August 18

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Affiliate Marketing Without A Website: Can It Be Done?

By Hanson Cheng

August 18, 2023


  • minute read
  • Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money online, but it's not always easy for beginners. 

    You might think that you need a website or blog to get started with affiliate marketing, but this isn't true. There are many different ways to promote products using affiliate links without having your site.

    I'm going to show you how eight different methods of making money with affiliate programs without a website work, and how you can start an affiliate campaign today.

    Read on to learn how to do affiliate marketing without a website.

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    How Can I Start Affiliate Marketing Without An Affiliate Website?

    There are a few different methods to make money online with affiliate programs without having your site. Let's have a look at some of the best methods.

    Facebook Groups

    To make affiliate marketing work without a website, you need to do a little bit of legwork before seeing results. A great place to start is by looking for some relevant Facebook groups and answering questions that members are asking. 

    Usually, these online communities won’t allow the posting of links in their posts, so you’ll have to provide value first before speaking to someone through direct messaging. Then, you can share your affiliate links if you believe that the product you’re recommending will be helpful to the person on the other side of the conversation.

    If someone checks out the product and decides they want to purchase it, then you get a commission. You can promote your products or services this way as well. This is one of the easiest ways to make an affiliate income for beginners — just expect that it will take some time to experience success whilst doing this.

    Image Credit: http://devmojos.com

    Email Lists

    Another great way to start promoting affiliate products without having a site is by building up an email list. 

    By using an email service provider, you could build up a list of email subscribers and eventually even use this list to sell advertising space on your emails. You could also recommend specific services that are relevant to your target demographic. 

    If these people trust you enough to give you their email address, chances are they'll trust what you have to say when it comes time for them to purchase something online — if you focus on delivering value over time. 

    Promoting affiliate links using email marketing is one of the most popular ways that affiliates make money, and it does work.

    Image Credit: http://optinmonster.com

    You can also develop a more in-depth relationship with your readers by sending out tips and tricks on how to use certain products or services effectively. This way, they'll keep coming back for more and they'll be more likely to purchase whatever it is you're promoting.

    If you're interested in a method that complements email marketing, then solo ads might also be something that you might want to look into. This will allow you to post links and have them shown in front of audiences that are interested in the specific subject.  

    Online Forums

    Participating in forums is another great way to promote affiliate links without having to set up a website. Like Facebook groups, all you need to do is find some relevant threads and make sure the content you provide adds value to the topic of the question (for example, don't recommend weight loss pills if most of the people on the forum are trying to gain weight.)

    Image Credit: http://elearningindustry.com

    Affiliate marketing on online forums is very not that hard once you start getting some sort of following on that particular website. If you're just starting, however, it may be difficult to build that trust with your target audience, so take things easy at first.

    For this reason, I would recommend slowly adding affiliate links to your posts in online forums and being very careful not to look spammy by pushing too many links. 

    Answer Common Questions People Have

    Websites like Quora are particularly useful when doing affiliate marketing without a website. 

    There's no need to manage your blog or website to answer common questions that people have about certain products and services. 

    Sites like these are great ways to demonstrate your expertise on certain topics, promote relevant content, and provide helpful information for regular users. 

    People appreciate it when you give them the tools they need to solve their problems, so this is worth looking into if you want to make money online while providing answers to questions people have.

    Moreover, search engines love this type of content, since it's so relevant to what people are searching for. If you constantly answer questions about trending topics, your answers will start coming up more often in SEO, which means that tons of people will see your affiliate links. 

    Once someone clicks through one of your hyperlinks and makes a purchase, you will get a commission. 

    Create Unique Guests Posts on High-Visibility Websites

    Publishing unique content on high-traffic websites is always a good option to promote affiliate products.

    Sites like Medium are a great example of this, since it's known for hosting content that is longer than just standard blog posts and generally caters to more in-depth topics.

    As an affiliate marketer, you'll also want to take advantage of guest blogging opportunities on other websites. However, don't be like most bloggers that don't get any traction; in other words, don't just promote offers that you're affiliated with at all times — you won't get very far if no one trusts your recommendations. 

    Image Credit: http://clickworker.com

    Instead, looking for relevant guest posting opportunities on the right content publishing platform within your niche is a great way to go. Original posts are always a great way to establish yourself as an authority figure in the industry, so this is another avenue worth exploring if you don't have your website or blog yet.

    Start A YouTube Channel

    Starting an affiliate marketing business without a website is easier than ever these days with the ability to record and publish videos. YouTube has become a massive source of traffic, so it's always worthwhile to start hosting videos on this platform. 

    It's also one of the best ways to grow an audience, since people can subscribe to you right off the bat. 

    While most people prefer shorter video clips, longer tutorials and "how-to" content tend to rank higher when it comes to affiliate marketing — it also gives you a better chance to monetize your videos through YouTube (this could be an extra way to earn money).

    Affiliate marketers are using YouTube videos more often than ever to make their pitch, demonstrate what they have to offer, and provide helpful information. 

    Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com

    The great news is that paid ads can also be used before relevant videos in your niche to promote your affiliate offers. Keep in mind that when creating YouTube videos, keyword research is crucial when it comes to successful video creation and optimization. 

    YouTube is a great way to get started with affiliate marketing without a website and blog, since there's no limit to how much you can grow your channel if you use all available tools correctly.

    Place Sponsored Posts

    If you've got an established social media account or even a popular blog that already gets lots of attention within your particular niche, then this is another excellent way for you, as an affiliate marketer, to make money online while utilizing platforms that you already have access to (and might even use on a regular basis). 

    As an affiliate marketer, you can essentially place sponsored posts across various social network channels.

    Image Credit: http://eminentseo.com

    You'll be able to work with large brands, small businesses, influencers and entrepreneurs alike. If you're looking for ways to make money online without a website, this is one of the most viable options available today, since it doesn't require much overhead and can help you grow your brand and community at the same time. 

    Although these types of ads aren't typically as highly lucrative as other methods due to lower click-through rates (CTR), they can still be very helpful when it comes to generating traffic, building your brand awareness and growing your subscriber base.

    Create An eBook/Audiobook

    Various social media platforms are also an excellent place to promote eBooks or audiobooks. You simply need to upload your content (that has your affiliate link within it) onto the channels that you've chosen, then allow people to download them directly from within Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, TikTok, etc.

    You could also use Pinterest affiliate marketing by uploading visual content made of recycled material from your eBook or audiobook.

    This is another way for affiliate marketers to establish themselves as experts in their niche, even if they don't have a website or blog of their own. When people are looking for advice on how they can solve specific problems, this is often where they will turn to first. 

    Image Credit: http://ivetriedthat.com

    If you have something valuable to offer within your industry and can communicate it clearly with others, there's no limit as to how many leads and sales that you can potentially generate via these types of social media posts.

    A successful affiliate marketer is always looking for ways to grow their brand, keep it relevant, and provide valuable content that solves problems within their niche. 

    The above were just a few of the ways that you can get started without your website or blog — feel free to come up with other ideas while thinking outside of the box.

    Can I Really Make Affiliate Marketing Work Without A Website?

    There are two answers to this question. The short answer is yes. The long answer is that even if it’s possible, this isn't the ideal way to make money via affiliate programs, and it may not be as profitable as having your own website.

    One of the best ways to make money online with affiliate marketing is to have a website or blog about certain topics and promote products to your readers, along with valuable information about such products. 

    Image Credit: http://agfinternationalmarketing.com

    Your site will grow in popularity over time, meaning that more people will visit and potentially buy whatever you're advertising or promoting. This can work without a website, however, there are some disadvantages.

    • You won't control the product links

    Some companies use what's known as an affiliate link cloaker to keep track of which sites drive traffic toward their site, and whether or not those visitors make a purchase. 

    It's pretty simple to tell when you're using an affiliate link as opposed to your unique URL. From the company's point of view, they want those links to be on sites that will send quality traffic and potentially generate revenue for them.

    • You won't build long-term relationships

     While some companies allow you to join their affiliate program without having a site of your own, this is generally done because you've already built trust among their target demographic through other means, such as Facebook groups or email lists. 

    Plus, if you love their product, having your site will help you promote it more effectively and potentially increase your profits.

    Affiliate marketing without a website isn't ideal, but if you're just getting started or want to make some extra cash, this is an effective way to get the job done.

    What Your Affiliate Content Should Be About

    The right affiliate marketing strategy can be the difference between success and failure. The type of content you create greatly influences this. One proven type of content that can be created is a product review. 

    Creating product reviews is one of the best ways that you can monetize your affiliate links successfully. This is what most people are looking for when they go on the internet for advice on which product they should buy. 

    Image Credit: http://retail-insider.com

    You have probably seen these types of posts before on other blogs, and they are often one of the most popular types of blog posts. 

    The reason for this is because it's very easy to understand why someone would feel compelled to purchase a product after reading a review about it; therefore, these kinds of posts can help you make more sales and earn more money as an affiliate marketer.

    If you want to build trust and credibility within your industry, you should also consider sharing some of the challenges that you've had while using the product. 

    This will help people know that you're not just trying to sell them on a product because it has some kind of benefit; instead, they'll be able to relate to you and realize that you're only willing to recommend products and services that you believe in.

    In fact, it's important to always provide an honest review so people don't think that you are being paid by the company to advertise their products.

    Affiliate Marketing Without A Website - FAQ

    Is Creating A Website To Promote Affiliate Links Difficult?

    Having an online presence through a website might seem difficult at first, but it isn't. If you're wondering how to create a website, then consider using WordPress as your platform for publishing blog posts and articles about the affiliate program that you have joined. WordPress is easy to use, reliable and free — so it's worth checking out.

    Can I Create A Simple Landing Page For Affiliate Marketing?

    Yes, it's possible to create a landing page for affiliate marketing. Many free tools can be used including Launchrock, Instapage and Unbounce. These services will allow you to build your landing page and get people to opt-in within minutes — which means more time devoted to growing your business.

    How Do I know What Niche I Should Target?

    Before starting an affiliate program, it's important to ask yourself what kind of niche market you want to focus on. Are you looking for something that has already proven its popularity, or would you prefer something less saturated so that it could potentially become even more profitable?

    Either way, this decision is up to you but just remember that the more specific the niche market is, the better chance you have of getting higher conversion rates when people use your affiliate links. Affiliate marketing can be one of the best self-employed jobs you can do with just a laptop and an internet connection, so do your research thoroughly before choosing a niche to go for.

    What Type Of Affiliate Program Should I Join?

    This is totally up to you, but consider joining an affiliate program that provides the highest commission percentage. This way, you'll be able to make the most out of every person who registers through your link. 

    With this tip, you can also avoid having to wait for months before making your first sale — which means more money in your pocket overall.

    However, it's important to note that some programs might require selling hundreds or even thousands of products before you start seeing a potential profit. It’s important to consider all the facts before pulling the trigger and going with one particular affiliate program.

    Can I Still Be An Affiliate Marketer If My Audience Doesn't Know Who I Am?

    Even though marketing any type of product requires trust, selling affiliate products can be done without building your brand — and by joining an established network where affiliates are offered high commission rates, affiliates may not even need to worry about whether or not their audience trusts them before purchasing anything. 

    Plus, by partnering up with reputable marketers in your niche (through a super-affiliate network), you'll be able to increase your trustworthiness in no time.

    Can You Use Google Adwords And Other PPC Networks Without A Website?

    No. Google Adwords requires a website to use their services, so if you want to use this method, then you will have to create a landing page where people can be taken. The great news is that Adwords offers various options when it comes to creating a website that can be linked with this advertising model.

    Can You Use Influencers To Help With Your Affiliate Marketing Activities?

    Yes, you can use influencers to help with your affiliate marketing activities. People who have a huge following on social media are more likely to make sales because their audience trusts them, which means they aren't afraid of purchasing through affiliate links they recommend.

    Influencers on the top content publishing platforms are used to the hustle of affiliate marketing, so they tend to know the best ways on how to quickly grow their list.

    Image Credit: http://newsfeed.org

    You can either find these influencers through social media or hire them directly — and if you're just starting, then just focus on providing value to the influencer’s audience, in addition to asking them to click on your link. By taking things step by step, you'll have a much better chance of overall success.

    Can You Do Affiliate Marketing Without A Website?

    The technical answer is yes. There are ways to do affiliate marketing without a website. 

    While this is not generally recommended for beginners or those with little online experience looking for ways on how to start an online business, it is still possible.

    Here are a few ways that you can do affiliate marketing without a website:

    • Social media – If you are active on social media, you can use this platform to promote your affiliate links. Share your (cloaked) affiliate links with your followers and encourage them to click on the link. You can also use social media ads to promote your affiliate links.
    • Forum marketing – Many forums allow users to post their affiliate links in their signature. This is a great way to get exposure for your links without creating a website. Find some popular forums in your niche and start participating in the discussions. Include your affiliate link in your signature and wait for the clicks.
    • Email marketing – Another great way to promote your affiliate links without a website is through email marketing. You can create a list of subscribers interested in the products you are promoting and send them promotional emails with your affiliate links included.
    • Paid advertising – If you want to get serious about affiliate marketing without a website, you can invest in paid advertising. This involves paying for traffic to your affiliate links. Just ensure that the network you’re using is OK with direct links affiliate strategies.

    What's The Best Way To Learn How to Start Affiliate Marketing Without a Website?

    The best way to do so is to understand your market. It is critical to know exactly who your target audience is and their interests. Once you have that information, you can begin finding affiliate programs to join that align with your target audience.

    For example, if your target audience is stay-at-home moms, there are several different affiliate programs you could join, such as ones for baby products, mommy blogs, or even children's books. Promote the products and services that you think would be most helpful for stay-at-home moms, and you'll be well on your way to success.

    This will allow you to line up an audience with a product and successfully make money online through this type of marketing.

    What's The Best Way to Promote Affiliate Links And Programs Without A Website?

    One of the best affiliate marketing tools to consider when promoting links without a website is to build an email list. This can be done by providing value-packed content that subscribers will find helpful and informative. Include affiliate links in your emails where appropriate, and make sure to let recipients know that they can unsubscribe at any time if they no longer wish to receive your emails.

    Wrap Up

    The question of how to make money with affiliate marketing without a website is a very common one. Even though it is possible to achieve your goals without a website, you should still be thinking about having your own in the long run.

    If you want more potential customers to start noticing your brand and make a purchase, then it's probably a good idea to set things up correctly from the beginning. 

    On the other hand, if you're okay with testing the waters at the beginning, then consider using the methods mentioned above to get started.

    At the end of the day, marketing is about solving a problem that people have. If you can help people solve their problem, then they'll be more than willing to pay for a product or service you’re recommending — irrespective of whether you sell it with your website or through someone else's.

    Want to learn more about how to make an income online? Check out this post on how to make $300 USD per day for more ideas on how to get started.

    Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by Hanson Cheng

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    Hanson Cheng

    About the author

    Living in Portugal with my wife and puppies.
    Scaling online businesses and sharing lessons learned on this website and in our email newsletter.

    Always happy to hear from you, so find me on Instagram if you want to say hi!

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