Education · 1 of 5

The path

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

1. 1

   Pick one topic you know

   1 month

   Running shoes, budget tech, baby gear, fishing. Narrow enough that you can be the most useful voice.

2. 2

   Choose a channel

   1 month

   A website found through search, short videos on TikTok or YouTube, or an email newsletter.

3. 3

   Publish useful content for months

   6 to 18 months

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

4. 4

   Join programs and add links

   Ongoing

   Amazon Associates, TikTok Shop's affiliate program, 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.