Update of an earlier post published in 2016
An understanding of legitimate home based business opportunities for seniors in today’s digital economy can make a profound difference in your retirement lifestyle. What if I told you that creating a home-based business is far more straightforward than you ever imagined?
These business opportunities exist within an industry that drives e-commerce and forecasts $6 billion of revenue in 2018. You can partner with online retail giants (like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart) and droves of smaller merchants as well who sell all manner of goods and services.
There’s no question that with the right mindset and training, a successful small business of your own can become your new reality. If a technologically challenged baby boomer like myself can do it, anyone can!
Let me explain how this can work for you.
Home Based Business Opportunities for Seniors – Welcome to Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is about promoting stuff for other companies in exchange for a fee. Almost all online vendors use affiliates and will continue to do so because it makes good business sense. Hence, your choices of products and services to promote are endlessly satisfying.
Why does affiliate marketing make good business sense?
Affiliate marketing makes exceptionally sound business sense on all levels within the online marketing space which is why the industry is exploding. So, let’s take a moment to talk about the advantages to all the major players in this business relationship because it’s a poorly understood concept.
For merchants, a network of affiliates is an excellent way to control marketing and advertising costs because it’s a performance-based system. Unlike an internal marketing staff, affiliates are compensated only when a sale occurs. At that point, vendors share a percentage of the revenue generated by the sale.
Consumers benefit greatly because they have ready access to the high-quality content and product reviews they crave. Studies show that the vast majority of consumers read reviews written by independent affiliates before engaging in online purchases.
Finally, Internet marketing practices open a floodgate of choices for individual affiliates to partner with reputable organizations, build strong consumer relationships by promoting great products, and earn an online income.
In short, everyone wins!
Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits and motivations let’s look at how affiliate marketing works.
4 Steps to a Successful Home Based Business For Enterprising Seniors
Here’s a high-level summary of the steps you will take to create an affiliate marketing business.
- Choose an Interest or Niche
- Build Your Website
- Attract Visitors and Grow the Traffic to Your Site
- Promote Products and Earn Revenue
And, here’s a helpful picture that tells the same story because we’re all visual creatures, right?
Now, let’s see how the affiliate marketing business model might work for you and the questions you need to ask yourself before diving into this potentially lucrative online activity.
Do I Have a Passionate Interest to Share?
At this point, it’s time to talk about you. Why? Because your interests, passions, and goals drive the possibilities.
Stay with me here. All I need is just a few moments of your time to answer some questions. I honestly believe you’ll really like the direction in which your answers may lead you. Now that you’ve left the 9 – 5 routine behind, are there hobbies you’ve taken up in earnest?
Pick your favorite pastime. It really doesn’t matter what it is as long as it’s something you love. Then ask yourself the following:
- Is this an activity that others enjoy as well?
- Am I motivated to learn more about this hobby?
- Can I envision being captivated for years to come?
- Do I enjoy engaging and interacting with other enthusiasts?
- Do I have skills that I can share?
- Are there tools, supplies or other products I’ve tried that I would happily recommend to my fellow hobbyists?
- Could I do some research on a particular facet of this activity and then write a simple but informative article about it?
If you found yourself nodding and getting increasingly excited as you considered these questions, congratulations! You may be a perfect candidate for developing a niche website to promote your hobby and share your passion with your readers.
Am I Willing to Build a Beautiful Website?
A niche website is a very legitimate, engrossing opportunity to build a business of your own and earn money from home all while doing what you love. The beauty of this business approach is the virtually endless list of potential topics from which to choose. Making money as a blogger is more than possible if you learn the proper approach.
With a staggering number of people, roughly 3 billion people, searching for information on the Internet every day, an informative, well-designed website will gradually attract an audience.
As a senior who has chosen this path, I can recommend it highly!
Do I Have the Commitment and Patience to Grow a Business?
This third question is huge and warrants careful deliberation. Businesses of all kinds, whether online or offline, take time and real work because you must first lay a foundation and then persistently develop credibility and relationships. You will build your website one page and post at a time and gradually attract viewers.
Your website will not become profitable overnight. Most bloggers do not begin to see their first commissions for about 6 months, and it can easily take a year or more to experience consistent income. You may have read a bunch of hype and nonsense saying otherwise. But I’m here to tell you that’s all it is. Nonsense!
So, did you answer yes to all three of these questions?
If you did, you’re a member of my niche market. A growing segment of the population in search of a legitimate path to online income that embraces technology and the global economy in which we live.
And, I can help!
The reason I’m able to offer help is that 2 years ago I was in precisely your shoes. And, I was fortunate to find a community of like-minded individuals that I’m extremely grateful to have found.
Still skeptical? Of course!
I was too. But, as you can see, I overcame my skepticism and took the plunge. Obviously, you’re also intrigued since you’ve read this far. Moreover, if you give me just a few more moments of your time, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I joined what is arguably the best and most comprehensive affiliate marketing platform available on the Internet. Wealthy Affiliate is in its 13th year of operation and continuing to grow and evolve. So, it has stood the test of time in an industry where programs come and go rapidly.
You can read my comprehensive review of the Wealthy Affiliate platform here.
What Should Your Next Steps Be
My #1 recommendation to you involves learning more details about the potentially lucrative business opportunities surrounding affiliate marketing. You can do that today by personally investigating the excellent online training and resources that Wealthy Affiliate offers
The best part is that you can join as a free Starter Member.
Yup, you read that right. A Starter Membership is absolutely free. You do not need a credit card. I know I worked too hard for my money over the course of my career to spend it frivolously without knowing exactly what I was purchasing. And, I could not, in good conscience, expect that of you either.
Your free Starter Membership includes 2 free websites, the step-by-step training you need to create the websites using WordPress, free hosting on a state of the art platform called SiteRubix, and 10 Getting Started lessons.
As someone who started their online journey with this starter membership deal, I can tell you it’s a stellar chance to see exactly what it’s all about, how online business works, and what Wealthy Affiliate has to offer without making any commitments. In my mind, a starter membership is the only approach that makes sense.
And by the way, your free membership is not a trial. You can remain a Starter Member for as long as you choose. Take your time and “kick the tires” so to speak.
Just For Grins, Let’s Look at How Easily You Can Create Your First Website
Building a website with SiteRubix is a 4 step process that takes less than a minute to complete. Absolutely no coding skills are necessary. In fact, if you’d like to see a website built in real-time, check out the video on my Build a Website page to see just how simple and straightforward the process is.
Here is the List of Ten Lessons Included in Your Starter Membership
This list of lessons will give you a sense of the comprehensiveness of the training included. Feel free to participate in all 10 lessons at no cost. Once again, a Starter Membership is not a trial membership. You can remain at this level indefinitely.
Certain premium services such as live chat are only available to starter members for the first seven days. However, the 2 websites remain yours, and you can take as long as you like to complete the tutorials and view the tremendously helpful training videos included in each lesson.
Please make sure this business opportunity is a good fit for you before you consider upgrading to a Premium Membership.
What Else Would I Need to Start My Business?
WA provides access to websites, hosting, a keyword research tool, mentoring, and all of the training resources you will need. Beyond that, the only things you will require are an Internet connection and a computer. Since you’re viewing this blog on the Web, you clearly have the Internet connection covered 🙂
Depending on the computer you currently own, you may want to consider investing in a laptop. This investment is totally optional, but it does allow for that added level of flexibility that is so desirable in an Internet business.
You can choose to work at your breakfast bar with a steaming mug of coffee. Or, out on your patio while enjoying the sunshine. Or, at any of your favorite haunts where Wi-Fi is available. And, if you enjoy traveling just pack your laptop. You can work from anywhere on a laptop. Sweet freedom!
To a better retirement for all!!
===> Click Here to Create A Free Starter Membership Now
Conclusion
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on the best home based business opportunities for seniors. I can’t help but believe that the amazing flexibility of affiliate marketing ventures makes them an ideal choice. The options to follow your passion, share your knowledge and experiences, and work from anywhere you choose are all so appealing.
Is this opportunity limited to seniors?
Not at all! It represents an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to supplement their income or even create a full-time income. It may be just the thing for anyone who is unemployed or a low wage earner. Stay at home Moms or Dads can also benefit.
Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you know that may be looking for a new income stream.
To a better retirement for all!!
Over to You
So, what’s your passion? Feel free to share your ideas for a business because I love connecting with my readers. And, don’t forget to leave me your questions in the comments below. I always respond!
Like It? Please Share It?
As a recently retired individual, I’ve been contemplating ways to make a secondary source of income online. I’ve been very bored and have been looking for a hobby; primarily one that will earn money. Affiliate marketing looks like it could be right up my ally. You recommend Wealthy Affiliate but are there any other cheaper quality programs out there. Do you think it’s better for me to just spring for this one and not waste my time? Thanks so much!
Based on my personal experience, WA is the best and most complete program available to get you started as an affiliate marketer. It is the only program I recommend in large part due to the great support that is available from the community. But I don’t recommend you jump right in with a paid Premium membership. Take my advice and join as a free Starter Member. This will allow you to begin developing your first website as you work through the tutorials. You want to make sure this is the right step for you.
I hope you’ll contact me on my WA profile page when you join. I will be happy to help you get started in any way that I can so please don’t hesitate to ask questions. I wish you the best of luck!
Hello Linda!
It’s so cool that you’re encouraging alternative methods for people of retirement age to earn a living. I’ve been around many people who want to retire, and it can be very stressful without a plan for stabilizing an income.
I agree that affiliate marketing could be a good alternative to the stressful pondering about finances in retirement.
Great suggestion!
Hi Tiffany,
It’s true that many people are not as financially prepared for retirement as they would like to be.Consequently, they end up looking for ways to supplement retirement earnings. Blogging is not an immediate source of relief because it takes time to establish authority and grow traffic. But if you have an interest and the time you can definitely create an income stream with affiliate marketing.
Thanks for chiming in!
Hi Linda
Thanks for sharing this post. I think this a great article that outlines an opportunity that retirees might not have even been aware of. It certainly beats the alternative of stacking shelves at the local supermarket. You’ve also given a great overview of the wealthy affiliate program. I initially started on the free membership but quickly realized that there was something special about this platform so signed up to become a premium member. Keep up the good work!
Cheers
James
Hi James,
You’re right. Wealthy Affiliate is a special platform and one that’s well-suited to seniors Many people are unaware that such an all-inclusive platform exists for creating a home-based business at a very affordable cost. I know I searched a long time before finding this platform and I have nothing but gratitude. It sounds like WA is working out well for you also.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and I wish you well as you build your business!.
Great to read through this life changing article. Affiliate marketing does indeed create the best home based business opportunities for seniors and not only seniors ☺️
Anyone can do this. I have seen people get their financial freedom doing this business. There are so many Fake Products that would claim to guide you to making money online but most of them are Fake. Wealthy affiliate is the best place to get started…
Hi Barry,
You’re quite right that affiliate marketing can be an excellent path to financial freedom for just about anyone with the willingness to invest in themselves. Fortunately, the financial investment is minimal (one of the many advantages). But you do have to commit and invest time in developing content that appeals to your market. In that sense, it’s not a free and easy ride.
Working from home as an affiliate marketer is an endeavor with enormous appeal. Unfortunately, that creates an environment that is ripe for less than ethical individuals and organizations. You do have to be very careful. The biggest reason that Wealthy Affiliate is number one in my book is the total transparency. You can try out all aspects of the platform for free for a full 7 days without providing anything more than an email address. When you sign on as a premium member at WA, you know exactly what you’re getting,
I love the fact that the platform is all-inclusive and there are no upsells. I just renewed my annual membership for the third time on Black Friday. My cost is locked in forever at 82 cents a day. I wish I could go to Starbucks for that price 🙂 And yet, that;s my cost for running my business. How awesome is that?
It sounds like you’ve discovered the advantages of Wealthy Affiliate as well. I wish you every success with your online venture!
Thanks for the great overview for starting a home based business. I really appreciate the time you took to walk me through the steps, present the “how” of it all and even associating it to something I’m passionate about. That makes it more of a love than a business.
The free membership level is perfect to check it out and see if it’s the right fit.
Thanks again!
Hi Scott,
I’m glad you enjoyed my post and I assure you I was happy to walk you through the steps because I’m absolutely convinced that affiliate marketing creates the best home based business opportunities for seniors and many other members of the population. As you can see from visiting my website, I don’t just talk a good line but I walk the talk and have been doing so for more than 2.5 years.
I’ve found not just supplemental income but true passion in blogging. I’m proud to promote Wealthy Affiliate because I’m a member myself . And, you’re absolutely right that a free membership is the way to go. It’s how I got started myself. Anyone reading my post is clearly intrigued by the possibility of a home based business. So, you owe it to yourself to get further information that will allow you to make an informed decision. What better way to do that than a zero cost, zero risk Starter Membership at Wealthy Affiliate?
I appreciate your comments!
Finding a legit home based business opportunity online has always been a great challenge. I can’t remember how much I had thrown into the air during the course of striving for a better living via an online Job.This amazing website has really done a great job by putting all these opportunities together so as to rescue many from being scammed. I honestly am so lucky to find this site. I will recommend this to most of my friends who are striving too for a better living.
Thank you. I sincerely hope that you and your friends will take advantage of the amazing offer at Wealthy Affiliate for a free Starter Membership. I chose that path and have never looked back. Best of luck to you!
What an interesting article. I would really like to see more seniors going into affiliate marketing, but for many only, the computer idea is a scary thought. I really appreciate and admire the seniors keeping the step with the new generation and technology. The Wealthy Affiliate seems to be an excellent platform to learn and build or transform your passion into a business. How long is the learning curve?
Hi Dany,
Wealthy Affiliate is a great platform that makes building a website and online business a very real possibility for everyone even if they don’t have any technical skills. The tools are easy to use and the lessons are easy to follow. As for the learning curve, beginners can have their website up and running very quickly. But you will continue to build your body of knowledge for some time as you develop your content.
By the time you’ve finished your first ten free lessons, your website will be live on the Web. But there are a total of 50 lessons in the Online Certification Program and hundreds of informal training sessions offered by members of the WA community. You’ll want to take advantage of all of the training available to hone and refine your site.
Thanks for reading my post and engaging!
Hello Linda,
It really is nice when people like yourself show being retired does not mean being ‘locked away’. Kudos to you for reinventing yourself and taking on a new project…in your golden years.
I have heard of Wealthy Affiliate before, I have a friend who has been a member for a few years. She raves about the training, the community, the business opportunity that has changed her life in so many ways. You might be wondering, so what about me? Well, I am not quite ready as yet.
One thing that my girlfriend stresses is the willingness to do the work. She talks about the courses and the various levels of learning. Just like your article recommends, step-by-step and in order. I like the idea that I can be a starter member for as long as I choose, so this option is the one that I might consider because I don’t want to ‘throw money away’ – you know, not being fully committed to the cause.
The 7-day trial which gives me a ‘look on the inside’ is also a great way for me to test the waters, especially without ‘paying a dime’. This works with my budget.
I wish you continued success and who knows,you might just see me soon on the inside as a premium member too.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I think more and more of us seniors are looking for ways to remain active, involved and engaged throughout our retirement years. The supplemental income is very nice but the life long learning and opportunities to connect with others over the Internet is as least as important from my perspective,
You make a good point about the need to be ready to commit to this venture. You do have to take action and implement the lessons to succeed. It takes time to develop a website that attracts relevant traffic. Even when you’re sure you’re ready, I recommend going the free Starter Membership route. No one wants to waste their hard earned money. So, it’s important that you take the time to kick the tires and make sure that WA is a good fit for YOU before you become a premium member.
I hope you’ll drop me a line on my WA Profile page if you do decide to take the leap. Best wishes!
This is an informative piece. Affiliate marketing is what I do and love so much. I’m doing what I’m passionate about. I’ve made some bucks from it in just 3 weeks of starting this business and I know I’ll do Awesome as time goes on. I started out with your number one recommendation, Wealthy Affiliate. I just don’t want to leave this community. I love it.
Many of us have had wonderful experiences at Wealthy Affiliate and I’m glad to hear it’s working out well for you. Good luck!
Hi Linda,
I do agree with you that Affiliate Marketing is the best online business for all seniors to engage in. And as you rightly said, this is one of the easiest businesses that all seniors can venture into and make some good success while in their retirement. The good thing about this business is that, you don’t need to have your own products before you can benefit from it.
Also, as you said, there is great success in this business because online shoppers often want to read reviews about products and offers before they make the decision of buying. And as an affiliate marketer you have the opportunity to present your review before such audiences, build some trust and then stand the chance of making some good sales out of it.
So, I highly recommend all seniors to start their own journey of creating successful businesses for themselves online. I’m going to Bookmark this article so I show it to my mom as she was also expressing some interest in starting an online business. I think she will benefit a lot from reading it. Thanks so much for writing this useful and well organized article to share with us.
Stephen.
Hi Stephen,
If your Mom has expressed an interest in starting an online business, I hope you will put her in touch with me. As one senior to another, I would be happy to help her and address any questions or concerns she may have. When you consider that shoppers were expected to spend 1.75 billion dollars online over Black Friday last week, it’s hard to ignore the potential of an online business.
Thanks for your insightful comments!
This is one of the things that makes Affliate marketing and the wealthy affiliate platform awesome. Now retirees can keep themselves occupied and make a little money on their own terms. It’s great that you can start this business while approaching retirement so that by the time you have retired you already would have been making some money. There is also the opportunity to retire early and work from home and even after retirement there’s still the opportunity to have a successful business from home. Wealthy Affliate all the way. Success is guaranteed.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Brenda,
Yes, the Wealthy Affiliate platform is awesome for retirees and pretty much anyone else who is interested in tapping into the $6 billion dollar affiliate marketing industry. But I am going to qualify your last statement that “success is guaranteed”. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme and sadly everyone is not successful Success comes to those who are willing to work for it and invest sweat equity in their business by continually performing research and writing relevant content for their niche audience. It takes time but it’s very doable.
Thanks for chiming in!
Hi Linda,
It will be great if we can earn some passive income when retired. They are many people worrying about what to do after retirement. If we can help others and earning an income at the same time, it would be wonderful.
The online affiliate marketing that you mentioned in your article is really interesting.
Do we need to have any computer knowledge to get started?
Thank you.
Hi Christine,
Affiliate marketing does not require any advanced or specialized computer knowledge. Since you’re reading (and commenting) on this article on my website you’ve already demonstrated sufficient skills. You know how to access and navigate the Internet and you can find your way around a keyboard, Website building packages like WordPress are incredibly intuitive today and you’ll become comfortable very quickly,
Earning supplemental income as a retiree is great and my online business venture has been very rewarding. I started from ground zero and learned everything I needed to create this amazing website at Wealthy Affiliate. The lessons are step-by-step and there’s always someone available to help if I have a question. The training, community and exceptional resources are second to none.
If retirement is still a ways off for you, it’s even better. Get started now as a side hustle and build a business that will support a comfortable retirement down the road, I hope this gives you enough information to move forward and I appreciate you taking the time to comment!