Making money online has become one of the most exciting opportunities in Nigeria today. With the rising cost of living and the desire for financial freedom, more people are turning to side hustles and online ventures. One of the easiest and most rewarding options out there is affiliate marketing—a flexible way to earn money by promoting products or services without needing to create your own. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and can fit into any lifestyle, whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or full-time professional.

In this article, I’ll answer the top ten most asked questions about affiliate marketing and how you can get started with Selar’s affiliate network, which offers a wide range of products and services and high commission rates—all for a one-time charge of just ₦3,000.

First, what is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a business model where you earn a commission for promoting someone else’s product or service. This means, you act as a middleman, connecting potential buyers with products or services they need. When someone clicks your unique affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a percentage of that sale.

Here’s how it works:

1. You sign up for an affiliate program, like Selar’s Affiliate Network.
2. You get a personalised affiliate link to share.
3. When someone clicks your link and completes a purchase, you earn a commission.

Affiliate marketing uses your online presence—whether it’s through a blog post, YouTube channel, social media, or email list—to drive traffic to a product or service that aligns with your audience’s needs.

Think of yourself as a agent—connecting buyers to products while earning a reward for your effort.

5 benefits of affiliate marketing

Here are five strong benefits that make affiliate marketing ideal for Nigerian creators looking to earn online:

1. Affiliate marketing has low startup costs

Starting a business often comes with hefty expenses—like manufacturing products, renting space, or stocking inventory. With affiliate marketing, those costs disappear. All you need is a small amount to get started. For example, with Selar, you can join the affiliate network for just ₦3,000, giving you access to a range of digital products to promote and earn commissions on.

2. Affiliate marketing offers a flexible work schedule

Imagine having a “job” where you decide when and how you work. That’s the freedom affiliate marketing offers. You can promote products on your own terms, whether it’s during your lunch break, late at night, or over the weekend. It’s perfect for anyone—students juggling classes, stay-at-home parents balancing family duties, or professionals looking to supplement their 9-to-5 income.

3. Affiliate marketing has great passive income potential

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn money even when you’re not actively working. Once you share your affiliate links, they can continue generating income for you around the clock. Whether someone clicks your link at midnight or during the day, you’re getting paid. It’s the ultimate “earn while you sleep” opportunity.

4. Affiliate marketing gives you diverse income streams

One of the best parts about affiliate marketing is the variety of products you can promote. Selar’s affiliate network is packed with digital products like online courses, ebooks, and templates, catering to different niches and interests. This means you can choose products that align with your audience or personal passion, making it easier to promote and sell.

5. Affiliate marketing gives you high commission rates

Who doesn’t love a good payday? Affiliate marketing offers attractive earning potential, especially when you choose programs with high commission rates. For instance, Selar’s network is known for its competitive rates, with affiliates like Millicent Bundi and  Emmanuel Adanu earning life-changing income. Millicent teaches Kenyan women how to earn online, while Emmanuel leveraged Selar to achieve $5,000 in monthly income—proof that the possibilities are real and endless.

Read: How Emmanuel is making $5000 monthly with affiliate marketing

10 FAQs About Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing might sound simple, but it comes with questions—especially if you’re new to the concept. Below, we’ll dive into the top 10 frequently asked questions about affiliate marketing, giving you all the clarity you need to start earning confidently.

1. What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based business model where you earn a commission for promoting products or services. Think of it as a partnership: the company provides the product, and you help them reach customers. When someone buys through your unique affiliate link, you get paid.

For example, Selar makes this even easier by offering digital products—like ebooks, courses, and templates—that you can promote for high commissions.

2. What is the difference between affiliate marketing and digital marketing?

While the two terms are related, they’re not the same. Digital marketing is a broad umbrella that covers all online marketing activities—like running ads, creating social media content, or email campaigns.

Affiliate marketing, on the other hand, focuses specifically on earning commissions by promoting products. Think of affiliate marketing as a subset of digital marketing, designed to reward you for driving sales or leads.

Read: Affiliate Marketing Vs. Digital Marketing: Which Is Right For You In 2024?

3. Is affiliate marketing legit?

Yes, affiliate marketing is completely legitimate. It’s used by some of the biggest global companies, such as Amazon, Shopify, and even Jumia. In fact, Selar’s affiliate program has helped over 2000 people earn ₦40 million in affiliate sales. 

However, like any opportunity, it’s important to work with trustworthy platforms. Avoid shady merchants that promise unrealistic earnings or require large upfront investments without offering genuine value.

4. Is affiliate marketing a pyramid scheme?

No, affiliate marketing is not a pyramid scheme. Unlike pyramid schemes, where income relies on recruiting others into the system, affiliate marketing is about promoting products and earning a commission based on actual sales.

For example, with Selar, you only earn when someone buys a product through your link. There’s no recruitment or complicated hierarchy—just honest work for honest pay.

5. Can you do affiliate marketing without showing your face?

Absolutely! You don’t need to become an influencer or post videos to succeed in affiliate marketing. Many affiliates use anonymous strategies, such as:

• Writing blog posts or articles.
• Sending email newsletters.
• Sharing links in online communities or forums.

The key is choosing the method that works best for you. If you’re camera-shy or prefer to stay low-key, focus on content-based promotion instead of appearing on social media.

6. Can you do affiliate marketing without social media?

Yes, you can thrive in affiliate marketing even without social media. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok can help you reach a broader audience, they’re not mandatory. Alternatives include:

• Building a blog or website to share affiliate links.
• Using email marketing to connect directly with your audience.
• Promoting products on WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
  

7. What is a lead magnet in affiliate marketing?

A lead magnet is a free resource that you offer potential buyers to capture their attention and build trust. Examples include:

• Free ebooks or guides.
• Checklists or templates.
• Exclusive discounts.

Lead magnets are especially useful in affiliate marketing because they help you collect emails or build a following, which can eventually lead to more sales through your affiliate links.

8. How fast can you make money with affiliate marketing?

The time it takes to earn money depends on your strategy and audience. Some people make their first sale within weeks, while others might take longer.

For example, Emmanuel, an affiliate marketer on Selar, took time to learn the platform and understand his audience. With consistency, he now earns $5,000 monthly. So while it’s not instant, affiliate marketing rewards dedication and smart planning.

9. How much can you earn with affiliate marketing?

Your earnings as an affiliate marketer depend on the product, commission rate, and effort you put in. High-ticket products or programs offering recurring commissions can significantly increase your income.

On Selar, you can earn up to 40% commissions by promoting digital products, making it a lucrative option for beginners and seasoned marketers alike.

10. What are the best products for affiliate marketing?

The best products to promote are those that align with your audience’s interests. Selar’s affiliate program provides a wide variety of digital products, making it easy to find something that resonates with your target audience.

Affiliate marketing is a proven way to earn money online in Nigeria, especially if you want flexibility and passive income. From low startup costs to diverse product options, this model works for anyone willing to put in the effort.

Selar’s affiliate network is a great starting point if you want to dip your toes into online earning. It’s simple, affordable, and offers a wide range of high-commission products to promote.