Why I Still Believe Affiliate Marketing Is the Smartest Way for Working Parents to Create Online Income Streams in 2025 (And How to Start)
Introduction
Living amidst the juggling act of work and family schedules, I know the pain of running ragged at times and feeling stuck within the cycle of life without stopping to "smell the roses". To top it off, it often feels like your dedication & effort at work is not paying off, as you just do not seem to be getting ahead.
As a business graduate and mother of three teens who has focused my energy on raising my children alongside a career in private accounting, I chose Affiliate Marketing as a way to supplement our income alongside my full-time job, without compromising more precious family time.
Understanding the pull between aspiring to excel at something and wanting to be present for my family, I chose this route for its flexibility and uncapped potential to enable us to enjoy more experiences as a family and secure financial freedom for our future. An ideal option that is scalable and geographically flexible.
Why You Are Considering Affiliate Marketing
Time, finances, budgets, incremental increases, possible bonus (not guaranteed!)..... sound familiar?
If I was sitting with you right now, we'd likely have a coffee in hand and we'd be chatting about the ups and downs of adulthood. We'd talk about the joys of hitting milestones and celebrating the wins. We'd catch up on family news, how your job is going and your plans for the Summer.
We'll likely touch on how full our days are and that you'd really love to take that trip to see your family abroad, but it may have to be next year, as this year your budget is spoken for. Or the real concern for the cost of tertiary education and the rising cost of living in general.
Two things I know that will come up, will be how we wish we had more TIME and the limitation of finances.
Our days are full, our time is mostly spoken for, so much so that we seldom stop to think beyond that and we feel guilty if we do because then we seem ungrateful. And we are so grateful, but that doesn't mean we cannot aspire to do better and it does not preclude us from rethinking our strategy or dreaming.
And so really what we need is a way to generate a second income, to help us breathe easy. But we cannot take on a second job. That would be too much!
We need a system to help us earn while we live, something that is flexible and scalable. Something that we can start immediately and affiliate marketing fits the bill.
What is Affiliate Marketing (And Why It is Perfect for Working Parents)?
Have you ever told a friend about an awesome product and they bought it based on your recommendation? That is affiliate marketing in a nutshell.
It essentially is the system of earning commissions by promoting someone else’s product or service using your preferred method of advertising. If someone then buys the product or service through your unique ad link, you earn a commission.
For time-strapped, working parents looking for a way to supplement their income, it is the ideal business model. Why? Startup costs are low, you're not investing in stock or premises, it is flexible, and can be done from your laptop from anywhere at any time, even after the family is asleep or during a lunch break.
It is also quick to start because you don’t need to create products or services. You just need to share things you already love—with people who trust you. And thanks to automation, once your business is set up, it can continue to generate income in the background. Tada! Passive income! And this my friend, is why it is such a game changer.
Don't Get Stuck at "The Idea Of" Affiliate Marketing - Let's Take Action.
Let's not just leave it as a nice idea.
It is easy to get so focused on the task at hand (life!) that we battle to stop and even begin to imagine our life as anything different. Being goal-orientated and hard-working, our fault perhaps is forgetting to think outside of the status quo and inevitably we get stuck in the cycle of ticking our "to-do" list on repeat.
We are not wrong, we just sometimes get a little lost along the way and forget who we are to begin with. Well, that is me anyway.
What if we stopped for a minute, were truly honest with ourselves and dug a little deeper and asked the question about what it is you would really like to do with your time? What if we dared to dream again and remember who we were before life's responsibilities started weighing us down? Perhaps we would rediscover our reason for working so hard in the first place. To try and earn our way to afford spending time on the things that we love. I know I sometimes forget.
Because making extra money online is not just about easing financial pressure. It's about giving yourself and your family the freedom to pursue what you really want—whether that’s more time together, bucket list experiences, travelling, donating to a good cause or simply a more flexible lifestyle.
But as promised let's move onto the steps to starting affiliate marketing and mapping out your roadmap to success!
Step 1: Choose a Subject You Love and Understand
Starting with the right niche is like choosing the best seed to grow a garden. What exactly do I mean by "niche"? It really is the topic, like fitness for example. Pick something you care about and can talk about without needing a script.
Are you into healthy living? Love budgeting tips? Obsessed with home decor or fashion? Your niche should fit you. This makes everything easier—from writing content to talking with your audience.
For example, if you're a budget-savvy mom, helping others save money through affiliate links for apps or planners could be your niche. If you love organizing, promote tools and guides for a tidy home.
Quick Tip:
Choose a niche that solves problems. People buy solutions.
Also, choosing a narrow niche helps you to get less lost in the noise, like focusing on "easy vegetarian meals for busy moms" versus "easy meals".
Step 2: Choosing Affiliate Programs - Recommendations
You’ve picked your niche—now let’s find the programs. These are the companies that will pay you for bringing them customers.
There are tons of affiliate programs out there, but not all are created equal. Look for ones that:
- Offer at least 20% commission (more if digital products)
- Have good reviews and support
- Offer recurring payments (hello, passive income!)
- Have systems that you can use or plug into
- Have promotional or marketing material that you can use
Here are some beginner-friendly places to find affiliate programs:
- ShareASale
- Amazon Associates (lower payout, but easy to use)
- ClickBank
- CJ Affiliate
- Specific brand websites (look at the footer for “Affiliate”)
For moms, look into parenting blogs, financial tools, or wellness products. Always try to promote things you’ve used or truly believe in.
Quick Tip:
High ticket offers (meaning high value and high commission earnings) create leverage, meaning your return on your investment is higher for the same input as low commission offers.
Step 3: Creating Your Online Space - Building Trust
You don’t need a fancy website right away—but you do need a place to share your links and ideas.
Here are a few simple places to start:
- A blog (great for long-term traffic)
- Instagram or TikTok (ideal for short videos)
- YouTube (good for how-to and review content)
- Pinterest (amazing for moms!)
- Simple website (a home creating trust and authority)
Pick the one you enjoy most. If you're a writer, go with a blog. If you like talking, try short videos. The key is to start where you are with what you have.
And don’t overthink the tech! Platforms like Systeme.io, WordPress, and Wix make setup easy—even for non-techie moms.
Quick Tip:
Having a "home" provides a level of trust. Although you do not want to get stuck on creating this, make sure you have a space that reflects your values and complies with all affiliate disclosures.
Step 4: Sharing Helpful Content - Cultivating Authority
Now it’s time to talk to your audience. But don't just drop links and hope someone clicks. Build trust by sharing helpful, real content.
Here’s what works:
- Product reviews (“Here’s how this saved me hours!”)
- Tutorials (“How to use XYZ in 10 minutes”)
- Comparison posts (“This vs. That: Which one is best for busy moms?”)
- Personal stories (“Why I love this budgeting tool as a full-time working mom”)
- Be honest. Be helpful. Think of yourself as a friend sharing useful things—not a salesperson pushing stuff.
Example:
Let’s say you’re promoting a meal-planning app. Instead of saying “buy this app,” share a post called, “How I Stopped Ordering Takeout 3x a Week Using This $5 Tool.” Boom. That’s real. That’s relatable.
Step 5: Drive Traffic - Creating Leads
You could have the best content in the world—but if no one sees it, you won’t earn a dime.
Here are smart, free ways (organic traffic) to get eyes on your affiliate content:
- Pinterest: Make pins that link to your blog or video
- Facebook Groups: Join communities and give value (not spam!)
- SEO: Use keywords like how to start affiliate marketing in your titles and blog posts
- Email List: Start collecting emails early—even with just 5 people!
Traffic is like water for your garden. Keep pouring it on.
The system that I have tapped into, is a genius system called authority marketing which drives customers to your offer so that you do not have to do the selling. It harnesses a proven strategy to automate selling online to any target audience anywhere in the world, enabling you to make more money in less time and create income streams so you don’t have to. It’s designed specifically for people who hate selling, offering you a way to generate sales and income without any pressure or manipulation.
You can learn more about the system of authority marketing and how it is empowering moms across the globe to make money online from anywhere and generate multiple streams of income on autopilot.
Simply sign up for the free video series to learn more today.
Step 6: Set up tracking - You do not have to rely on Luck!
You do not have to rely on luck. By using the right tools and systems you can do real research and track what is working and what is not.
What does this mean?
Without getting too technical, there are ways to see who likes your social posts or your ads, how many people are clicking and therefore you can learn and improve the material you are putting out there. This means improving your content with real-time information.
With the tools available today we have access to real stats, removing the guesswork from our strategy.
Here’s what you can do:
- Use affiliate dashboards to see clicks and sales
- Track traffic using Google Analytics or tools like Systeme.io
- Check which content gets the most love and create more like that
Test headlines, change up calls to action, and don’t be afraid to learn. You’re growing your business and learning as you go —even if it’s part-time.
Quick Tip:
It is far more beneficial to start messy than to wait until everything is perfect before you start. I honestly found I have done the most learning while taking action.
And there is a little trap where we feel excited about everything we are learning but we are still feeling safe, so rather than starting and taking imperfect action, we delay starting at all.
Step 7: Take action, Be Patient, Keep Going, & Remember Why You Started!
Here’s the truth: affiliate marketing is not a “get rich quick” scheme. It’s more like building a house. Brick by brick, day by day.
- Approach this as a marathon, not a sprint
- Plug into a trusted learning resource
- Learn from people who have done it before
- Be consistent
- Be intentional
- Celebrate each step of progress (do not fixate on the end goal)
- Remember to stop and look back at how far you have come
- Remember your "why".
- Keep going
There will be challenges and there will be a steep learning curve, but if you are plugged into the right system and have support, with consistency and determination, you will get there. And always remember why you are starting this in the first place.
If you are consistent and follow the proven strategies, the rewards can be life-changing, such as enjoying extra income every month, more freedom, fewer financial worries and more peace of mind for retirement savings.
So if you're thinking, "Can I really do this?"—YES, you can. Even with a job. Even with kids. Even if you only have 30 minutes a day. You’re building your dream life one step at a time.
Quick Tip:
If you do nothing, nothing will change.
Conclusion:
Affiliate marketing is the perfect side hustle for working parents who are ready to break free, create impact, and earn income without starting from scratch. You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to care about the product, share with integrity, and keep showing up.
Now that you know how to start affiliate marketing, it’s your turn. Pick your niche, choose your platform, and take that first bold step.
Your future self will thank you.
I read a quote yesterday, "do not be afraid of failure, but be terrified of regret". Let us not look back with regret.
Ready to Start, But Still Not Sure How to Put It All Together?
Look, I get it—starting affiliate marketing sounds amazing, but the how can still feel fuzzy. What if you had a step-by-step system that walks you through the exact process of building your affiliate business from scratch—even if you’ve never done anything like this before?
That’s exactly why I signed up for a world-class online business education platform that teaches everyday people (especially busy moms like us) how to create an authority-based affiliate business using proven strategies.
👉 You’ll learn how to pick the right niche, attract your dream audience, build trust, and make sales—without guessing or tech overwhelm.
It provides:
- relevant training
- proven blueprint
- access to a supportive community
- various tiers, depending on your needs & budget
- addresses various models of online business
- does not require tech skills or previous experience
This is the very system that helped me finally see a real path to financial freedom—without sacrificing time with my family or working even more hours. If you're ready to go from stuck in your 9–5 to building your own online income stream, take a look. If you sign up to the no-obligation webinar you will receive a video series via your email.
You don’t need to figure it all out alone. Let’s do this together.
How I Chose Affiliate Marketing
I was working full-time as an accountant, juggling deadlines, three teenagers, and daily demands. Theoretically, we were doing well—but truthfully, I felt stuck and frustrated. A bit like a hamster on his wheel! I wanted more for my family. I wanted to be able to visit loved ones abroad, create meaningful experiences with my kids, and just breathe a little easier when it came to finances.
But every time I looked at the numbers, I could see the ceiling. I knew I couldn't just work harder to earn more—something had to change fundamentally in how I generated an additional income, so we could have peace of mind about our family's future.
It was at this time that I came to learn about affiliate marketing. The concept is brilliant! The idea that I could start part-time, did not need to create my own product, and have the flexibility to build something on the side was the solution I needed. Even better? Thanks to automation my business could work in the background—while I was sleeping or making dinner.
I started researching information here and there, but truthfully could not find true direction and it wasn’t until I found a proven system and online training that everything clicked. It provided the exact steps, the support, access to live mentorship (with real people!), accountability and the community I needed and aligned with my values. Result - it helped me stop spinning my wheels and finally take real action.
Now I’ve launched my own affiliate business. And while I’m still on the journey, I feel hopeful and confident in a way I haven’t felt in years.
If you’re feeling stuck like I was, just know this: you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay where you are.
Because making extra money online is not just about easing financial pressure. It's about giving yourself and your family the freedom to pursue what you really want—whether that’s more time together, bucket list experiences, travelling, or simply a more flexible lifestyle.
I highly recommend you learn more about the same system that started me on my online journey by signing up here for a free webinar. I could never have taken on this journey on my own.
FAQs
- Do I need a website to start affiliate marketing?
Although we recommend a website as it creates a home of authority, you can start on social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest. A website helps long-term, but it’s not required at first. - How long does it take to make money with affiliate marketing?
Some moms see their first sale in weeks, others take months. It depends on your effort, traffic, and niche. Be consistent and give it 6-12 months to build momentum. - How do I get people to click my affiliate links?
Create valuable content. Solve problems. Share personal stories. Use strong calls to action like “Here’s the link I used” or “Try it here.” - Is affiliate marketing really passive income?
It can be! Once your content is up and ranking (especially blog posts or YouTube videos), it can bring in income for months—even while you sleep. - Is it possible to make money online while working full-time?
Yes! Many online income streams offer flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace and around your current job. Start small, with just a few hours a week, and build as you go. - What if I don’t like selling?
The Authority Marketing system doesn’t require you to sell or convince people. It’s about setting up a process that converts buyers automatically. - How much time do I need to commit per week to make this work?
You can start with just 5–10 hours a week, fitting it into your current schedule. The focus is on working smarter, not harder. - Do I need to be on social media to make this work?
No. It depends on which marketing system you choose.
Next Step:
🎯 Next Step: Start your journey with a proven system and discover how simple affiliate marketing can be—when you have the right roadmap. Start Here.
Take the step today and make the change you need to achieve that dream!
Snapshots of Me 🙂
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About the Author:
A business graduate who has focused my energy on raising my children alongside a career in private accounting.
Since relocating to Canada I have branched out into online business ventures to expand my income streams and build something of my own whilst remaining focused on my corporate career. An ideal option that is scalable and geographically flexible.