In online business, there are many ways to make money. Some people make their products, while others start companies that offer services. However, Jordan Bown, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, achieved success differently. His secret? He created free educational content and recommended products he believed to his students. And you know what? It's working well for him, earning him $2.4 million in profits last year.
In this article, we'll take a close look at Jordan's case study and explain the specific strategies he used to build a highly profitable business through affiliate marketing. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or just starting, Jordan's case study is filled with valuable lessons that you can apply to your own online business.
Jordan Bown
Jordan's early days: from struggle to breakthrough
Jordan's journey to success was far from smooth sailing. As he grew up, he says that he faced several personal challenges, including anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and traumatic experiences. When he completed high school in 2016, he found himself feeling lost and uncertain about his future.
That's when he stumbled upon e-commerce and dropshipping. Dropshipping is a business model that allows you to sell products without actually stocking them. This means you don't need a large amount of money to start, which was perfect for Jordan.
He began by creating a Twitter account focused on promoting trendy streetwear fashion. By actively interacting with his followers and paying attention to the popular styles, Jordan gained valuable insights. He used this knowledge to find similar clothing items from suppliers in China, which he then sold through his own dropshipping store.
Jordan's clever use of social media paid off quickly. By 2017, his first dropshipping store, called "Simple Selections," was raking in thousands of dollars per month, primarily through targeted Facebook ads. This early success was a game-changer for a young entrepreneur like him. It not only provided a much-needed financial boost but also boosted his confidence and fueled his determination to keep pushing forward.
The big shift: Moving to a content-driven affiliate marketing
As Jordan's dropshipping business grew, he started noticing some drawbacks with the dropshipping business model. He was constantly searching for new popular products and competing on price, which wasn't the kind of long-term business he wanted. Jordan realized he needed a different approach that didn't require constant management of inventory and customer service.
Then, he had a moment of realization. His experience in creating engaging content on social media and building a loyal following showed him the potential of a different strategy: producing valuable educational content on YouTube and using it to promote carefully selected affiliate products. By offering genuinely helpful resources to his audience, Jordan discovered that he could build trust, establish himself as an expert, and generate passive income without the challenges of traditional e-commerce.
This realization inspired Jordan's next big project. He dedicated an entire year to creating an extensive 18-hour video course that taught people everything about dropshipping. He named it the "Jordan Bown Show" and made it available for free on YouTube. The course was filled with practical tips, real-life examples, and an honest look into his own business.
A big part of Jordan's course was promoting Shopify, an e-commerce platform, through affiliate links. At the time, the Shopify affiliate program was offering an attractive deal: a $150 commission for each new customer who signed up for a paid plan after a 90-day free trial. Jordan knew that anyone serious about starting a successful dropshipping business would need a platform like Shopify, making it a perfect fit for his course.
He also included several other links to affiliate programs of services that are within the dropshipping ecosystem. Most of these were Shopify apps, and other e-commerce software that he spoke about in the 18-hour-long video.
However, Jordan also understood that simply talking about dropshipping and Shopify wouldn't be enough to convince a significant portion of his audience to sign up. To make a real impact, he decided to go the extra mile and provide exceptional value and support to his students.
That's when Jordan came up with a brilliant idea: a private, paid Discord community to complement his free video course. For a reasonable monthly fee of $100, members of this exclusive group would gain access to a wealth of resources and support, including one-on-one coaching, live Q&A sessions, and a library of detailed tutorials and case studies.
This VIP experience offers students personalized guidance and problem-solving assistance that a pre-recorded video course alone cannot provide.
The mind-blowing results and key lessons
The impact of Jordan's unique content-driven affiliate model has been nothing short of incredible. His free YouTube course has racked up over 2.1 million views, driving a constant stream of new members to his paid Discord community and his affiliated Shopify account. The commissions from his Shopify partnership alone have skyrocketed to $2,400,000 million ever since he posted that video.
But Jordan's case study isn't just about the money. It's also packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to start their own content-based business:
1. Invest in creating amazing, comprehensive content: One of the main reasons Jordan's dropshipping course took off was his commitment to creating top-notch, thorough content. He spent a whole year making an engaging, info-packed video series that established him as a true expert in his field and built deep trust with his audience.
2. Use the power of short video content: Along with his main YouTube course, Jordan also uses a smart "short video content" strategy to get more eyeballs on his brand. He creates short video clips, social media posts, and other easy-to-consume content to keep his brand top of mind and drive more leads to his offerings.
3. Create a clear, compelling sales funnel: Jordan's success also comes from his ability to effortlessly guide his audience through a well-designed sales funnel. From the first contact with his free YouTube course to the eventual upsell to his paid Discord community, each step is carefully crafted to provide value, build trust, and nudge people closer to making a purchase.
4. Build a genuine, relatable personal brand: One of Jordan's biggest strengths is his ability to connect with his audience on a deep, personal level. By openly sharing his challenges, successes, and hard-earned lessons, Jordan has built a loyal fanbase who sees him as a relatable, trustworthy friend and mentor.
5. Stay data-driven and adaptable: Lastly, Jordan's success stems from his willingness to continually test, measure, and adjust his strategies based on real-world data and feedback. By keeping a close eye on his marketing metrics and staying on top of the ever-changing online business world, Jordan can stay ahead of the curve and maintain his impressive growth.
Putting it all together: Using Jordan's strategies in your own business
Jordan's story may revolve around dropshipping and e-commerce, but the ideas and tactics he uses can be applied to almost any field or industry. If you want to start your own content-based affiliate business, here are some important steps to help you get started:
1. Find affiliate partners with great potential: Start by looking for affiliate programs in your niche that offer good commissions, preferably on products that generate recurring income or have high price tags. Look for products or services that truly match what your audience needs and are genuinely valuable solutions to their problems.
2. Create an outstanding piece of content: Put your heart and soul into creating an amazing flagship content piece. It could be a video course, a comprehensive guide, or a series of detailed blog posts. The goal is to create a resource that stands out as the go-to source on the topic, something so valuable and extensive that it grabs your audience's attention.
3. Reach more people with short video content: Once your main content piece is ready, it's time to promote it. Create short, engaging videos, social media posts, and other bite-sized content that captures your audience's interest and leads them to your main offerings. Take advantage of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to get maximum exposure.
4. Build a community hub for your brand: To take your business to the next level, consider creating a paid membership community or coaching program. This can be a private forum, a Discord server, or a Facebook group. The key is to offer a sense of exclusivity and insider access that justifies a monthly fee and provides added value and support to your most dedicated fans.
5. Develop a strong personal brand: Infuse your unique personality, story, and perspective into everything you do. Don't be afraid to share your struggles, quirks, and authentic self. This is what will help you form deep connections with your audience and make you stand out from the crowd of generic online personalities.
6. Use data to improve and adapt: Make data-driven decisions a core part of your business strategy. Regularly review your website analytics, marketing metrics, and sales figures to identify areas for improvement. Be flexible and willing to change your approach based on the insights you gain. This adaptability is important for maintaining steady growth in the long run.
The path forward: Mapping out your own online success story
Jordan Bown's success story shows that there are amazing opportunities for determined entrepreneurs in the online business world. He combined his passion for creating valuable content with smart affiliate marketing strategies, and within a few years, went from being a struggling student to a millionaire business owner.
What's truly inspiring about Jordan's journey is that it wasn't based on luck or something only a few people can achieve. With the right strategies, mindset, and hard work, anyone can apply the same principles and build a thriving online business in their chosen field.
But let's be realistic — achieving success won't be a piece of cake. Building a successful content-based affiliate business requires time, effort, and dedication. You need to be ready to master your skills, create valuable content, and continuously fine-tune your strategies based on feedback and real-world data.
However, the rewards can be life-changing for those who are up for the challenge. A well-executed content affiliate business can provide not only a steady income but also the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment that traditional jobs often lack.
If you're ready to start your journey to online success, take inspiration from Jordan Bown. Begin by finding a niche that matches your passions and expertise, and put all your effort into creating valuable and impactful content. Use affiliate partnerships to monetize your work, and don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you.
Most importantly, remember that success in the online business world isn't about having some secret formula. It's about consistently showing up, working hard, and striving to provide more value to your audience than anyone else in your field. If you stick to this philosophy, there's no limit to what you can achieve.
