Discover How to Avoid the #1 Mistake Most People Make When Starting Online
Avoiding this mistake is the difference between spinning your wheels… and finally building an online business that lasts.
The #1 mistake most people make when starting online isn’t picking the wrong program, tool, or product.
It’s thinking the system itself will create success. That’s why beginners get stuck chasing shortcuts jumping from one “proven” setup to the next, always hoping this time it will finally work.
I know, because I did the same thing. And every time, I ended up with the same results: Money wasted. Time lost. No real progress.
Here’s the truth: Most systems can work. What doesn’t work is chasing them like they’re magic buttons.
That’s the mistake you need to avoid if you want to build something real.
The Shift - Ismel Guerrero
What finally changed things for me wasn’t a new tool, a better funnel, or another “secret system.”
It was realizing that shortcuts don’t build businesses, foundations do. Once I stopped chasing “easy,” I started focusing on what actually works long term:
Building a foundation instead of buying into hype. Keeping things simple instead of overcomplicated. Staying consistent instead of jumping to the next shiny thing.
And here’s the important part
Once you make that shift, almost any system you choose can work for you.
That’s when affiliate marketing stops being confusing… and starts becoming something you can actually grow.

Wrong Way vs Right Way - Ismel Guerrero
Most people fail online not because they don’t work hard, but because they’re working hard on the wrong things.
Here’s the difference: The Wrong Way The Right Way
Chasing shortcuts and hype Building on simple, proven foundations
Promoting random products for quick cash Choosing offers that solve real problems
Trying to be everywhere at once Focusing on one platform until it works
Copy-pasting scripts and funnels Creating a strategy that feels authentic to you
The wrong way feels exciting at first… but it never lasts. The right way looks simple because it is. And that’s why it works.
So if shortcuts don’t work… What does?
Every successful affiliate business I’ve seen mine included, runs on the same simple engine.
It’s not about hacks or “secret formulas.”
It’s about:
- Reaching the right people.
- Owning your audience instead of renting it.
- Building trust through consistent value.
- Making offers that actually help.
That’s the foundation. And once it’s in place, the systems, tools, and strategies finally start to make sense.
This is the part most people skip and it’s exactly why they stay stuck.
When Ismel Guerrero Started
I got started in affiliate marketing back in 2017. Like most beginners, I thought success was just about finding the right system and following it step by step.
But after trying one strategy after another, I realized the problem wasn’t the tools, it was how I was approaching them.
I kept chasing shortcuts.
I kept overcomplicating things.
And I kept second-guessing myself when nothing worked.
What finally changed everything was simplifying. I focused on the foundations: building trust, owning my audience, and staying consistent.
That’s when affiliate marketing stopped feeling like a guessing game and started becoming a real business.
Now I help others avoid the same traps I fell into and build something solid from day one.
How I Can Help - Ismel Guerrero
I don’t have a secret formula to sell you. I don’t promise overnight success or six figures in 30 days.
What I do offer is real help for people who want to build something that lasts.
Here’s what that looks like:
Clarity & Direction
Cut through the noise and focus on the steps that actually move you forward.
Content & Copy Support
If you struggle to explain what you do or connect with your audience, I’ll help you create content and emails that feel natural and authentic.
Simple Setup Help
From websites to landing pages, I’ll help you avoid the tech rabbit holes and launch faster.
Offer & Strategy Feedback
Not sure what to promote or how to position it? I’ll help you find clarity so you can move forward with confidence.
Here’s the part most people won’t say:
You don’t need to buy anything from me. But if you do decide to use one of the systems I recommend, I’ll personally go the extra mile to help you get results.
How Ismel Guerrero Helps You Build Smarter, Not Harder
Here’s how my approach compares with typical “guru” methods and why it benefits you:
Support Area | What Most Gurus Do | What Ismel Does | Benefit to You |
---|---|---|---|
Direction | Sell generic “blueprints” | Give you clarity on what actually matters | No more confusion or wasted time |
Content & Copy | Push pre-written templates | Help create content in your voice | Builds authenticity and trust |
Tech Setup | Overcomplicate with endless tools | Keep it simple and avoid tech rabbit holes | You launch faster, with less stress |
Ongoing Support | Disappear after the sale | Offer real, one-on-one guidance | You’re never left guessing |
Why My Approach Works - Ismel Guerrero
Here’s how my approach compares to what most “gurus” are selling:
Typical Guru Approach My Approach
Sell generic blueprints that confuse more than they help Give you clarity on the few things that actually matter
Push pre-written scripts and templates Help you create content in your own voice
Overcomplicate everything with endless tools Keep it simple so you can launch faster with less stress
Disappear after the sale Offer real, ongoing one-on-one support
Most people don’t need another flashy system. They need clarity, simplicity, and someone who actually shows up when they get stuck.
That’s why my approach works.
If you’ve made it this far, you already know this matters to you.
Maybe you’re just getting started. Maybe you’ve been trying for a while and feel stuck. Either way, you don’t need another shortcut, you need a clear path forward.
That’s exactly what I put inside my free guide.
Download the guide today and I’ll walk you through the real first steps to building an affiliate business that lasts without confusion, burnout, or hype.
Affiliate Marketing Myths vs Reality
Myth | Why It Fails | Reality | Your Advantage |
---|---|---|---|
“There’s a shortcut to fast money” | Leads to wasted time & scams | Success is built step by step | You stop chasing hype |
“The right funnel will fix everything” | Funnels without trust never convert | Audience-first strategies win | Build trust → earn more |
“Anyone can copy-paste success” | Ignores niche, audience, and brand voice | Authenticity drives results | You stand out, not blend in |
“You need a big audience” | Creates overwhelm for beginners | Small, engaged audiences convert better | You focus on quality, not vanity metrics |
If you’re still unsure where to begin, here’s a simple breakdown of how I’d start affiliate marketing today if I had to do it all over again.
Want to talk first? Send me a message at ismel@ismelguerrero.com. I answer every email personally. Whatever you choose, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ismel Guerrero?
I’m an affiliate marketer who started back in 2017, made all the beginner mistakes, and eventually learned that simplicity and foundations not shortcuts are what make this business work. Now I help others avoid the same traps and build something real from day one.
Why should I listen to you instead of a “guru”?
Because I’ve been where you are. I don’t sell hype or pretend affiliate marketing is easy. I only share what I’ve personally used, what’s working for me now, and what’s simple enough for beginners to apply.
Do you practice what you teach?
Yes. Everything I share is based on my real experience with affiliate marketing. I don’t believe in teaching theory or pushing tools I don’t use myself.
Do I need a big audience to start?
No. You don’t need thousands of followers. What matters most is having clarity, consistency, and the right foundation.
What if I don’t know what to promote?
You’re not alone. I’ll help you identify offers that solve real problems for real people.
Will you help me directly if I join through your link?
Yes. If you use one of my recommended systems, I’ll personally support you one-on-one. No canned replies. No disappearing.
Can I do this part-time?
Absolutely. You don’t need to spend hours a day. Consistent, focused effort beats long hours of confusion.
I’m not good with tech, can I still do this?
Yes. You don’t need to be a developer. I’ll help you avoid the tech rabbit holes that stop most beginners.
Do I have to buy something to get your help?
No. My free resources are here to guide you. If you choose one of my recommendations, I go the extra mile to help you succeed.
Earnings Disclaimer
Let’s be real affiliate marketing isn’t a push-button income stream.
Your results will depend on your effort, your consistency, and your ability to apply what you learn.
I can’t guarantee you’ll make money, and I won’t promise overnight success because that’s not how this works.
What I will do is show you the foundations that actually matter, share what’s working for me right now, and help you avoid the mistakes that keep most people stuck.
Your success is your responsibility. But if you’re willing to stay consistent and keep moving forward, I’ll be here to help you along the way.