HOTVIBES COLUMN

Crafting Stories, Sharing Knowledge

Category: The Journal

documenting idea of thoughts, experiences, and reflections.

  • Journal for January 2025 – Nevada’s Work-From-Home Experience as Affiliate Marketer

    Written by: Nevada Bird

    DATE: WED – SUN, JAN 01 – 05, 2025

    A New Year, A New Chapter – Writing, Learning, and Growing

    There’s something about the first page of a new year that feels both exhilarating and terrifying. It’s like opening a blank journal—so many possibilities, but also that little voice whispering, “Will this chapter be better than the last?”

    Last year, I set a goal that once felt impossible: publishing my own books. And I did it! Four books, live on Amazon. Seeing them out in the world—real, tangible proof of my effort—was surreal. But here’s the thing no one tells you about writing: Publishing is just the beginning.

    I now face an even bigger challenge: How do I get my books into the hands of readers who need them?

    That’s where my next adventure begins.

    The Crossroads: Writing vs. Marketing

    I used to believe that if I wrote a great book, people would just find it. I imagined readers stumbling across my work, falling in love with my words, and eagerly awaiting my next release. Reality check? That’s not how it works.

    Books—just like any product—need marketing.

    So, I started researching book promotion strategies and, along the way, I stumbled into something intriguing: affiliate marketing.

    Could this be the missing piece?

    I had seen people building entire businesses online, recommending products they love and earning commissions. It seemed like a skill worth learning—not just to promote my books, but as a potential income stream to fund my writing journey.

    I was excited, fueled by curiosity. I even started looking at niches, products, and courses. But then, something stopped me in my tracks.

    Lessons from Last Year: Why Random Tips Don’t Work

    I had been here before.

    Last year, I dipped my toes into affiliate marketing. I devoured YouTube videos, blog posts, and free “expert” advice—grabbing bits and pieces wherever I could. It felt like progress at the time, but when I finally launched my campaign?

    Crickets. No sales. No results. Just frustration.

    Why? Because I had no real strategy. I was collecting tactics instead of building a plan. It was like trying to assemble a puzzle when half the pieces were missing.

    And I refuse to make that mistake again.

    This time, I’m approaching things differently.

    Pressing Pause to Plan Smart

    Instead of jumping in blindly, I’ve decided to pause and strategize. I’m giving myself this month to do things right:

    ✔ Outline a solid marketing plan for my books.
    ✔ Study how affiliate marketing really works—beyond surface-level advice.
    ✔ Enroll in a structured course, so I can follow a step-by-step system.

    It’s not about delaying action—it’s about setting myself up for success.

    Project Two: The Affiliate Marketing Experiment

    2024 was all about “My Writing Journey”—proving to myself that I could write, finish, and publish my own books.

    2025? This is my Affiliate Marketing Experiment.

    I’m starting from scratch. I’ll be learning the fundamentals, testing different strategies, and documenting everything here.

    If something doesn’t work, I’ll be honest about it.
    If I find a winning method, I’ll break it down step by step.

    At the same time, I’ll be working on my next books—guides for beginners, solopreneurs, and aspiring affiliate marketers who want to take control of their income. My ultimate goal? To share everything I learn so others don’t have to struggle like I did.

    Turning the Page – What’s Next?

    In the coming weeks, I’ll be:

    • Choosing a niche that aligns with my writing business.
    • Studying successful affiliate marketers to understand their strategies.
    • Experimenting with SEO, content marketing, and email funnels.
    • Tracking my progress and sharing insights here.

    There’s no guarantee that this journey will be smooth. But then again, was publishing my first book easy? No.

    But was it worth it? Absolutely.

    So, here’s to turning the page, embracing the unknown, and writing a new chapter—one where creativity meets smart marketing.

    Let’s see where this takes me.

    DATE: MON – SUN, JAN 06-12, 2025

    A Detour in My Book Promotion & An Unexpected Twist in Affiliate Marketing

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s this: I love making plans. The thrill of outlining ideas, setting goals, and imagining the outcome—it’s exhilarating. But then, reality steps in and reminds me that execution is a whole different game.

    Take my book promotion strategy, for example. I started with a solid plan—a 10-day social media campaign on Instagram, complete with beautifully designed templates and engaging captions to promote my book.

    Sounds good, right?

    Except… reality hit.

    When Plans Collide with Creative Blocks

    Day one, I sat down to design the templates. It took forever. The fonts, the layouts, the colors—nothing felt right. Hours passed, and I had barely scratched the surface.

    And then came the real struggle—writing the captions.

    I stared at my screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, my brain completely blank.
    What do I say?
    How do I make people care?
    How do I not sound like every other author promoting their book?

    What started as an exciting challenge turned into a frustrating creative block.

    So, I did what any self-respecting procrastinator would do—I set it aside and moved on to my next task.

    Back to Affiliate Marketing (And a New Obsession)

    Since I was putting my book promotion on pause, I decided to revisit affiliate marketing.

    Last month, I had temporarily stopped studying my course because I didn’t want to rush into information overload. But something had caught my attention—solo ads.

    For those who aren’t familiar, solo ads are paid email promotions where you rent someone else’s email list to promote your offer. It sounded like an interesting way to get instant traffic, so I started researching.

    I found an online course about selling digital products and thought, What if I use solo ads to promote a webinar about this?

    The idea sparked excitement. I even went as far as drafting ad copy, getting everything lined up to launch my campaign.

    And then… another roadblock.

    The Missing Piece: What’s the Hook?

    Here’s the thing about marketing—people don’t just sign up for something because you tell them to.

    They need a reason. An incentive. A hook.

    What could I offer them in return for their time? A free guide? A checklist? A bonus strategy? I wasn’t sure.

    And just like that, I hit pause again.

    I could have pushed forward blindly, but after last year’s experience—where I threw ideas at the wall, hoping something would stick—I knew better.

    So, I decided: This will wait for another day.

    Lessons Learned (And What’s Next)

    If this journal entry proves anything, it’s that not every step in the journey is a straight line. Some days, I feel unstoppable, ready to conquer every challenge. Other days, I’m stuck in decision-making limbo.

    But I’ve realized something important:

    • It’s okay to pause. Sometimes, stepping back helps me see things more clearly.
    • It’s okay to change direction. If something isn’t working, I don’t have to force it.
    • And it’s okay to NOT have all the answers right away.

    So, where does that leave me?

    • I’ll revisit book promotion once I have a simpler, more effective plan.
    • I’ll continue studying affiliate marketing with a fresh perspective.
    • And when the time is right, I’ll test solo ads—but only when I have a clear value-driven incentive.

    For now, I’m trusting the process.

    Every detour, every pause, every “not yet”—they’re all part of this learning journey.

    Turning the Page – What’s Next?

    In the coming weeks, I’ll be:

    • Refining my book promotion plan (without overcomplicating it).
    • Diving back into affiliate marketing course lessons (but pacing myself).
    • Exploring low-cost, high-impact strategies for growing my brand.

    Because if there’s one thing I know for sure… every setback is just a setup for something better.

    DATE: MON – SUN, JAN 13 – 19, 2025

    Automation Woes & Small Wins – My Journey Into Affiliate Marketing Tech

    If you had told me last year that I’d be knee-deep in automation tools and coding scripts, I would have laughed. Me? Writing code? That’s about as likely as me suddenly deciding to become a skydiving instructor.

    Yet, here I am, tangled in the world of workflows, triggers, and integrations, all in an effort to create a simple automated email system for my affiliate marketing journey.

    And let me tell you—it has been a ride.

    Decision Time: Which Tool Should I Use?

    When planning my email marketing setup, I had three choices:

    1️⃣ Use an email service provider (I have a basic membership with Aweber and I’ve tried the 30-day trial with MailerLite) – both Reliable, but costly. I’m thinking of switching at some point)
    2️⃣ Use an automation platform (Make.com) – More flexible, but technical.
    3️⃣ Go full DIY with Google Forms, Sheets, and Gmail (with App Scripts). – Budget-friendly, but requires coding.

    Since my budget is tight, I ruled out the first option. That left me with Make.com and the DIY approach.

    I had no experience with either. But I was ready to learn.

    Make.com – A Lesson in Patience (and Headaches)

    Make.com looked promising at first—a platform designed to automate tasks without needing a single line of code.

    Perfect, right?

    Wrong.

    What I didn’t realize was that automation is like setting up a line of dominoes—each step must be perfectly aligned, or the whole thing falls apart.

    To make it work, I had to understand:

    • What would trigger the next action?
    • In what order should things happen?
    • What details needed to be passed from one step to another?

    Without this clarity, I was just clicking buttons, hoping for magic. Spoiler: There was no magic.

    After hours of trial and error, Make.com and I had a mutual understanding—it wasn’t the right tool for me. Not yet, anyway.

    So, onto Plan C: DIY automation.

    Building My Own Automation (The Hard Way, Apparently)

    The plan was simple:

    • User signs up via an opt-in form.
    • They receive an automatic email with a confirmation message.
    • Inside that email is their freebie (gift or incentive).

    Sounds easy, right?

    It should have been—except nothing worked.

    I found a couple of YouTube tutorials, both promising a simple script to automate the process. Two videos, same goal—but completely different coding methods.

    I tried both. Neither worked.

    By this point, I was frustrated. Was I missing something? Did I copy the code incorrectly? Or was I simply not meant to be a tech person?

    That’s when I remembered—I have ChatGPT.

    ChatGPT to the Rescue

    At this point, I was willing to try anything. So, I pasted my broken code into ChatGPT and asked, “What’s wrong with this?”

    And just like that, my AI coding assistant came through.

    It analyzed the code, pointed out the errors, and suggested small tweaks. I made the changes, tested it, and… it worked.

    After hours of frustration, I finally had a functional email automation.

    What I Learned (Beyond Just Coding)

    This experience wasn’t just about setting up an email system—it was a reminder of something bigger:

    • Technology is frustrating, but persistence pays off.
    • When one method fails, try another.
    • You don’t have to figure everything out alone—ask for help.

    And most importantly:

    • Every step forward—even the small ones—is a win.

    Below, you will find an example of my successful solution without going through an Email Service Provider (ESP) or Make.com.

    Simple Opt-in/Sign-up Form Email Automation with Googles

    Here’s a detailed step-by-step tutorial for automating a Sign-Up Email Responder using Google Apps Script, Gmail, Google Forms, and Google Sheets. Each step contributes to seamless automation when a user signs up via a form and the data is logged in Google Sheets.

    Plan Overview

    1. Create Google Form
       Use Google Forms to collect user details like name and email.
    2. Link Google Sheet
       Connect the form to a Google Sheet to log submissions.
    3. Write Google Apps Script
       Use Apps Script to:
      • Detect new form submissions.
      • Send a personalized thank-you email through Gmail.

    Implementation Steps

    Step 1: Create Google Form

    1. Open Google Forms (Google Forms).
    2. Add fields for Name and Email Address (ensure the email field is validated).
    3. Submit a test response to set up the Google Sheet in the next step.
    4. Don’t forget your Privacy Policy:-

    Open Your Google Form:

    Add a New Section:

    • Click the + icon (Add Section) on the right-hand toolbar.

    Write the Privacy Policy:

    • In the “Title and Description” fields, include a short privacy policy, for example:

    Example of Privacy Policy:

    We value your privacy. The information collected in this form will only be used to send you the newsletter. We will not share your data with third parties. For more details, please review our full privacy policy here: [Insert Link to Full Privacy Policy].

    • Add a Multiple Choice (Radio Button) Question:

    Users can only select one option.

    Example:

    ✅ Yes, I agree.

    No need for response validation.

    Step 2: Link Google Sheet

    1. In Google Forms, click Responses → Create Spreadsheet.
      This creates a linked Google Sheet that automatically logs responses.

    Step 3: Write Google Apps Script

    1. In the linked Google Sheet, click Extensions → Apps Script.
    2. Replace the default code with the script below.
      This script triggers on new submissions and sends the personalized email:

    function onFormSubmit(e) {

      // Extract data from the form response

      const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();

      const lastRow = sheet.getLastRow();

      const name = sheet.getRange(lastRow, 2).getValue(); // Assuming Name is in column B

      const email = sheet.getRange(lastRow, 3).getValue(); // Assuming Email is in column C

      // Send email using GmailApp

      const subject = “Welcome to My World!”;

      const message = `

    Hi ${name},

    Thank you for signing up.

    With gratitude,  

    from HotVibes Column

      `;

      GmailApp.sendEmail(email, subject, message);

    }

    Step 4: Enable Trigger for Automation

    1. In Apps Script, click the clock icon (Triggers).
    2. Set up a trigger:
      • Function to run: onFormSubmit
      • Event source: From spreadsheet
      • Event type: On form submit

    How Each Step Works

    1. Google Form ensures structured data collection.
    2. Google Sheet acts as a database for responses.
    3. Apps Script automates email sending based on form data.
    4. Trigger ensures the script runs every time a form is submitted, making the process hands-free.

    Turning the Page – What’s Next?

    Now that my automation is working, here’s what’s next:

    • Setting up my first opt-in page to collect email subscribers.
    • Testing how well my automation delivers emails.
    • Continuing my affiliate marketing studies—at a slightly slower pace to avoid burnout.

    There are still a hundred things I don’t know. But one thing is certain: I’m making progress.

    And in this journey, progress is everything.

    Onward!

    DATE: MON – SUN, JAN 20 – 26, 2025

    Flizicadabra! My Secret Weapon for Effortless Video Content

    The Moment I Knew I’d Found a Game-Changer

    I have a weekly subscription for the latest AI newsletter, and I found this software was pretty handy. It is called fliz.ai. It started with a late-night frustration spiral—you know, the kind where you stare at your screen, overwhelmed by tutorials, each one promising an easy way to create engaging video content for social media.

    I had spent hours trying to piece together a short promo video for my book, only to end up with something that looked like it had been edited by a half-asleep raccoon.

    That’s when I stumbled upon Fliz.

    The promise was almost too good to be true:

    • No complicated editing software
    • No hours spent tweaking transitions
    • Just a simple URL, and boom—instant video magic.

    I was skeptical. But with nothing to lose (except my sanity), I decided to give it a shot.

    Fliz in Action: A “Set It and Forget It” Kind of Magic

    I copied the link to one of my blog posts, pasted it into Fliz, and held my breath.

    Within seconds, Fliz worked its AI-powered magic, pulling key points from my article and transforming them into a visually stunning, bite-sized video.

    • Smooth animations? Check.
    • SEO-friendly captions? Done.
    • Perfectly formatted for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts? Absolutely.

    I sat there, staring at my screen, thinking…
    Did I just create an engaging video in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee?

    Saving Time = More Room for Creativity

    As a solopreneur, I wear a thousand hats—writer, marketer, content creator, website manager. The last thing I need is to spend hours wrestling with video editing software when I could be writing my next book or crafting a high-converting email sequence.

    Fliz eliminates that struggle. It’s like having an AI-powered assistant who understands exactly what I need and delivers it on autopilot.

    • Blog to Video? Done.
    • Product Page to Promo Video? Instant.
    • Affiliate Review to Engaging Visual Story? No problem.

    If you’re a busy content creator, an affiliate marketer, or an e-commerce entrepreneur, this is your shortcut to high-quality video content without the headache.

    Why This Matters for Affiliate Marketing

    One thing I’ve learned from my affiliate marketing course is that video content skyrockets conversions.

    People don’t just read reviews anymore—they want quick, engaging, and visually appealing content that helps them decide on the spot.

    Think about it:

    • A long, text-heavy product review? Maybe they’ll skim it.
    • A 30-second video breaking down the key benefits? Instant engagement.

    Fliz takes care of the heavy lifting, making sure my videos aren’t just pretty but also optimized for search engines—which means more visibility, more clicks, and more commissions.

    A One-Click Ticket to Social Media Reach

    Before Fliz, posting videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts felt like an insurmountable task.

    Now? It’s as simple as clicking “Download” and hitting “Upload.”

    No resizing, no reformatting, no adjusting for different platforms. Fliz handles everything—so all I have to do is share and watch my engagement grow.

    Flizicadabra! My Final Thoughts

    If you’ve ever:
    Struggled with video editing…
    Felt intimidated by creating short-form content…
    Wished for an easier, faster way to engage your audience…

    Then trust me—Fliz is your new best friend.

    Take it from me—someone who hates spending hours on video creation. With Fliz, I get to focus on what I do best—writing, storytelling, and helping others succeed.

    And that? Is worth its weight in gold.

    Next Up in My Journal

    I’m continuing my affiliate marketing journey, testing different strategies, and figuring out what really works.

    ❌ If something flops, I’ll tell you.
    ✅ If something succeeds, I’ll break it down step by step.

    Because at the end of the day, my goal is not just to learn but to help YOU find your own path to success.

    Stay tuned. More discoveries ahead.

    DATE: MON – FRI, JAN 27 – 31, 2025

    Navigating the AI Maze – Crafting My Book Series Strategy

    There’s something about the last week of January that feels like standing at the edge of a diving board, staring down at the deep end. Excitement. Nerves. Anticipation.

    That’s exactly how I felt as I sat down to plan my next big project—a book series.

    I knew one thing for sure: going in without a plan was not an option. I’ve been there before, staring at a blank screen, trying to force words into existence with nothing but a vague idea. It’s like setting out on a road trip with no map—exciting at first, until you realize you’re completely lost.

    Not this time. This time, I wanted a strategic plan—a clear roadmap to guide me from the first chapter to the final page.

    And what better way to start than by consulting AI?

    The AI Showdown – Which One Had the Best Plan?

    I turned to four AI assistants, each with its own unique approach to problem-solving:

    • ChatGPT – The reliable all-rounder, great for structured guidance.
    • Gemini Advanced – The creative wildcard, offering fresh angles.
    • Claude 3.5 Sonnet – The deep thinker, focused on big-picture storytelling.
    • DeepSeek – The analytical strategist, dissecting every tiny detail.

    I fed each AI the same prompt, asking them to help me craft a step-by-step strategic plan for my book series. Then, I compared their responses—analyzing how they structured the process, what insights they provided, and whether their advice felt actionable or vague.

    The result?

    It wasn’t about which AI was “better”—it was about which one aligned with my thinking. Each had strengths, but ultimately, the best plan was the one I understood and resonated with the most.

    Because at the end of the day, an outline is just a guide. Knowing your own vision for the book? That’s the real compass.

    Lessons from This Experiment

    • AI is a tool, not a shortcut. It can help organize my thoughts, but the real creativity still comes from me.
    • Structure matters. A strong writing plan eliminates creative roadblocks before they happen.
    • Flexibility is key. No matter how solid my outline is, I have to be open to improvisation along the way.

    And with that, my book series planning is in motion.

    What’s Next? Affiliate Marketing Awaits.

    With my writing roadmap laid out, it’s time to shift gears.

    February’s mission? Get back to affiliate marketing.

    Last year’s attempt didn’t go as planned, but this time, I’m coming in prepared. I’ll be diving into my course, refining my strategy, and documenting everything in this journal.

    If something works? I’ll break it down step by step.
    If something flops? I’ll share what went wrong.

    So, stay tuned—because next month, we’re switching lanes.

    Disclaimer: Transparency Matters

    This journal contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. These links help support my work, allowing me to continue sharing my experiences, insights, and step-by-step guides with you.

    I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe in and have either used myself or thoroughly researched. My goal is always to provide honest, valuable information to help you on your journey—whether in writing, affiliate marketing, or personal growth.

    If you choose to support me through these links, thank you! Your support helps me keep this journal going and continue crafting stories and sharing knowledge.