Q: How long does it take to see profits from an affiliate site on average? I am looking to build niche sites for my hobby.
A: You can’t really put an average on that sort of thing, but I’ll throw out three months. It depends on a lot of different variables.
Your aptitude, whether you’re willing to invest some money into it, your goals, the vertical you’re in, etc. So many different things play a factor in the time it takes to make money as an affiliate.
I’d say if you want to go bare bones and aspire to make a profit as soon as possible, go to LivingDot to get a hosting account. They’ll set up a blog for you at no extra cost in WordPress.
It comes to about ten bucks a month for hosting and WordPress is free.
And then get a domain to point to that blog from Go Daddy or another domain registrar for less than ten dollars a year.
That’s pretty quick and easy, and then you can just start writing about the topic(s) that interest you. Sing up with the various affiliate networks, apply to affiliate programs and you’re on your way.
You have to realize that it’s going to be sort of a slow burn unless you’re willing to pay for some advertising. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on word of mouth.
Try going out and earning a reputation by participating and contributing in forums related to your topic, and then people can see more about your site(s) from your profile or signature.
Anyhow, without paid advertising, you should expect, at least, a couple or three months or more before you have affiliate commissions coming in.
If you’re willing to put the time and energy into it, and you’re passionate about it, then I thing you’ll be in good shape and you’ll start seeing it turn around for a profit in the near future.
It’s definitely a good idea to focus on your hobbies and interests. Some people try to be mercenaries and create sites based on whatever is popular right now. These affiliates tend to lose interest quickly.
But since you’re going to focus on your hobbies, it’s something you’ll likely stick with in the long run. Good luck.
Let me just end with a quote from Jim Bouton, New York Yankee 20-game winner, best selling author, TV Sportscaster, actor, inventor, and businessman, who delivered the keynote address at the Affiliate Summit 2006 East conference.
“I’m convinced most people don’t fail; they simply stop trying.” – Jim Bouton
See the video from the rest of this excerpt from Jim Bouton’s speech.