There’s something I need to get off my chest.
It’s not one of those quick affiliate tips. It’s not another how-to or “5 tools every marketer needs.” This one’s raw. It’s real.
Because if you’ve ever tried to build something online especially in affiliate marketing, you’ll know that it’s not always about clever funnels or funky conversions.
Sometimes, it’s about surviving the silence.
There are days when I feel like I’m shouting into the void.
I’ve poured hours into this blog. I’ve crafted emails from the heart. I’ve made TikToks that took me all day. I’ve shared tools and resources that could genuinely change someone’s life. Not because I’m trying to make a quick buck, but because I believe in what I’m doing. I believe affiliate marketing can give ordinary people, people like you and me—a real shot at freedom.
And yet…
Most days, the silence is deafening.
No comments.
No replies.
No clicks.
No feedback.
Just silence.
The Dream That Sparked It All
I started this journey because I believed in the dream.
You know the one I’m talking about: waking up on your own terms, working from anywhere, doing meaningful work, and being there for your family without sacrificing income or freedom.
That’s what affiliate marketing promised me. A chance to escape the 9 to 5 grind. A way to build something for myself, on my own terms.
At first, I was fired up. I was learning, testing, building. I bought the courses. Read the books. Watched the webinars.
I even found a mentor who helped me cut through the fluff (Dean Holland’s The Iceberg Effect is a must-read if you haven’t yet—there’s a reason I keep recommending it).
The early days were filled with excitement. The kind that keeps you up at night—not from stress, but from possibility.
But reality, as it often does, had other plans.
It’s Not Just Business—It’s Personal
People think affiliate marketing is just about putting links out there and waiting for commissions to roll in. Let me tell you, t’s not.
It’s personal.
Every blog post is written with someone specific in mind. Every email is a conversation I wish I could have face-to-face. Every link I share is something I’ve tested, used, and put my name behind.
But when you’re doing all this work and people don’t even acknowledge it, don’t respond, don’t interact, don’t take the free value you’re offering, it hits hard.
It makes you question everything.
Am I wasting my time?
Do people even care?
Is this all just one big illusion?
The Emotional Toll No One Talks About
Let me be honest: it’s exhausting.
You stay up late tweaking a headline, rewriting an email, making your blog better.
You get excited about a free resource you’re giving away, thinking, “This will help people. This will make a difference.”
And then… nothing.
Maybe a few opens.
Maybe one click.
But often, just… nothing.
You try to engage. You ask questions. You open the door to conversation. You genuinely want to help.
But it’s like being at a party where you’re talking to a room full of people who won’t even look up from their phones.
And that hurts.
Because you’re not doing this just for you.
You’re doing this for them, the people who say they want change, but then disappear when it’s time to do the work.
I’ve Thought About Quitting
Yes, I’ve thought about giving up.
I’ve stared at my screen wondering, “What’s the point?”
There are easier ways to spend your time. Ways that don’t leave you questioning your worth or your voice. Ways that don’t leave you checking your inbox hoping someone—anyone—replied to your last email.
Affiliate marketing is a lonely path when no one’s walking it with you.
But then, something stops me.
Why I Keep Going
Somewhere deep down, I still believe.
I believe that one day, someone will find my blog and say, “This is exactly what I needed.”
I believe that eventually, my emails will land in the right inbox at the right time.
I believe someone out there is stuck, just like I was and the words I write will be the spark they need.
That belief…
That’s what keeps me going.
Because I’ve been on the other side.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck in a job that drains you, to feel powerless over your finances, to feel like you’re meant for more but don’t know where to start.
Affiliate marketing changed that for me, not overnight, but gradually. Through learning, failing, adjusting, and showing up every day, even when no one seemed to care.
And if it can change my life, it can change yours too.
Doubt Creeps In
In those moments, I’ve questioned everything.
Maybe I’m not cut out for this.
Maybe I’m not good enough.
Maybe no one cares.
You start to spiral.
You second-guess your niche. Your strategy. Your voice.
I’ve stared at my email software and thought, What’s the point? They won’t open this anyway.
I’ve been ready to delete blog posts I spent days on because they didn’t “perform.”
I’ve recorded TikToks and deleted them before posting because… who’s watching?
I’m not saying this for sympathy. I’m saying it because it’s the truth and no one else is telling it.
But Then Something Happens
There’s this tiny voice that refuses to go away.
Even on the hardest days, when I want to pack it all in and walk away, this voice reminds me:
“You’re not doing this for applause. You’re doing this for impact.”
It reminds me why I started:
To build something for my family.
To create options.
To escape being trapped in a system that trades time for pennies and freedom for structure.
To help people who are just like I was, lost, frustrated, and looking for a better way.
And sometimes, that voice is all I have.
But it’s enough.
Let’s Talk About You for a Minute
Are you reading this because you’re trying to make affiliate marketing work too?
Are you tired of being broke, bored, or both?
What are you doing about it?
Let’s be real, nothing will change unless you change.
If you’re not happy with your job or your financial situation, ask yourself: What are you doing to build something better?
It won’t fall into your lap. You have to build it. One step at a time.
And if you’re on that path or trying to be, I want to walk it with you.
This Blog is For You
If you’ve ever felt the way I feel—like no one’s listening—then I want to hear from you.
Leave me a comment below. Tell me your story.
What are you working on? What have you struggled with in affiliate marketing? Do you need help?
Don’t let this be another post you scroll past.
Say something. Connect. That’s how we all grow.
You’re Not Alone, Even If It Feels Like It
If you’ve made it this far, thank you.
Truly.
I don’t take your attention for granted.
I wrote this because I needed to get it off my chest, but also because maybe you needed to hear it too.
We’re in this together.
Let’s keep going, one step, one blog post, one email at a time.
And maybe today is the day you speak up. Leave a comment. Say hello. Tell me where you’re at.
I’ll read every word.
And I’ll reply.
Because someone should.
The Truth About People (And Why They Don’t Respond)
Here’s something I’ve learned that might help you if you’re going through this too.
It’s not always personal.
People don’t comment not because they don’t care but because they’re overwhelmed. Distracted. Skeptical.
They’ve been burned before. They’ve seen the hype. They’ve clicked links that led to nothing but sales pitches.
And now, they’re cautious. They scroll past everything, even the stuff that could genuinely help them.
Sometimes, they’re just not ready yet.
Other times, they’re watching quietly, waiting to see if you’re real, if you’re consistent, if you mean it.
That’s why I show up even when no one seems to notice.
A Little Advice If You’re Struggling Too
If you’re reading this and you’re in the same boat, if you’ve been trying to make affiliate marketing work but feel like no one’s paying attention, let me speak directly to you for a moment.
1. Keep Showing Up
Your breakthrough might not come in your first blog, or your fifth, or your fiftieth.
But you never know which post will land. Which email will be opened. Which message will change someone’s life.
2. Focus on People, Not Metrics
Your subscriber list might be small. Your views might be low.
But if you focus on truly helping one person, you’re already doing better than most “gurus” out there.
3. Speak From the Heart
Forget perfect copywriting formulas. Talk like a human. Share your struggles. Be vulnerable.
Because connection beats conversion every single time.
4. Ask for Engagement And Mean It
If you’re reading this right now, I’m asking you—really asking you—to leave a comment.
Tell me what you’re working on. What you’re struggling with.
Even if it’s just to say “I’ve felt that way too.” It would mean more than you know.
5. Protect Your Fire
It’s easy to burn out when the feedback loop is silent. So protect your motivation.
Take breaks when you need them. Learn from others who are in the trenches too.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s why I created this blog and my email list in the first place.
So… What Are You Doing About It?
If your job drains you…
If your income isn’t enough…
If you’ve got more month than money left…
What are you doing about it?
Wishing won’t fix it.
Complaining won’t change it.
You need to act.
And if affiliate marketing has even piqued your interest, then you owe it to yourself to explore it properly, not through hypey YouTube ads or spammy DMs, but through real, honest guidance.
Start here. Start now.
Join Me on This Journey
If you’ve connected with anything I’ve written here, I’d love for you to sign up to my free email newsletter. Just click the link in the top menu.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Two completely free trainings to give you a solid start in affiliate marketing
Real insights and guidance—not theory, but actual lessons from the trenches
First access to exclusive tools, deals, and offers that you won’t find shared publicly
You’ll also get my support. My eyes on your progress. My honest feedback.
Because no one should have to build this alone.
One Last Thing
I know what it feels like to want to quit.
To wonder if anyone sees you.
To feel like your voice doesn’t matter.
But I promise you, it does.
So let this be the day you speak up.
Leave a comment below. Tell me who you are and where you’re at.
Let me know how I can help you. Because I will help if you ask.
Don’t let this post be another silent one. Be the first to say something.
Have a fantastic week — and don’t forget:
Hi Atif,
I’ve been there…several times. To put you in perspective, I had told myself that I’d like to have a second income when I retired from the Army… that was 5 years ago. Granted, I’ve had times when I had to step away because of work but time does go by fast.
You can’t quit, want to know why? It isn’t because you think you might help someone, it’s also not because you think that someone will have an enlighten moment if they read your blog.
It’s truly because you know deep inside you, here is where you are at in your life. You’re a mentor to someone who isn’t there yet but is working to get there.
Mentors don’t start off with thousands of people believing in what they say. Think of Tony Robbins, I remember a time when I could get his training pretty much for free.
Did it take time? yes; was he frustrated by those who he knew he could help but didn’t listen? For sure!
You got this Atif, well – we got this. I’ve got the pleasure of knowing that someone else I look up to is going through the same frustrating moments as I am.
But we’ll get through this and oh what a time it will be!
Your Canadian friend,
Marc
Marc, your message genuinely moved me, thank you. The way you put it, about knowing deep down that this is where I’m supposed to be, hit hard in the best way. I’ve never thought of myself as a mentor, but your words helped me see that showing up, even in the mess, has value. You’re right this isn’t just about content or clicks, it’s about becoming the person we’re meant to be and helping others do the same. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you, brother and when we get through this, we’ll have one hell of a story to tell.
Hi Atif, Yes I get your point. I haven’t made one cent since starting this adventure. But In feel in my soul that giving up is not a viable option. I know that there are folks who need the community I am building. I want to add value. I want to be a Presence in their lives.
Is that too much to ask?
Kate, not too much to ask at all, in fact, it’s exactly the kind of heart this space needs. I completely relate to where you are; I’ve had those same moments of frustration, wondering if any of it is landing. But like you, I know deep down that quitting isn’t the answer. Wanting to serve, to build something real, to be there for others, that’s purpose, and it’s powerful. Keep showing up, even when it’s quiet… the impact is building, even if you can’t see it yet.
It’s easy to feel like you’re just broadcasting into the void — especially when you care and aren’t just chasing clicks. What stood out most to me was the reminder that people are watching quietly, deciding if you’re for real. That was the perspective shift I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been looking at it like I will continue to post, and maybe one day I will find my people. But I really like this shift.
Thanks for pulling back the curtain and telling the truth that most people skip over. It’s not about the hype — it’s about heart, and you’ve got that in spades.
Alison, I know that feeling of wondering if anyone’s out there, especially when you’re showing up with honesty, not hype. That quiet audience, the ones watching to see if you’re consistent and real, they’re the ones who matter most. I’m glad the perspective shift helped; it helped me too when I finally understood it. Keep showing up with heart, you’re already ahead of most.
Atif – Cracking good post… Real, raw… Honest!
I reasonate with everything you’ve said so much.
I remember being exactly where you are… It’s why most never make it because they give up at times like this (Actually, most gave up a longgg way back from where you are right now)
Those that “make it” do so not because they are something special but because they never quit… They kept going, kept learning, kept failing… Kept showing up and eventually it all clicked and happened.
You’re actually ahead of me when I was in those early stages because it took me about 5 years to make $1 online – so you’ve beat me already.
Good on you for being willing to share this – I hope you continue to do so
Dean
Dean, thank you so much for this. Honestly, reading your comment gave me chills. You’ve been the guide I didn’t even know I needed when I started this journey, and to have you say you see something in what I’m doing means the world. I’ve clung to your lessons, especially on those days when quitting felt like the easiest option. I know this journey isn’t meant to be quick or easy, but knowing you once stood in the same spot and kept going gives me that extra push to stay the course. Thank you for teaching me, believing in me, and for leading the way so the rest of us have a real shot. You are the BEST! your Friend, Atif
Hi Atif – I respect the honesty and transparency of this post immensely! This really is a tough business, and I believe all of us at times have or will have times of doubt in times that we feel like throwing it all in. I truly appreciate that you have not as I have read every single one of your blog posts to date and have obtained value in each. This one is no different as you not only detail your feelings and struggles but you also provided some advice. I especially like your #3 Speak From the Heart. It seems that’s what this post is all about. Onward and I can’t wait to see your success!
Ernie, knowing you’ve read every one of my posts and found value in them means more than I can express. You’re absolutely right, this journey brings its share of doubt, and some days are harder than others, but messages like yours remind me why I keep showing up. “Speak from the heart” isn’t just advice I give, it’s the only way I know how to do this. I’m grateful we’re on this path together, and I’m cheering for your success just as much as you are for mine. Onward, indeed!
I felt every single word. I’ve had those days where I stare at my screen thinking, “What’s the point?” I’ve questioned my voice, my niche, my purpose… and yep, I’ve also deleted TikToks I spent hours making because I thought, “No one’s watching anyway.”
But reading this reminded me why I started too. Not for claps or clicks, but because I believe there has to be another way. For me, for my family, for anyone sick of trading time for pennies. Thank you for being so raw and honest—it’s rare and SO needed. I’m still here, still showing up, and now I don’t feel quite so alone in it.
You’ve got a reader for life 💛
Sarah, this comment means more than I can say, not just because you took the time to write it, but because you get it. Every sentence you wrote could have come straight from my own journal on the tough days. That “what’s the point?” feeling hits hard, but knowing that something I shared helped you reconnect with your why… that makes it all worth it. You’re not alone, not for a second and I’m so grateful to have someone like you walking this path too. Your content, blogs and videos are amazing. Keep going, you are the one we all look up to. Take care, Atif
Hey Atif, wow, this post really really gave me chills. Your honesty about the loneliness and doubt in affiliate marketing is so real, I’ve felt that silence too. It’s tough when you pour your heart into something and get no response. Your belief in helping even one person keeps me motivated. I’m just starting out, struggling with getting clicks and feeling like giving up sometimes too. Thanks for reminding me to keep showing up and stay true to myself. You’re not alone either, let’s keep pushing through this lonely journey together and make something of it!
Meredith
Hey Meredith, thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt message, it honestly means the world to me. That silence can be deafening sometimes, can’t it? I’ve sat staring at zero clicks wondering if any of this would ever work too. But knowing someone like you is out there, going through the same challenges and still pushing forward, gives me strength as well. Let’s keep showing up, supporting each other, and proving to ourselves that all this effort will be worth it, one step, one post, one connection at a time!
Atif, certainly a heart felt post! You’ve said so many things that others aren’t willing to say. I think we all can find the common ground of what your saying. I won’t bore you with suggestions or advice, just know that I’m rooting for you and your journey!
Ken, it means a lot to know someone’s out there rooting for me, especially on the tougher days when doubt creeps in. I’ve found that just being honest about the struggles helps me stay grounded, and if it helps someone else feel a little less alone too, then it’s all worth it. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind comment. Thank you, Atif
Hi Atif,
I’m a fellow Affiliate marketer. I’m starting from zero though. I saw your post in Skool in our community and thought to check out your ‘brutally honest’ post to see what you wrote. Beautifully written, which is why I’m writing a comment.
I hope to be where you are one day, but thought to start in YouTube first and become an expert in that before rolling out anything else.
Just a comment on your social media links, as I’m not sure how they work, but if I hit a link, it takes me to my own Facebook site, but it doesn’t link anything of yours. wouldn’t it be better to take me to your Facebook site and I can share that with friends and family? Just a thought, as I said, I’m new here too.
Kind regards, all the very best and I’ll see you in Skool! 😄
Hi there, thank you so much for taking the time to visit and leave such a thoughtful comment, it really means a lot, especially coming from someone on the same path. Starting on YouTube is a smart move, and focusing on mastering one platform at a time is exactly the kind of discipline that pays off long term. I truly wish you every success and would love to follow your journey too.
Regarding the links there are 2 types, one goes to yours so that you can share this post with your social community and the 2nd set is to follow me on other social channels. Thanks, Talk soon, Atif
Silence. This is also what I can relate to. I know sincerely what it is to work hard without having results or simply, producing genuine content but nobody to benefit from it. Frustrating. People don’t open emails, don’t read blogs, don’t click on links, or watch videos. However they scroll, scroll, and scroll pass again like if they were searching a treasure that doesn’t exist. It’s an addiction. Can’t stop scrolling. Because they are used to it. The best hook is burned for having been seen billions of time. Sometimes I wish I would have started 20 years ago. When everything was a surprise, blog posts were read and emails were opened. But looking at the past isn’t a solution. You’re right. A fundamental truth remains: keep showing up. Because nothing will never happen if we don’t show up. The future is still to be written.
Thanks for posting this eye opening reading experience! 😊
Martin
Martin, thank you for this deeply thoughtful comment, you’ve put into words so much of what I’ve felt. That quiet emptiness after hitting publish or send and hearing nothing back can really wear you down. I’ve thought the same about wishing I’d started earlier, before the scroll became the norm and attention spans got shorter than a TikTok. But like you said so perfectly, the future is still to be written — and showing up, even in silence, is the only way forward. I’m glad we’re walking this path together, and I truly appreciate your words. Let’s keep going.