Affiliate Marketing Tips

These were two of the most comprehensive YouTube channels that gave me lots of free, useful information while telling me to manage my expectations. It was far more useful than all the ones telling me I could make thousands of dollars a day within a few weeks. There's nothing wrong with buying a course, but not if you're starting with nothing and don't have the resources. There is a LOT of free information out there if you're patient and willing to look for it.

https://www.youtube.com/@SantrelMedia

htpps://www.youtube.com/@AdamEnfroy

Here's a simple checklist for small businesses to increase their Google rankings, starting from scratch:

1. Claim and Verify Google My Business Profile

   • Go to Google My Business and claim your business.

   • Verify your business (usually by mail).

2. Complete Google My Business Profile

   • Fill out all sections: business name, address, phone number, website (if available), and business hours.

   • Add a detailed business description with keywords related to your products/services.

3. Add Photos to Your Google Profile

   • Upload high-quality photos of your storefront, products, or services.

   • Include photos of your team, interior, and exterior for authenticity.

4. Encourage Customer Reviews

   • Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google profile.

   • Respond to all reviews, thanking customers or addressing any concerns.

5. List Your Business in Online Directories

   • Add your business to directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and Yellow Pages.

   • Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) details are consistent across all platforms.

6. Create a Simple Website (If You Don’t Have One)

   • Start with a basic site builder or platform like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.

   • Include essential pages: Home, About, Services/Products, and Contact.

7. Optimize Your Website with Keywords

   • Research keywords that people would use to find your business.

   • Use these keywords in your page titles, descriptions, and content.

8. Add Location Keywords

   • Include your city, neighborhood, or region in your website’s content.

   • Use location keywords in headings, page titles, and image descriptions.

9. Ensure Your Site is Mobile-Friendly

   • Check your site on a smartphone to make sure it looks good and is easy to navigate.

10. Create a Blog or Resources Page

• Share tips, guides, or answers to common questions in your industry.

• Post regularly to help your site rank higher over time.

11. Post Regular Updates on Google My Business

• Use Google My Business Posts to share promotions, events, or news.

• This keeps your profile active and shows Google that your business is engaged.

12. Use Social Media to Link Back to Your Business

• Set up profiles on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms relevant to your audience.

• Share your website link or contact info to drive traffic back to your site.

13. Monitor and Adjust Based on Results

• Check Google My Business Insights to see how people find your business.

• Make improvements to your profile and website based on the insights.

Here's a list of free tools ideal for someone starting an affiliate marketing business:

1. Keyword Research and SEO Tools

• Google Keyword Planner: Find popular keywords to target for SEO and PPC.

• Ubersuggest: Generate keyword ideas and see search volume, competition, and trends.

• AnswerThePublic: Discover questions and phrases people search for, useful for content ideas.

• Google Trends: Track keyword popularity and see what’s trending in your niche.

2. Content Creation Tools

• Canva: Design social media graphics, banners, and blog visuals with customizable templates.

• Pixabay and Unsplash: Access free, high-quality stock images for content.

• Grammarly: Check spelling, grammar, and readability for articles, blog posts, and emails.

• Hemingway Editor: Improve readability by simplifying complex sentences.

3. Social Media Management Tools

• Buffer: Schedule posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (free for up to 3 accounts).

• Later: Schedule and plan Instagram posts with a visual content calendar.

• TweetDeck: Monitor and manage Twitter activity in real-time.

4. Analytics and Tracking Tools

• Google Analytics: Track website traffic, user behavior, and conversions to optimize performance.

• Google Search Console: Monitor your site’s performance in Google search and identify issues.

• Bitly: Shorten links and track click data for social media and email marketing campaigns.

5. Link Management Tools

• Pretty Links (WordPress): Shorten and track affiliate links directly on your WordPress site.

• Linktree: Create a landing page with multiple links for your social media bio, great for affiliate links.

6. Email Marketing Tools

• Mailchimp: Free email marketing tool with automation for lists up to 500 subscribers.

• Sender: An easy-to-use email marketing platform with a free plan for up to 2,500 subscribers.

• MailerLite: Offers email templates, basic automation, and landing pages with a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers.

7. Website and Landing Page Builders

• WordPress: A popular CMS that’s free and ideal for building affiliate websites.

• Elementor (WordPress): A drag-and-drop page builder with a free plan to create custom pages.

• Carrd: Build one-page websites quickly for landing pages or product promos.

8. Competitive Research Tools

• SimilarWeb: Analyze website traffic and top competitors’ traffic sources.

• SpyFu: See the keywords competitors are targeting and their SEO strategies.

• Wappalyzer: Identify the tools and technology your competitors are using on their websites.

9. Video Creation and Editing Tools

• Lumen5: Create videos from blog posts or text (good for social media content).

• Animoto: Make simple marketing videos using pre-designed templates.

• Veed.io: Edit videos, add captions, and improve quality with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

10. Affiliate Link Monitoring and Management

• Voluum: Free version available for tracking campaigns and affiliate links.

• Google Sheets: Track and organize affiliate links manually for a low-tech solution.

11. Productivity and Project Management Tools

• Trello: Organize content ideas, tasks, and projects visually with boards and lists.

• Notion: Use as a content planner, note-taking app, and for tracking affiliate partnerships.

• Google Keep: Jot down quick ideas and to-do lists for on-the-go brainstorming.

These tools are free and effective for building and managing an affiliate marketing business. Starting with these essentials can help you save money while growing your reach and maximizing efficiency.