7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Do I need to create a business to be an affiliate marketer?

by Badturkeys
6 replies
Hi Guys,

I've been working on the agency/network side of affiliate marketing for about three years now, but am making my first dive into being a publisher/affiliate. That being said I know tons and yet I know nothing at the same time...

Anyway before I get started I was wondering if I need to create an LLC, or register as a sole proprieter, create a DBA etc. What do most people end up doing? I dont plan on this being anything more than a side project, and the only emplyees would be me and my brother.

At the same time I'd rather not give out my social security number every time I sign up with a new network. Nor do I want to be liable if I get sued by Geico if I accidently broadmatch them when bidding on keywords.

Appreciate any advice guys, and I'd be happy to share my experience on what networks and advertisers are looking for when working with pubs.

Best,

Badturkeys
#affiliate #business #create #llc #marketer #small business
  • Profile picture of the author WebTekMedia
    I feel ya.

    I have an accountant who ensures me that unless I'm making SIGNIFICANT income, not to worry about it. He's done my taxes for 2 years, and everything is squeaky clean.

    I've never registered a business. Call an accountant to find out more.

    PS, I'm looking for traffic on a Payday site, are you interested in CPA?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8473546].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AlexGeorge
      I've been making a small income but still have not registered a business. At the moment I am re investing what I make though. Once things are rolling with a clear profit each month I will register. Until then there is no point in my mind.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8473603].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author InternetMarketingSmarts
    When I first started I did everything as a sole proprietor. It was fine until I started making some real money as an affiliate then I got hit with like $20k tax bill! After getting over the shock of that and paying it off. I eventually found a great accountant and later incorporated as a c-corp which was the best thing I did for my business and MY situation.

    So if you're just starting out it may not be worth it. But once you start making bank, do it asap! At the end of the day talk to a professional like an accountant or lawyer. It's usually free to have this discussion. No disrespect but don't seek tax advice from warriors who may or may not be well versed in the tax implications, your situation, etc.

    What applies for them may not apply to your situation. Otherwise all that free advice you're getting may end up costing you a lot of money. Hope this helps!
    Signature
    Struggling To Make Money With Internet Marketing?
    -->> DISCOVER HOW I EARNED $8486 ONLINE WITHOUT SELLING! <<--

    No SEO, No List Building, No Social Media, No PPC, No Email Marketing Required!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8473649].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Badturkeys
      Thanks guys! Appreciate all the advice.

      So you guys are really going out to affilaite networks like NeverBlue, Integrate, MediaWhiz, etc and registering under your social security number?

      The lead gen industry seems to be the shadiest of all internet marketing industries in my opinion, and I dont really trust the networks either (as I talk to these guys daily)...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8473660].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TheFury
        Depends how much you plan on making etc. My main business requires me to have an accountant who does a lot of stuff so I started an LLC etc. even though I have no income yet. If you are just trying to make a few hundred a month I probably wouldn't bother, but if your goals are more like 3+k/month, I'd say it's worth it.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8473956].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author InternetMarketingSmarts
        Originally Posted by Badturkeys View Post

        Thanks guys! Appreciate all the advice.

        So you guys are really going out to affilaite networks like NeverBlue, Integrate, MediaWhiz, etc and registering under your social security number?

        The lead gen industry seems to be the shadiest of all internet marketing industries in my opinion, and I dont really trust the networks either (as I talk to these guys daily)...
        I've never had a problem giving out my social security number to networks in the past. I always tried to stick with networks that have a good reputation and history.

        Now I have a business tax id so that helps too. But I think it's less of a concern if you're dealing with established networks rather than some fly by night company.
        Signature
        Struggling To Make Money With Internet Marketing?
        -->> DISCOVER HOW I EARNED $8486 ONLINE WITHOUT SELLING! <<--

        No SEO, No List Building, No Social Media, No PPC, No Email Marketing Required!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8474740].message }}

Trending Topics