AFFILIATE MARKETING
How This 43-Year-Old Makes $8k/Month Teaching People About WordPress and Affiliate Marketing
Alex Cooper knows very well what a bumpy road the entrepreneurial life offers.
After a few large bumps, he found success with an affiliate marketing site that he created in public and eventually sold for $70k.
He also has a popular YouTube channel WP Eagle, where he shares the secrets to affiliate marketing, WordPress, and content creation, and much more. In fact, all the videos of him creating the site he sold, and the story behind his adventure, can be found on his YouTube channel.
Alex is particularly creative and likes to think outside the box when it comes to generating content and getting email subscribers. He’s constantly testing, experimenting, and sharing his findings on his channel.
Keep reading to find out about:
- Which of his projects failed
- How he got into YouTube
- His thoughts on AI
- Where his income comes from
- His marketing strategies
- The other projects he’s working on
- How he builds links
- His content creation process
- His clever strategy for growing his email list
- His favorite resources and tools
- The biggest challenge he’s faced
- His most important accomplishment
- His main mistake
- His advice for other entrepreneurs
Meet Alex Cooper
My name is Alex and I’m from England but currently living in Spain. I started working for myself around 20 years ago.
My first company was a Wifi installation company that I eventually sold for not very much money. My second company was a successful internet marketing agency. It grew to a good size. We were a leading Google partner and I got to visit events at Google in Mountain View.
Eventually, I sold my share in the company and that money gave me the time and freedom to start my next project: producing content for websites and YouTube on my channel, WP Eagle.
Why He Created WP Eagle
I’ve always wanted to do YouTube. I used to watch YouTubers a lot and was always in awe of their lifestyle. I was using WordPress a lot at the time and I love it, so it made sense to me to create content about it.
I started doing simple tutorials on how to create sites with WordPress and it grew from there. I now have 63,000 subscribers.
My content has evolved a bit as I now create content on other WordPress-related things like niche websites, creating content, and using AI.
I try and publish a video every week and do a live stream every week. My channel currently has 971 videos.
How Much Money Alex is Making
I earn around $7,000 to $8,000 a month. My income comes from many different streams, including AdSense for YouTube and affiliate commissions from software and services I’ve made content on in the past.
I also sell my own WordPress Theme, Popcorn Theme, designed for niche websites and affiliate marketers. (And there’s a new review of the Popcorn theme that you don’t want to miss!)
December 2022 looked like this:
Adsense: $512
Popcorn Sales: $6,031 (I share this 3 ways so it’s $2,010)
Jasper affiliate: $3,244.50
Ezoic affiliate: $1,117.29
Amazon Affiliate: $390.34
Plus there are a load of other smaller affiliate programs I’m in, another few hundred in total.
I used to work about 20 hours a week on my business, but recently some stuff has changed in my life and I’m doing at least double that.
His Top Marketing Strategies
I don’t really market myself! Terrible right? I just try to make good content and share it on social media and via my email list. For my content sites, SEO is my main kind of promotion.
I think the secret to good content is making sure it delivers the information the reader is looking for quickly and concisely. This means cutting out any “fluff” or “filler” from the articles, using good formatting like bullet points, and writing in an easy-to-understand way.
I currently have 2 main public sites, Can You Wash It and Best Corn Popper. The first one is an AI project.
All of the content on this site has been created with the assistance of AI and it’s actually doing really well:
Best Corn Pepper was a site I created for a tutorial and it’s doing well too, but has been drifting sideways recently without growing:
Keyword Research and Link Building
For keyword research, I use tools like Lowfruits and SEMRush. I also use Google to get ideas from the keyword suggestions and questions sections.
As for link building, it’s definitely important. I outsource the process to a friend of mine who takes the time to find highly relevant sites for my niches. He then reaches out and often is able to get a link to my niche at a fairly reasonable price, between $100 – $300 per link.
His Content Creation Process
My process has been to use a team of writers. I give them some prompts on article structure and, of course, the keywords they need to write about and they do the rest.
I found the writers using ProBlogger. I made a video on the process. I don’t really do any writing myself, only the odd 1 or 2 articles. The 3-4 articles are published a week by my VA.
Recently, I’ve been using tools like Jasper, ChatGPT, and Koala that use AI to produce content. This has been working well.
Honestly, I like them all. Koala is my favorite at the moment as it has features that allow you to create content really quickly, like being able to publish from it straight to WordPress.
My new project, Can You Wash It, has been put together with short-form AI-only content, and it’s doing really well!
Here’s the Google search console for that site:
His Email List
I’ve been growing my email list by giving stuff away, like complete websites! In fact, I just ran a giveaway in March.
This works really well for me in terms of getting new subscribers. The form for these kinds of giveaways always has a high conversion rate.
Alex’s Favorite Resources
I love the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It really teaches you about making money. I also love Niche site lady on Twitter, Matt Giovanisci on YouTube, and Miles Beckler.
His Top 3 Tools
Well, of course, my essentials are my MacbookPro, my iPhone, and a decent internet connection!
In terms of software tools, right now the three most useful tools for me are:
- Canva, because it’s so good for graphics, etc.
- ChatGPT, which is great for so many things, and
- Descript, which is such a fast video editor!
His Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenge would be Inspiration and motivation. This can be particularly difficult if other parts of your life are causing issues, such as family. It’s very easy to get stuck procrastinating or working on small parts of your business that don’t actually make a difference.
His Most Important Accomplishment
Building a website in public and selling it was a great accomplishment for me as it proved to the world that I could do it and that it can be done. It also increased my credibility as an educator on YouTube.
What He Wishes He Knew When He Started
I wish I knew that everything takes longer than you think and that patience is the key to most things in business. Keep going, keep working, and every day you’re taking steps toward your dreams.
His Biggest Mistake
That would have to have been taking investment into my company. When I had an agency in London we took investments and it destroyed the company.
They changed everything about us that made us successful. I ended up selling my shares and leaving. After 6 months, the successful company I had founded was bankrupt.
Although it seemed bad at the time, and it was, it led me to do what I do now, so actually maybe it was the best thing I’ve ever done…
His Advice for Other Entrepreneurs
Be consistent. Show up every day. Be patient.
The ones that fail usually just quit when it gets a bit hard, and it will get hard sometimes.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal
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Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.
For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.
While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.
However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.
For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.
Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.
If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.
Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.
Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.
I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.
Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise
For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.
2. Tech gender gap narrows
One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.
3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.
Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur
A promising future
Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.
Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money
In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.
A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.
The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.
The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.
The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.
Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.
Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.
Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know