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Why I Wouldn't Start Affiliate Marketing in 2025 (And What I'd Do Instead)

Jan 01, 2025 - ahrefs.com
The article discusses the declining viability of starting a pure affiliate site in 2025, highlighting several reasons for this trend. It points out that Google increasingly favors platforms like Reddit over independent publishers for affiliate keywords, often resulting in spammy content outranking more deserving niche sites. Additionally, the rise of AI-generated content and the dominance of large brands in search results have further marginalized smaller affiliate sites. The author also notes a shift in consumer behavior, with people increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube for product recommendations instead of Google, due to the perceived lack of trustworthy content in search results.

The article suggests that Google's potential use of AI to recommend products directly in search results could further diminish the role of affiliate marketers. Instead of pursuing affiliate marketing, the author recommends exploring ecommerce opportunities, citing the success of entrepreneurs like Ash Young. The article provides a brief guide on using Ahrefs to identify low-competition ecommerce niches, emphasizing the potential for success with basic SEO strategies in these areas.

Key takeaways:

  • Google's search algorithm changes have made it difficult for independent affiliate sites to rank, favoring platforms like Reddit and large brands instead.
  • Trust in Google's product recommendations is declining, with users increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube for genuine reviews.
  • AI-generated content and sophisticated SEO strategies by big brands are contributing to the challenges faced by smaller affiliate sites.
  • Switching to ecommerce is suggested as a more viable alternative to affiliate marketing, with opportunities to find low-competition niches using tools like Ahrefs.
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