Before you embark on setting up an affiliate marketing business, there are two very important key areas that you must unlock. I say YOU because you’re in control of both of them. If you only unlock one of them you will still benefit in some way but unless they’re both unlocked you won’t be fully successful at affiliate marketing.
These two metaphorical locks are to do with your mindset and behaviour i.e. how you act and what you do in terms of learning and physically building your online affiliate marketing business.
The first one is the practical, logistical, skills and systems you must learn in order to be able to practically carry out tasks to run your business.
The second one is mindset, attitude and behaviour as well as habits and your mental well-being.
So, as you can see, they are both very different and distinct from each other, and each will give you huge benefits in your life and your business, but if you do these both together and continually focus, that’s when you become a superstar of your online business.
Lock One
Website Development
Learning how to build and optimise websites using platforms like WordPress or Wix etc.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
Understanding how to optimise content for search engines to drive organic traffic to your affiliate site.
Content Marketing
Mastering the creation of compelling and valuable content that resonates with your target audience.
Email Marketing
Knowing how to build and manage email lists, create effective email campaigns, and utilise email automation tools. Like email sequencing, autoresponders and rotators.
Social Media Marketing
Familiarising yourself with different social media platforms and strategies to promote your affiliate offers. TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and the like
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising
Learning how to run effective paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads.
Analytics and Tracking
Understanding how to analyse data and track the performance of your marketing efforts using tools like Google Analytics.
Affiliate Networks and Programs
Researching and joining relevant affiliate networks and programs to find suitable products or services to promote. Join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or ShareASale to find and manage affiliate programs. I have joined what I think is the best one with high value products.
Conversion Optimisation
Implementing strategies to increase conversion rates and maximise affiliate earnings.
Copywriting
Developing persuasive writing skills to craft compelling ad copy, product reviews, and promotional content.
Market Research
Conducting thorough research to identify profitable niches, target audiences, and competitive landscapes.
Legal and Compliance
Understanding the legal aspects of affiliate marketing, including disclosure requirements and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
Link Management Tools
URL shorteners like Bitly or branded link management platforms like Rebrandly for tracking clicks and optimising affiliate links.
Payment Processing
Payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square for processing affiliate commissions and managing financial transactions.
Project Management Tools
Platforms like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp for organising tasks, collaborating with team members, and managing projects.
CRM Software
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools like HubSpot or Salesforce for managing contacts, tracking interactions, and nurturing leads. I am trialing an exclusive product that manages most of these tools mentioned in this section called Affiliate System.
VPN Services
Virtual Private Network (VPN) services for ensuring online security and privacy when accessing affiliate networks or conducting market research.
Website Hosting
Reliable web hosting services like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator to ensure your website is accessible and performs well.
Security Plugins
Security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri for protecting your website from malware, hacking attempts, and other security threats.
These tools can streamline your affiliate marketing operations, improve efficiency, and help you track and optimise your performance effectively. Depending on your specific needs and goals, you may also incorporate additional tools and software into your workflow. Mastering these technologies, systems, tools, and platforms will provide a solid foundation for success in affiliate marketing.
Lock two
To succeed in affiliate marketing, it’s essential that you have the right mindset, attitude, behaviors, work ethic, and daily tasks. To be successful in affiliate marketing and running an online business, certain character traits are highly beneficial:
Self-Motivated
Successful affiliate marketers and online business owners are self-starters who are driven by internal motivation. They set goals, take initiative, and persistently pursue success, even in the face of challenges.
Adaptable
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so being adaptable is essential. Successful individuals in this field are flexible and open to change, willing to adjust their strategies and embrace new technologies and trends.
Resilient
Setbacks and failures are inevitable in business, but resilient individuals bounce back from adversity, learn from their experiences, and continue moving forward with determination and perseverance.
Resourceful
Affiliate marketers and online business owners often encounter obstacles that require creative problem-solving. Being resourceful means finding innovative solutions, making the most of available resources, and thinking outside the box.
Disciplined
Running an online business requires discipline to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks, and stay focused on long-term goals. Successful individuals in this field are self-disciplined and able to maintain consistency in their efforts. Staying disciplined in following your daily tasks and routines, even when motivation is low.
Curious and Open-Minded
Curiosity drives innovation and growth in the online business world. Successful affiliate marketers and entrepreneurs are curious about their industry, their audience, and new opportunities, and they remain open-minded to new ideas and perspectives.
Customer-Centric
Putting the customer first is a key principle of successful online businesses. Individuals in this field understand the importance of building trust, providing value, and delivering exceptional customer experiences to foster loyalty and drive sales.
Analytical
Data-driven decision-making is crucial in affiliate marketing and online business. Successful individuals are analytical, able to interpret data, track performance metrics, and make informed decisions to optimise their strategies and maximise results.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for building relationships with customers, partners, and collaborators. Successful individuals in this field possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and are adept at conveying their message clearly and persuasively.
Visionary
Successful affiliate marketers and online business owners have a clear vision of their goals and aspirations. They possess the ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and chart a course for long-term success.
Goal-Oriented Mindset
Set clear, achievable goals and develop a plan to reach them. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
Customer-Centric Approach
Focus on providing value to your audience and solving their problems rather than solely on making sales.
Continuous Learning
Stay updated on industry trends, marketing tactics, and technological advancements through courses, workshops, and networking with other affiliate marketers.
Time Management
Prioritise tasks effectively, set deadlines, and avoid distractions to maximise productivity.
Consistency
Dedicate consistent time and effort to your affiliate marketing activities, whether it’s creating content, promoting products, or analysing data.
Ethical Marketing Practices
Build trust with your audience by being transparent about your affiliate relationships and promoting products that genuinely benefit them.
Networking and Relationship Building
Connect with other affiliate marketers, industry influencers, and potential partners to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and expand your reach.
Positive Growth Mindset – MOST IMPORTANT
Cultivate a positive attitude towards challenges and setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Overall, a combination of these character traits – self-motivation, adaptability, resilience, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, customer-centricity, analytical skills, communication skills, and visionary thinking – can greatly contribute to success in affiliate marketing and running an online business.
Next time, I will will talk to you about the advantages you will get by adopting this way of working to become a successful as an affiliate marketer.
Thank you for reading, I hope it helped you in some way. Is this what you are thinking of doing? Let me know your thoughts. You are only a few steps behind me!
Please leave comments, share with your friends and family and on the social media buttons below.
You can follow me on social media here using this links page. It will be great to see you there.
The best way to keep in touch is by subscribing to my FREE Newsletter where you will get exclusive content and even more value to help you build your online business.
Until next time, take care.
Atif
#Atif’s Academy
Atif – Thank you for breaking this down in an easy to comprehend manner. I found that Lock One is difficult, demanding and sometimes confusing. But it is attainable with patience and persistence. Lock Two is the actual “key.” I discovered if I get past what is in my head, eliminate and address negative self-talk, seek advice and help from others and get out of my own way, I can overcome Lock One and attain the Positive Growth Mindset you discuss.
Ernie, I think you’re right, lock 1 can be difficult, but it is something that you get better at with practice. It’s the second one is where you have to change yourself and battle with your own habits and ways of working, but I believe constantly trying every day we will get better and better and better, thanks, Atif
Hey Atif, I know where you are coming from.
There are indeed many moving parts within affiliate marketing. The more we learn about it, the more new things we uncover. Luckily not all of them are necessary from the get-go. Many can be outsourced or developed at a later stage.
I decided on paid advertising as I have little experience with it and decent results. I want to master that one thing before I move to the next one.
Until next time!
Tom, thanks for your comment. Yes, this is a list of most of the things we need to do. But it’s overtime, not from the beginning we have to build these things up and as we get better and better some of the more difficult ones will become more attainable. This is more around becoming a complete affiliate marketer. To be honest, there’s probably many more things that will appear as you get better at these. Thanks, Atif
Oh my goodness. there is such a lot that needs to be mastered! Thank goodness we can do it a bit at a time!
“Positive Growth Mindset – MOST IMPORTANT”
I certainly agree with that, there is going to be enough setbacks along the way to make that essesntial
Tony, yes, there is a lot here, but it doesn’t all need to be done at once or at the beginning. We should do the things that we feel attainable and once mastered move to the next. But overall it’s the growth mindset that will hopefully maintain everything. Thanks, Atif.
There is a lot to unlock! Even though lock 1 has a lot of knowledge and skills to master, lock 2 is harder.
Mindset is so important and critical to master for this career. Your followers have a brilliant example in you and I’m sure you’ll create a solid path for them to follow. Well done and keep going.
Sarah, yes, lock two is harder. However it’s not impossible. In fact we have to make a concerted effort to really work on those things . It’s actually those things that make the difference between you and everyone else. Eventually everyone can learn Lock one stuff by practising, but the difference is the attitude behaviour and mindset which is always harder but the most important. Thanks, Atif
Atif,
What a insightful blog. I really enjoyed reading this. I learned a lot. Lots of information. Both locks you mentioned are important for out business. However I think mindset is the hardest to keep up with, as I tend to sometimes lose my focus. Thanks for sharing.
Sherri
Sherri, I’m so glad you learnt something from this. If we just make an effort to work on both locks and get better and better than things should be good. Wish you all the best thanks, Atif
Atif, as always your blog posts are packed with a ton of information and broken down in an easy to understand and implement way! I 💯 agree, a Growth Mindset is the key to success, it is so important and something that comes only when you are ready to get out of your way and choose success as the only option – human psychology is fascinating!
Alison, thanks for your comment. Definitely agree that growth mindset is the key. it’s probably the most uncomfortable thing to do because it involves changing yourself and how you think. But if we want our businesses to grow and to achieve success, we can’t expect different results from doing the same thing. Take care, thanks, Atif
Mindset is the strategic aspect of my business. I like to keep the rest simple. And doable. We don’t have to do it all first thing out the gate.
Kate, that’s great to hear. Sorry just to be clear. I wasn’t saying that everyone has to do all of these things all at the same time or before starting our business. It was more a case of these are the things you need to think about learn and consider overtime to be as successful as possible. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks, Atif
Great information Atif as always. It takes both skill and mindset to become successful in anything. Both are skills that must be learned and consistently reviewed throughout one’s life to stay relevant and empowered. Always enjoy your posts, Atif… Keep up the good work.
Vanessa, thank you so much for reading and I’m glad it has value for you. I agree both skills must be learnt consistently, however just to be clear we don’t have to do all of it at the same time or before starting our business. They can be learnt as we go as we get better and make improvements. Thanks, Atif
Wow, I get overwhelmed, exhausted and bewildered just looking at this post! Very thorough breakdown though, and I totally agree about the growth mindset. You’re lost in any business without it.
Katrin, sorry I know it’s a lot to take in but it’s just a list of things we need to consider. We don’t need to do all of them at the same time. Remember that. Maybe pick one from each lock and start working on it or you can put them in an order or prioritise them in someway. All the best thanks, Atif
hello Atif !.
looks great your blog ,.lots of values. I like it .
keep the good work
Noor, thanks for taking the time to read the blog and I’m glad it adds value to you. How are you getting on. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch thanks, Atif
Hi Atif,
Thank you for this comprehensive overview of unlocking the door to affiliate marketing.
Lock one, learning the skills and systems can be overwhelming so lock 2, mindset, discipline, organizational skills, and clear goals are critical to unlocking lock 1.
Thank you, I have subscribed.
Eleanor, thanks for subscribing. I appreciate it. As you say lock two does provide some of the behaviours and thinking required for Lock one. However, there are things in Lock one, we can just be getting on with building up our skills and knowledge. How are you getting on? I hope all is well talk soon, thanks Atif
Atif, Wow, I have visited your blog several times in the past. That said, I can personally see your blogging growth. This is by far one of the most content rich blogs I have ever read. This post takes the reader on a fun filled info packed ride which once you start reading you’re not going to stop until like me you reach the end. In fact, you would also make a good drug dealer because you know how to hook your audience. I feel like I want more. Does that make sense? Is it safe to read this 2X?
I am so hooked!
James, how are you? I hope you are well. I appreciate your comments regarding the blog I am trying harder to be concise and add more value. What I’d like people to get from this is kind of a roadmap of what they need to do in terms of skills and mindset. It’s not about doing all of it all at the same time. It’s about working on each one that you feel ready for and then building up, and then picking another one to work on. I’m happy to provide more feel free to subscribe to my email newsletter for each week. I will share further insights. How are you getting on? Thanks, Atif
Atif,
Thank you for giving such good insight on Affiliate Marketing, and all the ins and outs of running a business. Every step is crucial to master, so it’s important to take each step slow until it’s mastered. I think the mindset is the most important one to tackle at first, only because if you don’t have a good mindset, and work ethic, then the rest you will not succeed with. Great post. Thanks!
Meredith
Meredith, I agree that mindset is the most important. I think the best way to tackle this is pick one or two that you’re confident in and work on those and then pick another one that may be related and build on that. I guess overtime with experience each of these areas will grow and you’ll become a leading expert in this area. Wishing you all the best thanks , Atif
Hi, Atif! I like your metaphor of the two keys. I do agree that a positive growth mindset is the most important aspect. I wasn’t familiar with this phrase until I started my business. I think of it as the idea that I’m not failing; I’m learning as I go along. And I just keep learning, and learning, and learning… Lol! It seems the need to learn never stops, and that’s why it’s so important to view the learning curve as exciting rather than a stumbling block.
I look forward to your next post when you take these keys a bit further.
Best of luck to you this week!
Nakina
Nakina, absolutely we will have to keep learning and learning as we go. And it’s that learning with that mindset that will make you an expert where you will be able to help so many people achieve what they want to. It’s a big challenge but a great one to take on. I wish you all the best, thanks Atif
I think learning how to set up and operate those things you’ve identified in the first lock can be learned. They have to be learned. But I’m not so sure that the second set can be learned. I suppose they can be unlocked. But if a person isn’t self-motivated I don’t think they’ll be able to.
I suppose they wouldn’t even start if they didn’t have some of those qualities to begin with. So I guess if a person got started down this path, they probably have all that in them – and as you say, it needs to be fully unlocked.
Nathan, thanks for your comment. Regarding the second lock, they may not be able to be learned straight out of a textbook, but they have to be in someway shape or form. They can be learnt in other ways by learning from other people, reading articles, doing courses, reading books and getting mentoring. In fact, an important lesson here is the growth mindset one because we have to think of this is as ‘how can I do’ it rather than ‘I don’t think it’s possible’, as an example. I wish you all the best thanks, Atif
I like how you identify two key areas to unlock in the way of mindset and behaviour. But then the breakdown is very much overwhelming. Might I suggest the levelling up and grouping of all the items you mention? Usually in a list of items the number 5 +/- 2 is the most you should go for. The mind tends to wander after 7 items in a list – my opinion. Still – you’ve captured two comprehensive lists of practicalities and character traits that are important for marketers to be aware of.
Robert, I hope things are warming up in Calgary. I agree that it can be overwhelming however, I felt it important for people to be shown all of it. I agree they can be grouped or categorised however, I thought people may pick one or two and work on those and then prioritise the others as in when they see fit. I should’ve been clearer in the blog post that these don’t all have to be done all at the same time or before starting the business but more things you should learn overtime to improve and become an expert. I appreciate your clarity thanks, Atif
Hi Atif,
So many many great points! Each as important as the other but as you mention, without unlocking these two locks, well… But we won’t go there.
It’s funny how so many times I’ve had conversations with people who not only ask me why I do this but what steps it took to get me there.
I always start with the two you mention. maybe not in the same words but they have the same meanings.
All the Best!
Marc, thanks for your comment. I see this as a list of what we need to do overtime to improve our skills and mindset so that we become experts. And also for teaching others what is coming and what they need to do. So these can be a lesson or a course or a blog to help people understand what they need to do and how. How are you getting on? Thanks, Atif
Atif, after first reading your blog I kinda felt like having to unlock the first lock was a bit overwhelming. Then as I started to ponder the information you gave I realized that we are accomplishing these everyday we are working on our business. Not so overwhelming as I thought! The second lock is as you say a never-ending process. As we grow our mindset is attempting to solve new and newer situations. Keep up the Good Writing!
Ken, thanks for your comment. You are absolutely right when you first look at it, it looks overwhelming. However you’re already doing a lot of this. When you list it and look at it like that it looks new and scary. However, maybe list them out take off the ones you’re confident about and revise those areas and then pick one or two more that you wish to learn and you can go and explore overtime you’ll become an expert and it’s these little differences that will put you ahead of the game. Thanks, Atif
Atif,
What a wonderful post! You really break it down so that anyone can understand what all is involved in affiliate marketing. Great information!
Kelli
Kelli, thanks for your comment and I’m so glad you found it of value. Please refer to it whenever you need a reminder. In fact you could maybe prioritise them as you see fit and working one or two of them. The idea is not to do it all, but slowly build them up overtime. All the best, thanks, Atif
Hey Atif! You succeeded on writing there a nice and complete breakdown of the affiliate marketing realm, divided into two categories lock1 and lock2. It’s by reading through your lists I realized how much I still have to learn. Let’s take this one step at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. I agree that a positive mindset is the most important thing with the belief you can succeed.
Have a nice day,
Martin
Martin, thanks for your comment. Remember they don’t all need to be done all at the same time and all before you start. You can pick one or two and work on them and then build up. Prioritise the rest and work them into a plan. Thanks, Atif.
Atif, I thoroughly enjoyed taking a small break from the “nuts and bolts” of learning about affiliate marketing to read your post about the less tangible (but perhaps more important) aspects of this business. I think we (and I definitely include myself in this) forget sometimes that our “headspace” is just as important as our action steps in this process. We can take all the necessary and proper steps but if our mindset isn’t in a positive place, we may be fighting an uphill battle. I also think we can be our own worst enemy at times and make this process 10X harder than it needs to be, just by being too hard on ourselves at times.
Thank you for such a well-written post. There’s a great deal of benefit in living these words that you write.
Lauren, thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad you found it of benefit. I will suggest maybe writing them down and prioritising them. The ones you’re confident with do first and revise and build on and then overtime do each one as you go. The idea is not to do them all at the same time, but more as a destination where you need to get to to then be known as an expert in this area. Talk to you soon thanks, Atif
Hey Atif, great blog as always. You laid this out and explained it well, now I have a new list of things to learn more about. Have a great day ,good job on the TikToc videos they get better and better every time.
Jon, thanks for your comment. Please see this as a list of things to learn overtime. They don’t have to be done together or before you start. The TikTok is quite hard work but I’m getting used to it like the list. Here you have to work on them until you become g’day, take care, thanks, Atif