My Starter Toolkit
My Starter Toolkit for Affiliate Marketing Beginners
When I started, I wasted months trying too many tools at once. This page shows the simple setup I actually use — one tool at a time, added only when you’re ready.
Where Are You Right Now?
Don’t use every tool on this page. Use the right tool for your stage.
STAGE 1 — Just Starting
You have zero setup
Start with Systeme.io only. Build one landing page. Collect your first 10 emails. That’s it.
Go to Step 1 →STAGE 2 — Building Your Site
You have a niche, need a website
Get hosting (Hostinger or ExonHost), set up WordPress, and keep Systeme.io for funnels.
Go to Step 2 →STAGE 3 — Writing Content
You have a site, need traffic
Now add an SEO tool. Start with Ubersuggest. Add LowFruits when you’re ready to get serious.
Go to Step 3 →The One Tool I Recommend to Every Beginner
I wasted time trying to connect separate tools for email, landing pages, and automations. If I were starting today, I’d use just one system from day one.
Systeme.io
Build your funnels, collect emails, and automate follow-ups — all in one place. No tech setup. No monthly pressure. Free plan up to 2,000 contacts.
Not ideal if: you already manage large email lists (10,000+) or need enterprise-level automation. At that stage, compare it with Mailchimp — I wrote a full comparison here.
Quick questions about Systeme.io
Is the free plan really free forever?
Yes. Systeme.io’s free plan doesn’t expire and doesn’t require a credit card. You get up to 2,000 contacts, 3 funnels, and email automation at no cost. I’ve covered exactly what’s included in my pricing breakdown post.
How does Systeme.io actually work for beginners?
You build a simple landing page, add an opt-in form, and set up an automated email sequence — all inside one dashboard. No connecting separate tools. I wrote a full beginner’s guide to how it works if you want a step-by-step walkthrough.
Does Systeme.io have a mobile app?
It does not have a dedicated native app, but it works well on mobile browsers. I tested this and wrote about it in detail — read my answer here.
Can I use a custom domain on the free plan?
Yes — one custom domain is included on the free plan. If you get a 404 error after connecting your domain, I’ve documented the exact fix in my troubleshooting guide.
Choosing the Right Hosting
Hosting is the base of your website. You don’t need the “best” on day one — you need something that fits where you are right now.
I started with ExonHost (local, affordable), then moved to Hostinger when I started targeting global traffic. Both paths are valid — it depends on your audience.
What I Use Now
Hostinger
I moved to Hostinger when my site outgrew ExonHost and I needed faster servers for global visitors. Beginner-friendly dashboard, one-click WordPress, and room to scale.
- Global data centers — faster for USA, UK, EU visitors
- Beginner-friendly hPanel control panel
- One-click WordPress installation
- Host multiple websites on one plan
Best for: English blogs targeting global traffic and long-term growth
👉 Start with Hostinger
ExonHost
This is where I started. Local BDIX routing means faster speeds for Bangladesh visitors. Easy bKash payment and a local support team that understands your context.
- Local BDIX routing — fast for Bangladesh visitors
- bKash and local payment options
- Regional support team in your language
- Predictable, stable renewal pricing
Best for: Beginners in Bangladesh targeting local audiences
👉 Start with ExonHost| What Matters | Hostinger | ExonHost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | ~$1.99/mo (intro) | ~BDT 600/mo (~$2.83/mo) |
| Renewal price | Higher after intro (~$8.99–16.99/mo) | Generally stable, fewer surprises |
| Storage | ~20 GB SSD on entry plan | ~5–10 GB NVMe SSD |
| Speed — global | ✓ Fast Winner | Limited international reach |
| Speed — Bangladesh | Acceptable | ✓ Fast (BDIX) Winner |
| Payment options | Card, PayPal, international | ✓ bKash, local methods Winner |
| Support | 24/7 live chat | Local language support |
| Best for | Global English blogs | Bangladesh-focused sites |
Quick questions about hosting
Should I start with Hostinger or ExonHost?
It depends on your audience. If you’re writing for readers in Bangladesh, ExonHost is faster and cheaper locally. If you want to target global readers (USA, UK, EU), Hostinger is the better long-term choice. I compared both in detail — read my full comparison.
Can I switch hosting later without losing my site?
Yes. I moved from ExonHost to Hostinger and it took less than an hour. I documented the full migration process in my Hostinger setup guide.
Do I need Systeme.io AND hosting?
Not necessarily on day one. If you’re at Stage 1, start with Systeme.io only — it can host your landing page without any separate hosting. Only get hosting when you’re ready to build a full WordPress blog. I explain this difference in my website build guide.
SEO & Keyword Tools
Don’t rush into SEO tools. Write first. Learn second. Add tools only when you have at least 5–10 published posts and want to grow traffic intentionally.
Use after 5–10 posts
Ubersuggest
The first SEO tool I recommend. It helped me understand what people actually search for — and one long-tail keyword I found here brought my first 100 visitors from a single post.
- Find keyword ideas and monthly search volume
- Site audit to spot basic SEO issues
- Free plan available — no upfront cost
- Much cheaper than Ahrefs or Semrush
Best for: Learning keyword research basics without overwhelm
👉 Try UbersuggestUse after Ubersuggest
LowFruits
Not a beginner tool — but powerful once you know the basics. I use it to find keywords where weak pages are ranking, meaning a new post has a real chance to compete.
- Find keywords with weak competition in top results
- Spot ranking opportunities competitors miss
- Ideal for niche and affiliate content sites
- Pay-per-use credits — no monthly lock-in
Best for: Validating keyword competition before writing
👉 Try LowFruitsQuick questions about SEO tools
Do I need a paid SEO tool as a beginner?
No. Ubersuggest has a free plan and I also wrote a guide on doing keyword research for free without any paid tool. Start there first.
How is Ubersuggest different from Ahrefs?
Ahrefs is more powerful but costs $129+/month. Ubersuggest is far more affordable and simpler — perfect for beginners who just need keyword ideas and basic traffic data. I compare both tools in my full Ubersuggest guide.
When should I add LowFruits to my workflow?
Once you’ve written 10+ posts and understand what keywords are, LowFruits helps you go deeper — finding specific gaps where you can rank faster. It’s a pay-per-use tool, so you’re not locked into a monthly subscription.
What Comes After This?
The toolkit gets you set up. These resources help you move forward — from writing your first post to building your first funnel.
LEARN THE MODEL
Affiliate marketing guide
Understand how the whole system works before building anything. Start here if you haven’t already.
Read the guide →BUILD YOUR LIST
Start your email list on day 1
The biggest mistake I made early on was skipping the email list. Don’t wait — start collecting emails from your very first visitor.
Read the guide →STAY CONSISTENT
My 2-hour after-work routine
Working a full-time job? This is exactly how I fit affiliate marketing into my day without burning out.
Read the guide →You Don’t Need Everything Today
This toolkit is not a checklist. It’s a path. I didn’t use all of these tools on day one — I added them only when I felt stuck or needed them.
No race. No pressure. Just progress — at your own pace.