💻 Step 6
A Simple Guide to Help You Start Earning with Affiliate Marketing
Okay, friend… let’s talk about that next level step that freaks out a lot of beginners: blogs, funnels, websites, oh my! 😅
First of all… breathe. You do not need a full blog website or a fancy funnel or even a simple landing page to start earning. This step is completely optional at the beginning, but I wanted to include it for those of you who are ready or curious about what’s next.
If you’ve made it this far in the roadmap, you’ve already done the hardest part… you started.
You’ve reset your mindset, explored ways to make money online, discovered the power of Pinterest, and found affiliate programs that align with your values. So now you might be wondering…
👉 Should I start a blog or a marketing funnel?
It’s a question that stalls a lot of beginners… but it doesn’t have to.
Truthfully… you don’t need either to begin. But if you’re ready, you just need to pick the one that fits your season, energy, and goals right now.
Let’s break it down together. 💛
What’s the Difference Between a Blog and a Funnel?
A blog is a website (like your cozy home on the internet), where you share valuable content, tell your story, and draw people in with content that builds trust over time. It’s a great long-term strategy and one of the best small business ideas if you’re starting from home.
A funnel is a simple step-by-step path (usually just a simple landing page or two) that guides someone to take action…
It’s like your front porch… simple, clear, and points people to take one next step.
Usually, that’s signing up for something free (like a checklist) or checking out an affiliate product you recommend.
Think of it as a focused piece of your digital marketing toolkit.
A funnel is just a fancy word for a step-by-step flow someone goes through after they click your link.
It usually looks like this:
Pin ➝ Freebie/Opt-In ➝ Thank You Page ➝ Product
It sounds complicated, but don’t worry… we’re keeping it super simple here.
You don’t need a huge setup or tons of money to do this right.
Sometimes, just a one-page simple landing page with a quick opt-in and a helpful freebie can make a big difference.
Both are powerful. But if you’re a total beginner, a funnel can get you moving faster.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
Should I Start a Blog or a Marketing Funnel?
When I first started pinning on Pinterest, I didn’t have my blog up yet. I simply used direct affiliate links to products I loved. Is that ideal long-term? Not really. But in the beginning? It’s a totally fine way to dip your toe in and start getting clicks and commissions.
When you’re setting up a pin, Pinterest gives you a special spot to add your affiliate links… so yes, you can use affiliate links on Pinterest even if you don’t have a blog yet. (Just make sure you check the guidelines for each product you promote to make sure that’s ok with them too.)
If that’s where you are right now, go for it. 🎯 Use Pinterest to point people directly to something helpful… and build from there.
Don’t let the idea of setting up a blog or funnel stop you from taking action. You can grow as you go. Give yourself permission to be a beginner and keep it simple at first. That’s how momentum starts. 💕
But if you’re starting to feel ready for that next step…
Ask yourself:
💬 Do I enjoy writing and want to share what I’m learning?
➡️ Start with a blog.
💬 Do I want to earn affiliate income faster, without creating a lot of content?
➡️ Start with a simple funnel.
There’s no wrong answer. Choose what feels light and doable right now.
What I Did (and What I Wish I Knew Sooner)
I started with a blog because I love to write and encourage others. It gave me space to be creative and share personal blog post ideas based on my journey. It helped me build trust and connect with people through Pinterest.
But I didn’t add a funnel until later… and honestly, I wish I had started it sooner.
Why? Because a simple funnel can help you start building your email list and start earning faster. No blog posts needed. (Yet. 😉)
You don’t need full-blown digital marketing services. Just a message and a plan.
If You Want to Start with a Funnel…
Start small and simple:
- A landing page offering a freebie (like a cheatsheet or resource list)
- A thank you page that offers affiliate links (1 or more), or a next step
- A few emails to welcome your subscriber and gently guide them forward
What I recommend: PageWheel: it makes setting up funnels simple, beautiful, and beginner-friendly. You can also create and sell digital products within minutes… AND have it write your content for you, so it becomes a content creator. Plus, you don’t have to be a marketing specialist to use the software. (use SUSIEQ10 for a discount)
And for email:
This one is my favorite: If you want something very affordable, but still incredible and beginner friendly, try MailerLite. (that’s what I started with)
If you’re brand new to email, MailerLite is the simplest place to start.
Clean, distraction-free editor, easy drag-and-drop emails, built-in landing pages/forms, and a visual automation builder for when you’re ready to grow. It’s beginner-friendly without feeling “basic,” and it scales as you do.
I also recommend ConvertKit (now Kit), or GetResponse… as both are also beginner friendly.
👉 Pro Tip: Keep your brand visuals consistent for a clean content creation aesthetic. You don’t need it to be perfect… just make it you.
How to Start a Blog (Without the Overwhelm)
Here’s the easiest way:
- Choose a name and domain
- Set up affordable hosting (WordPress and NameCheap are great)
- Use WordPress + a simple theme (like Kadence or Astra)
- There are many YouTube videos out there that will walk you through how to start a blog for beginners
- Write a few helpful posts using beginner-friendly keywords
- Add Pinterest to the mix for organic traffic over time
You can even search the web for blog examples in your niche (or even blog content ideas)… if you need a jumping off point.
Need step-by-step support? Fearless Influencer Academy is perfect for beginners.
It walks you through how to build your business from the ground up… all in simple, no-pressure lessons. 💛
Also, the best class I found to start a blog, is the blog pod. I write about that here.
To keep an eye on the Blog Pod: Schedule an appt. here to check out the next one and see if it’s a good fit.
And here’s a YouTube video I recorded about the Blog Pod.
Quick Digital Marketing Tips for Beginners:
- Focus on one platform first (like Pinterest)
- Write posts with clear calls-to-action
- Make sure your blog or funnel offers real help
- Speak directly to your audience like a trusted friend
And no… you don’t need a polished entrepreneur aesthetic to be successful. Just keep it real. 💛
So… Should You Start a Blog or a Funnel First?
If you’re ready to start sharing your message and making money:
- Want a simple funnel with training included? → Try PageWheel (super user-friendly!) Use code SUSIEQ10 for a discount.
- Want to build a blog website (or just build your business from the ground up)… and start growing your audience? → Fearless Influencer Academy (great for beginners) You can try this one out for $1!
- Or schedule an appt. and chat with Barb to see if the Blog Pod is a good fit for you.
No pressure at all… these are just tools I personally used when I was ready to take the next step.
Final Thoughts
Blog or funnel… it’s your heart and message that matter most. Show up with value, and the right people will notice. 🌼
God doesn’t need your perfection… just your willingness.
So give yourself permission to take one small step today.
And let Him meet you there.
🧭 Coming Up Next: My Favorite Digital Marketing Tools & Resources
You’ve got the full 6 steps, but on the next page (step 7)… I’ll show you the exact digital marketing tools that helped me stop spinning my wheels. No fluff… just what worked for me… (without losing my mind in tech land 🤯)… all in one place.
From the Pinterest course that changed everything for me, to the time-saving tools that keep things running… I’ll lay it all out so you can decide what works best for you.
Because honestly? You don’t need 47 tabs open or a million logins. Just a few right marketing tools can change everything. 💫
🌸 IF You want the full 7-step roadmap now in a handy workbook, download it HERE.
When you’re ready, go to the next page…