Welcome to Part 2 of my 10-part series on the essential tools and systems every affiliate marketer needs to build a profitable and long-lasting business. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been dabbling for a while, these posts are designed to save you years of trial and error.
I’ve wasted plenty of time and money on tools that didn’t work or strategies that led nowhere. My goal is to bring you straight to what works—no fluff, no filler.
If you missed Part 1, go read it here: Why Every Affiliate Marketer Needs a Blog (Even If You Hate Writing)
Today’s topic is what separates amateurs from professionals: the autoresponder.
If You Don’t Have an Email List, You Don’t Have a Business
Social media trends fade. Blog traffic goes up and down. But your email list? That’s yours forever.
An autoresponder allows you to capture email addresses and automatically follow up with potential buyers, even while you sleep. It’s how you build trust, increase sales, and turn casual visitors into loyal fans.
Think of it as your 24/7 virtual sales assistant.
What Is an Autoresponder?
An autoresponder is an email marketing tool that allows you to:
• Collect email addresses from your blog, landing page, or social media
• Send out automated welcome emails and follow-up sequences
• Broadcast newsletters, product offers, and updates to your subscribers
• Segment your audience based on behaviour and interests
The key word? Automation.
Instead of manually emailing every person who signs up, you set up the system once and let it run on autopilot.
Why It’s Crucial for Affiliate Marketing
Here’s why an autoresponder is non-negotiable:
Follow-up = More Sales – Most people don’t buy the first time. Autoresponders help you stay top of mind.
Trust at Scale – Build a relationship with thousands of people without doing more work.
Control & Ownership – You’re not relying on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Promote Anytime – Have a new offer? Send an email and instantly reach your entire audience.
Track & Optimise – See what subject lines, links, and offers are working best.
What an Autoresponder Does for You
• Builds your list of subscribers (a real business asset)
• Warms up leads before you ever pitch anything
• Lets you sell without selling, through education and value
• Increases conversion rates on affiliate offers
• Drives traffic back to your blog, YouTube channel, social media, linkTress or sales page
What You Need to Get Started
Here’s what to set up:
Email Marketing Platform
Popular beginner-friendly tools include:
• Aweber – Simple and powerful
• MailerLite – Clean UI and generous free plan
• ConvertKit – Built for creators and affiliates
• GetResponse – Includes landing pages and automation
Landing Page or Opt-In Form
You can embed this in your blog or use a standalone landing page.
Lead Magnet (Optional but powerful)
A freebie like a PDF, checklist, or video that gives people a reason to subscribe.
Automated Welcome Email Sequence
Start with 3–7 emails:
1. Welcome + What to Expect
2. Your Story
3. A Valuable Tip or Free Resource
4. Your Favourite Tool/Offer
5. More Value or Social Proof
What to Avoid
Don’t use Gmail or Outlook to manually email subscribers (it’s unscalable and can get you banned)
Don’t send cold emails to random people (it’s spam and illegal)
Don’t pitch products in every single email (build trust first)
Don’t forget to test your opt-in forms and subject lines
Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
• Use a double opt-in to stay GDPR compliant
• Send consistent, value-packed emails (1–2 per week minimum)
• Use clear, click-worthy subject lines
• Personalise with names or interests when possible
❌ Don’t:
• Buy email lists
• Bombard with daily sales emails
• Use misleading subject lines just to get opens
Tips to Optimise for Any Niche
Offer a free checklist, cheat sheet, or short guide specific to your niche
Write emails like you’re talking to a friend, make them personal
Keep them short, clear, and focused on one idea per email
Use storytelling and emotion to create connection
Include clear calls-to-action in every email (click, reply, read)
Affiliate Link Placement Strategy
Here’s how to promote your autoresponder tool:
Link to your recommended platform within your blog post (e.g., “I recommend AWeber – here’s why”)
Create a Tools I Use (Atif’s Academy is Coming!) page that includes your autoresponder recommendation
In your email sequence, include a story of why you chose your platform and how it’s helped you
Create a comparison post (e.g., ConvertKit vs. MailerLite)
Add a link to your lead magnet delivery email (e.g., “You’ll need a tool like this to build your list too!”)
Examples of Calls-to-Action
“Want to follow up with your subscribers automatically? Start your free trial with AWeber here.”
“This is the tool I use to send emails like the one you’re reading now, check it out!”
“Don’t leave money on the table, build your list and automate your follow-ups starting today.”
Optional Bonus: Lead Magnet Ideas
5-Day Autoresponder Email Template Pack
Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Email List from 0–100
Step-by-Step Video: How to Set Up Your First Email Sequence
Use these to drive signups, grow your list, and even create mini-courses or challenges.
Content Ideas for Blog Expansion
Need more content around this topic? Try:
• Email marketing for beginners
• How to write subject lines that get opened
• 10 email ideas when you don’t know what to write
• Case study: My first 50 subscribers and how I got them
• Anatomy of a high-converting lead magnet
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Autoresponders are like having a virtual assistant working for you 24/7. Set them up once, and let the automation build relationships, grow your business, and sell your affiliate offers with consistency and care.
Don’t wait until you “have more traffic” to start—build your list from day one.
Set up your free trial today with one of these beginner-friendly tools: They are all really good.
| Tool | Description | Link |
| GetResponse | Best all-in-one for affiliates | Start Here |
| ConvertKit | Great for creators and bloggers | Start Here |
| Aweber | Time-tested and simple to use | Start Here |
| MailerLite | Clean design, solid free plan | Start Here |
Want more trainings and behind-the-scenes content?
Join my free email newsletter to get:
• Two free trainings
• Special offer you can only get from me (and my world class mentor Dean Holland)
• Weekly updates on how I’m building my affiliate business in real time
Coming Next Week:
📍 Part 3: Landing Pages That Convert – Why You Need One and How to Build It Without Tech Overwhelm
Have a fantastic week — and don’t forget:
Progress over perfection. Always.
Atif
P.S. Know someone starting online? Share this blog with them—they’ll thank you later. Use the share links below.
Hi Atif – I completely agree… an auto responder is key to help grow a business, keep it organized and stay in touch with your list. I had no idea what an Autoresponder was before I started my online business but I’m so glad I discovered one as it is a great tool to help me remain efficient while communicating with my customers and potential customers. As you identified in this post, there are many very good products out there. This information is valuable not only for someone who is new and starting now at but for someone who is seasoned and has had a business for some time. I also appreciate your Do’s and Don’ts section in this blog post. Very valuable and informative! I’m looking forward to Part 3!
Ernie, I completely relate to your journey. I also had no clue what an autoresponder was when I first dipped my toes into the online world. It’s amazing how such a simple tool can have such a powerful impact on staying connected and building real relationships with our audience.
I’m really glad you found value in the Do’s and Don’ts section; I wanted to share the kind of advice I wish someone had told me earlier on. You’re absolutely right, whether someone is just starting out or already running a business, getting their email system right can make all the difference.
Thanks again for the support — Part 3 is now live and dives into landing pages that convert (even if you hate design 😅). I’d love to hear your thoughts on that one too!
Atif
Great information here, Atif!! I use Affiliate System (and Aweber) for my email delivery!! It works like a charm! Every day I feel more and more comfortable with these systems of delivery for my peeps. But there are other vistas to tackle and I’m gung ho to try them out, where and when appropriate.
Kate, Thanks so much! I love hearing that you’re using Affiliate System and AWeber, such a solid combo for building and maintaining your email list! It’s always encouraging to hear from others who are getting more confident with their tools and systems, that momentum makes a big difference.
And I love your attitude about exploring new “vistas”, that’s exactly the mindset that leads to growth. Keep testing, tweaking, and trying new things, you never know what breakthrough might be around the corner!
Appreciate you taking the time to share your experience — let’s keep moving forward together!
Atif
This post is super helpful! Love how you broke everything down step by step, especially for those of us still getting the hang of this whole autoresponder thing. The “sell without selling” bit really hit home – we don’t want to come across as pushy! Thanks for sharing your real experiences too – makes me feel like I’m not alone in wasting time and money before finding the good stuff. Can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series. Keep it coming!
Sarah, Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words. I’m so glad the step-by-step breakdown helped and that the “sell without selling” part resonated with you. It’s something I’ve had to learn the hard way too, and you’re absolutely not alone, we’ve all made those early mistakes and chased the wrong tools or tactics at some point. That’s exactly why I wanted to share my own journey, the real ups and downs, so others can shortcut the process a bit. I’m excited for you to check out the rest of the series, and there’s plenty more coming your way! Atif
Great part 2 Atif! The one phrase that truly encapsulates it all is this one: If You Don’t Have an Email List, You Don’t Have a Business.
I remember Dean mentioning how he “lost” all of those email addresses when he first started out and that was a great reminder to make sure that I do a backup of my list.
I like the fact that you also mention that to start, the applications you list will help a newbie; something we also tend to forget: it doesn’t take thousands to start your online business.
Can’t wait for part 3!
Marc, Thank you so much, I’m really glad Part 2 resonated with you. That quote — If you don’t have an email list, you don’t have a business — really stuck with me too. And yes, Dean’s story about losing his list is such a powerful reminder. Backing up your list is one of those small things that can save you from a big headache later on.
I also appreciate you pointing out the bit about starting with simple tools. It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking we need to spend a fortune to begin, but the truth is, we just need the right essentials and a clear focus.
Part 3 is live now, and I think you’ll really enjoy what’s inside. Thanks again for your support, it means a lot!
This was packed with so much helpful information, Atif. You have a way of breaking down complex things into really doable, easy tasks even for the non-techy. You’re right: building an email list early is one of those “wish I started sooner” moves. Grateful for this series—already looking forward to the landing page post next week!
Alison, Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it. I’m glad you found the post helpful and easy to follow. I know how overwhelming some of this can feel at first, so it means a lot to hear that the way it’s explained made it more doable. And yes, starting an email list early is one of those game-changers most people only realise later. Excited to share the next part on landing pages very soon, I think you’ll find it just as practical and useful. Thanks again for reading and supporting the series! Atif
Hi Atif, this post is outstanding! Your clear explanation of why autoresponders are essential for affiliate marketers is incredibly helpful for new affiliates looking to grow their business. The guidance on creating an effective welcome email sequence and avoiding common mistakes is great, making it easier for beginners to start strong. Excited for Part 3 on landing pages! Thanks for sharing such valuable insights, keep it up!
Meredith
Hi Meredith, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I’m really glad the post helped clarify things, especially for those just starting out. Autoresponders can seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand how powerful they are, they become an essential part of the journey. I’m especially happy you found the welcome email sequence tips useful, that’s such a key piece of the puzzle. Part 3 on landing pages is up next and I can’t wait to share it with you. Thanks again for the encouragement, it truly means a lot! Atif