How to Earn an Income Online in 2025 with Affiliate Marketing (Even as a Beginner!)
If you've ever dreamed of earning your income online while creating a life of freedom and purpose, you're exactly where you need to be. In this article, I’ll explain affiliate marketing—one of the simplest and most flexible ways to earn money online. Even better, I’ll show you exactly how to start today.
No more overthinking, no more putting yourself last. It’s time to take that first step toward a life where you have control—where you wake up excited about what’s ahead, work on projects you love, and have the freedom to travel, spend more time with family, or simply enjoy life on your own terms. That life isn’t just a dream—it’s possible, and it starts today.
Approximately two years ago, I started making money online. Despite having a stable career and a decent salary, it just wasn’t enough. I wanted more freedom, flexibility, and excitement about my work. I’d dreamed of leaving my job for years, but as I reached my mid-forties, the urgency hit me—if not now, then when? If you’ve ever felt that same pull toward something more, I want you to know that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Get a FREE video series and learn how to get started already today!
This video series teaches you all about how to succeed in making an income online in 2025. Deep-dive into affiliate marketing and e-commerce to find the best fit for YOU!
Did you know that a recent Gallup study revealed 85% of people are unhappy with their jobs, leaving just 15% satisfied? Poor management, lack of growth opportunities, work-life imbalance, and unfulfilling work are common reasons behind this dissatisfaction. It’s easy to imagine many also regretting their career choices.
This morning, I (...and I'm Stina - the one enjoying the snow in the picture 😁) read an article about dealing with life regrets. A psychologist shared an insightful perspective, urging us to rethink how we view them.
Regrets, she explained, often come with self-blame for not making the “right” choices. But this blame is usually based on a distorted view of the past. When reflecting on decisions, we often forget the circumstances—economic pressures, health issues, or personal relationships—that shaped them.
Instead of seeing regrets as failures, she suggested viewing them as reflections of the resources or conditions we wished we had at the time. These feelings can serve as signals of a desire for change rather than mistakes to dwell on.
Sometimes, dissatisfaction with past choices simply means we’ve outgrown a phase of life. Perhaps it’s time to revisit dreams we’ve put on hold and explore new possibilities.
Starting an affiliate marketing business in mid-life
Let me tell you a bit more about myself.
I’m a mom of two teenagers, and I'm already nearing my fifties. I’ve spent most of my adult life working at a university, surrounded by test tubes and germs. While that might sound thrilling to some 😆, the reality was far from it—I was completely drained and desperate for a change. I had been at the same job for over a decade. It was a good job—stable, with decent pay and benefits. But deep down, I was unfulfilled.
I’ll never forget the moment I realized it was time to move forward in my life.
I had a chance to accompany my husband on a three-month sabbatical in Fiji. As you can imagine, those three months were incredible—everything you’d dream a trip to Fiji would be. And YES - that's me in the picture below, snorkeling with thousands of beautiful fishes in crystal clear 30C/86F degree water!
But returning home was a shock. My migraines worsened, and I fell into a deeper funk. One morning, as I lay in bed feeling miserable yet again, I realized that it really doesn’t have to be this way.
I had spent ten years longing for something else, and it was not until now that I understood that I needed to start moving if I wanted a change. Nobody else was going to do it for me.
So, I decided to get started...
I found myself in a situation that might feel very familiar to you right now—endlessly browsing the internet, searching for ways to start fresh. The thought of applying for yet another job felt pointless. What I needed wasn’t just a new job; I needed a new way of living—freedom to do what I love, rediscover my passion for life, and escape the monotony of being told what to do by another employer.
At midlife, with no prior experience in online business, it all felt overwhelming, like standing at the base of an enormous mountain with no clear path forward. But after some research, I discovered affiliate marketing—a business model that seemed like a great fit for me. It was flexible, scalable, and aligned with my goals. That’s where I decided to focus my energy and dig deeper.
Affiliate Marketing: The Simple Way to Earn Online
Now, let's dive into business and learn how affiliate marketing works. Affiliate marketing is more than just recommending products—it’s a way to build an income stream that supports your dreams. Each time someone purchases through your unique link, you earn a commission, creating a flexible and scalable way to make money online.
Think of it as being a matchmaker for great products. You partner with a company that sells products or services, and they give you a special tracking link to share. Whenever someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission—a “thank you” for connecting the right person with the right product.
It’s like when I recently bought a new pair of Tom Ford glasses (I’m obsessed! 😍). As I left the shop, they included a note in my bag saying, "If you love your new glasses, refer a friend! When they buy, you’ll get $10 off your next purchase." That’s essentially affiliate marketing in action—except instead of a discount, you earn real commissions each time someone buys through your recommendation.
The best part? You don’t need to create your own products, manage inventory, or handle customer service. Your only job is to share products you genuinely love—things you would naturally recommend anyway.
For example, if you swear by a particular pair of running shoes, you could share your affiliate link in a blog post, on social media, or in a YouTube video. When someone buys through your link, you get paid—simple as that.
This is how big the affiliate marketing industry is:
Affiliate marketing is no small game—it’s a powerhouse in the online business world. Valued at over $17 billion globally, it drives 16% of all online sales in the U.S. and is used by over 80% of brands to expand their reach and boost revenue. This isn’t just a side hustle; it’s a serious, thriving business model with endless opportunities for those ready to jump in and build their future.
Here are the best parts about affiliate marketing...
Imagine earning money while sipping coffee in a cosy café, travelling to new destinations, or simply enjoying slow mornings with your family. Affiliate marketing is a low-risk business model that allows you to create an income stream that fits your life, not the other way around.
With affiliate marketing, and in particular high-ticket affiliate marketing (which you'll learn more about further down), you have the possibility to earn high commissions from few sales. Here are some other benefits:
- Low Start-Up Costs
Affiliate marketing doesn’t require you to create or stock products, saving you the hefty upfront costs of traditional businesses. With just a website, some basic tools, and a willingness to learn, you can get started almost immediately. It’s a cost-effective way to dip your toes into the world of online business. - Flexibility and Freedom
You can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection—whether it’s your cozy kitchen table or a beachside café. You also get to choose when and how much you work, giving you complete control over your schedule. This freedom is especially appealing for anyone looking to escape the rigid 9-to-5 grind. - Scalability
Affiliate marketing allows you to scale your income without proportionately increasing your workload. Once your systems—like your website or email funnels—are set up, they can generate passive income while you focus on growing your audience. It’s a business model that rewards effort over time. - Diverse Opportunities
The key to long-term success is choosing a niche that excites you and aligns with the life you want to create. Whether it’s wellness, travel, online business, or personal growth, selecting a niche that inspires you will make the journey more fulfilling and rewarding.
...and the not so good
While we seldom like to discuss the negative aspects (especially when we're eager to get started), it's important to be realistic. Affiliate marketing, like all business models, has its downsides, but if we're aware of the challenges, the likelihood of following through even in tougher times is much higher. So, here are some aspects that you'll need to know about.
- High Competition
With its low entry barriers, affiliate marketing attracts many people, making some niches highly competitive. Standing out can require time, creativity, and a unique approach. Success often depends on building trust with your audience, which doesn’t happen overnight. - Income Isn’t Immediate
Affiliate marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it takes time to see results. You’ll need to invest effort in building an audience, creating content, and learning marketing strategies before the money starts rolling in. Patience and persistence are key. - Reliance on Third Parties
As an affiliate, you depend on the companies whose products you promote. If they change their commission structures, discontinue programs, or go out of business, it can impact your income. Diversifying your partnerships is crucial to reduce risk. - Requires Consistent Effort
While it’s true that affiliate marketing can lead to passive income, it still requires ongoing effort to maintain and grow. Regular content creation, SEO optimization, and audience engagement are crucial for continued success. If you stop promoting, your earnings can quickly drop.
High-Ticket vs. Low-Ticket Affiliate Marketing
- Promoting Expensive or Cheap products?
If you want to succeed in affiliate marketing, you need to think strategically. That’s where the concepts of high-ticket and low-ticket affiliate marketing come in—and understanding the difference can be a game-changer.
What’s the Difference?
- Low-Ticket Affiliate Marketing: This involves promoting lower-priced products, like $20 books, $30 gadgets, or $50 accessories. While these products are easier to sell because of their price point, the commissions are relatively small. For example, with a 20% commission on a $20 product, you’d only earn $4 per sale. To make $2,000, you’d need to sell 500 products.
- High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing: Here, you’re promoting premium, high-value products—like luxury travel packages, advanced online courses, or high-end tech gear. These products are more expensive, but the commissions are much larger. For instance, promoting a $2,000 product with a 20% commission earns you $400 from just one sale. To make $2,000, you’d only need to sell 5 products.
Why High-Ticket Is a Game-Changer
With high-ticket affiliate marketing, you’re focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of chasing hundreds of sales, you can achieve your income goals with just a few. This allows you to spend more time building genuine connections with buyers who see the value in premium products.
Here’s a simple comparison:
- Low-Ticket Example: Sell 200 products at $50 each (20% commission) → You make $2,000.
- High-Ticket Example: Sell 5 products at $2,000 each (20% commission) → You also make $2,000.
Which would you prefer—hustling to convince 200 people or focusing on giving true value to 5?
High-ticket affiliate marketing lets you work smarter, not harder. It’s about targeting the right audience and promoting products that offer substantial value, both to your customers and to yourself.
Design Your Exit Strategy While Keeping Stability
One of the biggest advantages of earning an income online through affiliate marketing is that you don’t have to drop everything and take a huge leap of faith. No dramatic resignations. No need to "go public" with your dreams before you're ready. And definitely no exhausting conversations with skeptics who just don’t get it.
Instead, you can quietly build your future in the background, taking small, intentional steps while still managing your current responsibilities. There’s no pressure, no all-or-nothing risk—just steady progress toward a life with more freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility.
With each step, you’ll gain confidence, skills, and clarity, shaping a business that fits your vision. And when the time feels right? You’ll already have a solid foundation in place to step fully into the life you’ve been working toward.
Get a FREE video series and learn how to get started already today!
This video series teaches you all about how to succeed in making an income online in 2025. Deep-dive into affiliate marketing and e-commerce to find the best fit for YOU!
Is It Possible for a 45+ Parent to Succeed Online?
Absolutely, 100% YES!
If you’ve been browsing the internet looking for ways to start an online business, you’ve likely come across countless ads and articles claiming to show you how to make money online. While they often give you a vague sense of the steps involved, very few truly explain how to get started—especially if you’re a complete newbie.
The good news is that, these days, the technical side of things is more beginner-friendly than ever. With the right guidance and support, even someone with zero experience can build an online business from scratch. Trust me—I’ve been there (and done it)! 😊
To show you exactly how achievable this is, here’s a timeline of what I managed to accomplish and how quickly things unfolded:
Late April: I signed up for a free video course that introduced me to online business basics. I learned how affiliate marketing works, explored e-commerce, and realized just how many opportunities exist online. During the free intro course, I was introduced to a "7-day fast-start course." There, I learned more about getting started and what I personally could offer online.
Early May: I decided to invest in a comprehensive, affordable online business course. Like most people, I couldn’t quit my job to focus on this full-time. But by replacing mindless scrolling and Netflix binges with focused learning, I built my business step by step in my free time. The course’s straightforward and step-by-step instructions made the process manageable (watch, pause, execute, repeat).
June: I launched my website—a big milestone! It showcased my branding and a niche I felt passionate about. Around this time, I began learning the marketing side of running an online business.
July: I kept learning while taking a well-deserved vacation.
August: I started running ads and focused on affiliate marketing. I steadily grew my email list (something you’ll master on your own journey). Then... Life happened! I had to pause everything due to a tragic event in my family. But always - family first! ❤️
October: I resumed working on the business, and less than a month after relaunching my campaign, I made my first sale! 🎉
Let’s recap: In about six months, I went from a complete beginner—knowing nothing about affiliate marketing, sales funnels, or email lists—to an online business owner with a website, an automated sales funnel, marketing strategies, and my first sales. And by doing it on the side, managing both work and family!
If that’s not proof of what’s possible with focused effort and a step-by-step approach, I don’t know what is.
What If You Don’t Know What Kind of Business to Start?
This is an incredibly common question—and a very important one. Let's revisit something I touched on earlier in this article. If you've spent years in a job you dislike without seriously considering what you'd rather be doing, it can be tough to pinpoint what type of business might genuinely resonate with you. Sometimes, all you have is a profound feeling that you need "something else."
Finding clarity about your goals and values—what you really want—can feel daunting, especially if you've been stuck on autopilot for years. But it's also a necessary step toward creating an online business you'll genuinely love.
Over the years, I've encountered many people in the same boat. They aren't necessarily unhappy with their lives—they often have loving families and children who brighten their days. But they long for something more. They want to find that elusive "it"—the thing that gives their lives a more profound sense of meaning and fulfilment.
For some, the motivation comes from a practical place: They lack a secure retirement plan and want to build something that will provide safety and joy in their later years. Others feel a creative spark inside them—a need to express themselves—but they're unsure how to channel that creativity or turn it into a source of income.
So, how do you start making sense of these dreams and desires?
This is where the online business education I enrolled in truly stood out. It wasn't just about learning affiliate marketing or building a specific type of business. It was about discovering what business was right for me. The program offered guidance on a wide range of possibilities: setting up an e-commerce store, launching a clothing brand through print-on-demand, creating a coaching business, or diving into high-ticket affiliate marketing.
Once I was in there, I had everything I needed to build my online business. There were workshops I could attend, mentors who could help out with technical details I didn't have a clue about, and tools and systems to build it. But what also was there (that I first didn't even know I needed) were the workshops and tools aimed at discovering your passions and goals so that you build a business that you genuinely love and are passionate about. If you've ever had kids, you know that the last person you focus on while raising them is likely yourself. So, taking that time to rediscover what I value and want out of life was much needed.
You don't need to have all the answers when you start. You need to take that first step.
Get a FREE video series and learn how to get started already today!
This video series teaches you all about how to succeed in making an income online in 2025. Deep-dive into affiliate marketing and e-commerce to find the best fit for YOU!
The Importance of Starting Today (No Matter How Small the Step)
Building a business is a lot like assembling IKEA furniture: at first, it’s hard to see how all the parts will come together. But as you progress step by step, the framework begins to take shape, and everything starts making sense.
One thing that kept me motivated was keeping a video journal to document my progress. Recently, I watched an early entry where I said something that still resonates deeply:
"Even though I haven’t reached my business goals yet, I feel so much more content with life than before. That’s because I know I’m actively doing something to change my future, rather than staying stuck and wishing things were different. For ten years, I was caught in that cycle—always wanting something more but never taking action. Now, I’m finally doing it, and I’m confident I’ll achieve my goals as long as I keep moving forward."
Looking back, I couldn’t have been more right. Small, consistent steps have led me to the milestones I once only dreamed of. And now, I’m setting new goals because the journey itself—building something meaningful and exciting—is where the real joy lies. (Of course, the financial rewards don’t hurt and make the journey even more enjoyable! 😉)
"You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."
– Zig Ziglar
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this - drop me a comment below!
x Stina