Starting as an affiliate marketer doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. In fact, some of the best tools available to build, track, and grow your business are completely free. The trick is knowing which ones give you the most impact without overwhelming you.
That’s why I’ve put together this Affiliate Marketer’s Toolkit—seven free tools you can start using today to build your list, promote offers, and track your results.
1. LeadsLeap – All-in-One Marketing Platform
If you’re just starting out, LeadsLeap should be at the top of your list. It offers:
A free autoresponder (SendSteed).
Page builder for creating capture and landing pages.
A link tracker to monitor clicks and conversions.
Built-in advertising through the LeadsLeap network.
It’s basically your marketing hub in one platform—and it’s free to get started.
2. Canva – Design Made Simple
You don’t need to hire a graphic designer to create professional visuals. With Canva, you can design:
Social media posts.
eBook covers.
Website banners.
Infographics.
The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create polished designs in minutes, even if you’re not “artsy.”
3. MailerLite (Free Autoresponder Option)
While LeadsLeap gives you a great autoresponder, some affiliates like an external option. MailerLite’s free plan offers:
Up to 1,000 subscribers.
Drag-and-drop email editor.
Landing page builder.
Automation workflows.
If you want a clean, beginner-friendly autoresponder without upfront costs, MailerLite is a solid choice.
4. Bitly – Link Shortener & Tracker
Affiliate links are often long and messy. Bitly helps you:
Shorten links to make them look professional.
Track clicks to see how your campaigns perform.
Customize branded links if you want more authority.
Clean links = more trust + better click-through rates.
5. Google Analytics – Data is Power
You can’t grow what you don’t measure. Google Analytics lets you track:
Where your traffic is coming from.
How visitors interact with your pages.
Which traffic sources bring the best conversions.
Understanding your data helps you focus on what works—and cut what doesn’t.
6. Trello – Organize Your Marketing Tasks
Affiliate marketing involves juggling multiple campaigns, links, and tasks. Trello is a free project management tool where you can:
Create boards for campaigns.
Track progress with lists and cards.
Set deadlines and reminders.
It’s like having a visual to-do list that keeps your marketing life organized.
7. Grammarly – Write with Confidence
Your emails, blog posts, and social media updates represent your brand. Sloppy grammar can turn people away. Grammarly’s free version:
Catches spelling and grammar mistakes.
Suggests clearer ways to phrase sentences.
Works directly in browsers, email, and social apps.
A polished message makes you look professional—and that builds trust with your audience.
Bonus: Safelists & Traffic Exchanges
Since you’re focused on traffic building, don’t overlook free advertising platforms like safelists and traffic exchanges. They’re not traditional “tools,” but they are free resources you can use right away to get visitors to your lead capture pages. Pair them with a good tracking system (like LeadsLeap or Bitly) and you’ll know exactly which clicks are converting.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t need paid software to start as an affiliate marketer. With these seven free tools, you can:
Create (Canva, Grammarly).
Promote (LeadsLeap, MailerLite, Safelists/Exchanges).
Track (Google Analytics, Bitly).
Organize (Trello).
Pick one or two to set up today, and layer on the others as you grow. The sooner you start using these tools, the faster you’ll build a professional affiliate business without draining your wallet.
👉 Action Step: Choose two tools from this list and set them up in the next 24 hours. Start with LeadsLeap for marketing essentials and Canva for visuals—you’ll have your foundation built before the week is over.