Affiliate marketing has become one of the hottest buzzwords in the online business world. Everywhere you turn, someone is claiming it’s the ultimate path to financial freedom. Scroll through Instagram or YouTube and you’ll find endless “laptop lifestyle” videos, smiling influencers sipping coffee on the beach, bragging about how they earn thousands of dollars per day by simply dropping links. It’s flashy, it’s tempting, and it makes affiliate marketing sound like a golden ticket to instant riches.
But let’s pause for a reality check. Yes, affiliate marketing is huge. In fact, industry reports show it’s a $15+ billion global industry in 2025, with steady growth expected for years to come. Major companies like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Shopify, and Bluehost all run affiliate programs. They wouldn’t keep investing billions if it didn’t work. But here’s the part most of those Instagram reels and YouTube shorts leave out: affiliate marketing isn’t magic. It’s not all rainbows, yachts, and overnight wealth. The truth is much simpler, affiliate marketing works, but only if you do.
Who Am I & Why You Can Trust Me
I’m not another “guru” trying to sell you a magic system. My name is Jason Taft, someone who’s been in the trenches of affiliate marketing for over a decade—long enough to see what works, what doesn’t, and which programs are nothing but hype.
I’ve personally tested hundreds of platforms, including some that drained my wallet with false promises. One of the biggest offenders so far is a site called Plug in Profit Site, (A story for another time). I’ve also found the few that deliver real value, like Wealthy Affiliate, where I’ve been a member for more than 11 years. My goal here isn’t to pitch you a fantasy—it’s to give you an honest look at affiliate marketing so you can make informed decisions.
On this site, I share the same lessons I’ve applied myself: what I’ve learned from failed websites, content that didn’t rank, and strategies that finally clicked. I want you to see the whole picture—the hard work, the patience, and yes, the rewards that come when you stick with it.
So if you’re tired of hype and just want the truth about whether affiliate marketing really works, you’re in the right place.
Want to Get Straight to the training? Get a Free Starter Account Here. No Hype, just free training (First 5 Lessons), That Actually Work!
Cutting Through the Myths
One of the biggest traps new affiliates fall into is believing the hype. The idea that you can “set up a website in a weekend and start earning thousands by Monday” is a myth that keeps circulating. Some gurus push the narrative that there’s a secret loophole, a push-button tool, or a done-for-you funnel that will make success automatic. Unfortunately, those shortcuts often lead straight to disappointment.
The reality? Affiliate marketing takes time, effort, and persistence. It’s about learning the ropes, testing strategies, and sometimes failing before you succeed. Every so-called “overnight success” story you hear almost always has years of unseen trial-and-error behind it.
What the Numbers Say
Here’s what research and industry reports reveal about real affiliate earnings:
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15% of all digital media revenue worldwide comes from affiliate marketing.
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A survey from BloggingX found that around 48% of affiliates earn at least $20,000 per year, while top affiliates bring in six or even seven figures.
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At the other end, a large portion of beginners earn less than $100 per month—usually because they quit too soon or never commit to building an audience.
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Affiliates who stick with it past the first 1–2 years see a much higher success rate, as their content begins to rank and their traffic compounds.
So while not everyone becomes a millionaire, thousands of affiliates do make consistent income—sometimes enough to quit their 9–5 jobs.
Niche Examples That Work
Some niches consistently perform well because people are always looking for solutions in those areas. Examples include:
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Health & Fitness (supplements, workout programs, wellness apps)
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Personal Finance & Investing (credit cards, budgeting tools, crypto exchanges)
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Technology (web hosting, software, gadgets, online security)
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Lifestyle & Hobbies (photography, travel gear, pet care, outdoor equipment)
The key isn’t picking the “hottest” niche—it’s finding a space where you can add value, build trust, and genuinely help people make good buying decisions.
The Real Foundation of Affiliate Success
At its core, affiliate marketing isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about trust. That’s where the principles of E-E-A-T come in:
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Experience: Have you actually used or tested the product you’re recommending?
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Expertise: Do you understand the subject well enough to guide others?
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Authoritativeness: Do people see you as a credible voice in your niche?
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Trust: Can your audience rely on your recommendations?
Affiliate marketing thrives when you build genuine, helpful content that puts the audience first. If people believe in you, they’ll believe in what you recommend. That’s why the most successful affiliates don’t just “sell”—they teach, guide, and connect.
Real Success Stories
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A stay-at-home parent builds a parenting blog and eventually earns $2,500/month recommending baby products, books, and learning tools.
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A tech hobbyist starts a website reviewing gadgets and grows it into a $50,000/year side business through software and hosting referrals.
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A travel blogger partners with hotel and tour affiliates, eventually turning a passion for travel into a six-figure business.
These aren’t instant results. They took months or years of consistent effort. But they’re proof that affiliate marketing isn’t just theory—it works in practice when approached the right way.
The Bottom Line
So does affiliate marketing really work? Absolutely—but not the way social media makes it look. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a business model that rewards strategy, patience, and consistency. If you’re willing to put in the work, learn along the way, and focus on delivering value, affiliate marketing can become not just a side hustle, but a long-term source of income.
Ready to build a real affiliate business?
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Demystifying Affiliate Marketing: What Does It Entail?
At its simplest, affiliate marketing means you recommend a product, someone clicks your link, and if they buy—you earn a commission. But there’s more to it than just dropping links.
How Affiliate Commissions Work
| Model | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay-Per-Click (PPC) | You earn for each click on your link. | Easy to start; no sale required. | Typically small payouts; not ideal long-term. |
| Cost-Per-Acquisition (CPA) | You earn when someone buys or completes an action. | More lucrative; aligned with real results. | Requires quality, targeted traffic and conversions. |
| Recurring Commissions | You earn monthly for subscriptions/referrals. | Compounds into steady, scalable income. | Can start slower; needs loyalty/retention. |
Quick math: Promote a $99/month software with a 30% recurring commission. Just 20 active referrals = $594/month in recurring commissions. That’s the power of subscription programs.
The Work Behind the Scenes
Affiliate marketing might sound simple on the surface—drop a link, make money—but the real work happens behind the scenes. Successful affiliates don’t just throw out random links; they build trust and create content that actually helps people.
That means investing time into:
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Content creation: Reviews, tutorials, comparisons, videos, or podcasts—anything that solves real problems for your audience.
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SEO: Researching keywords, optimizing pages, and working to earn rankings that bring free, targeted traffic from Google.
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Email marketing: Turning one-time visitors into long-term readers and customers by building a list and nurturing relationships.
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Tracking & testing: Measuring clicks, conversions, and constantly improving what works while cutting what doesn’t.
Think of it like gardening. You can’t just toss seeds on the ground and walk away. You plant, water, and tend consistently. Some seeds sprout quickly, others take longer, but with steady care, your efforts compound into real growth. Affiliate marketing works the same way—consistency pays off.
Skills & Tools You’ll Need
To make this work, you’ll need both skills and tools:
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Skills: Writing that connects, storytelling that keeps people reading, SEO basics to get found, some light design or video editing, analytics to understand your data, and email marketing to build lasting relationships.
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Tools: A solid website platform like WordPress; link managers (Pretty Links, ThirstyAffiliates); analytics tools like Google Analytics and Search Console; SEO software (Ahrefs, Semrush, Ubersuggest); and, if you want to grow faster, an email service like AWeber or ConvertKit.
Here’s where most beginners hit a wall—they don’t know how to put all these pieces together. That’s exactly why platforms like Wealthy Affiliate exist. WA bundles everything in one place: website hosting, keyword research, content training, and a supportive community where you can learn step by step. Instead of chasing dozens of tools and figuring it out alone, you can plug into a proven system and focus on actually building your business.
The bottom line: affiliate marketing requires effort, but the path is a lot smoother when you have both the right skills and the right guidance. Wealthy Affiliate gives you both, so you’re not stuck guessing or reinventing the wheel.
Navigating Information Overload: Finding the Right Path
If you’ve ever typed “how to start affiliate marketing” into Google or YouTube, you already know the problem: information overload. Millions of results, thousands of “gurus,” and plenty of conflicting advice. It’s enough to make your head spin.
The hard truth is that most beginners waste months bouncing from one strategy to the next because they don’t know who to trust. The affiliate marketing space is flooded with hype, so the real challenge is filtering the signal from the noise.
Sorting Fact from Fluff
- Track record: Have they actually built successful sites, or just sell courses?
- Transparency: Do they show examples, steps, and results—or lean on buzzwords?
- Depth: Real strategies include details you can act on, not vague “secrets.”
Build a Practical Strategy
- Pick a niche you’re genuinely interested in.
- Learn your audience’s problems and vocabulary.
- Create helpful content that solves those problems.
- Promote ethically: help first, sell second.
- Test and adjust based on data, not guesswork.
Lifelong Learning = Longevity
Affiliate marketing evolves. Algorithms shift, platforms change, consumer behavior moves. The winners adapt. Read, experiment, and keep sharpening your edge—because what worked last year might need an update this year.
Common Traps to Avoid
- “Done-for-you” sites that are cookie-cutter and don’t rank.
- Programs promising “$10k in 30 days” with no proven pathway.
- High-ticket courses that upsell endlessly without real support.
Falling for shortcuts wastes money—and the one thing you can’t get back: time. A year chasing gimmicks could build a real, compounding asset if you put your head down and build.
A Guided Journey to Success: Introducing Wealthy Affiliate
After cutting through the hype, many affiliates ask: “Where do I actually learn this the right way?” That’s where Wealthy Affiliate (WA) comes in.
I’ve been a member for over 11 years, and it’s been my anchor in this business.
What Makes WA Different?
- Step-by-step training: A clear roadmap from beginner to advanced.
- All-in-one platform: Hosting, research tools, and site builders included.
- Community support: Thousands of members answering questions and sharing wins.
Free to Start, Scalable if You Stay
WA lets you join free, set up a starter site, and explore the training before spending anything. If you decide to go premium, you unlock advanced lessons, weekly live classes, and more sites/tools as your business grows.
Real People, Real Results (No Hype)
I’ve seen college students, busy parents, and retirees build thriving affiliate businesses using WA. Not everyone becomes a millionaire, but many create consistent part-time or full-time incomes. The difference isn’t luck—it’s a proven process + persistence.
WA vs. Typical “Guru” Courses
| Feature | Wealthy Affiliate ✅ | Typical “Guru” Course ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Free Starter Option | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually no |
| Transparent Pricing | ✅ Clear monthly/yearly options | ❌ High-ticket + hidden upsells |
| Community Support | ✅ 24/7 active community | ❌ Limited or gated groups |
| Step-by-Step Curriculum
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✅ Beginner → advanced | ❌ Vague “secrets”/motivational fluff |
| Hosting & Tools Included | ✅ All-in-one toolkit | ❌ Requires extra subscriptions |
My Story
On this site, you can read my full bio—the wins, the struggles, and the reality of building something online. I’ve failed more than once. I’ve started websites that flopped, written content that never ranked, and gone through stretches where I questioned if this was even possible. I don’t sugarcoat any of that, because pretending affiliate marketing is easy would be a lie.
What made the difference for me was having a roadmap and a community that didn’t let me quit. That’s what I found inside Wealthy Affiliate. Instead of bouncing around between random YouTube tutorials or overpriced “guru” courses, I had a step-by-step path, access to tools I actually needed, and a network of people who had been where I was. That support kept me going when I would have otherwise walked away.
And here’s the thing—you don’t have to take my word for it. Wealthy Affiliate is filled with thousands of members at every stage: some just starting out, some earning their first commissions, and others running full-time businesses. It’s proof that the model works when you stick with it. If you’re serious about affiliate marketing, WA can be the same anchor for you that it’s been for me.
Transparency Note
This page contains affiliate links. If you click and sign up, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the content I create here, and it helps me keep publishing honest, helpful resources without charging readers a dime. I appreciate your support more than you know.
Conclusion
So, does affiliate marketing really work? Absolutely. But here’s the catch—it only works if you treat it like a real business. It takes consistency, patience, and a willingness to keep learning when the results don’t come overnight.
Forget the “get rich quick” promises. They only set you up for disappointment. The real formula is simple: build trust, provide genuine value, and keep going long enough to see the seeds you’ve planted grow. That’s what separates the people who succeed from the ones who fade out.
If you’re ready to start the right way—with real tools, real training, and real community support—then I recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate. You can start completely free, explore the platform, and see for yourself if it’s the right fit. No pressure, no hype—just a solid foundation to begin your affiliate journey.
Want the backstory? Visit my About page to read my real journey—ups, downs, and everything in between.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Jason Taft, the founder of ScamBustersUSA.com. I’ve been working online since 2014, and in that time, I’ve seen just about every scam, scheme, and “get rich quick” pitch the internet has to offer. I started this site to cut through the noise and help people avoid the traps I fell into when I was first getting started.
Affiliate marketing has been my path—not because it’s easy, but because it’s real. Over the years I’ve tested dozens of programs, wasted money on overhyped courses, and nearly gave up more than once. What kept me going was finding a proven roadmap and community inside Wealthy Affiliate, where I’ve been a member for over a decade.
Today, I focus on exposing scams, reviewing legitimate opportunities, and guiding everyday people toward building ethical, sustainable online businesses. When I’m not writing, I enjoy time with my family, outdoor adventures, and sharing lessons from both my failures and successes in this journey.
If you’d like to know more about me and my background, check out my full About Me page where I share my story in detail.
How About Another Free Gift
You can download my short eBook “The Modern Day Affiliate” 100% Free. Consider it my gift to you for reading this article till the end. In true Pay it forward fashion, I want you to have this free eBook, on Me.
Affiliate marking does work if you put your head into the game and actually do the work to get there. I have found that over the years of doing affiliate marketing my earnings have gone up and down and you need to keep tweaking things. It is not a do the work once and forget about it forever type of model.
I would love to get more into Pay Per Click, as I get a lot of those and I feel I am wasting good internet realty by not utilizing this form of marketing.
You’re spot on — affiliate marketing is definitely a long game that rewards consistency, adaptability, and real effort. Like you mentioned, it’s not a “set it and forget it” model. The ups and downs are all part of the journey, and tweaking strategies over time is key to staying ahead.
As for Pay Per Click (PPC), that’s a great direction to explore! With the right targeting and landing page setup, PPC can help you capitalize on that valuable web traffic and even uncover new profitable niches. It does have a learning curve, but once you dial it in, it can really amplify your results. Keep pushing forward — it sounds like you’re already on the right path!
Affiliate marketing is such a polarizing topic: some swear by its passive income potential, while others see it as oversaturated or misleading. I appreciate the attempt here to demystify the reality behind the hype. One question that comes to mind is how beginners can realistically evaluate affiliate programs without falling into scams or low-converting products. Do you think affiliate success today depends more on niche selection or the trust one builds with an audience over time? I’ve noticed that many marketers push volume over value, which seems counterproductive. It would be helpful to hear thoughts on what ethical affiliate practices actually look like in a crowded space.
Thanks so much for your insightful comment — you’ve highlighted exactly the kind of questions that anyone considering affiliate marketing should be asking.
You’re absolutely right: affiliate marketing can feel polarizing because there’s so much hype around “easy money,” yet the reality is that genuine success takes work, strategy, and integrity.
Transparency and quality content are the real cornerstones of sustainable affiliate marketing, regardless of niche.
Let me tackle your questions one by one:
✅ Evaluating affiliate programs as a beginner:
Look for transparency from the program itself. Reputable affiliate programs usually provide clear terms, solid product information, decent commissions, and support for affiliates.
Check for independent reviews and feedback. Search forums, blogs, and communities to see what real users say about conversions, payouts, and product quality.
Test the products yourself if possible. Promoting something you’ve used and believe in makes it easier to create honest, high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
Avoid “too good to be true” offers. Programs promising instant wealth, outrageous commissions without real products, or pushy upsells are major red flags.
✅ Niche selection vs. trust with your audience:
I’d say it’s both — but trust carries more weight in the long run. Almost any niche can be profitable if you create valuable, trustworthy content that genuinely helps people.
A smaller, more focused niche can be easier for beginners because there’s less competition and it’s simpler to build authority. But ultimately, people follow you because they trust your insights, honesty, and recommendations. That trust can even allow you to branch into related niches over time.
✅ Ethical affiliate practices in a crowded space:
Always disclose affiliate links clearly and openly. Readers appreciate honesty.
Focus on value, not just volume. It’s better to recommend fewer products you truly stand behind than to flood your site or channels with endless promotions.
Provide honest pros and cons. Readers know there’s no perfect product. Sharing potential downsides builds credibility.
Create original, high-quality content. Don’t just rehash vendor sales pages. Your unique perspective is what sets you apart.
Think like a problem solver. If you help people solve real problems, sales often follow naturally.
There’s definitely still enormous potential in affiliate marketing, even in competitive niches — because quality content and genuine transparency never go out of style. People are looking for voices they can trust amidst all the noise.
Thanks again for your thoughtful question — it’s conversations like these that help elevate the industry as a whole!
Affiliate marketing definitely works when done correctly; which for me is: consistently.
Though I think it’s all about the strategies one takes. You’ve got great points I’ll now be following. I too have played around with affiliate links and recommend it to everyone.
Regardless of…. I think your perspective is completely valid.
Hi there,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I completely agree—affiliate marketing does work when it’s approached with consistency and strategy, just like you said. It’s not a “set it and forget it” model, but rather something you build momentum with over time.
I’m glad you found the points in the post helpful! It’s great to hear that you’ve experimented with affiliate links yourself and recommend them to others. Once people understand how it really works—providing value first and building trust—the results tend to follow naturally.
Appreciate your support and insight. Wishing you continued success on your affiliate journey!
Best regards,
Jason
ScamBustersUSA.com
Great article, Jason! I really appreciate how you broke down the realities of affiliate marketing without the usual hype. It’s refreshing to hear a balanced perspective that highlights both the potential and the patience it takes to make it work.
I found your points about consistency and trust-building especially valuable. So many people jump in expecting instant success, but your reminder that affiliate marketing is a long-term game really hit home. It’s not about luck—it’s about strategy and showing up.
I did have a few questions as I read through:
1.) In your experience, what niches seem to perform best for beginners just starting out?
2.) Do you think it’s better to focus on one affiliate program and build trust there—or spread across multiple?
3.) And how do you recommend someone track what’s actually working (clicks, conversions, content performance, etc.) when they’re first getting started?
Thanks again for such an honest and useful read. Definitely bookmarking this for future reference!
Thanks so much for the kind words and insightful questions—I really appreciate you taking the time to engage with the article!
You’re spot-on: affiliate marketing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but with the right mindset and consistency, it is a real path to building something sustainable.
To answer your questions:
1.) Best niches for beginners?
Great question! I usually recommend starting with something you’re genuinely interested in or have some experience with—that passion comes through in your content and makes it easier to stay consistent. That said, some proven beginner-friendly niches include:
Health & wellness (especially sub-niches like weight loss or natural remedies)
Personal finance (budgeting, saving, side hustles)
Hobbies (gardening, DIY, fishing, fitness, etc.)
Online education or “make money online” (with an honest approach)
Just remember—go specific. “Fitness” is huge; “home workouts for busy moms” is a focused niche you can grow in.
2.) One program vs. multiple?
When you’re starting out, it’s usually best to stick with one solid affiliate program and learn how to promote it effectively. This allows you to focus your energy, understand your audience, and start seeing what works. Once you’ve built some momentum and trust, then you can diversify. Too many programs too soon can dilute your efforts.
3.) How to track what’s working?
Start simple. Use:
Affiliate dashboards (they usually show you clicks, conversions, etc.)
Google Analytics for page views and user behavior
Google Search Console to see what keywords bring people in
You can also use free link trackers like Pretty Links (on WordPress) to monitor which links are getting the most clicks. Once you get some data, it becomes easier to double down on what works.
Glad to hear you bookmarked the post—it means a lot! If you ever want to bounce around niche ideas or get feedback on your site, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help however I can.
Wishing you much success on your affiliate journey!
—Jason
Thank you for cutting through the hype and presenting affiliate marketing with such clarity. I appreciate the grounded perspective, especially the reminder that success in this field isn’t about flashy shortcuts but about consistency, strategy, and adaptability. The mention of E-E-A-T really stood out to me and is something I have come across recently and it’s great to see it being applied here in the affiliate space as well.
I also found your breakdown of PPC vs. CPA helpful. Many new marketers, like myself, don’t fully grasp how crucial it is to align the right model with their niche and audience behavior. The emphasis on skills like SEO and data analysis was a welcome addition too, especially at the beginner level content.
What do you think truly sets Wealthy Affiliate apart from other programs out there today? And would you say it’s still a strong option even in 2025, with so many newer tools and platforms emerging?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and thanks again for the insights!
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback—I’m really glad the article resonated with you!
You’re absolutely right: affiliate marketing is a long-term game, and cutting through the noise is essential. I’m especially glad you brought up E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)—it’s such an important framework for building not only a solid brand but also long-term rankings in Google. Applying those principles in affiliate marketing can make a huge difference, especially now that consumers are more discerning than ever.
As for your question:
What sets Wealthy Affiliate apart—and is it still relevant in 2025?
In my experience, what truly sets WA apart is the complete ecosystem it provides. You get step-by-step training, reliable hosting, keyword research tools, and most importantly—a supportive community that actually wants to help you grow. A lot of other programs either upsell you constantly or leave you to figure things out alone after a few videos. WA is much more hands-on, with live support, weekly webinars, and real-time help from other members.
And yes, I believe it’s absolutely still a strong option in 2025. While newer tools and platforms continue to emerge, Wealthy Affiliate evolves too. They’ve embraced AI, kept pace with SEO changes, and focused on helping members build real online businesses—not just trend-chasing side hustles. The foundational skills they teach (like content marketing, SEO, niche research, and ethical promotion) are timeless, and that’s what gives WA lasting value.
Really appreciate your questions—and feel free to reach out if you’re exploring WA further or want help comparing it with other platforms. Wishing you great success on your affiliate journey!
—Jason
I am new at this game of affiliate marketing. But I am glad I landed on your site. I have been worried that with all this migration to AI, affiliate sites and even Google in general may lose traction. But your experience has put my fears to rest. Thank you for encouraging us, aspiring affiliate marketers.
Abel, I’m really glad you found your way here. I totally get those concerns about AI shaking things up. Honestly, I had the same questions when all this started. What I’ve seen, though, is that the core of affiliate marketing hasn’t changed: people are still searching for real answers and real experiences. AI is just a tool, it can’t replace the trust that comes from a human voice and a site built with integrity.
Stick with it, stay consistent, and you’ll see it pay off. If you dive into Wealthy Affiliate, you’ll get the step-by-step training and community support that makes a huge difference, especially when you’re starting out. You’re on the right path!
Best Regards,
Jason