What Skills Do I Need Before I Start Affiliate Marketing? (18)
What Skills Do I Need Before I Start Affiliate Marketing?
So here's the good news: you don't need to be a computer science wizard to be a successful affiliate.
You don't need to speak multiple languages. You don't need to speak English like a native.
You also don't need to be an amazing graphic designer, or even a Don Draper-level advertising guy.
People come to Affiliate Marketing from all walks of life, all parts of the world, and they all find ways to be successful.
Far more important to your affiliate career than skills is your mindset. If you get that right, you're good to go.
You'll also need some tools, and you'll need a budget.
Beyond that, there are a few basic skills that you'll need in order to succeed - but they're easy to pick up:
- Most importantly, you need to know how to research on the Internet. Learn how to use the Search function on STM, and make sure you Google and research information that you need. You must be self-sufficient in this!
- You'll need some very basic Internet creation skills. You will need to know how to use FTP, the very basics of HTML, and roughly how the Internet works in terms of servers, browsers and connections.
- You will need to be able to use a spreadsheet to do basic maths. We're not talking calculus here - just calculation of percentages and simple arithmetic.
- You'll need to know the basics of image manipulation in Photoshop or another graphics package. You don't need to be a wizard - just be sure you know roughly how to use the tool! We have a number of tutorials that'll help you out in the STM Design Forum.
- You don't need to know anything about copywriting - the art of writing to sell - but you should make it a priority to learn. Blogs like Copy Hackers and books like Ca$hvertising are great resources here, as is the STM Copywriting Forum.
And that's it! If you have those skills, you're ready to get going!
Thank you sir. I'm new here and i thought I have to know lots of thinks and I have to be super talented. But your post gave me strength that I can do it. 
Technical and industryspecific knowlegde is indeed a plus but its not necessary to be succesful, the right movitation, mindset and approach are way more determining.
You need to be analytical, pragmatic and very persistent. And of course have a big work drive and put in a lot of hours. Then it will work out. Sounds easy right :-)
Wow, just joined STM, amazing informations from experienced and expert affiliate masters! I am blank new, figuring out how to start. Thanks great stuff!
Just joined the forum... and feeling pumped-up after reading this short but encouraging thread.
Excited to check out what STM has to offer.
just join forum, happy at now!
Thank you! Just bought the ca$hvertising book and start reading.
Great post!
Very inspiring, especially for newbies
New to the forum excited to see what it brings
Great post.
Agreed on all the major points.
I believe the most important skills are: mindset, research, copywriting, and data analysis.
Mindset is moreso a necessary component to be an entrepreneur, whereas the other 3 are more aff mktg specific.
I think the community aspect is important as well. A lot of it is also being able to quickly pick up on trends in the industry, like new types of offers, or sources which are working well. I've always felt that attending meetups and events was a good way to stay up to date. Once you've learned the basics regarding budgeting, data analysis, landing page optimization, etc. working on getting closer to the affiliate community is always good.
Amazing guide!
Thanks for that!
I definitely need to learn the basic of HTML and FTP, may someone direct me to some valuable tutorial or similar?
Thank you so much!
- You'll need some very basic Internet creation skills. You will need to know how to use FTP, the very basics of HTML, and roughly how the Internet works in terms of servers, browsers and connections.
Could you please tell us more about the Internet creation skills? I'm not sure where I can learn more about it. It seems that I knew nothing about it. The only thing I knew is to download files from FTP.
Thank you.
Originally Posted by fuyulianmeng
Could you please tell us more about the Internet creation skills? I'm not sure where I can learn more about it. It seems that I knew nothing about it. The only thing I knew is to download files from FTP.
Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone using STM Forums mobile app
Originally Posted by stickupkid
Thanks for your reply.
Photoshop skillls and Internet creations skills are 2 different items in Caurmen's post. I think it might be different knowledges and techniques a newbie need to master.
I just have no idea where I can learn about this:
Hey STMers!
All of the skills that you have mentioned are definitely a must. From my experience with clients, I can see that problem solving and decision making skills are also significant, as affiliate marketing is based on facing many issues with ambiguous solutions. What I can recommend is to learn how to use tools such as logic trees or other decision matrices. Moreover, at the beginning you can try to investigate and read as many sources as you can from various places eg. forums, blogs, youtube videos or webinars. In this way, after some time you’re going to create your own decision making strategy and avoid impulsive choices. Besides, when you become an Affiliate Marketer you’re your own boss, so you need to be very disciplined, as no one else is going to make your work or solve your issues for you. Maybe you should consider renting a coworking space? Over and above, if you want to become successful, creative skill is a key factor. Sounds easy and cliched, but believe me it’s not so simple. Though, it can’t be taught by anyone - you need to develop your own personal vision.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your affiliate marketing adventure!
Just joined the forum, and I'm very happy right now! excellent data
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I'd just add persistence.
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