The 15-Minute First-Link Plan
Set up one honest affiliate link, step by step.
What this plan is
This plan walks you through one small first step in affiliate marketing. You pick a product, get your link, and share it in one honest post. Plan on about 15 minutes for all four steps.
What this plan is not
It is not a shortcut, and it makes no promise of income. Many people who try affiliate marketing earn little or nothing.
The four steps
- Pick one product you would recommend. About 5 minutes.
- Get your affiliate link. About 3 minutes.
- Write one honest post. About 5 minutes.
- Share it and save your notes. About 2 minutes.
Words to know
- Affiliate marketing
- You share a product. If someone buys through your link, the seller pays you a commission.
- Affiliate link
- A web link with your own code in it. It tells the seller that the buyer came from you.
- Commission
- The part of the sale price that the seller pays you.
- Affiliate program
- The seller's sign-up for people who want to share its products. A network is a site that runs many programs in one place.
- Disclosure
- A plain sentence that tells readers the link pays you a commission if they buy.
Step 1: Pick one product you would recommend (about 5 minutes)
Start with something you already use, own, or know well. You will write about it honestly, so real knowledge helps.
Ask yourself three questions. Pick the product only if all three answers are yes.
- Would I tell a friend about it even if I earned nothing?
- Does it solve a real problem for people I know?
- Can I explain what it does in one short sentence?
Next, check that it has an affiliate program. Look for a link called "Affiliates" or "Partners" at the bottom of the seller's website. You can also search for the product name and the word "affiliate".
Some programs let you join right away. Others review your application first. Read each program's rules before you join.
Write down
The product name, the problem it solves, and your one-sentence description.
Step 2: Get your affiliate link (about 3 minutes)
- Join the program that sells your product. Use your real name and details.
- Find your product inside your account. Look for a button such as "Get link" or "Promote".
- Copy your link. Programs give it different names, such as tracking link or referral link.
- Save it in a notes app or a document, so you can find it later.
- Check it. Open a private browser window and paste the link. It should open the product's page.
Do not buy through your own link unless the program's rules allow it. If the link opens the wrong page, copy it again from your account. Do not change the link by hand.
Step 3: Write one honest post (about 5 minutes)
Use this template. Fill in the parts in brackets with true details.
I have been [using / reading / learning from] [product name]. It helps with [one problem] by [one thing it does]. If you want to take a look, here is the link: [your link]. I earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Rules for an honest post
- Only say what is true for you. If you have not used it yet, say what it does, not how it worked for you.
- Never promise a result, such as money, weight loss or a new job.
- Put the commission sentence near the link, where people see it before they click.
- Follow the rules of the site where you post. Many sites have rules for posts that promote a product.
Step 4: Share it and save your notes (about 2 minutes)
- Post it in one place where people already know you, such as your own social media page.
- Answer questions honestly. If you do not know an answer, say so.
- Do not post the same link over and over. Do not send it to people who did not ask for it.
- Write down where and when you posted, so you can look back later.
Your checklist
- I picked one product I would recommend to a friend.
- I joined its affiliate program and copied my link.
- I checked that my link opens the right page.
- I wrote one honest post with the commission sentence.
- I shared it in one place and wrote down where.
What comes next
One post is a start, not a result. Your first post may get few clicks or none. That does not mean you did it wrong.
When you are ready, write a second post about another problem the product solves. Reply to comments. Learn the rules of each place you post.
Earnings disclaimer
This plan teaches a skill. It makes no promise of income. Many people who try affiliate marketing earn little or nothing. Your results depend on your effort, your audience and many other things.
Who made this plan
Day1Dollar writes plain, step-by-step help for people who are new to affiliate marketing. Questions? Email support@day1dollar.com.