Build an Asset: Blog or YouTube
If you’re currently posting affiliate links, listing products on Etsy, or trying small side hustles, you’ll want to have one of these SEO assets to drive long-term traffic.
Website & Blog Setup
WordPress
If you want long-term control, ownership, and SEO growth, I recommend self-hosted WordPress
Bluehost hosting
Reliable hosting that allows you to build on WordPress and scale over time.
Free alternatives
If you’re not ready to invest, you can start on platforms like Medium or Blogger. These are fine for testing, but understand you don’t fully own the platform.
YouTube
If you prefer speaking and demonstrating rather than writing, YouTube can become both an asset and an ad revenue stream over time.
TubeBuddy
A simple tool that helps with keyword research and video optimization.
You do not need expensive gear to start. Your phone is enough.
Affiliate Marketing Tools
Beginner-Friendly
Amazon Associates
Simple approval process. Easy to understand. Great for physical products.
Intermediate
Amazon Influencer Program
If you’re creating video content, this allows you to build a storefront and earn from on-site videos.
Awin
Access to thousands of brands beyond Amazon.
Impact
More advanced affiliate platform with larger brand partnerships.
Affiliate income works best when attached to content, not when posted randomly on social media.
Traffic & Growth Tools
Traffic is what turns content into income.
Pinterest
A search-based platform that works well for blog traffic and affiliate marketing.
Tailwind
A scheduling tool that helps you stay consistent on Pinterest without being online constantly.
My Content Creation Stack
Canva
Graphics, Pinterest pins, thumbnails, lead magnets.
CapCut
Video editing for YouTube and short-form content.
ChatGPT
Brainstorming, outlining, refining ideas, and creating structure.
Google Workspace
Email, document storage, spreadsheets.
Skool
Community platform for structured discussions and long-term brand building.
You do not need all of this at once. Add tools as your system grows.
Business & Systems
Bluehost
Domain registration for blogs and websites.
Kit
Email marketing platform
Quickbooks Online
Simple bookkeeping system
Books That Shaped My Thinking
These books helped me think long-term instead of chasing quick wins.
Atomic Habits
The power of small, consistent actions.
The 12 Week Year
Planning in focused cycles instead of vague annual goals.
Deep Work
Learning how to focus in a distracted world.
How I Make Money Online
For transparency, here’s how my income is structured:
YouTube ad revenue
Facebook ad revenue
Affiliate commissions
Blog display ads
Digital downloads
Community-based revenue
