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Build A Smart Online Business From Scratch
Skip the scams, learn the skills you need, and grow at your own pace. This page is your launchpad – clear steps, smart tools, and real support to help you build a business you can run from anywhere.
Welcome to Smart Online Journey – I’m Mary, and I created this space to help beginners (especially those of us who aren’t 20-something tech wizards) navigate the world of online business without the hype.
My Quick Story
I’ve been self-employed for decades in the travel industry, and along the way I started experimenting with affiliate marketing, blogging and other digital projects. But when it came to building an actual online business, I had no idea where to begin.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that affiliate marketing was even a thing – that I could earn a commission from Amazon instead of just being the one filling my cart (and paying for it!). That lightbulb moment sent me looking for a place to learn the ropes.
That’s where Wealthy Affiliate came in. It gave me the tools, the training, and most importantly, the community that turned all the “what-ifs” into “I can actually do this.”
This post is your starting point. If you’re curious about creating a Plan B income stream, want to explore affiliate marketing, or just want to build something online that you control – you’re in the right place.
Who This Page Is For
- The curious beginner who wants to test the waters of affiliate marketing
- You’re curious about online income but don’t know where to start.
- You want honest guidance, not “get rich quick” promises.
- The small business owner who knows they need to be online but isn’t sure how
- The not-quite-retired (or already retired!) folks looking for a next act income
- And honestly, anyone who just wants to learn how to make the digital world work for them instead of the other way around
3 Simple Steps to Start
This is the same process I recommend to every beginner (and even to peeps who have been around for a while) – and it’s exactly what you’ll learn inside Wealthy Affiliate.
Step 1 – Find Your Niche & Get Online
Pick an idea you’re passionate about (or curious to learn more about). With WA’s tools, you can have your first website live in less than 24 hours – no tech degree required. Your first website will look better than your cousin’s 2002 My Space page, I promise.
Step 2 – Customize & Create
Shape your site to fit your vision. Learn how to create content that attracts readers, builds trust, and grows into income. You’ll pick up new skills as you go, with training that’s easy to follow. And no worries – you’ll pick things up faster than you learned Zoom in 2020.
Step 3 – Grow At Your Own Pace
You can start your site as a side hustle, then scale it into something bigger if you choose. There’s no deadline – you set the speed, and your business grows with you – no boss breathing down your neck here.
Why Wealthy Affiliate?
Wealthy Affiliate is my #1 recommendation for getting started online, because it’s the one place I’ve found that combines everything you need to start an online business, including:
- Step-by-step training
- Website hosting + tools all in one place
- A community that answers questions in minutes, not days
- New features like built-in AI credits to help you create content faster
If you want to see the full breakdown of what’s included, check out my Wealthy Affiliate Review.
I recommend Wealthy Affiliate because it’s the one place I’ve found that combines everything you need to start, run and grow an online business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business & Affiliate Marketing
Can I really get started with affiliate marketing for free?
With Wealthy Affiliate’s free Starter membership, you can launch your first website, follow beginner-friendly lessons, and test the waters without spending a dime. Upgrades are available later if you want more features.
I’m not tech savvy – can I really do this?
Yes. If you can follow simple step-by-step instructions, you can build a site. WA provides the website builder, hosting, and training, so you’re never left scratching your head over code or confusing jargon. Honestly? If you can post a vacation photo to Facebook, you’ve got the skills to get started.
How quickly can I make money?
It depends on your effort, consistency, and niche. Some people see their first commission in a few months, while for others it takes longer. The key is to treat it like a business, not a lottery ticket – steady action leads to results.
What about scams? How do I avoid them?
Most scams promise overnight riches or “push button” success. Real online businesses take time and effort. That’s why I stick with platforms like Wealthy Affiliate that let you try before you buy and give you community support every step of the way.
What makes Wealthy Affiliate stand out?
It’s the all-in-one package: training, website hosting, keyword tools, AI credits, and a built-in support network. Instead of piecing together a dozen subscriptions, everything is under one roof and updated to reflect the latest online trends.
Am I too old to start this?
Absolutely not. If you’re old enough to remember dial-up internet, you’re more than qualified. If I can do this, so can you! Many WA members are building sites after retirement, while others are juggling side hustles alongside full-time jobs. The training is beginner-friendly at any age – all you need is the willingness to learn and apply.
Ready to Turn Your Blog Into Income?
When I first learned Amazon could pay me instead of me just paying them (hello, Prime addiction 👋), I realized the online world had more opportunities than I ever imagined.
Wealthy Affiliate gives you the training, tools, and strategies to do the same – turning your blog or business idea into something that actually earns. No gimmicks, no hype, just a proven system you can follow at your own pace.
Start free with Wealthy Affiliate and see how fun it is when the internet starts paying you back.
Let’s Be Real
Starting something online isn’t always glamorous. There will be head-scratching moments, tech tangles, and days when you wonder why you didn’t just stick with Sudoku. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go it alone.
This is why I suggest that you join the Wealthy Affiliate Community.
I’ll be here with you – sharing what works, what doesn’t, and keeping it real along the way. In fact, here’s my profile inside the WA system, where I will help coach you to success. I’m known as Mary-Elle there 🙂
Ready to Begin Your Affiliate Marketing Journey?
You don’t need a perfect plan to start. You just need to take the first step. Wealthy Affiliate gave me the tools, training, and community to stop spinning my wheels and actually build something real. Setup your free account now, and I’ll see you on the other side.