What Is an Affiliate Marketer? (And How I Became One Without a Huge Following)

Let’s clear something up real quick: you don’t have to be an influencer to be an affiliate marketer.

When I first heard the term affiliate marketing, I pictured someone with hundreds of thousands of followers selling skincare or gadgets on Instagram. That wasn’t me. I didn’t have a big platform (still don't). I wasn’t tech-savvy (still aren't). And honestly, I was just trying to figure out how to make money from home without burning myself out—especially while dealing with health challenges that left me exhausted and overwhelmed.

But once I understood what an affiliate marketer actually does, everything clicked.

So, What Is an Affiliate Marketer?

An affiliate marketer is someone who earns a commission for recommending products or services online. You sign up for a company’s affiliate program, get a unique link, and when someone clicks that link and makes a purchase (or signs up), you earn a small cut of the sale. Think of it like modern-day word-of-mouth marketing—with a paycheck attached.

The best part?
✅ You don’t need to carry inventory
✅ You don’t need to ship anything
✅ You don’t need to be a salesperson
✅ And you can get started with just a few hours a week

It’s one of the most popular ways to earn passive income—especially if you're looking for beginner-friendly work-from-home jobs.

How I Got Started (And Why I Recommend SendIt)

I started looking into affiliate marketing when I realized my paycheck wasn’t cutting it—especially with my medical expenses piling up. That’s when I discovered SendIt.

SendIt is one of the easiest affiliate programs for beginners I’ve come across. Here’s how it works:

You get paid to write and mail envelopes to sweepstakes companies. Yes, envelopes! These businesses are required by law to accept entries by mail in order to stay compliant with the “No Purchase Necessary” rule.

Instead of trying to keep up with every change across dozens of sweepstakes and online casinos, SendIt keeps members updated on everything from entry requirements to rule changes, so I don’t have to spend hours researching. They take the guesswork out of the process by making sure we’re always up to date, so everything runs smoothly on our end. It’s one less thing I have to stress about—and when you’re juggling health, life, and bills, that kind of support is gold.

With their guidance, I can consistently submit my postcards and envelopes the right way—and actually get paid for them.

• 1 envelope = up to $5 USD
• 10 envelopes = up to $50
• 100 envelopes = up to $500

It’s repetitive but super low-effort work that I can do from home while listening to a podcast or sipping tea. Plus, as an affiliate, I can also earn by recommending it to others looking for simple, legitimate ways to bring in extra income. It’s a great option if you want to start small but still see results.

Is Affiliate Marketing Worth It?

If you're someone who:

• Wants to earn money from home without starting a full-blown business
• Needs something flexible enough to work around your health, caregiving, or energy levels
• Enjoys sharing helpful tools or tips with others

Then yes, affiliate marketing can absolutely be worth it. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it is a smart, sustainable way to create multiple income streams—and for me, that was life-changing.

From a Late-Bloomer Affiliate Marketer

I didn’t start this journey in my 20s with a laptop on a beach. I started it in my 40s, from my kitchen table, while managing my health and looking for realistic ways to ease financial stress. And affiliate marketing—especially through programs like SendIt—gave me the confidence to say, I can do this.

If you’re ready to dip your toes into affiliate marketing, check out SendIt [insert affiliate link] or grab my free guide:

“7 Money Rules You Must Learn Before It’s Too Late.”
It’s a no-fluff, quick-start money mindset reset—perfect if you’re looking to rebuild your finances and create a little breathing room.

Because financial literacy is the foundation—and it’s never too late to learn it.

Affiliate Disclaimer

This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I personally use, trust, and believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this content free and allows me to continue sharing helpful tips and resources.

I am not a medical professional, and the information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your skincare or wellness routine.