1. Starting from Scratch — What’s It All About?
Let’s clear the air: Affiliate marketing sounds technical, but it’s really not. You recommend something online — like a phone, book, or app — and when someone buys it through your special link, you earn a cut. That’s it. No stock to manage. No customer complaints, and No selling face-to-face. Also Read Affiliate Marketing for Beginners: How to Get Started for Free.
It’s become one of the easiest ways to start earning online, especially in Pakistan, where digital jobs are gaining ground and mobile usage is massive.
2. Can You Do It Without Spending Anything?
Short answer? Yes. You don’t need money to get in. You just need:
- A mobile phone or laptop
- Internet (even mobile data works in the beginning)
- One or two social media accounts
- And a bit of effort to post helpful stuff
That’s all you need to begin.
3. How Does Affiliate Marketing Work, Really?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- You join an affiliate program (don’t worry, they’re free).
- You get a custom link to the product or service you want to promote.
- You share that link online — could be on your Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, blog, or anywhere.
- Someone clicks it and buys? You earn a small commission.
Some companies even pay for sign-ups or app installs, not just purchases.
4. Where to Sign Up (Best Programs for Newbies)
If you’re in Pakistan, here are some beginner-friendly platforms:
Amazon Associates
You can promote anything from books to kitchen tools. You get 1%–10% commission depending on the category.
Daraz Affiliate Program
Locally popular and easier to promote since most people already shop there. Clothes, phones, gadgets — lots of variety.
ClickBank and Digistore24
Digital products like eBooks, courses, software. Commissions here are often higher, up to 50%.
Shopee & AliExpress
Ideal for promoting trending gadgets or budget items in Facebook groups or Telegram channels.
5. Where Can You Share Your Links?
You don’t need a blog (but it helps). You can use:
- Instagram Reels – Show or talk about the product
- Facebook posts or stories – Share personal feedback
- YouTube videos – Reviews, unboxing, or top 5 lists
- WhatsApp status – Especially good for friends and family
- Free blogs – Start on Blogger or Medium if you enjoy writing
Pro tip: Add value first. Talk about why it’s useful before dropping your link.
6. Want to Earn More? Here’s What Helps
Only Promote What You’d Use
People can sense fake recommendations. If you won’t buy it yourself, don’t sell it.
Focus on One Platform First
If you’re most active on TikTok, start there. If you’re more into writing, stick to blogging. Don’t stretch yourself too thin.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Share photos, videos, or stories that show how you use the product. Real content builds real trust.
Be Consistent
You won’t earn much in week one — maybe not even in month one. But with steady posting and smarter content, it grows.
7. Mistakes Beginners Make (So You Don’t)
- Posting just the link. Always explain what the product does. Give your audience a reason to click.
- Spamming everywhere. People hate it. Groups will block you.
- Ignoring the program rules. Some platforms don’t allow links in certain places. Always read their do’s and don’ts.
- Quitting after one week. Most people give up too early. Stick with it, even if you don’t see results right away.
8. Real Story — No Fancy Setup
Bilal, a university student in Lahore, started promoting phone accessories through his WhatsApp groups and Instagram page. No blog. No camera. Just screenshots and honest reviews. After two months, he began earning Rs. 6,000–10,000 per month just from small links. He never spent a rupee to start.
Final Words: It’s Not Magic — But It’s Real
Affiliate marketing isn’t about becoming rich overnight. It’s about sharing useful stuff online and getting rewarded when people buy. You help them find good products, and in return, you get a commission. Simple, right?
You don’t need to be an influencer or run paid ads. You just need to start. Today.
Pick one product. Talk about it. Share your link. Then do it again tomorrow.
Small steps can lead to big results — but only if you begin.
Also Read: Here are the 11 Ideas to sell Digital Products.