Let’s be real — most people dream of making money online without spending hours glued to a screen. The good news? That dream isn’t as far-fetched as you think. In fact, the 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing are simple enough that even beginners can start today, and smart enough to scale into serious income over time.
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1. Pay for Instagram Shoutouts

Want a shortcut to attention without spending months building a following? Try paying for shoutouts on popular Instagram theme pages. It’s as simple as finding a page with a large following (you can use platforms like Shoutcart.com), paying a fee, and having them promote your page with your affiliate link in the bio. People click, some buy, and boom—you earn.
It’s a fast-track option for those who want results without running a content marathon. This method is one of the 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing offers for folks who just want to “plug and profit.”
2. Promote Recurring Affiliate Software
If you want lazy income that keeps flowing, promoting software tools with monthly recurring commissions is where it’s at. Tools like Pictory (for AI video editing), Snappa (for image creation), or VidIQ (for YouTube growth) offer recurring payouts. That means you do the work once—someone signs up—and you could be getting paid every single month for years.
A student of mine makes over $1,000 a month doing just this, by sharing affiliate links in his YouTube video descriptions. It’s one of those 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing thrives on—minimal effort, long-term reward.
3. Build a Simple Opt-in Page
Want to make your affiliate business work on autopilot? Use tools like Kajabi or ClickFunnels to create a basic opt-in page. Offer something free like a PDF guide (“7 Niches to Make Money on YouTube Without Showing Your Face” is a good one), and in exchange, collect emails.
Why is this powerful? Because you’re building an email list you can market to over and over again—without spending extra on traffic. It’s another lazy but super-effective move under the umbrella of 6 laziest ways to make money online affiliate marketing.
4. Turn Your Email List into a Passive ATM
Once you’ve got an email list, don’t let it just sit there. Send them value-packed emails with affiliate product recommendations. The beauty of this? One email blast can earn hundreds or even thousands in commissions—and you don’t need a big list to start seeing results.
This method is not only simple, but it also works while you sleep. That’s why it fits perfectly into the 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing path.
5. Create and Promote Your Own Digital Product

Okay, this one takes a tiny bit more effort up front—but it’s still a lazy genius move. If you’ve got any niche knowledge, package it into a short video course or eBook. Use platforms like Kajabi, Digistore24, or ClickBank to host it, and let other affiliates promote your product.
You make money from sales and affiliates do the heavy lifting. It’s a great hack that blends product ownership with passive affiliate income—and yes, it’s part of the 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing strategy if you’re thinking long term.
6. Use YouTube as a Semi-Passive Traffic Machine
YouTube is the gift that keeps on giving. Videos you upload today can earn views—and commissions—for years. Start a faceless YouTube channel around software reviews or “best tools” lists. Use AI video creators if you’re camera shy. Then drop affiliate links in the description and let the traffic roll in.
This is one of those sneaky-smart ways to stay lazy while building a real income. No daily grind, no ongoing effort. It’s hands-down one of the 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing has to offer if you’re looking for a long-term passive win.
Final Thoughts
Making money online doesn’t have to mean grinding 24/7. With the 6 laziest ways to make money online with affiliate marketing, you can start small and scale smarter—not harder. Whether you go all-in on shoutouts, email marketing, YouTube, or software promotions, just know this: lazy doesn’t mean ineffective. Sometimes, it’s just being smart with your time.
Want help picking the best lazy method for you? Drop a comment or ask a question—happy to help you get started!
FAQs
1. Can you make $100 a day with affiliate marketing?
Yes, you can make $100 a day with affiliate marketing by promoting the right products consistently.
It typically requires building traffic through platforms like YouTube, blogs, or email marketing.
With time and strategy, $100/day becomes a realistic and sustainable goal.
2. What is the easiest affiliate program to make money?
Amazon Associates is one of the easiest due to its wide range of products and brand trust.
It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for content creators already recommending products.
While the commissions are lower, conversions are high because people already shop on Amazon.
3. Can you really make money online with affiliate marketing?
Yes, affiliate marketing is a legit and proven way to earn income online.
People make anywhere from a few dollars to six figures per month depending on effort and strategy.The key is promoting quality products to the right audience.
4. Which is the highest paying affiliate program?
Programs like Kinsta, HubSpot, and ClickFunnels offer some of the highest payouts. These often provide commissions in the hundreds per sale or recurring monthly payouts.High-ticket or software-based programs tend to be the most profitable.
5. Which affiliate niche is most profitable?
Finance, software (SaaS), and health & wellness are among the most profitable niches. They offer high commissions and often involve recurring subscription models. These niches also attract loyal, long-term customers.
6. How much does an Amazon affiliate pay?
Amazon’s affiliate program pays between 1% and 10% depending on the product category. For example, electronics are around 3%, while luxury beauty can be up to 10%. Although the commission rates are low, volume and trust make it worth it for many.