Let’s face it—when most people hear “affiliate marketing,” they imagine tech wizards with complex websites, flashy ads, and a deep understanding of digital tools. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be tech-savvy to start making money with affiliate marketing. You don’t need to know how to code, build fancy funnels, or run Google ads like a pro.
In fact, many people with zero background in tech are quietly earning a decent side income online just by sharing things they genuinely like and use. If you’ve ever recommended a Netflix show to a friend or told someone where you bought your shoes, you’re already doing the basic idea behind affiliate marketing.
So let’s break it down in a way that’s simple and real—no jargon, no pressure, just straight-up advice for beginners who want to get in the game.
What Is Affiliate Marketing, Really?
Affiliate marketing is basically getting paid to talk about products you love—or at least find useful. When someone clicks your special link and buys something, you earn a small piece of that sale as a thank-you. That’s it.
You’re not convincing anyone to buy something weird. You’re just pointing people toward things they’re probably already looking for, and the company gives you a commission for making the connection.
But I’m Not a Tech Person—Can I Still Do This?
Absolutely. Here’s why:
- You don’t need a website to start (though it helps later on).
- You can promote products on social media, WhatsApp, email, or even in casual conversation.
- Signing up for affiliate programs is usually just filling out a form.
- Most companies give you a dashboard that shows your links, earnings, and clicks. You won’t have to figure that part out on your own.
If you can copy, paste, and share a link—you can be an affiliate.
How to Start (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Starting something new online can feel like you’re staring at a mountain with no map. But here’s a simple path to get you going:
- Pick a Niche You Understand
You don’t need to be an expert, but it helps to choose something you’re already familiar with or genuinely interested in. Love skincare? Talk about products you’ve used. Into fitness? Recommend workout gear. The key is to make sure it feels natural and not forced.
- Join an Affiliate Program
Here are some beginner-friendly options:
- Amazon Associates – They have almost everything you can think of.
- ShareASale – Great for finding all kinds of brands.
- Impact, ClickBank, and PartnerStack are also solid choices.
- You can even check out websites of products you use—they often have affiliate programs at the bottom of the page.
- Get Your Unique Link
Once you’re in, you’ll be given a custom link for each product you want to promote. This is how they track that the sale came from you.
- Start Sharing That Link
This is where the magic happens. You can:
- Post about the product on social media with your link
- Write a casual Facebook post like: “I’ve been using this app to save money on groceries. Here’s the link if you wanna try it”
- Add it to your WhatsApp status
- Mention it in a YouTube video description or TikTok caption
Just be honest and keep it real. People can smell a sales pitch from a mile away. But if you’re recommending something that worked for you, they’ll listen.
What Kind of Money Are We Talking About?
Let’s manage expectations here. You’re probably not going to make $10,000 in your first month (unless you already have a big audience). But some people make $50, $100, even $500+ each month just by sharing a few links that click with the right audience.
The real beauty of affiliate marketing is that the more you do it, the more it stacks. One blog post or video you made a month ago can still bring in commissions today. That’s passive income in real life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to promote everything at once. Stick to what you know and love.
- Spamming your links everywhere. That turns people off. Offer value first.
- Giving up too soon. It takes time to build trust and get traction.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing isn’t just for marketers or tech folks anymore. If you’re someone who likes sharing tips, helping friends find good deals, or talking about products that made your life easier, you’ve already got what it takes.
Start small. Don’t overthink it. Pick one product you love, get your link, and share it. You never know who’s looking for exactly what you’re recommending.
And who knows? That one link might just be the start of something bigger.
