Affiliate blogging can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle backwards sometimes.
You’re writing blog posts, tweaking links, checking rankings, testing headlines, creating pins, building a list and wondering if any of it is working.
I’ve been there. More than once.
The truth? You don’t need to buy every shiny tool under the sun to grow your blog and bring in affiliate commissions. You need a tight little toolkit that just works.
And today, I’m showing you mine.
Here are 7 free tools I literally use every day to grow my traffic, capture leads, and keep my affiliate blog running like a scrappy little machine.
1. Google Docs – For Blog Drafts & Brainstorms
I start everything here. Blog posts, email drafts, messy ideas, all goes into Google Docs first. Why?
Because it saves automatically. It syncs across devices. And I can use voice typing when my fingers are tired.
Pro tip: Use the “Outline” feature to structure your blog posts with H2s and H3s before you even write a word.
2. Canva (Free Plan) – For Blog & Social Media Graphics
No, I’m not a designer. But Canva makes me look like one.
From blog headers to Pinterest pins to quote graphics for Instagram, it’s my go-to visual tool.
Pro tip: Save time by creating 1-2 templates you can reuse. Branded, simple, done.
3. QuillBot (Free Plan – To Tighten Up Your Writing
This is my Hemingway replacement.
QuillBot helps me rephrase clunky sentences and spot weak transitions. It’s not perfect, but for a free tool, it’s surprisingly smart.
Use it for blog intros, call-to-action rewrites, or cleaning up traffic exchange blurbs.
4. Ubersuggest (Free Plan) – Keyword Research Without the Fuss
This tool gives you keyword ideas, search volumes, and content suggestions, all in one dashboard. I use it before I write any post.
Pro tip: Plug in a broad niche keyword like “affiliate marketing for beginners” and look for low-competition longtails.
It’s a solid alternative to Keywords Everywhere if you’re not ready to go premium.
5. Answer the Public (Limited Free Use) – Content Ideas Galore
You want content ideas that real humans search for? This site delivers. Type in a keyword and it spits out a wheel of questions, comparisons, and phrases.
Why I use it: To write posts people are actually Googling.
Use it before writing your next headline; it might just unlock a hidden gem.
6. LeadsLeap (Free Plan) – For List Building & Tracking
Forget expensive email tools. I use LeadsLeap.
It lets me build lead capture pages, follow up with emails, track clicks, and even get traffic.
Pro tip: Embed your Google Site content in a LeadsLeap page and grow your list from day one.
Also? Their link tracker is gold.
7. Blogger (Yep, Still Free) – For SEO + Google Trust
This one gets overlooked.
I use Blogger as a satellite blog that points back to my Google Site and main blog posts. It’s owned by Google, so it gets indexed fast.
How I use it: I post slightly tweaked versions of my blog articles and link back to my lead magnet or primary call to action.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an expensive tech stack to start making moves as an affiliate blogger.
You just need a few powerful (and free) tools, a bit of creativity, and the willingness to keep showing up.
This is my toolkit, and it didn’t cost me a cent to start. (You do upgrade as you make money; the premium tools just work better.)
➡️ Head over to MakeMoneyWithRod.com and grab the free starter kit. It’s packed with tools, trainings, and ideas that work even if you’re just getting started.
Remember: Tools don’t build empires. But the right ones? They make the climb a lot easier.
