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Introduction to Affiliate Marketing (Beginner Level) |
Affiliate Marketing For Complete Beginner
Outline
Introduction to Affiliate Marketing
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What is Affiliate Marketing?
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Why Is Affiliate Marketing So Popular?
Comparing Online Business Models
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Affiliate Marketing vs Dropshipping
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Affiliate Marketing vs Freelancing
How Affiliate Marketing Works
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The Key Players in Affiliate Marketing
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The Merchant
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The Affiliate
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The Customer
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How You Earn Commission
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Types of Affiliate Products
Common Myths & Realities About Affiliate Marketing
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Myth #1: It’s Quick and Easy Money
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Myth #2: You Need a Huge Audience
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Myth #3: Affiliate Marketing Is Dying
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Reality Check: What It Really Takes
Overview of Top Affiliate Networks
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1. Selar
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2. Expertnaire
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3. PromptEarn
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4. ShareASale
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5. Clickbank
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6. JVZoo
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7. Digistore24
Assignment Task
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Research and List 5 Affiliate Networks
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Note Their Commission Structure
Assessment Quiz
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Multiple Choice Questions (10 Questions)
Conclusion
FAQs
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What do I need to start affiliate marketing?
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How long before I see results?
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Do I need to create a website?
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Can I start affiliate marketing with zero budget?
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Is affiliate marketing legal?
Week 1: Introduction to Affiliate Marketing (Beginner Level)
What is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a way of earning money online by promoting other people’s products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link. Think of it like being a middleman — but online. You don’t create the product, handle shipping, or deal with customer service. You just promote and get paid for successful referrals.
Imagine telling a friend about a cool gadget on Amazon. If they buy it using your special link, you earn a percentage of the sale. That’s affiliate marketing in action.
Why Is Affiliate Marketing So Popular?
Affiliate marketing is a low-risk, high-reward online business model. You don’t need a warehouse, capital investment, or a technical background. Plus, you can do it from anywhere — even your couch.
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💡 No product creation
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💡 No customer service
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💡 Passive income potential
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💡 Flexibility & scalability
Affiliate Marketing vs Dropshipping
Feature | Affiliate Marketing | Dropshipping |
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Product ownership | No | No |
Customer service | No | Yes |
Shipping & fulfillment | No | Yes |
Profit margins | Commission-based | Higher margins |
Beginner-friendly | ✅ Easier | ❌ A bit complex |
Affiliate Marketing vs Freelancing
Feature | Affiliate Marketing | Freelancing |
---|---|---|
Time-based | Passive | Active |
Skill requirement | Low to Medium | High |
Income model | Performance-based | Time-based |
Scalability | High | Limited by your time |
How Affiliate Marketing Works
The Key Players in Affiliate Marketing
1. The Merchant
This is the creator or owner of the product — they want more sales.
2. The Affiliate (You!)
You promote the product and bring in customers using your unique referral link.
3. The Customer
They buy the product through your link — and boom, you earn a commission.
How You Earn Commission
When someone clicks your affiliate link and makes a purchase, the system tracks that sale back to you using cookies or tracking codes. The company then pays you a percentage of that sale.
Some programs pay per sale, some pay per click, and others even pay per lead.
Types of Affiliate Products
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Digital Products (ebooks, courses, software)
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Physical Products (gadgets, clothes, supplements)
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Services (hosting, coaching, subscriptions)
Digital products usually offer higher commissions — up to 50% or more.
Common Myths & Realities About Affiliate Marketing
Myth #1: It’s Quick and Easy Money
Nope. Like any business, it takes time, effort, and learning.
Myth #2: You Need a Huge Audience
Not true. With the right content and niche, even 100 followers can drive results.
Myth #3: Affiliate Marketing Is Dying
The global affiliate marketing industry is growing. More people are shopping online, and companies want partners to help promote them.
Reality Check: What It Really Takes
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Choosing a niche
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Creating valuable content
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Building trust with your audience
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Learning SEO, email marketing, or paid ads
It’s a real business — treat it like one, and it will reward you.
Overview of Top Affiliate Networks
1. Selar
A Nigerian-based platform offering digital products and courses.
Commission: 40% – 80%
2. Expertnaire
Also Nigeria-focused, it specializes in high-value digital products.
Commission: 50% – 80%
3. PromptEarn
A growing platform that focuses on digital entrepreneurs and info marketers.
Commission: 30% – 70%
4. ShareASale
Global affiliate network offering a wide variety of brands and niches.
Commission: Varies by product (5% – 50%)
5. Clickbank
Popular for digital products and recurring offers.
Commission: Up to 75%
6. JVZoo
Focuses on software and internet marketing tools.
Commission: 30% – 100% (yes, some pay 100% for the first sale)
7. Digistore24
European-based affiliate network with global reach.
Commission: 30% – 85%
Assignment Task
Research and List 5 Affiliate Networks & Their Commission Structure
Take time to visit their websites, create free accounts, and explore available offers.
Assessment Quiz – Multiple Choice
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What is affiliate marketing?
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a) Selling your own product
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b) Promoting other people’s products for a commission c) Managing a store
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Which of these is NOT a benefit of affiliate marketing?
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a) High startup costs
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b) Passive income
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c) No product creation
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Which network is popular in Nigeria?
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a) ShareASale
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b) Clickbank
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c) Expertnaire
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In affiliate marketing, who provides the product?
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a) Affiliate
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b) Merchant
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c) Customer
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Which model requires customer service?
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a) Freelancing
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b) Dropshipping
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c) Affiliate marketing
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What does “passive income” mean?
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a) You stop working completely
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b) You earn without active effort every time
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c) You wait for clients
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What’s the best niche?
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a) The one everyone is doing
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b) The one you're passionate and knowledgeable about
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c) The most expensive one
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JVZoo focuses on what type of products?
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a) Physical
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b) Software
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c) Food
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Which is true?
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a) You need millions of followers to succeed
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b) You can start affiliate marketing for free
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c) You must create your own product
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What is a commission?
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a) Monthly fee
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b) Bonus
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c) Earnings per sale
Conclusion
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and most scalable ways to earn money online, especially for beginners. It’s flexible, requires low upfront investment, and offers the potential for passive income. But remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay consistent, keep learning, and don’t fall for myths.
Use this week to understand the basics, explore networks, and complete the assignment. You’re just getting started — the journey ahead is exciting!
FAQs
1. What do I need to start affiliate marketing?
A smartphone, internet connection, and willingness to learn are enough to begin.
2. How long before I see results?
Some see results in 30–60 days. Others may take longer. Consistency is key.
3. Do I need to create a website?
Not at first. You can start with social media or email marketing. But a website helps long-term.
4. Can I start affiliate marketing with zero budget?
Yes! You can promote using free channels like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Medium.
5. Is affiliate marketing legal?
Absolutely. It’s a globally accepted business model with millions of participants.
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