The people that's good with Search Engine Optimization would be the main benefactor of this affiliate thing and I agree that it needs perseverance of being patient in doing your hustle.
I wonder how much money you can get by spreading a Youtube video tutorial?
You can also spread the video on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and I think you can get more people to join as your referrals.
The Search Engine Optimization will have the important thing to get success in the affiliate method, and it will increase the number of people who will visit the links, and it will also help to gain more referrals too.