In 2013, I embarked on one of my life’s most transforming journeys – diving headfirst into affiliate marketing, specifically through software reviews. The first $20 I earned was not just currency; it was a signal, a beacon of the untapped potential and the promising path ahead.
It was exhilarating to know that sharing my genuine experiences and insights about software could translate into earnings. Fast-forward to 2016, and what started as an exploration has flourished into a six-figure income. It was more than just profitability; it was the affirmation of my voice’s value to the digital ecosystem.
Transitioning from that first exciting payment to consistent, substantial income didn’t happen overnight. A blend of continuous learning, strategic content creation, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity propelled my growth.
Authenticity has been my north star.
In a digital world filled with curated perfection, being real with my audience set me apart and built a foundation of trust and loyalty that no marketing budget could buy.
Discovering Affiliate Marketing: A Serendipitous Venture
My journey into affiliate marketing began somewhat serendipitously. When I focused primarily on creating YouTube content to teach people how to build real estate websites, earning through affiliate programs was foreign to me.
A colleague at the time pointed out that the software I was enthusiastically demonstrating in my tutorials offered an affiliate program. Initially, the notion felt uncomfortably close to the spammy side of the internet that I wanted to avoid, so I dismissed it without much thought.
The turning point came when the affiliate marketing concept crossed my path again. This time, armed with curiosity and a better understanding of affiliate marketing, I realized its legitimacy and potential. The epiphany was clear: I was already adding value by guiding viewers through the software setup; why shouldn’t I also benefit from this process? It was an alignment of the stars—people were signing up for the software on my recommendation, and becoming an affiliate was a logical next step.
It’s crucial to underline that the allure of commissions didn’t drive my foray into affiliate marketing. I was already a genuine advocate for the software, using it as a cornerstone of my tutorials.
Joining the affiliate program was a natural progression rather than a pivot toward profit. I was offering real value, helping people navigate the complexities of website creation, and now, I had found a way to make this aspect of my digital presence sustainable.
Broadening the Horizon: From Software to Diverse Affiliate Markets
As my comfort and success with software affiliate marketing solidified, my curiosity and ambition led me to expand my focus. I began exploring other affiliate opportunities that could resonate with different audience segments. This diversification was not just a business decision but a strategic move to capitalize on the broader interests of my followers.
Every new platform was a door to a new opportunity. Embracing change wasn’t just necessary; it was exciting. Each step forward was fueled by the possibility of what could be, not just what already was.
Exploring New Affiliate Avenues
I joined the Amazon Associates program, an excellent platform for beginners and seasoned marketers due to its vast range of products and established trust with consumers.
The program allowed me to experiment with various product categories, from everyday items to seasonal products like Halloween costumes and gift boxes. This diversified my income and gave my audience a broader range of recommendations, enhancing their trust and reliance on my reviews.
The Impact of Blogging
In addition to affiliate marketing, I ventured into blogging. This medium opened up new avenues for in-depth product reviews, affiliate promotions, and content that could be finely tuned for SEO, driving more organic traffic to my site. Blogging became a crucial component of my strategy, allowing me to establish a stronger online presence and engage with my audience on a deeper level.
From Casual Content to TikTok Triumph: My Unexpected Journey
It all began quite innocently when I decided to adopt two new kittens. Wanting to share their cute antics, I started experimenting with TikTok, making simple cat videos. Initially, these videos didn’t make much of an impact, and I had no clear strategy. However, as I began navigating through personal changes, including entering my first relationship since my divorce six years earlier, TikTok became a creative outlet during this new phase of my life.
My TikTok presence transformed overnight. A video discussing the dynamics of older women dating younger men captured the audience’s attention, soaring to over a million views.
This viral hit catapulted my follower count from a mere 1,000 to 5,000, and soon after, another viral video doubled that to 10,000 followers. The rapid growth didn’t go unnoticed; TikTok invited me to join as both a shop creator and an affiliate, opportunities I eagerly embraced.
Drawing on my past experience with affiliate marketing—like the time I talked about my shoe purchases and earned thousands—I had a hunch that I was onto something big. Curious about the mechanics of TikTok Shop, I purchased a full-length jewelry armoire and some Judy Blue jeans. I made straightforward, unedited videos on these items, and to my delight, both went viral.
Encouraged by this success, I expanded my range to include makeup and several palettes, all of which went viral. I didn’t stop there; I included a few cat products, and they took off just as well. The timing was perfect—just before the holidays—and I capitalized on this by making $60,000 in just a few months. This venture alone evolved into a consistent income stream, yielding 4-5 figures monthly and growing into a six-figure business.
Today, it’s bikinis! Who knows what tomorrow will be? And how fun is that?!
Diversifying My Digital Empire: Beyond TikTok
When rumors about a potential TikTok ban in the USA started swirling, it was a wake-up call for me. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future spurred me to consider safeguarding and diversifying my online presence. I didn’t want to risk losing my hard-earned audience and income streams overnight, so I took proactive steps to expand my reach across multiple platforms.
Automating Content Distribution with Repurpose.io
I set up an automation process through Repurpose.io, a decision that quickly proved a game-changer. This tool allowed me to seamlessly feed my TikTok videos across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest without additional effort. It was like cloning my content’s reach and impact across the digital landscape.
Unexpected Growth on YouTube and Instagram
The result was astonishing—my YouTube and Instagram channels shot straight up in terms of engagement and follower growth. The dynamic content that resonated so well on TikTok was also a hit on these platforms.
This growth led me to qualify for YouTube’s monetization program, which started bringing in hundreds of dollars per month, and I’m on the brink of reaching 10,000 subscribers.
This milestone will unlock new opportunities, like joining YouTube’s affiliate program and tagging products in shoppable videos, further enhancing my income potential.
Growth isn’t just about hitting numbers. It’s about evolving, learning from each interaction, and continuously refining your path. The key isn’t to fear failure but to embrace each lesson it teaches.
Leveraging Amazon for Additional Revenue
I also leveraged my TikTok content by uploading the same videos to Amazon as product reviews. This strategy started generating an additional $1,000+ per month, which is growing rapidly. Each review helped enhance my credibility and visibility on Amazon, turning views into revenue.
Breaking Into Fashion Blogging with LTK
Not stopping there, I joined LTK, primarily a platform for fashion bloggers. I began posting my Outfit of the Day (OOTD) content, quickly generating sales daily.
This platform allowed me to tap into a dedicated fashion-interested audience, expanding my influence and monetization in fashion.
If you are a fashion blogger and would like an invitation to be considered for the LTK (Rewardstyle) platform, message me through my profiles.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth and New Ventures
This expansion has diversified my income and provided a more stable and sustainable business model.
Diversification isn’t just a strategy; it’s a survival skill in today’s digital age. Innovate like your business depends on it, because it does. The moment you stop adapting, you start falling behind.
By spreading my digital presence across multiple platforms, I’ve reduced the risk associated with the volatility of any single platform. I’m exploring even more avenues to enhance my digital footprint and income.
Taking the first step can be daunting, but it’s the only way forward. Initiatives don’t just happen; they’re created by those bold enough to make the first move and smart enough to keep going.
My advice? The road to success is paved with setbacks. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t the absence of failure but the presence of perseverance. Keep pushing, keep growing, and never lose sight of your why
If you would like to learn more about affiliate marketing, you can download my free book, pick up a course, or follow my social channels at BallenAcademy.com
