Earning six figures is possible without spending a lot. One marketer went from making $20k to $150k in two years. They used free platforms and smart strategies along the lines of low cost affiliate marketing.

Budget affiliate marketing uses programs like ShareASale, Rakuten, and Amazon. You can earn $50–$200 per sale just by hosting referrals. Even with little money, affiliate marketing can work well.

Most traffic comes from Google. Blog visitors can reach 3,000+ a day without spending a dime.

You can start with no money at all. Over 50 affiliate programs offer commissions, including big names like WP Engine and SEMrush.

Choose niches like tech, fitness, or pet care where people are looking for solutions. Use social media, free SEO tools, and content marketing to get results without spending a lot. This guide will show you how to make money with small efforts and affordable strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Start with zero dollars using free platforms like blogs and social media.
• High-commission programs like hosting sales ($200+) boost income quickly.
• Focus on niches with engaged audiences, such as smart home tech or vegan recipes.
• Organic traffic and free SEO tools drive 3,000+ daily visitors for top marketers.
• Tools like Google Analytics and Mailchimp’s free plans optimize growth without spending.

What Is Affiliate Marketing and Why Consider the Low-Cost Approach?

Affiliate marketing basics mean working with brands to promote their products. You share a special link, and when people buy, you get a cut. It’s great for bloggers, influencers, and small businesses to make money from their followers. For example, Amazon Associates can give up to 10% on some products. This shows how cost-effective affiliate programs can be. They are profitable without needing to spend a lot.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

Getting started involves joining programs like eBay’s Partner Network, which offers up to 4% for certain items. Your job is to promote products through blogs, videos, or social media. Commissions vary, but the goal is to pick products your audience likes. You don’t have to handle inventory or customer service, making it easier to start.

Why Budget Strategies Win

A budget affiliate strategy lets you test ideas without spending a lot. Unlike traditional ads, you don’t pay upfront. Instead, you focus on creating content or using social media, which many people already do. This method is effective, as seen with Amazon’s network, which gets 46.15% of affiliate traffic. Even small blogs or YouTube channels can make money, as U.S. affiliate spending reached $9.56 billion in 2023.

Proven Success on a Shoestring

Many have found low-investment marketing success. Some earn over $100,000 a year with little initial investment. A 2023 survey showed that 62% of new marketers started with less than $500. They grew by building email lists or using social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow creators to reach millions without spending on ads, focusing on organic growth.

“Starting with a $0 budget worked for me. I focused on YouTube reviews and grew my channel to 50k subscribers within a year.” – Maria L., affiliate marketer

Getting Started with Minimal Investment

Starting minimal investment affiliate marketing doesn’t need a big budget. Use free tools and platforms to start your low budget affiliate setup. Join programs like Amazon Associates or ClickBank with no fees. This way, you can start affiliate marketing cheap and earn commissions.

Use free blogging sites like WordPress.com or Medium to share reviews and guides. You can also use social media like Instagram or TikTok to promote products without any cost.

“Engaged audiences drive 23% more revenue than average,” says Gallup, highlighting the power of building trust through content.

Make a simple plan: choose a niche, like pet products or tech gadgets, and create content around it. Use YouTube for video reviews or TikTok for quick demos. Aim to post weekly to grow your audience.

Start with free analytics tools like Google Analytics to track your progress. Remember, affordable marketing beginnings focus on value, not cost.

• Join free affiliate networks like ShareASale or Rakuten
• Use Canva for design templates (free tier available)
• Focus on one or two platforms to avoid overwhelm

Start today with a $0 budget. Small steps, like sharing a product link, can lead to earnings. Track what works, adapt, and scale as you grow. Success starts with taking the first step.

Finding the Right Niche Without Market Research Costs

Choosing a profitable niche doesn’t need expensive tools. Start with free niche research to find opportunities others miss. Here’s how to pick a winning niche without spending a dime:

Free Methods to Identify Profitable Niches

Here are some ways to find profitable niches without paid research:

• Search Amazon Best Sellers for trending products with few affiliate competitors.
• Scan YouTube comments for unmet needs in popular videos (e.g., “Where can I find a guide for [topic]?”).
• Use Google Trends to spot rising topics like AI tools or pet tech.

Evaluating Competition Without Paid Tools

Check competition using free methods for budget market analysis:

1. Google top competitors’ sites and count their backlinks via Ahrefs’ free trial (first 7 days).
2. Search “site:example.com” in Google to see how much content competitors produce.

Passion vs. Profitability: Finding the Sweet Spot

“Having a specific niche allows you to focus on the right audience. It also establishes you as an expert in that field.”

Love fitness? Check if it aligns with trends like the $3.7 trillion global fitness industry. Passion for tech? The tech sector’s rapid growth means high-value affiliate programs for gadgets and software. Use low-cost niche selection by combining your interests with these steps:

• Track keyword searches like “best budget [your niche]” to find underserved audiences.
• Use Google Keyword Planner (free with Ads account) to find low-competition terms.

Remember: The adult niche’s steady demand or the $125B cruise industry’s affiliate programs show profitability doesn’t always need passion. Pick what works best for your goals.

Selecting Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Programs That Don’t Require Upfront Costs

Choosing the right free affiliate programs or no-cost partner programs is key to starting your journey without spending a dime. Many platforms let you join instantly, with no fees to start earning commissions. Let’s explore options that fit any budget-friendly strategy.

Popular zero investment affiliate networks like Amazon Associates and ClickBank offer instant access. Amazon’s 1%-20% commissions on products, while ClickBank specializes in digital goods with up to 100% payouts. Both require no fees to join, making them ideal for new affiliates.

• ShareASale: Promote brands like Walmart or Overstock with flexible payment thresholds.
• Rakuten: Access 2,500+ brands, with payouts starting at $50.
• Commission Junction (CJ): Offers tiered payouts based on advertiser deals, no upfront cost to join.

For budget-friendly affiliate opportunities, direct merchant programs shine. Shopify pays $150 per referral, while Teachable offers 50% commissions on course sales. No website? YouTube Shopping lets you promote products with a 15% average commission. Always check cookie durations too—SE Ranking offers 120-day tracking, giving more time to convert leads.

“The affiliate marketing industry reached $8.2 billion in 2022,” per Statista, proving even small budgets can tap into big opportunities.

Focus on programs with low payout thresholds. Impact requires just $10 to withdraw earnings, while Awin starts payouts at $20. Read terms carefully to avoid hidden fees. Prioritize platforms like Canva, which rewards $80 for premium subscriptions, or NordVPN with 100% commissions on referrals.

Start today—no cash required. Pick programs aligning with your audience’s interests and scale as you grow.

Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Platforms and Networks

Starting with budget-friendly options doesn’t mean missing out. Beginner affiliate platforms like Amazon Associates are easy to join. There’s no fee, and you can start earning at $10. It has a wide range of products and is trusted by many, which helps attract visitors.

Amazon Associates: The Beginner-Friendly Option

Amazon’s program has a 24-hour cookie window and is easy to use. To earn more, focus on categories with higher commissions, like home goods (up to 7%). Use Amazon links in content related to your niche to get more clicks.

ClickBank for Digital Product Promotion

ClickBank has a $50 payout threshold and cookies last 30-60 days. You can earn 50-70% on digital products like e-books. But, make sure the products are in demand. The free affiliate networks section helps find top sellers.

GDI and Other Free-to-Join Networks in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

ShareASale requires a $50 threshold but offers flexible payments. It’s quick to get approved for niches like beauty or tech. Look at Rakuten or PartnerStack for low-cost marketing networks. They offer up to 85% commission in SaaS categories.

Platform	Payment Threshold	Commission Rates	Payout Terms
Amazon Associates	$10	1%–7%	Net 60
ClickBank	$10	5%–100%	Net 60
GDI	$10	10%	Net 30
Rakuten	$50	3%–20%	Net 60

These budget-friendly affiliate platforms offer good value. Look at payout cycles and what products they offer. Most networks are free to join, so try a few to see which works best for you.

Building Your Affiliate Presence Without a Website Budget

Starting a no-website affiliate marketing plan is easy with free affiliate platforms. You can use blogs, social media, and videos to grow without spending money. These budget online marketing channels help you test products and connect with people without needing tech skills.

Free Blogging Platforms That Allow Affiliate Links

Choose platforms like Medium, Blogger, or WordPress.com to start. They let you post content with affiliate links without hosting costs. For example, Medium can help you reach Amazon Associates or ClickBank offers. Just make sure to follow each platform’s rules on promotional content.

• Medium: Great for detailed guides with affiliate links.
• Blogger: Offers customizable templates for specific topics.
• WordPress.com: Good for basic affiliate blogs.

Social Media as Your Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Hub

A TikTok video titled “How I Made $10k in a Day (And Lost It All by Dinner)” went viral. It received an incredible number of views. It surpassed the total views of the author’s entire YouTube channel combined.

Use Facebook Groups and Instagram Stories to share product reviews naturally. Micro-influencers with 1,000–100,000 followers can be more effective than big names. A marketer made $5,000 in a week by sharing tips in a Facebook group. Choose platforms where your audience is most active, using polls or carousels to get more engagement.

YouTube: The Zero-Cost Video Marketing Approach

Make videos with a smartphone and edit for free with tools like CapCut or iMovie. Create tutorials or unboxing videos that show off affiliate products. A beauty blogger gained 5,000 subscribers in a month with “10 Affiliate Hacks” content. Using YouTube with no-website affiliate marketing means no website hosting costs.

• Optimize video titles with keywords like “how to” or “best products in 2024.”
• Link to affiliate programs like ShareASale in video descriptions.
• Use end screens to drive traffic to free platforms like Medium.

Content Creation Strategies in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Creating engaging content doesn’t need a big budget. Start with affordable content creation techniques that focus on quality over cost. Use free tools like Canva for visuals, Grammarly for editing, and YouTube for video hosting. This way, you can make professional-looking materials without spending a dime.

• Research topics using Google Trends or AnswerThePublic to find what your audience wants.
• Repurpose old posts into social media snippets, podcasts, or infographics to maximize reach.
• Partner with micro-influencers for collaborations that boost visibility without high fees.

Content provides value to your audience and establishes your credibility in your chosen niche.

Start with budget content marketing by focusing on your strengths. Write step-by-step guides, how-tos, or listicles. These formats are easy to produce and share. Use platforms like Notion or Trello to organize ideas without paid subscriptions.

Even simple tactics like answering questions in your niche can build trust and drive clicks to affiliate links.

For low-cost content strategies, prioritize consistency over perfection. Update old posts with fresh data or visuals to keep them relevant. Use free stock photo sites like Unsplash and Pixabay to enhance visuals.

Remember, free content development starts with understanding your audience’s needs. Use free analytics tools like Google Analytics to track what works.

Every creator’s journey begins with small steps. Start today with one blog post, one video, or one social media post. Over time, these efforts compound into a powerful affordable content creation machine that grows with your audience.

Free and Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Traffic Generation Techniques

Starting with free traffic methods means learning the basics of zero-cost SEO. Over 78% of affiliate marketers use SEO as their main tool. They use Google Keyword Planner to find good keywords.

Make pages better by using keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and headers. Also, make sure pages load fast—70% of users leave if it takes more than 5 seconds.

Organic traffic strategies need regular effort. Pinterest is a big help, bringing 35.61% of Etsy’s traffic. It shows that pictures can really help.

Post every day on big sites like Facebook (3B users) or Instagram. Post at the best times, like Wednesdays at 11 AM ET for Twitter. Use hashtags like #AffiliateTips to get more views.

“74% of B2B marketers say valuable content fuels success.”

Getting involved in communities can help you get more traffic without spending money. Use places like Reddit or Quora to help others. Even small accounts can get clicks by giving good answers.

Join Discord servers to share knowledge without spamming.

• Use free SEO audits via Screaming Frog for site health checks
• Create evergreen content targeting long-tail keywords with 3.5B daily global searches
• Engage audiences daily on platforms with active user bases (e.g., TikTok’s 1.5 hours daily user engagement)

Building traffic takes time—70% of organic search traffic comes from good content. Start small, keep track with free tools, and let algorithms help you.

Email Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Email marketing is a top choice for affiliates, with an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent. Even with little money, free email marketing tools and budget email strategies can work well. Start with platforms like MailerLite, which costs under $100/year for unlimited subscribers. Or, use MailChimp’s free tier for up to 2,000 contacts.

Building a list doesn’t need a big budget. Use low-cost list building tactics like free guides or checklists for email signups. Place signup forms on blogs, social media, or YouTube descriptions. Personalized emails can increase open rates by 50%, so make content fit your audience’s needs.

Focus on simple affordable email campaigns. Write short, actionable content. Use A/B testing for subject lines to boost conversions by 49%. Tools like SendinBlue’s free tier let you automate emails without extra cost. Make sure emails look good on phones, as 46% of emails are opened on them.

Keep lists clean by removing inactive subscribers. Segment audiences by engagement levels to make emails more relevant. Even small changes, like clear CTAs or seasonal offers, can improve click-through rates. Remember, 66% of buyers act on email prompts, so being consistent is more important than being complex.

Leveraging Free Tools to Track Your Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Performance

Tracking your progress is key to affiliate success. Free marketing analytics tools help you measure results, even with a small budget. Start with these three methods to enhance your strategy without spending extra cash.

Google Analytics for Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Tracking

Start with Google Analytics, a free tool for monitoring traffic and user behavior. Set up goals to track clicks and conversions. Focus on metrics like traffic sources and conversion paths.

For example, track which blog posts drive the most clicks to affiliate links. Use the free setup guide at Google Analytics to start today.

Spreadsheet-Based Budget Performance Tracking For Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Create a Google Sheets template to log earnings and costs. Use formulas to calculate ROI and compare campaigns. Add columns for affiliate program names, click-through rates, and revenue.

Tools like WeCanTrack integrate with spreadsheets to automate data collection. Users report saving hours by using this system.

Platform Analytics for Cost-Free Conversion Monitoring

Most affiliate networks offer built-in dashboards. Amazon Associates shows sales data, while ClickBank tracks commissions by product. Use platform-provided reports to spot top-performing products.

For deeper insights, connect these tools to WeCanTrack, which offers no-cost affiliate metrics like revenue per article. One affiliate used this setup to close a $750K property deal through tracked referrals.

“WeCanTrack’s Google Analytics integration cut my reporting time by 50%.”

Optimizing with Free Tools For Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

• Bookmark key analytics dashboards for quick checks.
• Set email alerts for new sales via platform notifications.
• Use Google Sheets to compare weekly vs. monthly conversion rates.

Even basic tracking reveals opportunities to boost earnings. Start small and expand as your business grows. No-cost affiliate metrics give the clarity needed to scale without overspending.

Scaling Your Low Cost Affiliate Marketing Business

Starting to grow your business means smart spending. Affordable business scaling means picking the right channels and avoiding big mistakes. Use these low-cost expansion methods to grow without spending too much.

“The first $1,000 taught me to prioritize what works. Now I reinvest 20% of earnings into tested growth channels.”

First, automate tasks you do over and over. Tools like Google Analytics or free CRM options save time. Budget growth strategies include:

• Test paid ads at $5/day to find the best channels
• Join free affiliate networks like Avelon for no setup costs
• Use cost-effective scaling techniques like YouTube Shorts to reach more people without spending on video editing

Platform	Starter Pricing	G2 Rating	Capterra Rating
impact.com	$30/month	4.6	4.4
PartnerStack	Free trial	4.7	4.9
Tapfiliate	$89/month	3.6	4.5

Find the affiliate niches with 10%+ conversion rates first. The Affiliate Lab course shows you can earn $10k/month by focusing on profitable niches. Cost-effective scaling techniques mean upgrading only when it’s worth it—like moving from free to paid tools when you hit $5k/month.

Scaling takes time. It usually takes 18 months for an affiliate site to make $1,000/month. But, 40% of those who use TASS’s 190+ video lessons reach this milestone faster. Focus on low-cost expansion methods that match your current strengths. Small steps today can lead to big success tomorrow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Even with a tight budget, avoiding costly mistakes ensures your efforts pay off. Here are three affiliate marketing mistakes that could sabotage your progress:

Chasing Too Many Products at Once

Focus is key. Spreading efforts across too many products creates budget marketing errors. It makes it harder to build expertise or track performance. For example, 55% of new marketers switch niches frequently, diluting brand authority.

Stick to 1-2 profitable products while testing new ones strategically. This way, you can focus and see better results.

• Track top-performing products using free analytics tools.
• Test new offers on smaller audiences first.

Ignoring Compliance Requirements

Legal compliance isn’t optional. Over 25% of marketers promote unreliable products, risking penalties. Always include FTC-mandated disclaimers like “Affiliate Link” and comply with GDPR guidelines.

Even small errors can lead to fines or account bans. It’s important to follow the rules to avoid legal trouble.

Undervaluing Your Time Investment in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Saving money by overworking yourself can backfire. A study shows 75% of marketers prioritize quantity over quality, wasting hours on low-ROI tasks. Use tools like Google Analytics to measure time vs. earnings.

Sometimes, paying for automation saves more money long-term. It’s better to invest in tools that make your work more efficient.

Remember: low-cost strategy pitfalls often stem from shortcuts. Prioritize consistency, compliance, and smart resource allocation. Avoid affordable marketing misconceptions like “free is always better”—sometimes investing a little early prevents bigger losses later.

Success Stories: Affiliates Who Started with Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Starting with no budget is not just a dream. Many marketers have shown that you can win big with little money. Pat Flynn of Making Sense of Cents started with $100 and made over $17,000 from one website. He used personal finance content and bought expired domains to build his authority without spending much.

Monica Stott grew her blog to 2 million page views a year and made $10,000 a month. She built a community of 4,500 email subscribers. Charles Ngo, on the other hand, made $10,000 a month in just six months. He spent $4,000 on 14 failed campaigns but kept going. His persistence paid off, like when a $100 ad brought in $4,000 in one day.

Case Study	Startup Cost	Annual Revenue
Pat Flynn	$100	$17,000+ (site sale)
Monica Stott	Free platforms	$120k+ (monthly $10k)
Charles Ngo	$4,000 (initial losses)	$120k+ annually

“Start with what you have. Even $100 can grow into something life-changing.” – Pat Flynn

These stories show that success comes from focusing on a niche, using free tools, and updating content often. Hieu Nguyen’s site made $4,000 a month in just nine months. He used keyword research and affiliate links. These examples show that you can start small and grow big, without needing a lot of money.

When and How to Reinvest Your Initial Affiliate Earnings

As your affiliate earnings grow, smart reinvestment can fuel faster progress. A solid affiliate reinvestment strategy turns small profits into tools for long-term success. Start by focusing on areas that directly boost your reach or efficiency.

Priority Investments for Growth Through Low COST Affiliate Marketing

Begin with the low-cost business reinvestment that maximizes impact:

• Content upgrades: Invest in better video editing software or premium Canva templates to improve post quality.
• Automation tools: Use free MailerLite plans for email campaigns or Google Analytics for tracking.
• Education: Take Udemy courses on SEO or copywriting to sharpen core skills.

Calculating ROI Before Spending

Use this simple formula to evaluate profit reinvestment opportunities: ROI = [(Profit – Cost)/Cost] × 100]. Prioritize options with ROI over 100%.

Option	Expected ROI
Paid Facebook Ads	150-300%
SEO Content Creation	50-200% (over 6-12 months)
Premium Hosting	20-50% (improved site speed)

Timing Your Business Expansion in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Hold off on major investments until you consistently earn at least $500/month. A smart budget scaling plan waits until:

• 3 consecutive months of steady income
• 1,000+ monthly website visitors
• Established tracking of top-performing content

Use 20-30% of profits for reinvestment while maintaining 70-80% for personal expenses. For example, HOSTAFRICA’s 5% lifetime commission structure rewards long-term focus over quick spends.

Staying Motivated Through the Initial Low-Income Phase

Starting small is tough. Many affiliates face months with little income. But success stories like the author’s journey—from $163.16 in month one to over $3 million in total commissions—prove persistence pays off. Here’s how to stay focused when results feel slow:

• Track tiny wins: Celebrate non-monetary progress. A 10% jump in website traffic or a 5-star product review shows momentum.
• Set micro-goals: Break yearly targets into weekly tasks. Write one blog post, engage with 10 followers, or test a new keyword daily.
• Join affiliate communities: Platforms like Warrior Forum or Reddit’s affiliate marketing groups offer free support. Sharing struggles with peers fuels accountability.

“I was broke for a couple of years while creating content. But it literally changed my life…”

Budget business motivation starts with mindset shifts. Remember: 90-day cookie windows (like GetResponse’s 90-day credit period) mean today’s effort could pay off months later. Use free tools like Google Analytics to visualize growth trends—data builds confidence when cash flow stalls.

Persistence in marketing demands patience. Most top earners took 1–2 years to hit $1,000/month. Focus on actions, not immediate checks. When doubt creeps in, revisit low-income phase strategies:

• Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., scheduled social media posts) to free time for content creation.
• Rotate promoted offers to avoid audience fatigue. Mix high-commission products (like digital tools at 40–60%) with evergreen physical items (10% commissions).

Every $200,000 single-product milestone started with small steps. Stay flexible, learn from setbacks, and remember: 99% of merchants pay reliably. Success isn’t instant, but it’s built one persistent day at a time.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Affiliate Success Through Low Cost Affiliate Marketing

Starting a successful affiliate marketing business doesn’t need a big budget. Follow this low-cost affiliate strategy to achieve affordable marketing success. Begin by picking a niche that interests you and meets your audience’s needs. Sites like Amazon Associates and ClickBank let you start for free, promoting popular products right away.

Use free tools like YouTube or social media to share your content. Keep track of your progress with Google Analytics. Every post, video, or email gets you closer to earning commissions without spending money upfront.

A budget success plan is all about being consistent. Post new content weekly, engage with your followers, and use data to improve. Tools like spreadsheets and analytics help you see what works.

Even small goals can lead to steady income. For example, a 500-subscriber email list or 1,000 weekly site visitors can earn you money. Plerdy’s 50% commission on referrals shows that even small efforts can pay off, like earning $400 from 10 sales. As you earn more, invest in better tools or paid ads to grow faster.

This affiliate marketing roadmap values patience and flexibility. Set SMART goals, like aiming for 10 referrals in three months or 100 weekly visits. Track your progress with KPIs like click-through rates to refine your strategies.

While there are challenges, the low risk and pay-for-performance model means you only spend time, not money, to start. Affiliate marketing is accessible, and your journey starts today with one blog post, one video, or one shared offer. Focus on adding value, stay curious, and let your efforts build up. Success may not come right away, but every step brings you closer to passive income and stability.

FAQ

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing lets you promote products and earn a commission for each sale. It’s a way to make money online by sharing products with others.

How much money do I need to start affiliate marketing?

Starting affiliate marketing doesn’t cost much. Many have started with little money. They use free tools to promote products and grow their audience.

What are the best low cost affiliate marketing programs for beginners on a budget?

For beginners, GDI, Amazon Associates, and ClickBank, are good choices. They don’t require a lot of money to start. These platforms have products for many interests.

How can I identify a profitable niche without spending money?

Use free tools like Google Trends to find profitable niches. Look at forums, YouTube comments, and Amazon bestsellers. This helps you see what people are interested in.

What content creation strategies can I use in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing?

Use free writing tools and create visuals with Canva. Record audio with your phone. These methods help make quality content without spending a lot.

How can I promote my affiliate products without paid advertising?

Improve your SEO, engage on social media, and join online communities. These methods bring people to your affiliate links without spending money.

What should I do to maintain motivation during low-income phases?

Set achievable goals and celebrate small wins. Having a supportive community or a partner can help you stay motivated during tough times.

How do I track my affiliate performance in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing?

Use Google Analytics for free to see your website traffic. Create tracking systems with free spreadsheet tools. This helps you understand your campaign’s success without spending money.

What common mistakes should I avoid in Low Cost Affiliate Marketing?

Don’t promote too many products at once. Make sure you follow the rules. Don’t underestimate the value of your time, as it can lead to burnout.

Can I really succeed in low cost affiliate marketing?

Yes! Many have made a lot of money starting with almost nothing. Success comes from smart planning, hard work, and using free tools instead of expensive ones.