Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Review (2026): Is Michelle's $197 Course Worth It?
On This Page
- Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing in One Minute
- Who Is Michelle Schroeder-Gardner?
- What the Course Covers
- What It Costs
- Affiliate Disclosure Matters
- How Bloggers Earn From Affiliate Links
- Is Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Legit?
- Pros and Cons
- Who It Might Suit
- Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026
- Other Programs Readers Compare
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Verdict on Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing
Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing in One Minute
Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing is a course for bloggers from Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, who runs the personal finance blog Making Sense of Cents. It teaches adding affiliate income to a blog: choosing programs, writing posts that convert, disclosure rules and growing affiliate earnings over time. It launched in 2016.
It costs $197 one time, or two payments of $105, and Michelle offers a full refund if you contact her within 30 days. She says she's made more than $5 million blogging, with $2 million from affiliate marketing. Here's what to know.
| Course | Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing |
|---|---|
| Creator | Michelle Schroeder-Gardner |
| Launched | 2016 |
| Price | $197 or 2 x $105 |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Audience | Bloggers |
| Claim | $2M+ from affiliate marketing (her own) |
Who Is Michelle Schroeder-Gardner?
Michelle started Making Sense of Cents to document paying off student loans, then turned it into a full-time business. She became known for publishing detailed income reports, which showed affiliate marketing as her largest income source for years.
What the Course Covers
- Affiliate marketing basics for bloggers.
- Choosing affiliate programs that fit your audience.
- Writing posts and pages that convert.
- Placing links naturally and building trust.
- Disclosure and compliance basics.
- Growing affiliate income with email and Pinterest.
What It Costs
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| One-time payment | $197 |
| Payment plan | 2 x $105 |
You'll also need a blog with hosting, such as Bluehost for beginners, and ideally an email tool. AWeber has a free plan and Moosend starts at $9 a month after a 30-day trial.
Affiliate Disclosure Matters
Bloggers must disclose affiliate links clearly. The FTC's Endorsement Guides explain what's expected.
How Bloggers Earn From Affiliate Links
Most blog affiliate income comes from a small number of posts: product reviews, comparisons, "best of" roundups and tutorials that show a product being used. These posts attract readers who are already close to a buying decision, so a helpful recommendation converts well. Resource pages listing the tools a blogger uses are another common earner, along with email sequences that introduce useful products over time.
Choosing the right programs matters as much as writing. Products that genuinely fit your audience, pay recurring commissions or have strong conversion rates usually beat random high-paying offers. Tracking which posts and links earn money helps you focus on what works, and updating top posts regularly keeps them ranking and converting.
Is Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Legit?
Yes. It's a low-cost course from a well-known blogger with a refund policy. It's most useful for bloggers who already have some traffic; it won't create traffic for you.
Pros and Cons
What Stands Out
- Affordable at $197
- 30-day refund
- Creator with a real affiliate track record
- Covers disclosure and ethics
What to Weigh Up
- Best for bloggers who already have traffic
- Some lessons are basic
- Results depend on your audience
Who It Might Suit
Bloggers with an existing audience who want to earn more from affiliate links.
Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026
If Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing isn't the right fit for you, here's what we suggest instead.
After comparing hundreds of programs over the years, we know what works and what doesn't. In fact, most of the business opportunities are either instant cash grab schemes or scams or they require experience. However, this beginner-friendly system stood out and is our #1 recommendation for 2026.
Other Programs Readers Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing?
$197 one time or two payments of $105.
Who Created It?
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents.
Is There a Refund?
Yes, within 30 days.
Is It Good for Beginners?
It's best once you have a blog with some traffic.
Our Verdict on Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing
It's a fair, low-cost course for bloggers who want more affiliate income. Build traffic first to get the most from it.
Looking for a Better Starting Point Than Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing?
Consider our #1 recommendation for making money online in 2026.