When do I open an affiliate account?

11 replies
Hi y'all!

I'm brand new to the site and, like many others, joined because I have a question. I'm sorry if this is posted elsewhere. I haven't been able to find the right combination of words in SEARCH to make it pop up.

I'm new to affiliate marketing and wondering when I should actually open affiliate accounts. I know that they will want to check out the site to approve me, and I'm worried about content. Am I good now, or do I build content for a month or two before applying? Here is where I'm at:

- I plan on opening accounts with CJ, AWIN and Amazon.
- I've been building a website for the past week (research for over a month prior).
-"Privacy Policy" and "About Me" sections are up
- Marketing is through a website that is linked to a Facebook and Instagram account
- I have 13 posts on my website: 12 single product reviews and 1 bulk product "category review".
- I have 1 post on FB and IG
- 0 followers on FB and IG (my girlfriend doesn't count)
- All these numbers will have increased by day's end.

So do I start applying to AWIN, CJ and Amazon now or wait? I also haven't set up my LLC yet, so I'm still operating under Sole Proprietorship. Not sure if this changes things as well.

Thank you in advance for any experiences you share!
#account #affiliate #open
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  • I know you can apply to Amazon now, I'm just not sure about CJ and AWIN. Some companies require more than others. Amazon does not require much, and you have more than enough for them. Just check to see if CJ and AWIN have specific requirements. If they don't list any, then you should be good.

    When it comes to LLCs, everyone will suggest you talk to someone in finance. However, if you aren't making any money than what does it matter at this point, lol.

    When it comes to FB and IG, you can always network with other people and companies. This is way easier on IG then FB in my opinion, when starting out.

    It's hard to run a website, FB and IG all at the same time, but have at it if you want. I would focus on your website, and one social media first. However, you can always link your FB and IG accounts so the same info posts both places.

    I hope this helps a some.

    I wish you the best. There is a lot of great info on this site. Just keep searching the threads.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tryhard
      Thanks! I'll check the specific sites to see if there is anything I missed. I appreciate the encouragement!
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by Tryhard View Post

    Hi y'all!

    I'm brand new to the site and, like many others, joined because I have a question. I'm sorry if this is posted elsewhere. I haven't been able to find the right combination of words in SEARCH to make it pop up.

    I'm new to affiliate marketing and wondering when I should actually open affiliate accounts. I know that they will want to check out the site to approve me, and I'm worried about content. Am I good now, or do I build content for a month or two before applying? Here is where I'm at:

    - I plan on opening accounts with CJ, AWIN and Amazon.
    - I've been building a website for the past week (research for over a month prior).
    -"Privacy Policy" and "About Me" sections are up
    - Marketing is through a website that is linked to a Facebook and Instagram account
    - I have 13 posts on my website: 12 single product reviews and 1 bulk product "category review".
    - I have 1 post on FB and IG
    - 0 followers on FB and IG (my girlfriend doesn't count)
    - All these numbers will have increased by day's end.

    So do I start applying to AWIN, CJ and Amazon now or wait? I also haven't set up my LLC yet, so I'm still operating under Sole Proprietorship. Not sure if this changes things as well.

    Thank you in advance for any experiences you share!
    IMO, Start now, don't wait.

    Start making progress!
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    • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
      Originally Posted by ChrisBa View Post

      IMO, Start now, don't wait.
      Start making progress!

      tryhard, ChrisBa has a free guide in his sig that will guide you in applying to the affilaite networks.

      I can recomend his advice based on my own experience and advice given in his guide, without a website my applications were approved within 24 hours.

      No need to reinvent the wheel when those have walked before you share.

      Best of luck with your venture.
      Signature
      | > Choosing to go off the grid for a while to focus on family, work and life in general. Have a great 2020 < |
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi Tryhard,

    Definitely open those accounts now but realize your make money by bumping up those blog posts from 12, to 24, etc....solving specific problems related to your niche and also doing those reviews.
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    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
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  • Profile picture of the author Martin1977
    Hi Tryhard,

    You don't need to wait anymore. Just starting now. Most important: take action right now!
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    As others have said, there's no reason to wait. You have plenty enough now to get approved. I also don't see the point in creating an LLC for an affiliate account. You are not handling people's money nor are you shipping them products. There is absolutely no reason for an LLC ever for an affiliate that I can think of!
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    BizSellers.com - The #1 place to buy & sell websites!
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  • You can definitely start applying, but not the LLC unless you want to invest huge amount of money into your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author lee_dsp
    Make money first, then set up an LLC (I'm not a lawyer or tax specialist - this is my own opinion only). You probably have enough set up to start applying for affiliate programs. Then comes the hard part, traffic and conversions! Remember, Amazon gives you 180 days to make a sale from the time you sign up before they close your affiliate account so get ready to jump in!
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  • Profile picture of the author Tryhard
    Thank you everyone for the encouragement. Yeah, I was definitely overthinking the application process. It was simple, straightforward and I was accepted immediately.

    I saw something mentioned by a lot of people in this post, and I totally agree with it. If you're new and stumbling on this post years from now this is your takeaway; I learned this when researching marketing, in my formal schooling and throughout life in general:

    Pick a date to STOP researching. When that day hits, move. You are ready, even if you're not. Take what you know and make some mistakes already!
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  • You are right... sometimes thinking too much will make us fear and hesitate to move forward. Just do it and the situation may not as bad as what we think.
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