As a beginner hearing about affiliate marketing is often followed by this question: “Ok…but where do I even start?”
And that’s a good question, because the internet has too many options. Half of them are legit. The other half look like they’re from 2005 and offer you “easy money.”
Okay, so, let’s keep things
Affiliate marketing is not something where you need to sign up for every platform that you come across. It is more of where you begin with platforms that are easy to understand and trusted by consumers.
There are 8 platforms newbies use, and are explained in the way a normal person would, not like a sales page.
1. Amazon Associates
Amazon is where most newbies start, and with good reason. Your customers already trust Amazon. They don’t need convincing to buy. Your job is simply to direct them to the product.
The commission actually isn’t all that high, and yeah, people do complain about it. But the one thing Amazon does teach newbies is the importance of understanding how customers click and buy.
It’s straightforward, familiar, and at least looks legitimate, which is very important early on.
2. ClickBank
It is popular because they pay high commissions, especially on digital products. This, of course, gets beginners excited … sometimes a little too excited.
The upside is that you can profit more on the actual sale. The dangerous part is that not all product is good, so newbies should choose carefully.
If you’re goal is solving pain problems (and not chasing big numbers) ClickBank can be sweet.
3. Digistore24
Digistore24 is similar to ClickBank, yet slightly more organized and newbie-friendly. The platform mainly deals in digital products, subscriptions and services.
Beginners find it appealing because approval is easy and the dashboard is straightforward. There are no ambiguities or complicacies that are unnecessary in nature.
Just remember, promoting random products you don’t understand will not end well.
4. ShareASale
One of the best things about ShareASale is that it puts you in contact with many different brands all under one roof. That’s a great thing after you learn a little bit more about your niche.
It is great for bloggers and websites, since many brands have long-term affiliate programs. It is not glamorous, but it is good.
“Sometimes boring platforms are the best platforms. Boring generally means stable.”
5. CJ Affiliate
CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) partners with iconic companies. This is good for trust, but newbies might experience approvals a bit tougher.
“This is a good platform if you’re serious and want to build something long term. Not so good for random promotion, but great for targeted content.
Think of it as serious affiliate marketing for professional-level marketers, even if you’re just starting out.
6. Impact
Impact is modern and clean, used by many big companies. Beginners who enjoy organized dashboards and clear tracking tend to like this platform.
Approval depends on the brand, not only the platform, so it takes time. Still, once approved, it feels more structured than most of the older networks.
It’s not immediate gratification, but rather solid.
7. PartnerStack
PartnerStack is excellent for beginners interested in software and online tools. If you enjoy hypothesizing about apps, platforms or digital services, this one is reasonable.
There are many SaaS products that provide recurring commissions so if you build a business around it, you keep on getting paid again and again!
Just avoid promoting tools you have never used. That mistake shows very quickly.
8. Gumroad
Gumroad is slightly different. A lot of creators sell their own products here, and let affiliates promote them.
It is easy, clear, and perfect for beginners who are ready to promote ebooks, templates or small digital products. No complicated systems. No unnecessary pressure.
Sometimes simplicity is underrated.
Which platform should a beginner choose?
Here’s the honest answer: don’t join all of them at once.
Pick one or two platforms that match:
- Your content type
- Your audience
- Your comfort level
Affiliate marketing works better when you understand why you’re promoting something, not just where.
How long before beginners earn anything?
Normally, not right away. Occasionally, not even within the first month.
Affiliate marketing encourages consistent efforts, not haste. The people who earn are the ones who keep creating helpful content even when earnings are zero at the beginning.
“Yes, that part is definitely the test of patience. Everybody goes through this.”
Common beginner mistake
One of the biggest mistakes newbies make is believing that the platform is where the money is made. Platforms do not make money. Content makes money.
A good platform and bad content will result in zero income. Average platform with good content can still earn.
A Realistic Reminder
Affiliate marketing is not a matter of joining everything. It’s about taking baby steps, studying how people act and incrementally winning their trust.
Choose one platform. Learn it properly. Recommend useful things. Stay patient.
Well, because it’s not the platform that drives in affiliate marketing; it’s your content.
