An Open Journal Entry from a Beginning Affiliate Marketer
A day in the life of a beginning affiliate marketer. Just some of the things we're thinking as we jump into the ocean of affiliate marketing.
VULNERABILITY
Journal Entry: August 6th, 2023
Dear Journal,
Today has been both exciting and utterly overwhelming. I've decided to embark on a new journey, delving into the world of affiliate marketing. My heart is filled with hope and ambition, but my mind is drowning in confusion and doubt. I want nothing more than to break free from the chains of the 9 to 5 grind and make affiliate marketing my ticket to financial freedom (ahhhh, dreams of passive income)...but I feel so lost right now: Email lists & Email marketing, affiliate networks & affiliate commissions, digital products and social media platforms...where the heck do I start and how long until I become Pat Flynn? All of these thoughts lead me to challenge # 1...
Challenge #1: Information Overload
One of the biggest challenges I'm facing as a beginner in affiliate marketing is the sheer volume of information available online. Everywhere I turn, there are countless articles, videos, webinars, and courses promising the secrets to success. "This type of product" & "that type of affiliate site". Each one seems to offer a different strategy or approach, and I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the conflicting advice. How does anyone actually make affiliate sales?
Should I focus on social media marketing, email campaigns, or search engine optimization? What affiliate marketing networks should I use? How do I find the right niche and products to promote? What is my affiliate strategy and what types of products won't seem like I'm just trying to get a quick buck?
The more I try to gather information, the more I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of data. It's hard to discern what's genuine advice and what's just a sales pitch.
Challenge #2: Building a Trustworthy Brand
Another major challenge I'm struggling with is building a trustworthy brand and establishing myself as an authority in the niche I choose. I understand that to succeed in affiliate marketing i'll need to produce high quality content in order to gain the trust of my target audience. People won't buy products through my recommendations if they don't believe I have their best interests at heart.
Creating valuable content, with my audience in mind is one of the basics of affiliate marketing. But how do I accomplish that? I'm just starting, and it feels like I'm an insignificant speck in a vast digital landscape. It's intimidating to think about competing with established affiliates, with their robust (affiliate marketing campaigns) who already have a strong following and credibility. They likely already dominate organic traffic...will I have to start with paid ads just to get ahead?
I worry that I won't be able to connect with my audience, that I'll come across as just another salesperson, and that my efforts will be in vain.
Challenge #3: Patience and Persistence
Perhaps the most significant challenge I'm facing right now is the need for patience and persistence. The dream of breaking free from the 9 to 5 and making affiliate marketing my primary income source is so alluring that I can't help but want immediate results. But I know deep down that success in this field doesn't happen overnight.
I've read about affiliate marketers who struggled for months or even years before finding their stride and achieving their goals, making money with affiliate marketing. I must remind myself that success requires consistent effort, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to changing market trends. It's tough to stay motivated when I don't see tangible results right away, but I need to trust the process and believe in my potential. With time, it will be my primary source of income.
Despite these challenges, I refuse to give up on my dream. I'll make common mistakes, learn from them and build an online business. I may be lost and confused right now, but I know that every successful affiliate marketer was once in my shoes (think Neil Patel). They faced similar obstacles and pushed through them to reach where they are today. I need to keep reminding myself that it's okay to stumble and make mistakes; it's all part of the learning journey.
I've decided to take a step back from the overwhelming amount of information for a moment and focus on one thing at a time. I can't get lost in all the affiliate marketing programs and affiliate commissions out there...if that's what I continue to focus on I'll just go farther down the rabbit hole. Instead of affiliate income being the main thing on my mind, I'll start by selecting a niche that genuinely interests me and aligns with my passions. Building a trustworthy brand will come naturally when I'm genuinely passionate about the products I promote. With that authenticity I'll be able to produce valuable, high quality content and my email list will surely grow.
I accept that the affiliate marketing industry is not for the faint of heart. To combat impatience, I'll set realistic short-term goals to track my progress. Celebrating each small achievement will keep me motivated on this challenging path...if I'm going to build a sustainable affiliate marketing business I'll have to remind myself that every successful affiliate marketer started small and gradually built their way up.
So, journal, today has been tough, but I'm determined not to let these challenges define my journey. I'll embrace the struggles, learn from them, and keep pushing forward. Affiliate marketing may seem like an insurmountable mountain right now, but I believe that with perseverance and the right mindset, I can conquer it.
Tomorrow is a new day, and I'll wake up with renewed determination to make my dreams a reality. One step at a time, one day at a time, I'll find my way in this vast world of affiliate marketing.
Until tomorrow,
The Future Pat Flynn
Thanks for reading! If you're interested in affiliate marketing and utilizing it as a way to build an online business and create time freedom you should definitely check out the The Anti-Affiliate Model Free Masterclass. Click the link below for Access.
