I Kept Hearing About It… But I Didn’t Get It
Exactly… what is affiliate marketing? 🤔
“Walking with God; Keeping it Real.”
If you’ve ever sat at your kitchen table with a stack of bills and a heavy heart, wondering how you’re going to make the ends meet this month, I want you to know: I see you.
For years, I lived in what I call “Survival Mode.” It’s that constant, low-grade hum of anxiety where every decision is dictated by “not enough.” Not enough time, not enough energy, and definitely not enough money.
When I first heard about “affiliate marketing” years ago, I was frozen. I thought it was for tech geniuses or people who already had a million followers and a perfect life.
I didn’t think it was for a busy parent like me, trying to homeschool and pinch every penny until it screamed.
I didn’t start because I wanted to be a millionaire. I started because I needed a “bridge.” I needed what I call “Laundry Money”… that extra bit of income that covers the unexpected car repair, the grocery bill spike, or the kids’ new shoes without a panic attack.
Today, I’m not here to tell you I’m a billionaire. I’m here to tell you that I am walking the path out of survival mode and into a life of abundance… and I’ve found a way to take you with me.
Exactly What is Affiliate Marketing?
In its simplest form, affiliate marketing is just sharing what you love and getting a small “thank you” commission for it.
Think about the last time you told a friend about a great pair of shoes, a gut-health supplement that actually worked, or a Bible study that changed your life. You were already doing the work of an affiliate!
The only difference is that with affiliate marketing, you use a special link (called an affiliate link)… and when someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn money… at no extra cost to them.
This tracking tells the company that you’re the one who shared the blessing, so they know to send the commission your way.
It isn’t about “selling.” It’s about serving.
When you share a tool that genuinely helps someone else solve a problem, you are being a blessing. Affiliate marketing is simply a way to be compensated for that service.
The “Abundance” Mindset
Before we get to the steps, we have to talk about the heart. A “scarcity mindset” tells you there isn’t enough to go around. An Abundance Mindset recognizes that God has provided a way for us to thrive, not just survive.
Affiliate marketing is a “Wisdom Shortcut.” It allows you to build a business without the massive overhead of creating your own products, holding inventory, or dealing with shipping. It lets you focus on what matters: helping people.
Step-by-Step: How to Start (The Heart-Centered Way)
👉 Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Find Your “Why” and Your “Who”
Don’t just chase “side hustle ideas.” Ask yourself:
Who can I serve?
What have I learned in my own journey that could help someone else?
Whether it’s homeschooling tips, clean living, or faith-based encouragement, your “side hustle” should be an extension of your God-calling. You can also read about how to find your why here.
Step 2: Choose Your “Momentum Booster”
When you’re starting out, you need a win. I highly recommend the Amazon Influencer Program as a starting point. It allows you to create simple 60-second reviews of products you already own. It’s how I started seeing that “Laundry Money” flow in while I was still learning the ropes.
Read my guide here: How to Become an Amazon Influencer: A Busy Parent’s Guide
Step 3: Set Up Your “Engine Room”
You don’t need a fancy office. You just need a way to stay connected with the people you’re helping. This is usually a simple email list. I use GetResponse because it’s easy to use and it keeps my “business from home” running in the background while I’m busy doing ‘life’.
They also have a lot of how-to videos for beginners if you don’t know how to get this started. (I watched these videos over and over when I was first learning this skill)
Step 4: Share with Integrity
This is where “Keeping it Real” comes in. Never promote something just for the commission. If you wouldn’t recommend it to your best friend or your mom, don’t put it on your blog or your Pinterest. Your reputation and your faith are worth more than any affiliate check.
The First Step Out of Survival Mode
If you feel a nudge in your spirit that it’s time to move beyond “just getting by,” I invite you to take a leap of faith. It’s about choosing faith over fear and taking that first step.
Affiliate marketing isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme. It’s a way to build a bridge to a life where you have the freedom to breathe, to give, and to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been sitting on the dream of an affiliate marketing business… but feeling stuck and overwhelmed… just know you’re not alone.
I was there, too. And once I understood the what and the how, I couldn’t stop diving deeper.
This really is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to start making money online… especially when you do it with heart and integrity.
So start where you are.
Pick one product you love.
Write one post.
Share one pin.
And go from there.
You’ve got this. 🧡
And if no one’s told you lately… you’re not behind. You’re right on time.
Are you ready to join me on the journey?
Next Steps:
📌 If you’re ready to keep moving forward (without the overwhelm), I’ve put together a super simple Start Here page just for you. It’s the exact roadmap I use to build my business and mission.
Click here to see the Roadmap and take your next step.
Get the Foundation: Grab your free copy of the “Life Beyond Survival Mode” guide. This is the blueprint and the story behind my journey… the foundation you need to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Go to my Start Here page and scroll to the bottom to grab your free copy.
Let’s finally make this the season you stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real progress.
Until next time…