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MODULE 3: Finding Affiliate Programs (Local + International)

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Course: Affiliate Marketing Mastery (SkillBridge Institute)

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  1. Understand the 4-step affiliate engine: Traffic → Trust → Offer → Conversion.

  2. Build a simple affiliate business model that works in real life.

  3. Explain clearly why “just sharing links” fails for most beginners.

  4. Apply this system using simple tools like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and Google Forms.

Introduction

Most beginners think affiliate marketing is simple: “Get a link, share it, and earn money.” That sounds easy, but it is also the reason most people fail.

The truth is this: Affiliate marketing is a business system, not a link-sharing activity.

Successful affiliates do not rely on luck. They follow a clear engine that moves people from attention to trust, then to an offer, and finally to a sale. This system works in any country, any niche, and even with a basic smartphone.

In this lesson, you will learn the 4-step affiliate engine and how to build a simple business model around it. Once you understand this, affiliate marketing becomes easier, more professional, and more predictable.

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1) The 4-Step Affiliate Engine (Traffic → Trust → Offer → Conversion)

Think of affiliate marketing like a real shop. You cannot sell if nobody enters the shop. You also cannot sell if people do not trust you. The affiliate engine explains this clearly.

Step 1: Traffic (People Must See You)

Traffic means people who view your content, posts, videos, or messages. No traffic means no sales.

Traffic can come from:

  • Facebook posts and groups

  • WhatsApp status and groups

  • TikTok videos

  • YouTube videos

  • Instagram reels

  • Blogging (Blogger)

  • Referrals and word of mouth

Key truth

Traffic is not just “many people.” It is the right people.

Example:
If you are promoting a digital marketing course, your traffic should include:

  • business owners

  • job seekers

  • students

  • people interested in online skills

If your audience is not interested, your offer will not convert.

Step 2: Trust (People Must Believe You)

Trust is the most powerful currency in affiliate marketing.

People ask themselves:

  • “Is this person real?”

  • “Is this product genuine?”

  • “Will I be scammed?”

  • “Is this worth my money?”

Trust is built through:

  • consistent posting

  • clear communication

  • honesty and transparency

  • proof and testimonials (not fake)

  • helping people for free

  • professional follow-up

Simple example

If you run a WhatsApp group and share useful tips daily, people begin to see you as a mentor, not a spammer. That trust increases conversions.

Step 3: Offer (Present the Right Product the Right Way)

An offer is not just the product. It is how you present it.

A strong offer includes:

  • what the product is

  • who it is for

  • what problem it solves

  • what results it helps people achieve

  • price and value

  • how to buy/register

  • why now (urgency, but not fake pressure)

Example of a weak offer:
“Join this course, it’s good.”

Example of a strong offer:
“This short course teaches beginners how to start affiliate marketing using a smartphone. It includes WhatsApp support, notes, and a certificate option.”

Step 4: Conversion (Turning Interest into Sales)

Conversion means the person takes action:

  • registers

  • buys

  • signs up

  • joins a training

  • fills a form

Conversion is where the commission is created.

Conversion is improved through:

  • follow-up messages

  • answering questions

  • reducing fear and doubt

  • giving clear steps

  • providing payment options

  • simplifying the registration process

Important

Many people don’t buy the first time. They buy after:

  • the 2nd message

  • the 3rd follow-up

  • seeing proof

  • hearing testimonials

  • getting clarity

This is why follow-up is part of conversion.

2) How to Build a Simple Affiliate Business Model

A business model means your simple plan for how you will get traffic, build trust, present offers, and earn commissions.

Here is a beginner-friendly model:

Simple Affiliate Model (Phone-Based)

  1. Choose a niche (example: online skills)

  2. Build traffic on Facebook + WhatsApp

  3. Create a WhatsApp group as your “community”

  4. Share value daily (tips, mini lessons, examples)

  5. Offer affiliate products weekly

  6. Follow up with interested people

  7. Track results and improve

This model works because it is a system, not luck.

Course: Affiliate Marketing Mastery (SkillBridge Institute)

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  1. Understand what a funnel is and why it matters in affiliate marketing.

  2. Build simple funnels using WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Forms, and Linktree without needing a website.

  3. Choose the best funnel for beginners using a smartphone.

  4. Avoid getting blocked or reported on WhatsApp while promoting affiliate offers.

Introduction

Many people think you must have a website to succeed in affiliate marketing. That is not true. In fact, in Africa, many successful affiliates use WhatsApp and social media funnels because they are easier, cheaper, and faster.

A funnel is simply a step-by-step path that moves someone from interest to action.

For example:
Facebook post → WhatsApp chat → Explanation → Registration → Payment

That is a funnel.

Funnels are important because they help you:

  • stay organized

  • build trust

  • guide people clearly

  • increase conversions

  • avoid looking like a spammer

In this lesson, you will learn four powerful funnels you can use without a website and how to promote safely without getting blocked on WhatsApp.

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1) WhatsApp Funnel (The Best for Africa)

WhatsApp is one of the strongest affiliate tools in Africa because it feels personal. People trust WhatsApp more than websites.

Simple WhatsApp Funnel

  1. Post content on Facebook/TikTok/Status

  2. Call to action: “Comment ‘INFO’ or DM me”

  3. Move interested people to WhatsApp chat

  4. Send explanation + proof + benefits

  5. Add them to a WhatsApp group (optional)

  6. Follow up and close the sale

Why it works

  • It creates personal connection

  • It allows questions and quick answers

  • It builds trust faster

  • It supports follow-up (which increases sales)

Best practice

Use WhatsApp as a “relationship tool,” not a link-spamming tool.

2) Telegram Funnel (Good for Large Communities)

Telegram is similar to WhatsApp but is better for large groups and broadcasting.

Telegram Funnel Example

  1. Traffic from Facebook/TikTok/YouTube

  2. Call to action: “Join my Telegram channel for free tips”

  3. Share value daily in Telegram

  4. Promote affiliate offers weekly

  5. Use pinned messages for offers

  6. Move serious buyers to WhatsApp for closing

Why Telegram is powerful

  • You can have thousands of members

  • You can broadcast without phone number exposure

  • People can join without disturbing you privately

  • Less risk of being blocked than WhatsApp

Weakness

Telegram has less personal trust than WhatsApp, so conversion may be slower.

3) Google Forms Funnel (Simple and Professional)

Google Forms is a free tool that makes you look organized and professional. It also helps you collect leads.

Google Forms Funnel Example

  1. Post: “Register for free training / get free guide”

  2. Link leads to Google Form

  3. Form collects:

    • name

    • phone number

    • country

    • interest level

  4. After submitting, form message says:
    “Click here to join WhatsApp group”

  5. You follow up with the people who registered

Why it works

  • It filters serious people

  • It helps you build a list

  • It looks official

  • It supports tracking and follow-up

Pro tip

This funnel is excellent for SkillBridge Institute affiliate marketing because it can be used like:

Facebook post → Google Form → WhatsApp group → Training → Registration

4) Linktree Funnel (The Smart Link Method)

Linktree (or similar tools) allows you to put multiple links in one place, especially for Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp status.

Linktree Funnel Example

  1. Put Linktree in your bio or status

  2. Inside Linktree, add:

    • Join WhatsApp group

    • Free training registration form

    • Course registration link

    • Testimonials

    • Contact link

Why it works

  • It organizes your offers

  • It reduces confusion

  • It makes you look professional

  • It prevents sending many links separately

Important

Do not place too many links. Keep it clean and focused.

5) How to Avoid Getting Blocked on WhatsApp

This is very important. WhatsApp blocks accounts that behave like spammers.

Here are world-class rules to stay safe:

Rule 1: Do not send links to strangers immediately

Instead, start with conversation first.

Bad approach:
“Hi, join this course. Here is the link.”

Good approach:
“Hi, I saw you commented on my post. Would you like the details?”

Rule 2: Avoid mass messaging

If you message 100 people the same text, WhatsApp may flag you.

Better option:
Use:

  • WhatsApp Status

  • WhatsApp groups

  • Broadcast lists (only for saved contacts)

Rule 3: Use value-first messaging

Always give something useful before asking them to buy.

Example:

  • a tip

  • a short explanation

  • a free mini guide

  • a short voice note

Rule 4: Ask for permission

Permission marketing is powerful.

Example:
“Can I share the registration details with you?”

This reduces reporting.

Rule 5: Keep your account healthy

  • Use a real profile photo

  • Use a real name

  • Write a short professional bio

  • Avoid changing numbers frequently

  • Avoid sending the same message repeatedly

Conclusion

You do not need a website to succeed in affiliate marketing. You can build powerful, phone-friendly funnels using WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Forms, and Linktree. The key is to guide people step-by-step from interest to action while building trust.

WhatsApp funnels are best for conversions in Africa because they feel personal, while Telegram helps with large communities. Google Forms makes you look professional and helps you collect leads, and Linktree helps you organize multiple offers.

Finally, always market ethically and avoid spam behavior to protect your WhatsApp account and grow long-term.

Course: Affiliate Marketing Mastery (SkillBridge Institute)

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  1. Understand the purpose of a landing page in affiliate marketing.

  2. Build a simple, high-converting landing page using Blogger, Google Sites, or Carrd.

  3. Know the essential elements that must be included to increase trust and conversions.

  4. Create a landing page that works on both mobile and desktop without technical complexity.

Introduction

A landing page is like your online shop window. It is the first place a potential customer sees when they click your affiliate link. A good landing page guides visitors, builds trust, and encourages them to take action — whether that’s joining a WhatsApp group, registering for a course, or buying a product.

Many beginners skip landing pages and share raw links directly. This often fails because visitors have no context, proof, or clear steps. Even a simple landing page can drastically increase conversions and make your affiliate business look professional, even if you only use free tools.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create high-converting landing pages using easy, free platforms.

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1) Blogger Landing Page

Blogger is a free and beginner-friendly platform that allows you to create pages and posts easily.

Steps to Create a Landing Page on Blogger

  1. Sign in to Blogger and create a new page (not a post).

  2. Give it a clear title related to your offer.

  3. Add your headline at the top: something simple and benefit-focused.

  4. Add your content:

    • Introduction: What the page is about

    • Benefits: What the visitor gains

    • Proof: Testimonials, screenshots, or certificates

    • Call-to-action: Link to WhatsApp, Google Form, or purchase page

  5. Customize with a simple template, clear fonts, and images.

  6. Preview and test on mobile before sharing.

Why Blogger Works

  • Easy to use and free

  • Good for beginners

  • Google-friendly for SEO

  • Works well with mobile traffic

2) Google Sites Landing Page

Google Sites allows you to create a professional-looking page with drag-and-drop simplicity.

Steps to Create a Landing Page on Google Sites

  1. Open Google Sites and choose a blank template.

  2. Add your headline and subheadline.

  3. Include sections for:

    • About the product or course

    • Benefits and key features

    • Testimonials or social proof

    • Call-to-action button

  4. Use buttons to link directly to WhatsApp groups, Google Forms, or payment links.

  5. Publish and copy the URL to share.

Why Google Sites Works

  • Mobile-friendly by default

  • Professional and trusted look

  • Easy to update anytime

  • Supports buttons, forms, and multimedia

3) Carrd Landing Page

Carrd is a simple tool to create modern, one-page landing pages with a clean design.

Steps to Create a Carrd Landing Page

  1. Sign up on Carrd.co and select a one-page template.

  2. Add your headline and subheadline.

  3. Include the following sections:

    • Problem + solution

    • Benefits of the product

    • Testimonials or social proof

    • Call-to-action (button or form)

  4. Customize colors and images to match your brand.

  5. Publish and share the URL.

Why Carrd Works

  • Visually appealing and modern

  • Works well on mobile devices

  • Free version is sufficient for beginners

  • Supports multiple buttons and forms

4) What Must Be Included on a Landing Page

No matter which platform you use, your landing page must include:

  1. Headline: Clear and benefit-focused (“Learn Affiliate Marketing in 7 Days”).

  2. Subheadline: Explains the headline in one sentence.

  3. Introduction: Short explanation of the product or training.

  4. Benefits: List what the visitor gains. Keep it simple and relatable.

  5. Proof / Testimonials: Screenshots, reviews, or certificates to build trust.

  6. Call-to-Action (CTA): A button or link guiding the visitor to WhatsApp, Google Form, or payment page.

  7. Visuals: Relevant images or icons that make the page appealing.

  8. Contact/Support Info (optional but recommended): Helps visitors feel safe.

Pro Tip: Less is more. A clean, simple, and focused landing page converts better than a cluttered, busy one.

Conclusion

Landing pages are essential for affiliate marketing because they build trust, explain value, and guide visitors to take action. Free tools like Blogger, Google Sites, and Carrd allow beginners to create professional pages without coding.

Always include a clear headline, benefits, proof, and a strong call-to-action. Test your landing page on mobile, keep it simple, and link it to your funnel — whether WhatsApp, Google Forms, or Linktree.

A well-crafted landing page transforms casual visitors into serious leads and increases your affiliate income while making your business appear professional and reliable.

Course: Affiliate Marketing Mastery (SkillBridge Institute)

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  1. Understand why follow-up is essential in affiliate marketing.

  2. Implement a 5-message WhatsApp follow-up sequence for leads.

  3. Create a 3-email mini-sequence to nurture and convert leads.

  4. Differentiate between trust-building messages and sales messages for maximum results.

Introduction

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make in affiliate marketing is thinking that one message is enough to sell. Most people do not buy on the first contact — they need time, trust, and reminders.

Follow-up is the secret weapon that turns interested leads into paying customers. Done correctly, it builds trust, answers questions, and encourages action without annoying your audience.

In this lesson, you will learn how to set up practical follow-up systems using WhatsApp and email. Even with a small audience, consistent follow-up dramatically increases conversions.

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1) Why Follow-Up Increases Sales

Follow-up works because most people do not act immediately. Reasons include:

  • They are busy or distracted.

  • They need to trust you first.

  • They want more clarity before buying.

  • They are comparing options.

Studies in marketing show that 80% of sales happen after 3–5 follow-ups. In affiliate marketing, follow-up ensures that your hard work in driving traffic does not go to waste.

Good follow-up balances value and offers. You do not just push links — you educate, engage, and guide your audience.

2) 5-Message WhatsApp Follow-Up Sequence

Here is a beginner-friendly WhatsApp follow-up system:

Message 1 — Welcome / Value

“Hi [Name], thank you for joining our group! Over the next few days, I will share practical tips on [your niche] to help you get results. Stay tuned!”

Message 2 — Educational Tip

“Did you know [short tip or insight]? This can help you improve your [skill/problem]. If you want a detailed guide, I have something that explains it fully: [link].”

Message 3 — Story / Testimonial

“Here’s how [Person X] applied this and saw results. You can achieve similar results if you follow the steps carefully. Check it here: [link].”

Message 4 — Soft Offer

“Many people in the group have asked how to start quickly. I recommend [affiliate product/course]. It is beginner-friendly and comes with full guidance: [link].”

Message 5 — Final Reminder

“Today is the last chance to join [product/course/training] at this round. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and start earning: [link].”

Pro Tips:

  • Keep messages short and friendly.

  • Mix value with offers; never spam.

  • Send messages at reasonable intervals (1–2 days apart).

3) 3-Email Mini Sequence

If you have email access, you can complement WhatsApp with a mini email sequence:

Email 1 — Welcome / Value

Subject: “Welcome! Here’s your free guide to [topic]”
Content: Introduce yourself, provide value, and explain what they can expect. Include your affiliate link subtly at the bottom.

Email 2 — Educational Content + Proof

Subject: “How [Skill/Tip] Can Change Your Results”
Content: Share a story, tip, or case study. Add a testimonial or screenshot. Include your affiliate link as part of the solution.

Email 3 — Offer / Urgency

Subject: “Last Chance to Get [Product/Training]”
Content: Remind them of the benefits, explain why acting now matters, and give clear steps to join/purchase. Include your link prominently.

4) Trust Messages vs Sales Messages

Trust Messages:

  • Build credibility and rapport

  • Share tips, insights, or personal stories

  • Do not ask for money directly

Sales Messages:

  • Clearly present the offer

  • Explain benefits, price, and instructions

  • Include call-to-action links

Rule: Maintain a ratio of about 3 trust messages for every 1–2 sales messages. People respond better when they feel supported, not sold to.

Conclusion

Follow-up is the lifeline of affiliate marketing. Most leads do not buy immediately, but with a structured WhatsApp and email follow-up system, you can nurture them into paying customers.

A simple 5-message WhatsApp sequence and 3-email mini-sequence balance value and offers while building trust. Differentiating trust messages from sales messages ensures your audience stays engaged and converts consistently.

Remember: affiliate marketing is a long-term relationship game — the more professional and helpful your follow-up, the higher your results.

Course: Affiliate Marketing Mastery (SkillBridge Institute)

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  1. Understand the SkillBridge Affiliate Funnel from start to finish.

  2. Set up a simple affiliate page or link → Google Form → WhatsApp group → course registration system.

  3. Use this system to generate leads, nurture them, and convert them into paying students.

  4. Track and manage your affiliates’ referrals in a professional way.

Introduction

SkillBridge Institute has created a simple, phone-friendly affiliate system designed to work without a website. It is built to help beginners in Africa promote courses effectively while keeping everything organized.

The system is called the Google Form → WhatsApp group funnel. It allows affiliates to generate leads, guide them through a WhatsApp group, provide value, and finally register them for courses. This funnel is highly practical because it is easy to set up, easy to follow, and works even with limited technology or small audiences.

In this lesson, you will learn how the funnel works step by step and how you can replicate it to promote SkillBridge courses professionally.

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1) Step 1: Affiliate Page / Link

Every SkillBridge affiliate gets a unique page or link that tracks their referrals. This is the first point of contact.

Purpose:

  • Direct potential students to a registration funnel

  • Track who brought the lead

  • Build credibility with a clean landing page

How to set it up:

  • Use Blogger, Google Sites, or Carrd to create a simple affiliate page.

  • Include:

    • A clear headline (“Join SkillBridge Institute’s Free Short Course Training”)

    • Benefits of the course

    • Testimonials or social proof

    • Call-to-action (CTA) button linking to the Google Form

This page becomes the anchor of your promotion. You can share it on WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

2) Step 2: Google Form (Collect Leads Professionally)

The Google Form collects important information from interested leads:

  • Full name

  • Phone number

  • Email (optional)

  • Area of interest or course choice

  • Affiliate code (to track the promoter)

Purpose:

  • Organizes leads in one place

  • Filters serious prospects from casual clickers

  • Ensures affiliates get credit for referrals

Tips for beginners:

  • Keep the form short and simple (no more than 5 fields)

  • Add a clear message after submission, e.g., “Thank you! Click the button below to join our WhatsApp group for the course.”

  • Include the affiliate code automatically if possible

3) Step 3: WhatsApp Group (Build Trust & Engage)

After submitting the Google Form, leads are directed to a WhatsApp group.

Purpose:

  • Nurture leads with value

  • Answer questions in real-time

  • Build trust before offering the course

  • Prepare leads to take action

Best practices:

  • Share tips, mini-lessons, and success stories daily

  • Avoid spamming links immediately

  • Encourage interaction and engagement

  • Assign a moderator if the group grows large

This step is crucial because people are more likely to register for courses after they trust you and see consistent value.

4) Step 4: Course Registration (Conversion)

The final step in the funnel is registration for the SkillBridge course.

Purpose:

  • Convert nurtured leads into paying or registered students

  • Track conversion rates for affiliates

  • Close the funnel in a simple, professional way

How it works:

  • Share the registration link in the WhatsApp group after building trust

  • Provide clear instructions for payment and course access

  • Optionally, follow up with reminders to non-registered leads

By the end of this step, the affiliate’s efforts are rewarded with properly tracked leads and commissions.

5) Benefits of This System

  1. No website needed: Everything works via free tools (Google Forms + WhatsApp).

  2. Easy tracking: Every lead is linked to an affiliate.

  3. Builds trust: Leads are nurtured before asking for registration.

  4. Simple to scale: Affiliates can share their unique links widely on multiple platforms.

  5. Professional appearance: Organized funnel builds credibility and encourages more sign-ups.

Conclusion

The SkillBridge Affiliate System is a world-class, practical, beginner-friendly funnel that anyone can use to generate leads and convert them into students. By following the steps — Affiliate Page → Google Form → WhatsApp Group → Course Registration — affiliates can:

  • Track leads effectively

  • Build trust with prospects

  • Provide value before selling

  • Earn commissions professionally

This system proves that you do not need a website, complex software, or a big audience to succeed in affiliate marketing. With consistency, follow-up, and ethical promotion, this funnel can become a reliable source of income and growth for both affiliates and SkillBridge Institute.

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