Extra Income with Affiliates: How to Start from Scratch Using Instagram

25 de março de 2026 · 5 min

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a business model where you promote products from other companies and earn a commission on each sale made through your personalized link. You don’t need to have your own product, inventory, logistics, or after-sales service — all of this is the responsibility of the company selling the product.

It’s the most accessible way to start making money online in 2026. With a smartphone and an Instagram account, you can start today, without significant investment.

Why is affiliate marketing ideal for extra income?

Minimal investment

Unlike starting a traditional business, which requires capital, a commercial location, and inventory, affiliate marketing starts with an investment close to zero. All you need is a cell phone, internet, and willingness to create content.

Flexible hours

You define when you work. Ideal for those with a fixed job, students, or caregivers. Many affiliates dedicate only 1-2 hours a day and generate significant results.

Scalability

Your content on Instagram works for you 24 hours a day. A post published today can generate sales for months. With automation, the process is even more efficient.

No earning limit

There is no salary cap. Your earnings grow proportionally to the volume of content, engagement, and automation you apply.

Step by step to start from scratch

Step 1: Choose your niche

Don’t sell everything. Choose an area that combines your interests with market demand:

• Do you like technology? → gadgets and accessories
• Love skincare? → beauty products
• Are you organized? → home organization products
• Do you like to read? → book recommendations
• Do you exercise? → equipment and supplements

Step 2: Create your Instagram profile

Set up a business account focused on your niche:

• Name: "Ofertas Tech | [Your Name]"
• Bio: "[What you do] | [Benefit for the follower] | [CTA]"
• Photo: face or professional logo

Step 3: Sign up for affiliate programs

Start with at least 2 platforms:

• Shopee: easy registration, good commissions in fashion
• Amazon: reliable brand, good for books and electronics
• Mercado Livre: largest variety in Brazil
• Magalu: excellent for appliances

Step 4: Create your first contents

Start with 3-5 posts per week. Ideal formats for beginners:

• 15-30 second Reels showcasing products
• Carousels with lists ("5 finds under R$50")
• Daily Stories with offers and behind-the-scenes

Step 5: Set up automation

The sooner you set up automation, the faster you scale your results. InstaNinja allows followers to receive links automatically via DM when they comment on your posts — eliminating the bottleneck of responding manually.

Step 6: Analyze and optimize

Track which posts generate the most sales and replicate the format. Use Instagram Insights to understand what...