Affiliate marketing isn't just for influencers or tech gurus—it can be a rewarding hobby that you and your partner enjoy together. Whether you're looking to earn some extra cash, learn new skills, or simply bond over a shared project, affiliate marketing offers a flexible and creative outlet. In this article, we'll explore three fantastic tools that make it easy to start: ExpressVPN for secure browsing, BlogToPin for automated Pinterest growth, and Benable for creating shareable recommendation lists. Let's dive in!
Why Affiliate Marketing Makes a Great Couple's Hobby
Working on something together strengthens communication and teamwork. Affiliate marketing lets you leverage each other's strengths—maybe one of you loves writing while the other is great with visuals or analytics. Plus, it's low-risk: you can start with free or low-cost tools, and there's no pressure to make a full-time income. It's about exploration, learning, and celebrating small wins together.
1. Stay Secure with ExpressVPN
Before you dive into affiliate marketing, privacy and security are paramount. You'll be researching products, joining affiliate networks, and sharing links across the web. Using a VPN protects your online activity from prying eyes and allows you to research geo-restricted products or services. ExpressVPN is a top-tier choice. It offers blazing-fast speeds, a strict no-logs policy, and apps for all devices. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously—perfect for a couple's laptops and phones. Their 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it risk-free. A pro tip: the best value is the 2-year plan (around $3.39/month), but watch for the renewal price after the term ends. Once installed, enable the kill switch for extra protection.
2. Automate Your Pinterest Growth with BlogToPin
Pinterest is a goldmine for affiliate marketers. You can create pins for your affiliate products or blog posts and drive traffic for months. But manual pinning is time-consuming. That's where BlogToPin comes in. This automation tool lets you schedule pins for hundreds of your pages in just one click. It generates unique titles and descriptions using AI, automatically picks the best board for each pin, and even imports your favorite Canva templates. You can set it up in minutes and watch your organic reach grow. It's perfect for couples: one person can create the content, the other can set up the automation.
3. Create Curated Lists with Benable
Benable is a unique platform that allows you to create and share lists of your favorite things—books, gadgets, travel gear, anything—and earn commissions when people buy through your links. It's like a social, list-based affiliate marketing tool. You can build themed lists (e.g., "Date Night Essentials" or "Home Office Setup") and share them via a single link. Benable is free to join (skip the waitlist with the link!), and you earn from over 40,000 brands. It's a fun way to collaborate: you and your partner can brainstorm list ideas, add products you both love, and watch your influence grow.
How to Get Started Together
1. Set up your security: Sign up for ExpressVPN and install it on both your devices. This ensures your research and link sharing remain private.
2. Choose your niche: Pick a topic you both enjoy—maybe travel, fitness, or home decor. Start a simple blog or use a list on Benable.
3. Automate Pinterest: Use BlogToPin to schedule pins linking to your Benable lists or blog posts. The AI features save you hours.
4. Share and earn: Promote your Benable list link on social media or in relevant communities. Track your commissions and reinvest in more tools.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing as a hobby can bring you closer together while building a passive income stream. With tools like ExpressVPN for security, BlogToPin for automation, and Benable for easy list creation, you have everything you need. Start small, have fun, and celebrate each milestone as a team. Happy earning!