Your Guide to Earning Your First 5 Referrals (and Revenue) at Wealthy Affiliate

Hey folks,

If you're reading this, chances are, you're just like me when I first started. Hungry to learn, eager to succeed, and just a little confused about where to start. No worries...we have all been there.

The game of affiliate marketing (like any game) has its own set of principles. Let's dive into a strategy that could help you land your first 5 referrals at Wealthy Affiliate, thus unlocking your initial revenue potential.

And each referral that you generate, offers you the potential to earn recurring commissions, and up to $320 per sale!

Irrespective of your niche direction you are headed, you can reach out to ANYONE that you know that would be interested in starting a business online, doing something they love and are passionate about, and ultimately the benefits of an online business in the process.

Let's first discuss the process of "inviting" people and connecting with people in a relatable way.

Mastering the Art of Connection...

Making a connection with your audience is the first step in any successful affiliate marketing venture. And, let's be honest... it's not always the easiest thing to do.

You must learn to be open-minded, and to connect with your audience in a way that is relevant to them. Be receptive to new ideas, perspectives and learn to resonate with different people.

Remember, affiliate marketing is not a numbers game; it's a PEOPLE'S game. When you understand that, you are going to have the skill set to reach any level of affiliate marketing success you are willing to work towards.

If you can help people, ultimately you can build a successful business in any niche. So keep that in the back of your head with every single connection you make, your goal is to help people and establish trust.

How exactly do you connect with your audience?

First, truly UNDERSTAND your audience... understand their needs, fears, aspirations, and preferences. Develop empathy, talk their language, and make sure you communicate with them, not AT them.

Second, provide VALUE. Give your audience something they cannot find elsewhere... unique insights, helpful tips, or personalized solutions. Become a trusted resource, someone they can turn to when in doubt.

Transforming Visitors into Referrals: The Wealthy Affiliate WAy

Once you've established that connection with your audience, it's time to turn visitors into referrals.

The secret sauce here is CREDIBILITY. If you're not credible, then why should someone take your word when you recommend Wealthy Affiliate?

But Kyle, how do I build credibility (even within limited experience online)?

Great question! The strategy is fairly straight forward here. Be REAL.
Pain + Reflection = Progress.

Embrace your struggles, share your journey, mistakes and all... Be REAL, be HUMAN, be YOU.

By sharing your honest journey and reflecting on your mistakes, you become relatable. This level of authenticity breeds credibility. Show them your progress, the value you've received from Wealthy Affiliate, what your accomplishing thus far, and how it can do the same for them.

Your next step is to make your call to action irresistible. Make your audience feel they're not just signing up for a "program", but becoming a part of a COMMUNITY that supports and mentors them towards success.

Lastly, never forget to follow up. Keep the conversation going, continue to engage with your audience. Remember, patience and perseverance is key in the game of affiliate marketing.

Now, let's get down to three hands-on strategies that you can leverage to make those connections turn into your first referrals.

Strategy 1: Leverage Your Circle of Influence... Your Friends

In the world of affiliate marketing, it's easy to overlook the power of your immediate network... Your friends. Remember, each of your friends is a potential doorway to a new world of connections.

But how do you do this without sounding pushy?

The key is to be casual yet persuasive. Share your journey. Let them know about the value Wealthy Affiliate has brought into your life. Your enthusiasm might pique their curiosity.

Remember... you're not selling. You're sharing an opportunity that has personally benefited you and can benefit them. And who knows, they may turn out to be your strongest advocates!

Strategy 2: Harness the Power of Your Social Followings

Got a decent social following? It's time to let your followers know about Wealthy Affiliate.

Get your affiliate link at any point from the "$" icon in the header menu, and click the "Copy Link" button.

Don't spam people though. Incorporate your Wealthy Affiliate experiences organically into your content. For example, if you've learned something new about affiliate marketing, share that nugget of wisdom, and mention Wealthy Affiliate as the source.

Most importantly, always end your posts with a strong call to action. Invite your followers to explore Wealthy Affiliate and become a part of your journey.

Strategy 3: Engage Potential Interests through Email

Email, despite being one of the oldest forms of online communication, remains one of the most effective ways to connect with people who might be interested in Wealthy Affiliate.

Begin by compiling a list of people who you think would be genuinely interested. You don't want to end up in the spam folder.

Personalize your emails. Make the recipient feel valued and understood. Briefly share your experience with Wealthy Affiliate, the benefits you've gained, and how you believe it can help them too. Focus on the outcome, where they would want to be, versus telling them about features.

People want flexibility in their life, they want to earn more money, they want to do something they are passionate about, and they want to be fulfilled. These are all things that WA can offer them.

Lastly, follow up, but don't bombard. If they show interest, great. Guide them on their journey. If not, respect their decision, and move on.

Remember, your first few referrals can often times be the hardest, but they're also the most rewarding. Once you unlock this initial achievement, there's no looking back.

Here’s to your success with Wealthy Affiliate, and if you need a hand with any promotional techniques or strategies to help you get your first 5 referrals (or your next 5), please do let me know.

Also, if you have a "referral" strategy that has worked for you, I would love to hear about it. Drop your comments below.