaigns for better results.
Scale Your Efforts: As you see success, consider promoting multiple software products to increase your recurring income. Diversifying your promotions can lead to more consistent earnings.
Conclusion: Start Affiliate Marketing with No Following Today
Starting affiliate marketing with no following is not only possible but also highly achievable with the right strategy. By selecting niche software with low competition and leveraging Google Ads, you can make your first thousand dollars and beyond. This method is scalable and effective, providing a steady stream of recurring income.
Ready to start affiliate marketing with no following? Follow this guide, and you’ll be on your way to success.