Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles on the Doug.Show

I talk about a few business models I’d consider if I was starting over in 2026. $500K in 2 Years Esty Print on Demand DS550 Giftlab I’m an affiliate for all of the above, so if you buy something, I may get a commission. Thanks! Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 intro 03:43 Idea #1: Print-on-Demand Digital Products 07:59 Idea #2: SEO Skills → AI Search 12:49 Don’t Oversell 17:27 Ideas #3–4: Content Creation + Newsletters 24:13 Last Idea: Building Software with AI Tools 28:24 Reality Check: 31:14 Wrap-Up

I’m not that good and just got lucky. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Luck, Survivorship Bias & Why Success Stories Mislead 02:39 Georgie the Needy Dog (Quick Detour) 03:28 Starting in 2013: Early SEO Wins and “Simpler Times” 05:40 AI Changes Everything: Fake Podcasts, Better Content, More Competition 08:39 Others Don’t See Their Luck Either: Interviews & Coaching Wake-Up Call 09:20 When the Game Changed: Google Updates, AI, and Sites Going to Zero 11:49 Types of Luck: Timing, Platforms, and Getting in Early 14:15 You Only Need a Few Wins: Small Shop, Consistency, and Pivoting 18:28 What I’m Actually Good At: Finishing Projects (and Quitting When Needed) 22:43 Ranking Revolution Case Study: When Timing Is Off 24:38 Actionable Takeaway: Create More Chances to Get Lucky 29:57 Final Thoughts: Show Up, Take Action, and a Missed AI Opportunity 32:31 Wrap-Up & Thanks (Georgie Finally Sleeps)

I published over 900 podcast episodes. I learned a few things along the way. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:47 The Importance of Quantity Over Quality 08:05 Value of Personal Perspective 10:14 Audio Quality Matters 13:55 Guest Appearances and Inflection Points 16:54 The Power of Editing 18:42 Batching Content for Efficiency 22:11 Handling Audience Feedback 27:25 The Role of Intro and Outro Music 29:35 Niche Down but Stay Flexible 32:29 One-Take Approach and Final Thoughts

This is an old fashioned catch up. I talk about cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, and some YouTube advertising updates. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Intro 02:33 Doug’s Coffee Journey 06:46 Moist January 11:10 Podcast Sponsorship & Listener Support 19:05 YouTube Ads & Subscriber Growth 26:06 Conclusion & Teaser for Next Episode

I give you 7 ideas for being successful online. Brought to you by Semrush Affiliate Program Promote the Semrush Affiliate Program, which offers high commissions (up to $300 per sale) and a long 120-day cookie window, by highlighting their new AI Visibility Toolkit that solves the current business pain point of tracking brand presence on AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:29 Think Long Term 08:32 Incremental Stair Step Approach 15:23 SEMrush Affiliate Program 17:56 Avoid Burnout 24:12 Focus on Revenue Drivers 28:56 Take Action Over Research 34:08 Learn from Others’ Mistakes 36:28 Don’t Copy End Stage Giants 39:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

I’ve been working online, self employed for over 10 years. Here are some things I’ve learned.

Set goals for the year and use project management to get it done! (Okay, think of it like a New Years Resolution…) Brought to you by Semrush Affiliate Program Promote the Semrush Affiliate Program, which offers high commissions (up to $300 per sale) and a long 120-day cookie window, by highlighting their new AI Visibility Toolkit that solves the current business pain point of tracking brand presence on AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. Get the download! It’s a checklist of some of the ideas in the episode. It is basically a one-pager of show notes. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613

I give a short update on upcoming episodes. Then, I talk to Emily Odio-Sutton to discuss running a successful print on demand business on Etsy. Emily shares her journey of transitioning to full-time self-employment and the adjustments she made to manage her time effectively. $500K in 2 Years Esty Print on Demand DS550 Giftlab I’m an affiliate for all of the above, so if you buy something, I may get a commission. Thanks! Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Introduction 12:48 Adjusting to Full-Time Self-Employment 17:32 Business Performance and Strategies 19:29 The Giftable Concept on Etsy 35:23 Balancing Variety and Cohesion in Your Etsy Shop 39:54 Focusing on Niche Markets and Product Expertise 42:53 Exploring New Products and Creative Opportunities 53:18 Adapting to Market Changes and Future Plans

I tell you how to calculate your Net Worth, and why tracking this one number is a great idea. Check out my podcasting and youtube gear *I’m an affiliate so I get a commission if you buy something. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Introduction 00:29 The Importance of Calculating Net Worth 05:04 Steps to Calculate Your Net Worth 09:19 Tracking Your Financial Progress 11:19 Working with a Financial Advisor 15:21 Guitar Talk: 1933 Kalamazoo KG 11

I failed, but was I really trying? Here’s what to do instead… Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course. Check out my podcasting and youtube gear *I’m an affiliate so I get a commission if you buy something. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Intro 02:16 Reflecting on 2025 Goals 03:45 Apple Watch Story and Fitness Insights 06:23 Reading and Journaling Habits 16:50 Guitar Adventures and Musical Growth 23:39 Thoughts on AI and Conclusion

I catch up with Shawna Newman to discuss her latest adventures including agency work, YouTube growth, and KDP books for Q4, AI in SEO, the complexities of Reddit marketing, vibe coding and building her own tools. Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course. Check out my podcasting and youtube gear *I’m an affiliate so I get a commission if you buy something. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613 00:00 Intro 00:53 Shauna’s Busy Schedule and Agency Work 02:21 Pivoting to Active Selling 04:08 Challenges and Learning in SEO 06:33 AI SEO: The New Frontier 09:26 The Downsides of AI Overviews 20:16 Reddit Marketing Strategies 24:08 Managing Multiple Reddit Accounts 25:17 Reputation Management on Reddit 25:46 Effective Reddit Marketing Strategies 27:42 Challenges and Maintenance of Reddit Accounts 29:45 Introduction to Vibe Coding 30:08 Developing Custom Tools with AI 33:19 Challenges in AI Tool Development 34:25 Issues with Lifetime Deals and SaaS Products 41:07 KDP Book Strategies for Q4 45:17 Upcoming YouTube Content and Conclusion

I chat with Jesse Lakes about his deep dive into video content creation. We discuss his 100 video challenge inspired by his new book, the importance of process and feedback loops, and the unique characteristics of different social media platforms. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:20 Discussing Jesse’s New Book 00:30 Diving into Video Production 02:06 Jesse’s Background in Media Arts 05:45 Challenges and Learnings in Video Creation 09:57 Platform-Specific Insights 18:57 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

I talk about why I’m using AI less. Ma Get the FREE eBook here *Use Code DOUG E-Printables Course* Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course. *I’m an affiliate so I get a commission if you buy something. Check out my podcasting and youtube gear Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613

We discuss Alex’s recent projects, including his YouTube channel’s direction, his new local project in Spain, how he integrates AI tools into his work, the impacts of AI in various fields, the current state of affiliate marketing, and the benefits and challenges of creating both short and long-form content. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi Contact me. Ask Questions! Send me an email here: feedback@doug.show Leave a voicemail: (406) 813-0613

Cody tells me how he earned $1000 per month in about 115 days in 2024. This business model still works today! Get the FREE eBook here *Use Code DOUG E-Printables Course* *I’m an affiliate for Cody’s so I get a commission if you buy something. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi 00:00 Intro 01:20 Travel Adventures and Digital Product Success 02:39 The Shift from Amazon Affiliates to Digital Products 03:43 Fitness and Travel Routine 05:33 Starting the $1,000 Per Month Challenge 05:51 Understanding Digital Products on Etsy 07:16 Creating and Listing Digital Products 09:10 The Journey to $1,000 Per Month 11:46 Scaling Up and Student Success Stories 14:46 Niche and Keyword Research Strategies 18:40 Product Variations and Seasonal Trends 27:13 Challenges and Mistakes 27:53 Sticking to What Works 28:42 Finding the Right Competition 31:36 Niche Down for Success 35:26 Time Investment and Effort 36:46 Tools and Resources 40:52 Realistic Expectations 48:07 Who Should Avoid This Side Hustle 50:33 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

I’ve been talking poorly of the Amazon Affiliate model lately. But I haven’t been looking for stories in this area. So, I invited my friend, Jesse Lakes, to talk about it and provide some perspective. Find Jesse: GeniusLink LinkedIn X Email *I’m an affiliate for the links below, so I get a commission if you sign up! Thank you!! MDD Hosting – smaller company Cloudways Hosting – bigger company Eprintables with Cody Berman Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course. Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:07 Catching Up with Jesse Lakes 00:30 Mastering Amazon Associates 01:42 Genius Link Overview 06:29 Success Stories and Platforms 14:05 Challenges with AI and Content 19:53 Navigating Trust in Online Information 20:34 Amazon’s Major Updates: Email Affiliate Links and Seller Networks 22:27 Understanding Amazon’s Attribution API 23:24 The Rise of Seller Networks and Higher Commissions 28:14 Deep Linking and Conversion Optimization 32:46 Getting Started with Amazon Associates 36:08 Common Mistakes and Final Tips

AI is bananas. In accurate. It’s shitty. It thinks niche sites can work in 2025. Alex Cooper’s Video (I Thought I Cracked Instagram Reels… Until This ) Mastering Amazon Associates: A Creators Guide To The Amazon Affiliate Program * By Jesse Lakes *I’m an affiliate for the links below, so I get a commission if you sign up! Thank you!! MDD Hosting – smaller company Cloudways Hosting – bigger company Eprintables with Cody Berman Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course.   Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi 00:00 Intro 00:13 Exploring Niche Sites and Amazon Affiliate Marketing 01:46 Challenges with Social Media Traffic 03:17 Insights from Jesse at Genius Link 04:52 AI’s Role in Affiliate Marketing 06:17 Personal Experiences with AI Inaccuracies 19:51 Community Feedback and Responses 33:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Someone asked about starting a new niche site with Amazon Associates as the monetization. Don’t do it! *I’m an affiliate for the links below, so I get a commission if you sign up! Thank you!! MDD Hosting – smaller company Cloudways Hosting – bigger company Eprintables with Cody Berman Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course.   Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:03 Addressing Audience Questions 02:13 Housekeeping and Feedback 06:03 Diving into the Main Question 09:06 Answering Specific Questions 33:42 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

I chat about the unpredictability of recording outdoors, project management skills, and using them for personal projects…like breaking down big tasks into manageable pieces. I ramble about my experience with guitar learning platform, Pickup Music. I also cover how to avoid burnout by creating content you love and not relying on analytics for satisfaction. Georgie also makes a guest appearance. The guitar SOLD! But if you want to see the playing demo, it’s here on youtube. 00:00 Introduction and Outdoor Recording Challenges 02:11 Project Management Skills for Personal Projects 03:23 Exploring Online Guitar Lessons 08:14 Structuring Big Projects Effectively 15:22 Avoiding Burnout and Audience Capture 22:16 Guitar for Sale and Closing Remarks

I talk about Fincon 2025 in Portland and my critique on the keynotes. They weren’t helpful for most people, and the advice can lead to an audience capture approach. Then, I roast Pat Flynn, probably unfairly. I’m selling My Epiphone Les Paul on craigslist. Playing Demo on YouTube. Giftlab (by Emily Odio-Sutton) The Print-On-Demand Etsy Course. *I’m an affiliate, so I get a commission if you sign up! Also, check out: MileHighFi Etsy Join My Email list More with Doug: Mile High Fi 00:00 Introduction and Backyard Setup 01:47 Reflections on FinCon Experience 02:45 Keynote Sessions and Critiques 05:08 Advice for New Creators 09:15 Audience Capture and Analytics 14:58 Challenges of Recording Outside 15:56 Disappointment with Pat Flynn 20:07 Guitar Sale Announcement