How to Do Affiliate Marketing Without a Website (5 Alternatives to Blogging)

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So, you've heard the whispers, the myths, and the naysayers proclaiming: No website, no affiliate marketing career…

Well, it's time to set the record straight and throw that outdated idea out the window!

Sure, the traditional route for affiliate marketing usually involves setting up a blog or website. But let's be real: Rules are made to be broken, or at least, creatively bent.

Your job as an affiliate marketer is to steer people toward your vendor's site and make that “buy now” button too tempting to resist. Pull that off, and you're in business – website or not.

In the spirit of breaking the “no website, no chance” myth, this article unpacks 5 off-the-beaten-path tactics that will help give you an edge in the ever-competitive world of affiliate marketing.

5 Ways to Do Affiliate Marketing Without a Website

If you've got your eye on affiliate marketing but can't imagine yourself hunched over a keyboard blogging away, you're in luck.

We're about to rewrite the rules with these 5 super-cool, non-blogging strategies that could be your ticket to affiliate marketing success.

1. Make Social Media Your Digital Canvas

Who needs a website when social media gives you an instant platform? Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you've already got a virtual stage to strut your stuff.

If you've got followers – or even just a bunch of supportive friends – that's your affiliate audience right there. These are people who might actually click the affiliate links you're sharing. The trick is to post statuses that'll grab their attention and make them want to engage.

But let's get one thing straight: posting eye-candy product images all by themselves won't cut it.

Your social media updates need to be as useful as they are pretty. Images pull people in, but content that resonates with your audience will keep them around. So make sure whatever you're sharing isn't just flash – it has to offer something valuable.

Every share, every photo, and every post should be a step towards becoming a go-to resource in your niche.

2. Craft a Compelling eBook

woman drinking wine and reading an e-book

Now, you might be thinking, “If I don't want to write a blog, why on earth would I consider writing an entire book?”

Great question, and here's the kicker: An ebook isn't just a bunch of blog posts strung together. It's a one-and-done project that keeps on giving.

Think about it this way: instead of sweating over weekly blog posts, you can pour all that wisdom and enthusiasm into one stellar ebook. Sure, it's more work upfront, but the payoff could last a long time.

Choosing a topic should be a no-brainer, something you're not only knowledgeable about but also fired up over. Trust me, readers can spot a phony faster than you can type out “click this affiliate link.”

What you're aiming for is an ebook that does two things: deliver killer value by solving a problem or offering useful insights. Second, weave in those affiliate links where they organically fit. If your audience finds your ebook genuinely useful, clicking on those affiliate links becomes their natural next move.

Put in the effort once, and you've got yourself a timeless revenue-generating machine that you can promote again, again, and again.

4. Be the Director of Your Own Fortune on YouTube

laptop on youtube

Perhaps you're someone who lights up at the idea of capturing a moment on camera rather than penning down a thousand words. Then YouTube is where you need to be!

The unique allure of YouTube lies in its appeal to visual learners, the folks who'd much rather consume a product comparison video than scan through a lengthy article.

While becoming a YouTube sensation overnight isn't a prerequisite for success, what you do need is a creative knack for crafting content that resonates. Think videos that not only inform but also entertain, making your viewer say, “Wow, I never knew I needed this product until now!”

The moment you've got their attention is the moment you lead them to the “next step.” This is where those affiliate links in your video description come in. They're not just there to fill space; they're your direct funnel to turning viewers into buyers.

Lay 'em out neatly and make it as easy as a click for viewers to get their hands on that life-changing product you just showcased.

3. Become the Life of the Online Forum Party

row of people on electronic devices

Have you ever hung out in online forums or communities? You know, those corners of the internet where people are geeking out about the very stuff you're trying to sell? Those places are like gold mines for dropping affiliate links.

First up, you gotta find the right hangout spot. Do a quick search to find forums or online communities that chat about the stuff you're promoting. You don't want to be the guy talking about gourmet coffee beans in a car enthusiast forum.

Can't find your community? Build your own with MemberPress >>

Once you find your tribe, take a minute to get to know the lay of the land. Every forum has its rules, and you don't want to get booted out for spamming your affiliate links. So do your homework and read those guidelines.

But here's where the fun starts: be that cool, active member everyone can count on. I'm talking about jumping into discussions, helping folks out, and solving problems like you're some sort of internet superhero. And while you're at it, sprinkle in your affiliate links where they make sense.

Being part of the community isn't just about dropping a link and running. It's about earning trust and becoming the go-to person. Once people respect what you're saying, those affiliate links will look a lot more appealing.

5. Turn Inboxes Into Income with Email Marketing

Email marketing is the old-school player that's still scoring big in affiliate marketing game. But before you can tap into this tried-and-true method, you'll need an audience hungry for your emails.

Use your social media accounts, your buzzing YouTube channel, or even the forums where you're becoming a regular. Lure people in with something too good to pass up, likeinsightful articles, thorough product reviews, or even compelling stories that align with your brand and offerings.

But keep one thing in mind: moderation. Regularly send out emails, but never flood inboxes. The quickest way to get someone to hit the “unsubscribe” link is by overwhelming them with too much, too fast.

The Takeaway

There you have it. You don't need a website to jump into affiliate marketing. You can kick off your affiliate ventures using a variety of other platforms like:

  1. Social media
  2. eBooks
  3. Online forums and communities
  4. YouTube videos
  5. Email marketing

Remember, no matter the path you choose, consistency is your best friend. Regularly update your content to keep your audience engaged. Analyze what's working and what's not, be patient, and aim to eventually expand your repertoire to include a website and blog.

Do you have any questions or thoughts on doing affiliate marketing without a website? Let us know in the comments section.

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64 thoughts on “How to Do Affiliate Marketing Without a Website (5 Alternatives to Blogging)”

  1. Thanks for posting this information. Affiliate marketing is gaining pace and anyone can take advantage of it and earn some extra money. It is important to know some secrets and to be well motivated.

    1. Thanks for creating this information,am a newbie who just want to go into affiliate marketing,this information will go a long way.I’ve not tried any online marketing before this is my first time and I choose to be an affiliate marketer.I hope and believe it’s gonna yield a good result

      1. Grateful for this information. I love affiliate marketing but don’t have any idea but with this I think I can try something.
        Thanks.

    1. Join any website like Amazon or ClickBank…
      When you fill the form, instead of putting website URL, use your Facebook page’s URL or you can also use YouTube page URL.
      JUST COPY THE URL AND PASTE THE LINK IN FORM…!

      2. Please how do I get an account with amazon and start selling their products
        Second
        I tried sending clickbank a direct email seeking access they refused
        Please any other means to get in?
        Thanks

    1. That is great Sharon! You can definitely leverage Facebook, the key is to build your audience first and not spam them with offers. Once in a while is OK, every day is not.

      1. Is it better to open a dedicated business page to promote your product or service with affiliate marketing? or use personal account?

  5. I have a YouTube channel & our subs are asking for links to all of the clothing we feature. How do we get affiliate links? It seems like in order to apply you need to have a blog site?

    1. Hi Kelli,

      You should be able to provide your channel URL as the website URL for most affiliate program signup forms.

      It will vary program to program though, best to reach out to the ones you’re hoping to work with and explain.

      Hope this helps!

  7. Hi. Thank you so much for this post. I really love the affiliate marketing idea. However, I’m a fairly late bloomer so, This is a bit overwhelming. I am a complete beginer. So much so, that even after reading this post I still don’t know where to start. I am inspired though. I’ve been researching this for a few months now, & still can’t figure out what step one is. For those of us that are new to all of this, what would you suggest as step 1-5 for the ” forums and online communities” option.
    I will continue to search your site in hopes of finding the answer. Thanks again for your time, patience, generousity and service.

  9. Hi. Thanks for the post. I really wanted to do affiliate marketing. Can we promote our marketing in twitter without followers. While searching about this I found a video that we can promote affiliate marketing without any followers also. is it correct.

    1. Sounds dodgy to me Bhagya, you could maybe go paid acquisition on twitter, but I’d love to hear how one would organically do this without any followers without spamming the crap out of people. Call me a pessimist but doesn’t sound like a very good business model.

  11. A good post …..but you really left us all thirsty not mentioning the affiliate programs that offer the shit without a website…… reply as you replied the others with a good answer.

  12. I get asked this same question from a lot of the customers that come to my page on FB and I tell them yes it is possible but only if you grow your audience accordingly. I also use myself as an example of how I started, Jumping around but I had to learn the hard way. Awesome blog post man.

  14. Hi Josh. Thanks for such a superbly written article.
    I want to add that although it is not required to have your own website for doing affiliate marketing, it definitely helps to have one.
    I think every affiliate marketer should strive to get his own website as soon as possible.

  15. I want to add something here from my experience that guys if you are doing affiliate marketing without any website. I highly recommend you to be as consistent as possible. FREE methods just take some time to produce results. Though these tips are really good as explained here.
    Peace!

  16. I can’t find any affiliate programs that let you become an affiliate without a website. Do you know of any affiliate programs that let you join without a website?

  17. Hi Josh, thank you for your article. I have a website which has a program of Visual Guided Meditations (created so the hard of hearing can experience guided meditations). Is there a way that I can offer someone the opportunity to be an affiliate if they don’t have a website? The first 5 meditations are what she can put on social media (they are little movies) and could she put a link on that to receive the benefit of an affiliate? I would love to hear your advice.

    1. Hey Robyn, yes you could. You would be the one running the affiliate program. That’s not what ThirstyAffiliates does though (our tool is for the affiliate), so I’d recommend AffiliateWP for that job. It’s up to you as the program manager to say what your affiliates can/can’t do to promote you.

  19. Really very good explanation about affiliate marketing and i read your complete blog i found something new here so thank you again and keep posting and update with new things.
    and please can you share some more about affiliate earning.

  20. Thanks for the very informative post. I really want to be an affiliate marketer. But i dont have website or blog yet. Right now while im still studying about affiliate i do it has great potential specially when you upgrade to gold membership.
    I hope next time you will write about companies that accept affiliate without website. God bless.

  21. I completely agree 100% with this! You ABSOLUTELTY don’t need a website to get started in the affiliate marketing industry. I started with Click Bank and you don’t need a website to start with them, JVZOO also. So yeah I second this post! If you want to become an affiliate marketer don’t be discouraged when applying to all these programs that require a website such as Pepper Jam, Commission Junction, Rakuten/LinkShare just to name a few. There are plenty affiliate programs out there that require only a social media account(almost everyone has those) or NO WEBSITE at all! You just have to be willing to do some digging and be patient. Although I always recommend you create a website because best way I describe it is, its like a piece of real estate that can appreciate in value , sometimes DRAMATICALLY. So always be open to that. Other than that if you want to get started in affiliate marketing without a website I say get out there and start digging!

  22. I just got a new Facebook account, created a page on brand and products
    And am stock
    What or where do I go from here?
    I tried clickbank but was denied access
    Please where else and what do I do

  25. I was thinking of doing affiliate marketing, this article helped specially affiliate marketing without website. Can i do affiliate marketing with Pinterest?

  26. this blog is very helpful and effective. it has clear my all confusion. i was thinking to do affiliate marketing but i don’t have the confidence . After reading this post i have the confidence to start it

  27. Hi that was a nice blog it is very useful but I have a question is website is best or social media is best for affiliate marketing I am confused with this plz help me out and thank you for a such a good information 🙂

    1. Hi Marzook,

      As stated in the article, “the best way to succeed at affiliate marketing is through a combination of platforms – including a website and blog.” While we cannot say that either is best, we can say that having both a website/blog and a social media presence is key. And having a website/blog to share on social media can do wonders for your affiliate marketing practices!

  30. While a having a website can boost your chances of success as an affiliate marketer, it is still great to promote your affiliate product through online forums and communities

  36. wow! It’s is outstanding Blog! Thanks for sharing with us this valuable information. I’m always read your blog for and I have got a lot of informative blog for this. It really good!!!

  40. I read through your entire blog and learned something new, so I want to appreciate and encourage you to keep posting and adding new content, and could you kindly elaborate more on affiliate revenue?

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