How to Promote Affiliate Links Without Ads

5 Free Traffic Strategies I Used to Make My First Affiliate Sale Without Spending a Dime.

When I started affiliate marketing, I had no email list, no audience, and definitely no ad budget. I remember googling “how to get traffic to affiliate links without ads” more times than I can count. Most answers were either vague or required resources I didn’t have.

So I decided to test things myself. What follows is a playbook of the exact strategies I used. I still use them to get traffic to my affiliate links without spending a dime. If you’re starting from scratch like I was, these five strategies are your new best friends.

Why I Stopped Chasing Ads
I spent weeks trying to learn Facebook Ads. I lost money faster than I could make it back. That’s when I realized: I needed to build a foundation first. Traffic that didn’t depend on budget or algorithms. The methods below helped me gain traction and, most importantly, confidence.

1. Answer Questions on Quora or Reddit

Why it works:
People are literally asking for help, so if you’re helpful, they’ll click your links.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to Quora and Reddit.
2. Create an account and add a simple bio like:
   “Helping beginners learn online stuff the easy way.”
3. Use the search bar and type beginner-friendly stuff like:
   • “How to make money online”
   • “Affiliate marketing without a website”
   • “Free traffic methods”
4. Sort by recent or hot posts.
5. Read the question fully.
6. Write a helpful answer. Be honest and talk like a human, not a robot.
7. Add your affiliate link only if it fits naturally. Or better: link to a blog post with the link inside.
8. Track which posts get views using a Google Sheet with columns like:
   • Platform
   • Link
   • Views
   • Clicks (if you can track them)

Extra Tip: Add value even without links. Trust builds clicks

2. Write Blog Posts That Solve Beginner Problems

Why it works:
People Google the exact stuff you’ve been Googling—so just write the answers for them.

Step-by-Step:

1. Start with Substack or Blogger they’re free to use, and people can read your posts without any paywalls.
2. Set up a simple account and add a bio like:
   “Sharing free beginner tips for folks figuring this out like I did.”
3. Use Ubersuggest to find out what people are searching for (e.g., “how to promote affiliate links without ads”).
4. Write a post using plain English. Keep it real like you’re talking to a friend.
5. Insert your affiliate links naturally where it makes sense, not forced.
6. Wrap up your post with a soft nudge like:
   “Here’s what I’m using if you wanna check it out [LINK].”
7. Publish and share it on your social platforms.

3. Use Pinterest to Share Free Tips

Why it works:
Pinterest isn’t just recipes, it’s a long-term traffic machine.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to Pinterest and make a business account.
2. Go to Canva and choose the “Pinterest Pin” template.
3. Design a simple pin. Use bold titles like:
   • “5 Free Ways to Get Traffic Without Ads”
   • “Affiliate Tips for Beginners”
4. Include a blog post link or landing page link.
5. Write a quick description under the pin:
   “Learn how I promote affiliate stuff without spending a penny.”
6. Pin it to your new board. Name your board something helpful like:
   Free Traffic Tips
7. Repeat weekly. One blog post = 3 different pin designs.

Bonus Tip: Join a few group boards (search “affiliate marketing group board”) and pin there too.

4. Post Short Videos on TikTok, YouTube Shorts & Reels

Why it works:
Short videos are fast, free, and reach new people daily.

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose a quick tip (just one). For example:
   “One site that helped me get traffic with zero followers.”
2. Open your camera app or use the in-app camera in TikTok.
3. Keep it under 60 seconds. No fancy editing needed.
4. Add text overlays like:
   “No list? No problem. Try this.”
5. End with a quick CTA:
   “Link in bio” or “See my profile for the free guide.”
6. Post that same video on all 3 platforms: TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.
7. Do it 2 or 3 times a week to start.

Tip: It’s okay to be awkward. People love real over polished.

5. Build an Email List with a Simple Freebie

Why it works:
Social media is loud. Email is where people actually read.

Step-by-Step:

1. Write a quick freebie like:
   “5 Beginner Traffic Tips That Actually Work.”
   Use Google Docs or Canva to make it look nice.
2. Use Systeme.io to create:
   • A landing page
   • A form to collect emails
   • A thank-you page
3. Write 3 emails:
   • Email 1: Welcome and link to freebie
   • Email 2: A personal story and helpful tip
   • Email 3: A tool or strategy with your affiliate link
4. Share your freebie everywhere:
   • Pinterest pins
   • Your blog
   • Your social media bio

Bonus Tip: Keep your emails casual like texting a friend.

Wrap-Up: You’re Closer Than You Think

I used to think you needed a bunch of tools and cash to make this work.
But you really don’t.

You just need the will to try one thing and stick with it long enough to see results.

Pick a method above. Set a timer for 30 minutes a day.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up.

You’ve got this. 💪