Education · 1 of 5

The path

No diploma or licence. Affiliate income follows an audience, so the audience comes first.

1. 1

   Pick one topic you know

   1 month

   Winter gear, budget tech, camping, baby gear. Narrow enough that you can be the most useful voice.

2. 2

   Choose a channel

   1 month

   A website found through search, video on YouTube, or an email newsletter.

3. 3

   Publish useful content for months

   6 to 18 months

   Real reviews, comparisons and how-tos. Most sites and channels earn almost nothing for 6 to 12 months.

4. 4

   Join programs and add links

   Ongoing

   Amazon.ca Associates, Canadian retailers' programs and brand programs. Disclose every link.

5. 5

   Grow and spread the risk

   1 to 4 years

   Earners who last use several programs and channels, and build an email list they own.