Affiliate Marketing Is Not Passive – Change My Mind
Affiliate Marketing Is Not Passive
People hear “affiliate marketing” and think it’s easy money. Post a few links, sit back, and watch the sales roll in. That’s the myth the Gurus spew.
The truth? Affiliate marketing takes work. You create content, test what connects, and adjust when it doesn’t. You show up even when results are slow.
The distinction lies in the fact that this work is compounding. A post you write today can rank tomorrow, next month, and even years later. That’s when the income feels passive, as past effort continues to work for you.
But make no mistake. Before the passive part shows up, it’s very active.
FAQ: Affiliate Marketing Is Not Passive
1. Why do people think affiliate marketing is passive?
Because they see the “make money while you sleep” claims often made by the Gurus. They don’t see the work that goes into it first.
2. What kind of work is needed?
Content creation, search engine optimization, building trust, testing offers, and adjusting strategy.
3. When does it start to feel passive?
After your posts rank, get traffic, and keep earning with little upkeep.
4. Can beginners expect quick passive income?
No. Most income comes after consistent effort over months or years.
5. What’s the biggest mistake new affiliates make?
Expecting fast, easy money instead of treating it like a business.
6. How can I stay consistent?
Set a weekly content goal. Even a single post a week can have a cumulative effect over time.
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Recent Comments
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The only slight tweak I would make is "work hard, work smart, money follows". I have known plenty of people who have just "worked hard" and their efforts were focused in the wrong area.
I love this series posts you are writing demistifying all the gurus lies and their attempt to get Rich on people desperation :(
In my experience people who have walked the walk understand there is a deal of work to be done to build that income stream - the 'took me 5 years to be famous overnight' model.
In my experience the people promoting 'how easy it is' are usually the ones looking for your wallet to fill theirs. Just saying....
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When we focus on the “product” being passive, like Subscription Based products, with monthly fees (resulting in monthly commissions) then it feels passive after the initial sales of the subscription.
And memberships like WA.
Software like Aweber or hosting services will pay recurring commissions month after month.
I’m promoting a software that allows the user to send postcards, greeting cards, and personalized gift via the United States Postal Service. I have some subscribers that have been using it for years, and I’ve never communicated with them, ever.
Still getting paid each month.
Hi Brad,
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, but you’re right, recurring products like WA, AWeber, or hosting can feel passive once you’ve made the sale.
The process of building the content, earning trust, ranking in search, and converting that first signup is anything but passive.
That’s the point I wanted to stress and convey. Too many new marketers think affiliate marketing is “set and forget.” It’s not. You need consistent work upfront and ongoing effort to keep traffic flowing. The recurring income is the reward for active work, not proof that the business itself is passive.
Do you understand what I am trying to say?
AhHa… thanks for the clarification. I did miss your point.
I agree with you. So many people think that it’s a simple push of a button and become a millionaire.
It’s a LOT of WORK to get the lead and make contact and then build the trust relationship before a prospect even considers making a purchase.
WA is a perfect example. The product is very good and affordable. Only one dollar per day, and I have zero paying sign ups. I’ve been working at it for years. I have found it very difficult to get people to even try it.
Marketing is simple, but not easy.
"It’s a LOT of WORK" So very true, but the eventual payoff can be great if you are willing to put in the work in the beginning.
Michael