I Am New to All This … Where Do I Begin?

Vanessa, where do I even begin when starting a business as an affiliate marketer?

As you can imagine, there are many affiliate marketers worldwide: some who know what they are doing and others who only appear to be successful online.

I have gotten quite good at picking out marketers who create a persona of a “fake it until you make it” mentality. These are people you see on social media representing themselves behind brand-new sports cars, mansions, lavish vacation spots, etc. Many go to great lengths to falsely promote a lifestyle they do not live. It is a made-up fantasy world aimed to lure you into an expensive program that teaches you to encourage the same unethical tactics to others.

Starting an affiliate business (or any business, for that matter) requires being educated on how to create and grow your business. Education in any form is going to cost money. You can only expect to launch a business by learning from an expert who has your best interest at heart and wants to see you succeed, too. But how do you know if someone is the real deal? How do you know if someone will take the time to teach you all the ins and outs of the business, and at what cost?

When I was growing up, education was encouraged and expected. Beyond my high school years, my parents gently nudged me toward a college degree. I had little choice as my ability to thrive as an adult depended on achieving a certain level of expertise to earn a good salary.

My parents paid for my education, and I learned much about the college system’s provision for a well-rounded education. For the most part, it was well-received and completely worth it.

I quickly learned, however, that to be well-versed in a particular field, I needed to continue my path toward a college education to get the most out of my chosen career path.

I decided that continuing in that direction was not for me. Years later, I changed my trajectory towards a more practical and lucrative career. I discovered that, as with everything else in life, there is a learning curve with a cost attached, and it will be necessary to learn from the experts.

With that decision made, I focused on researching to find the right expert who could provide me with all the necessities that I could aspire to.

There is an abundance of so-called marketing mentors online, and it can be an overwhelming task to decipher between those who are genuinely in the business of helping others and those who are not. Choosing the right program and mentor is the most crucial decision that can impact the success of your affiliate marketing efforts.

1. Look for someone with experience—Look for a mentor with a good industry reputation who has succeeded with their affiliate marketing efforts. You also want to pay extra attention to their history in online marketing. Has the person been successful in previous ventures, and if not, what happened in their last business? Look for similarities from their past. They may be regurgitating old teaching styles and promotions into their current practices. Quite a few online marketers have returned after a failing venture only to repeat the same mistakes. You must do your due diligence to ensure you get the best education at the right price. 

2. Consider their teaching style—Choose a mentor who is a good communicator and can explain complicated concepts in a way that is easy to understand. Look for a mentor who promotes a “step-by-step” teaching model.

3. Look for a mentor who is up-to-date with the latest trends—The affiliate marketing industry is consistently evolving, so choose a mentor who is knowledgeable about the latest trends and strategies.

4. Make sure they offer ongoing support—Choose a mentor willing to provide continuing support and guidance as you navigate the affiliate marketing industry.

5. Do you feel a connection—Choose a mentor with whom you can resonate. Do they provide a sense of transparency? Do you think they are coming from a place of honesty and integrity? Do they give much free value above and beyond what they promised? 

Choosing the right mentor can make a big difference in your affiliate marketing success, so take the time to research and find someone who is the right fit for you.

Remember, while it’s certainly possible to make a significant amount of money in affiliate marketing, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed “get rich quick” strategy. It’s essential to approach affiliate marketing as a long-term strategy rather than a quick way to make money.

As an affiliate marketer, you can earn a considerable income by delivering value to your audience, establishing trust, and selecting the appropriate products to promote. It begins with choosing a mentor who can provide tailored support and training to meet your specific long-term needs.

If you’re curious about me and haven’t already, please read “My Story” to find my purpose and why I am here.

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Until then, Stay Curious, Stay Inspired, And Stay True…