Requirements

Essential Equipment

• Computer: Any reliable desktop or laptop with internet access
• Internet connection: Stable broadband connection (minimum 10 Mbps)
• Smartphone: For social media management and on-the-go content creation (optional but recommended)

Digital Infrastructure

• Domain name: Your website address ($10-15/year)
• Web hosting: Server space for your website ($5-30/month)
• Content management system: WordPress recommended (free)
• Email marketing platform: For building subscriber lists (free to start with providers like MailerLite, $15-50/month as you grow)
• Basic plugins/tools: Affiliate link management, analytics integration, SEO tools ($0-50/month)

Essential Skills

• Content creation: Writing product reviews, guides, and promotional content
• Basic HTML/CSS: For simple website customizations and formatting
• SEO fundamentals: Keyword research, on-page optimization
• Copywriting: Creating persuasive content that drives action
• Basic analytics: Understanding traffic sources and user behavior

Helpful But Not Required

• Graphic design: Creating custom images and infographics
• Video production: For YouTube or social media content
• Email marketing: Building sequences and automations
• Social media management: Building audiences on relevant platforms
• Paid advertising: Managing PPC campaigns (for faster scaling)

FTC Disclosure Requirements

• Mandatory disclosures: Clear and conspicuous disclosure of affiliate relationships before any affiliate links
• Placement: Disclosures must appear before the first affiliate link, not buried in footers or about pages
• Sample disclosure: "This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you."

Business Structure & Taxes

• Business registration: Can start as sole proprietor in most jurisdictions (formal registration not required initially)
• Tax reporting: Income reported on Schedule C (US), quarterly estimated taxes may be required
• Record keeping: Track all income and business expenses for tax purposes
• International considerations: May be subject to tax withholding from US-based affiliate programs (typically 30% without tax treaties)

Website Legal Requirements

• Privacy policy: Required for all websites collecting any user data (including analytics)
• Terms of service: Recommended to limit liability and set user expectations
• Cookie consent: Required for EU traffic under GDPR (cookie notification banner)
• CCPA compliance: Additional privacy requirements for sites with California visitors

Different affiliate programs have varying approval requirements:

Amazon Associates

• Active website: Established site with original content
• Minimum sales: Must generate 3 qualified sales within first 180 days
• Content policy: No excessive pricing information (prices change frequently)
• Prohibited: Email marketing with affiliate links, link shorteners, offline marketing materials

Premium Networks (CJ Affiliate, Impact, etc.)

• Established traffic: Many merchants require 5,000+ monthly visitors
• Content quality: Professional-looking site with substantial relevant content
• Niche relevance: Content should align with merchant offerings
• Application details: Traffic stats, promotion methods, and marketing plans often required
• Geographic requirements: Some programs limited to specific countries