DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS I’LL RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ FULL DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Thinking About Taking the Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Course?
Affiliate marketing sounds simple.
Share a link.
Make a sale.
Earn a commission.
But once you start digging deeper, you realize there’s much more strategy, compliance, psychology, and patience involved.
In this honest review, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with the Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, what I liked, what I didn’t, who it’s for, and whether it’s really worth the investment.
If you’re considering buying it, always check the official course page for the most up-to-date details, pricing, and any new updates before enrolling. Visit here the course official page.
TL;DR – Key Takeaways
- The course includes 6 modules, 30+ lessons, several worksheets, and bonuses.
- Michelle has earned over $2,000,000 from affiliate marketing in total, and continues to make substantial monthly income.
- Price: $236.40 one-time, or 2 payments of $126 each.
- Refund: 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Best for bloggers and beginners serious about learning affiliate marketing strategically.
What Is Affiliate Marketing (And Is It Worth It?)
If you’re new to the concept, I break down exactly what affiliate marketing is, how much you can realistically earn, and whether it’s still worth it in 2026 in this guide. This review assumes you already understand the basics and want to know specifically whether Michelle’s course is the right way to learn it.
If you’re new to blogging, you may also want to read How Do Bloggers Get Paid?
Who Is Michelle Schroeder-Gardner?
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner is the creator of Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing and the founder of the personal finance blog Making Sense of Cents.
Key facts:
- Started blogging as a hobby in 2011.
- Earned over $5,000,000 blogging, including $2,000,000 from affiliate marketing.
- Lives a flexible, location-independent lifestyle, traveling with her family.
- Featured on CNBC, Time, Business Insider, Forbes, and more.
Her story is inspiring because she built a successful business from scratch.
If you want to see what she teaches inside the course, you can check it here.
Inside the Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Course
Course Structure
- 6 Modules
- 30+ Lessons
- Several Worksheets
- Valuable Bonuses
- Private Facebook group access
- Lifetime access
The 6 Modules
Module 1: What Is Affiliate Marketing? – Foundations and how it works.
Module 2: How To Find and Apply To Affiliate Programs – Step-by-step guidance.
Module 3: Follow The Rules – Disclosure compliance and affiliate guidelines.
Module 4: How To Get Your Readers To Convert – Trust-building and conversion strategies.
Module 5: Strategies and Ways To Promote Affiliate Links – Includes Pinterest affiliate marketing.
Module 6: Rinse and Repeat – Scaling and refining your affiliate strategy.
Bonuses Include:
- How to increase page views
- How to get approved for affiliate programs
- Pinterest traffic strategies
- Group coaching sessions (“Ask Michelle Saturdays”)
- Legal protection for your blog
- Worksheets and checklists to track affiliate links and conversions
My Honest Experience After Taking the Course
I don’t want this to be just another review that repeats Michelle’s own numbers back to you. I’ll be upfront: I’m still in the implementation phase, so I don’t have income results to share yet — and I’d rather tell you that honestly than pretend otherwise. Here’s what I can tell you so far:
What I’ve implemented so far: I went through all the modules and applied to 2 affiliate programs in my niche — one of them being the Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course itself and the other being Amira’s legal document templates. I also went back through some of my older posts and updated them with clearer disclosures, based directly on what the course teaches.
What’s changed in how I approach my blog: I used to add affiliate links wherever they seemed to fit in the moment. Now I focus on fewer, more intentional links — I only add one where it genuinely fits the post, and I build a small system around it, instead of scattering links everywhere and hoping something converts.
What surprised me: How many worksheets are included with the course. It’s not just information — many modules come with a worksheet that walks you through actually implementing what you just learned, step by step, instead of leaving you to figure out how to apply it on your own.
Who I’d tell to buy this, and who should wait: If you already have some blog traffic and just haven’t structured your affiliate strategy yet, this is a good fit. If you don’t have a blog yet, or no traffic at all, I’d focus on building that first before buying any course.
I’ll update this section with real numbers once I have them — that’s the honest way to actually prove whether this course pays off, rather than promising results upfront.
Pros and Cons
What I Liked
- Michelle shares real income examples, including $300,000+ from a single blog post.
- 80+ affiliate program ideas for different niches.
- Lifetime access with updates included.
- Private Facebook group for peer and expert support.
- Opportunity to become her affiliate (must complete course first).
What I Didn’t Like
- Mostly text-based content, few videos.
- SEO is not a core part of the curriculum.
If SEO is your main focus, you may also enjoy Best Proven Strategies for New Bloggers Today.
Who Is This Course For?
- Bloggers looking to monetize their blog.
- Beginners wanting structured guidance.
- People seeking location-independent income.
- Creators interested in passive income streams.
If you’re still wondering whether affiliate marketing is viable in 2026, you may like
Is Affiliate Marketing Really Worth It in 2026?
How Long Does It Take to Learn Affiliate Marketing?
It depends on:
- Your experience
- Time invested
- Consistency in implementation
For me, completing the course took about one month while working full-time. Learning alone isn’t enough—action creates results.
Price & Refund Policy
- One-time payment: $236.40
- Payment plan: 2 payments of $126/month
- Refund: 30-day money-back guarantee (contact Michelle if unsatisfied)
Compared to $1000–$2000 courses, it’s affordable and practical.
How Does It Compare to Other Affiliate Marketing Courses?
| Course | Best For | Price | Format |
| Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing | Bloggers who already have a site and want to monetize it with affiliate marketing specifically | $236.40 one-time or 2x $126 | Mostly text-based, 6 modules |
| Authority Site System | Building a brand-new authority/SEO site from scratch, more technical | Higher price point — check current pricing | Video-heavy, more advanced |
| Savage Affiliates | Beginners wanting multiple traffic methods (SEO, email, and funnels) beyond just blogging | Around $197–297 — check current pricing | Video-based |
If you already have a blog and just need a clear affiliate marketing roadmap, Michelle’s course is the most direct, affordable fit of the three. If you’re starting from zero without a site yet, or want a more technical SEO-first approach, the alternatives above may suit you better.
(Always confirm current pricing on each course’s official page before deciding — prices change.)
The Free Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Ebook
If you’re not ready to invest in the full course, a free ebook is available.
- Gives an introduction to Michelle’s strategies
- Helps you evaluate the teaching style before committing
Download it here.
Mini Conclusion
Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing is structured, practical, and beginner-friendly.
It doesn’t promise overnight success but provides a clear roadmap—and clarity saves years of trial and error.
FAQs
Yes, especially for beginners seeking structured guidance and real examples.
Yes, but results vary. Success depends on strategy, consistency, and action.
There’s a learning curve, but the course simplifies the process.
No, SEO is not a core module.
Yes, within 30 days of purchase.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn from someone who has earned over $2,000,000 from affiliate marketing, this course provides actionable strategies and support.
Remember: courses give knowledge, action creates results.
If you’re ready, explore the course here.
Related Articles
- How Do Bloggers Get Paid?
- Is Affiliate Marketing Really Worth It In 2026?
- 5 Best Affiliate Marketing Courses (Compared)
Sources
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