Affiliate marketing has become one of the most popular ways to earn money online. But many people still think that to make money through affiliate marketing, you need a website, run ads, or become a professional marketer.
That’s not true.
I started earning real affiliate income without having a website, without spending a rupee on ads, and without any technical knowledge — just using my smartphone.
In this article, I’ll explain step-by-step how I started, what tools I used, the mistakes I made, and how you can do the same starting today.
What is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a method where you promote someone else’s product. When someone buys the product using your affiliate link, you get a small commission.
You don’t have to:
- Make your own product
- Handle delivery or support
- Spend on inventory
You just promote and earn passive income.
My Journey – How I Started Without a Website
1. I Only Had a Smartphone
I didn’t have a laptop or website. I just had my phone. I used it to create simple short videos about products I found useful or interesting.
I mainly targeted:
- Amazon trending products
- Budget electronics
- Home and daily-use items
2. Where I Posted the Videos
I chose platforms with high organic reach:
- YouTube Shorts
- Instagram Reels
- Facebook Reels
Each video was just 30 to 60 seconds long, showing:
- Product features
- Who should use it
- Buy link in description
Free Tools I Used Daily
| Tool Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Canva | Create thumbnails/text |
| CapCut | Edit videos on mobile |
| Amazon App | Generate affiliate links |
| Bitly | Shorten links for description |
All of these are free and easy to use.
How I Selected Products
I didn’t just pick any random product. I followed some basic rules:
- Under ₹1000
- Easy to use & useful for everyone
- Good reviews already on Amazon
- Available for fast delivery
This helped me target buyers who buy small items quickly without thinking too much.
What Kind of Content I Made
I followed a simple formula for every video:
- Clear visuals or hands-on usage
- Text on screen explaining the product
- Direct call-to-action like “Link in Description” or “Buy Before Stock Ends”
I kept it natural and casual — not too promotional or scripted.
How I Earned My First Commission
My first successful video was about a portable mini fan under ₹500.
I uploaded a 45-second video on YouTube Shorts. Within 3 days, it got 1,000+ views. One person bought it.
And boom — ₹78 commission in my Amazon dashboard.
It was a small amount, but it proved: this actually works.
Results After 30 Days
- 23 short videos uploaded
- 8 products got sales
- ₹2,500 total affiliate earnings
- Over 150 new followers
Not bad for someone just using a phone.
Why This Method Works in 2025
People spend hours daily watching short videos. If your video gives them a useful product, in a few seconds, and a simple way to buy it — they will buy it.
That’s what platforms like YouTube and Instagram want — short, useful, engaging content.
You help them, and they help you reach more people.
Key Benefits of Affiliate Marketing Without Website
- Zero investment required
- Start with just a mobile phone
- No technical skills needed
- Can be done from anywhere, anytime
- Builds your personal brand
- Easy to scale once you grow
Common Mistakes I Made
Let me save you some time. Here’s what I did wrong early on:
- Promoted random products without checking demand
- Added direct affiliate links (some platforms don’t like it)
- Poor video quality in first few videos
- Weak call-to-action in description
Top Tips for Beginners
- Choose a specific niche (gadgets, home items, fashion, etc.)
- Use your own style or voice to stand out
- Always add shortened affiliate links
- Be consistent — post 3-4 videos a week minimum
- Keep descriptions clear and focused
How to Stay SEO-Ready in 2025 Without a Website
Even without a blog or website, your content must still follow Google’s EEAT guidelines:
E-E-A-T Breakdown:
- Experience: Use the product or show it being used
- Expertise: Explain how the product solves a problem
- Authoritativeness: Use your real name or brand in content
- Trustworthiness: Be honest, never fake reviews
This builds trust, which helps your content rank better and reach more people.
Quick Summary
- Started with just a phone and no website
- Posted videos on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels
- Promoted only useful, budget-friendly products
- Used free tools like Canva and CapCut
- Earned first ₹78 in 3 days
- Scaled to ₹2,500 in 30 days with consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I do affiliate marketing without a website?
Yes, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook allow you to promote products and add links directly.
Q2: How much money can I make this way?
In the beginning, you may earn ₹500 to ₹3,000 per month, but with consistency, many creators make ₹50,000+ monthly.
Q3: Do I need to show my face in videos?
No. You can use voice-over, text-based videos, or just show the product in use.
Final Words
Affiliate marketing is not just for bloggers and tech experts anymore. If you have a phone and basic content skills, you can start today.
You don’t need to wait for a perfect plan. Just pick a product, create a short video, and post it. Watch what works, improve, and stay consistent.
If I can start with just a phone, so can you.