Exploring the Various Business Models Covered in the Courses

From affiliate marketing to digital products, I’m testing a variety of online business models to see what works. Here’s an overview of the models I’ll explore, why I’m starting with affiliate marketing, and the lessons I hope to learn along the way.
Business model on whiteboard
Photo by Slidebean / Unsplash

As I dive into my dad’s collection of courses, one thing becomes clear: there are countless ways to build an online business. From affiliate marketing to digital products, each model offers unique opportunities and challenges.

To make the most of this journey, I’m starting with the business models that resonate most with me and the resources I already have. Here’s an overview of the models I’ll be exploring, why I’m prioritizing some over others, and what I hope to learn along the way.


The Business Models I’ll Explore

1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale.

  • Why I’m Trying It: It’s beginner-friendly and allows me to recommend tools and resources I genuinely use.
  • Challenges: Standing out in a crowded space and ensuring I only promote high-quality products.

2. Print on Demand
Print on demand lets you design and sell custom products like t-shirts or mugs without handling inventory.

  • Why I’m Trying It: Low startup cost and creative freedom.
  • Challenges: Finding designs that resonate with customers and managing profit margins.

3. Digital Products
Creating and selling eBooks, templates, or courses based on my knowledge and journey.

  • Why I’m Trying It: Scalable and directly tied to the insights I’m gaining from this process.
  • Challenges: Balancing creation time with delivering value.

4. Freelancing and Consulting
Using my skills to provide services or advice to clients.

  • Why I’m Considering It: It’s a fast way to generate income while building my expertise.
  • Challenges: Time-intensive and not as scalable as other models.

5. E-Commerce and Dropshipping
Selling physical products online, with dropshipping allowing me to avoid holding inventory.

  • Why I’m Considering It: The potential for steady, recurring income.
  • Challenges: Competition and reliance on third-party suppliers.

Why I’m Starting Here

I’m focusing on affiliate marketing and digital products first because:

  • They Align with My Strengths: Writing, creating content, and recommending tools I use.
  • Low Initial Investment: These models allow me to start without significant upfront costs.
  • Scalability: They have the potential to grow with my audience over time.

Other models, like freelancing or dropshipping, may come later as I learn more and refine my approach.


Acknowledging What I Don’t Know

Not every model will work for me, and that’s okay. Part of this journey is testing, learning, and figuring out what aligns best with my skills, resources, and goals.

Some models might surprise me, while others might not deliver the results I expect. But every experiment will teach me something valuable—and that’s a win in itself.


What’s Next?

Next, I’ll dive deeper into affiliate marketing, my starting point for this journey. I’ll share how I’m setting up my first campaigns, what tools I’m using, and how I’ll measure success. Stay tuned as I put these business models to the test!

About the author
Aly Macklin

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