Are you tired of the 9-to-5 grind? Do you dream of financial freedom, working from anywhere, and building a sustainable online income stream? If so, you've likely heard of affiliate marketing. It's a powerful model where you promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale, lead, or click generated through your unique affiliate link. But for many, the idea of getting started can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? Which programs are truly beginner-friendly and offer a real chance at success?
The good news is, you're not alone. Thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs face the same questions. The problem isn't a lack of opportunities, but rather the sheer volume of choices and the fear of picking the wrong path. Many beginners jump into complex niches or programs that require significant upfront investment or advanced marketing skills, leading to frustration and burnout.
This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the noise. We're here to take you from a complete beginner ("zero") to a confident, earning affiliate marketer ("hero"). We've meticulously curated a list of 10 beginner-friendly affiliate marketing programs that provide excellent starting points, offer robust support, and have proven track records. For each program, we'll explain why it's a great choice, outline actionable steps to get started, and recommend relevant tools and resources. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear roadmap and the confidence to embark on your affiliate marketing journey. Let's dive in!
The Power of Affiliate Marketing: Why Now is the Time
Before we reveal the programs, let's quickly reiterate why affiliate marketing is such an attractive business model, especially for newcomers:
Low Barrier to Entry: You don't need to create your own products, manage inventory, or handle customer service.
Flexibility: Work from anywhere, set your own hours, and scale your efforts as you grow.
Passive Income Potential: Once your content is live and optimized, it can continue generating commissions around the clock.
Diverse Niches: Opportunities exist in virtually every industry, from tech to health to hobbies.
Scalability: As you gain experience, you can expand your efforts across multiple programs and niches.
Now, let's explore the programs that can help you kickstart your journey.
1. Amazon Associates: The E-commerce Giant's Gateway
Why it's great for beginners: Amazon Associates is arguably the most popular and easiest affiliate program to start with. With millions of products across every imaginable category, you can find something to promote regardless of your niche. People already trust Amazon, making conversions easier. The cookie duration is 24 hours, meaning you earn a commission if a customer buys anything on Amazon within that timeframe after clicking your link, not just the product you recommended.
Actionable Steps:
Create an Amazon Account: If you don't have one, sign up for a regular Amazon shopping account first.
Join Amazon Associates: Visit the Amazon Associates homepage and click "Sign Up." You'll need to provide details about your website/blog/social media channels where you plan to promote products.
Choose Your Niche/Products: Think about what you genuinely use, understand, or are passionate about. This authenticity will resonate with your audience.
Generate Affiliate Links: Once approved, you can easily generate links using the SiteStripe bar that appears at the top of Amazon.com when logged into your Associates account.
Create Content: Write product reviews, comparison guides, gift ideas, or "best of" lists. Embed your affiliate links naturally within your content.
Example/Use Case: Imagine you have a blog about healthy cooking. You could write an article titled "5 Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Healthy Eating" and link to blenders, air fryers, and food processors available on Amazon. When someone clicks your link and buys one (or anything else!), you earn a commission.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
Amazon SiteStripe: For quick link generation.
Yoast SEO (WordPress Plugin): To optimize your content for search engines, helping people find your product reviews.
Canva: To create appealing visuals for your blog or social media posts that feature Amazon products.
2. ShareASale: A Network of Diverse Merchants
Why it's great for beginners: ShareASale is a large and respected affiliate network that connects affiliates with thousands of merchants across various niches, including fashion, home goods, business services, and green products. It's beginner-friendly because it offers a wide selection, a clean interface, and clear reporting. You can find both established brands and up-and-coming companies.
Actionable Steps:
Sign Up as an Affiliate: Go to the ShareASale website and click "Sign Up" for affiliates. You'll need to provide details about your promotional methods (website, social media, etc.).
Browse Merchants: Once approved, use the "Search for Merchants" feature. Filter by category, keyword, or commission rate to find programs relevant to your niche.
Apply to Programs: Each merchant has specific requirements. Read them carefully and apply to those that align with your audience and content. Many automatically approve, while others require manual review.
Get Links/Banners: Once approved by a merchant, you'll gain access to their creative assets, including text links, banner ads, and product feeds.
Integrate and Promote: Place these links and banners strategically on your platform.
Example/Use Case: If your blog is about sustainable living, you could apply to merchants on ShareASale selling eco-friendly clothing or zero-waste products. You might write a review of a specific brand of ethical fashion and link directly to their product page through ShareASale.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
ShareASale's Educational Resources: They often provide guides and webinars for affiliates.
Ahrefs or Semrush: To research keywords for your chosen niche and identify product ideas from merchants on ShareASale.
Link Management Plugin (e.g., ThirstyAffiliates for WordPress): To cloak and manage your affiliate links efficiently.
3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction): A Global Powerhouse
Why it's great for beginners: CJ Affiliate is another massive and highly reputable affiliate network, home to some of the biggest brands in the world (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Office Depot, IHG Hotels). While some programs might be more selective, many are open to new affiliates. CJ offers powerful reporting tools and a vast array of product types, from physical goods to digital services and travel.
Actionable Steps:
Register as a Publisher: Visit the CJ Affiliate website and sign up. You'll need to detail your promotional methods and business information.
Add Your Websites/Promotional Properties: Ensure all the places you plan to promote products are listed in your account.
Search for Advertisers: Use the "Advertisers" tab to browse categories, keywords, or look for specific brands. Pay attention to the "Network Earnings" score, which indicates how well a program converts for affiliates.
Apply to Programs: Submit applications to programs relevant to your niche. Be patient, as some approvals can take time.
Generate Links & Promote: Once approved, access "Get Links" to obtain text links, banner ads, and other creatives.
Example/Use Case: If you run a travel blog, you could apply to hotel chains or travel gear companies on CJ. You might write a destination guide and include affiliate links for booking accommodations or recommended travel accessories.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
CJ's Reporting Dashboard: Learn to navigate and understand your performance metrics.
Google Analytics: To track traffic and user behavior on your site, helping you refine your affiliate strategies.
4. ClickBank: Digital Products for Niche Markets
Why it's great for beginners: ClickBank specializes in digital products – e-books, online courses, software, and membership sites – across a wide range of niches like health & fitness, self-help, e-business, and cooking. It's very beginner-friendly because many products offer incredibly high commission rates (sometimes 50-75%!) and don't require physical shipping.
Actionable Steps:
Create a ClickBank Account: Sign up on the ClickBank website. It's a straightforward process.
Explore the Marketplace: Head to the "Marketplace" tab. You can browse categories or use the search bar to find products.
Filter by "Gravity": A crucial metric for beginners is "Gravity." This indicates how many unique affiliates have recently earned commissions promoting that product. A higher gravity score often means the product is selling well, but it also means more competition. Look for products with decent gravity (e.g., 20-100 for starters).
Create a "HopLink": Once you find a product, click the "Promote" button. Enter your account nickname, and ClickBank will generate your unique HopLink.
Drive Traffic: Promote these products through reviews, tutorials, email lists, or social media.
Place Order Guidance (Relevant for Promoting Courses/Software):
When promoting ClickBank products that are typically digital courses or software, the "place order" process is usually very streamlined for the end-user. Your role as an affiliate is to direct them to the merchant's well-optimized sales page.
Your Content: Focus on highlighting the benefits, features, and value proposition of the digital product. Use testimonials, show results, or explain how the product solves a specific problem.
The Click: Your HopLink will take the user directly to the merchant's sales page. This page is designed by the product creator to convert visitors into customers.
The Purchase: The user then proceeds through the merchant's secure checkout process, which typically involves selecting a payment method (credit card, PayPal) and confirming their order.
Access: Upon successful payment, they usually receive immediate access to the digital product (e.g., download links, login credentials for an online portal).
Your guidance to your audience should be: "Click my link, explore the detailed product page, and follow the simple checkout steps to get instant access!"
Example/Use Case: You have a blog about weight loss. You could find an e-book about ketogenic diets on ClickBank with high gravity, write a review, and link to it. Or, if you teach guitar, you could promote an online guitar course.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
ClickBank University: Offers training on how to succeed with ClickBank products (paid).
Landing Page Builder (e.g., Leadpages, Unbounce): To create high-converting pages for your ClickBank offers.
5. Rakuten Advertising (formerly Rakuten Marketing/LinkShare): Major Retailers
Why it's great for beginners: Rakuten Advertising is another major global affiliate network similar to CJ Affiliate and ShareASale, boasting a strong portfolio of well-known brands, especially in retail, apparel, and travel. It provides a reliable platform with robust tracking and payment systems.
Actionable Steps:
Sign Up as an Affiliate (Publisher): Go to the Rakuten Advertising website and register. You'll need to provide information about your website or promotional channels.
Navigate the Advertiser Directory: Once logged in, search for advertisers relevant to your niche. You can filter by category, country, or keyword.
Apply to Programs: Submit applications to the merchants you wish to promote. Be sure your promotional methods align with their terms.
Retrieve Links & Creatives: After approval, access the "Links" section to get your unique affiliate links, banner ads, and other promotional materials.
Implement on Your Platform: Integrate these links into your content, ensuring they are clearly disclosed as affiliate links.
Example/Use Case: If you run a fashion blog, you could partner with clothing retailers or beauty brands found on Rakuten. You might create a "Summer Style Guide" and link to specific outfits or products.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
Grammarly: To ensure your content is professional and free of errors when applying to programs and writing reviews.
Image Optimization Tools (e.g., TinyPNG): To ensure your website loads quickly, which is crucial for good user experience and SEO, especially when using product images.
6. Fiverr Affiliate Program: Services for Every Need
Why it's great for beginners: Fiverr is a massive marketplace for freelance services (gigs) ranging from graphic design and writing to video editing and digital marketing. The Fiverr Affiliate Program is excellent for beginners because almost every online business or individual can benefit from their services. This broad appeal means you have a huge potential audience. Commissions are generous and often recurring for certain services.
Actionable Steps:
Register for the Fiverr Affiliate Program: Visit the Fiverr Affiliates page and sign up.
Explore Fiverr Services: Browse the Fiverr marketplace to understand the vast array of services available. Think about which services would be most beneficial to your audience.
Choose Your Commission Plan: Fiverr offers different commission structures (e.g., fixed CPA, revenue share, hybrid). Select the one that best suits your strategy.
Generate Tracking Links: Use the Fiverr Affiliate dashboard to create specific tracking links for individual gigs, categories, or the overall Fiverr platform.
Promote Strategically:
Bloggers: Write articles like "5 Essential Freelance Services for Small Businesses" or "How to Outsource Your Graphic Design."
Youtubers: Create videos reviewing a specific gig or showing how to use Fiverr for a project.
Podcasters: Recommend specific services your listeners might need.
Place Order Guidance:
The "place order" process on Fiverr is intuitive and handled entirely by the Fiverr platform itself. Your role is to guide your audience to the specific gig or category.
Your Content: Focus on solving a problem for your audience. "Need a logo designed? I recommend checking out [Link to Logo Design category/specific gig]." "Struggling with content writing? Find a professional writer on Fiverr."
The Click: Your affiliate link takes the user to Fiverr.
Browsing and Selection: The user browses gigs, compares sellers, and reviews portfolios.
Ordering: Once they find a suitable seller, they click "Continue" or "Order Now" on the gig page, specify their requirements, and proceed to payment.
Service Delivery: The freelancer then delivers the service through the Fiverr platform.
Your advice to your audience: "Simply click my link, browse the talented freelancers, and place your order directly on Fiverr for the service you need!"
Example/Use Case: If you have a blog about starting an online business, you could write a post titled "Must-Have Services to Launch Your Startup" and link to logo designers, copywriters, or website developers on Fiverr.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
Fiverr Learn: Fiverr's own educational platform, which can give you insights into the services.
Social Media Scheduling Tools (e.g., Buffer, Hootsuite): To share links to relevant Fiverr gigs on your social channels.
7. Bluehost Affiliate Program: Web Hosting for Bloggers
Why it's great for beginners: Bluehost is one of the most popular web hosting providers, especially recommended by WordPress.org. This makes their affiliate program a natural fit for anyone targeting new bloggers, small business owners, or aspiring website creators. Commissions are high (starting at $65 per sign-up), and the demand for reliable web hosting is constant.
Actionable Steps:
Sign Up for the Bluehost Affiliate Program: Visit the Bluehost affiliate page and register.
Familiarize Yourself with Bluehost: Understand their hosting plans, features, and pricing. Ideally, use Bluehost yourself to provide an authentic review.
Get Your Tracking Link: Once approved, you'll receive a unique affiliate tracking link from your dashboard.
Create "How-to" Content:
Blog Post: "How to Start a Blog (Step-by-Step Guide)" or "Best Web Hosting for Small Businesses."
Video Tutorial: A screen-share video walking users through the Bluehost sign-up process.
Comparison: Compare Bluehost with other hosting providers.
Place Order Guidance:
When promoting web hosting like Bluehost, providing clear "place order" guidance is crucial, as it often involves technical steps for beginners.
Your Content: Create a step-by-step guide on "How to Set Up Your Website with Bluehost."
Step 1: Click Your Affiliate Link: "First, click here [Your Bluehost Affiliate Link] to go to Bluehost's official website and ensure you get the best deal."
Step 2: Choose Your Plan: "On the Bluehost homepage, click 'Get Started' and select a hosting plan. For most beginners, the 'Basic' plan is sufficient to start."
Step 3: Register Your Domain: "Next, you'll be prompted to choose a domain name. You can get a free domain for the first year with Bluehost. Enter your desired domain and check availability." (Provide tips for choosing a good domain).
Step 4: Create Your Account: "Fill in your account information (name, address, email). Double-check your details."
Step 5: Package Information (Crucial for beginners): "Review the 'Package Information.' Bluehost often pre-selects 'add-ons' like SiteLock Security or Codeguard. For beginners, you can often uncheck these to save money. The most important selection is your 'Account Plan' duration (12, 24, or 36 months – longer terms offer better monthly rates but require more upfront payment)."
Step 6: Payment Information: "Enter your credit card details or use PayPal to complete your purchase securely."
Step 7: Confirmation & Setup: "After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email. Bluehost will then guide you through setting up your WordPress website with their one-click installation."
By breaking down the process, you reduce friction for your audience and increase conversions.
Example/Use Case: A YouTuber who creates content on "How to Start a Business Online" could have a dedicated video walking viewers through the process of setting up a website using Bluehost, using their affiliate link in the description.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
Loom or OBS Studio: To record screen-share video tutorials demonstrating the Bluehost sign-up process.
Website Speed Test Tools (e.g., GTmetrix, PageSpeed Insights): To show the performance benefits of good hosting.
8. ConvertKit Affiliate Program: Email Marketing for Creators
Why it's great for beginners: ConvertKit is a popular email marketing service specifically designed for creators (bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, online course creators). If your audience consists of aspiring or established content creators, then promoting ConvertKit is a fantastic opportunity. It offers a generous 30% recurring commission for as long as the customer stays subscribed, meaning your earnings can grow over time.
Actionable Steps:
Join the ConvertKit Affiliate Program: Sign up through their affiliate page.
Understand ConvertKit's Features: Familiarize yourself with how ConvertKit helps creators with email newsletters, landing pages, forms, and automation. Ideally, use it yourself.
Access Your Affiliate Dashboard: Get your unique tracking links and promotional assets.
Create Value-Driven Content:
Tutorials: "How to Set Up Your First Email Sequence in ConvertKit."
Reviews: "ConvertKit Review: Is It the Best Email Marketing Tool for Creators?"
Comparison: "ConvertKit vs. Mailchimp for Bloggers."
Case Studies: Show how you (or others) have used ConvertKit to grow an audience.
Place Order Guidance:
The "place order" process for a SaaS tool like ConvertKit is straightforward for the end-user, as they are signing up for a service. Your role is to guide them to the trial or sign-up page.
Your Content: Focus on the benefits: "Want to easily build an email list and connect with your audience? ConvertKit is my go-to tool."
The Click: Your affiliate link will lead them directly to the ConvertKit website, often to a free trial or pricing page.
Free Trial/Subscription: The user typically starts with a free trial (for up to 1,000 subscribers) or chooses a paid plan. They fill in their email, create a password, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Account Setup: They then complete their account setup within the ConvertKit dashboard.
Payment (if applicable): If they choose a paid plan or convert after a free trial, they enter payment details directly on ConvertKit's secure platform.
Your simple instruction: "Click my link, sign up for their free plan, and experience how ConvertKit can transform your email marketing!"
Example/Use Case: A content creator specializing in blogging tips could write an in-depth guide on "Building an Engaged Email List" and heavily feature ConvertKit as the recommended solution, embedding their affiliate links throughout.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
ConvertKit's Knowledge Base: Extensive documentation and tutorials.
Lumen5 or InVideo: To create short, engaging videos highlighting ConvertKit features for social media promotion.
9. SEMrush Affiliate Program: SEO and Marketing Tools
Why it's great for beginners (with a niche focus): SEMrush is an all-in-one SEO and digital marketing toolkit. While its audience is more specific (bloggers, marketers, business owners), its affiliate program offers excellent potential due to high demand and recurring commissions. You earn 40% recurring commission on all subscription sales. This program is best for those whose audience has a genuine need for SEO, content marketing, or competitive analysis tools.
Actionable Steps:
Apply to the SEMrush Affiliate Program: Go to the SEMrush affiliate page and register. They operate through the Impact Radius network.
Become a SEMrush User (Highly Recommended): To effectively promote SEMrush, you should be familiar with its features. Use it to improve your own SEO and content strategy.
Master Key Features: Focus on explaining specific SEMrush features relevant to your audience (e.g., keyword research, site audit, competitor analysis).
Create Problem/Solution Content:
Guides: "How to Do Keyword Research with SEMrush."
Reviews: "SEMrush Review: Is It Worth the Investment?"
Case Studies: "How I Used SEMrush to Double My Blog Traffic."
Webinars/Demos: Offer live or recorded sessions showcasing SEMrush.
Place Order Guidance:
For a sophisticated SaaS product like SEMrush, users will likely need convincing through thorough reviews and demonstrations. Your role is to guide them to the trial or subscription page.
Your Content: Emphasize the value and ROI of SEMrush. "Ready to take your SEO to the next level? SEMrush is the tool pros use."
The Click: Your affiliate link will direct them to SEMrush's website, often to a free trial offer or the pricing page.
Trial/Subscription: Users typically sign up for a free trial or directly choose a paid plan. They'll need to create an account with their email and password.
Payment: If they opt for a paid subscription, they will enter their payment details (credit card) on SEMrush's secure payment gateway.
Access: Upon successful payment, they gain full access to the SEMrush platform.
Your instruction: "Start your free trial today through my link and unlock the power of SEMrush for your business!"
Example/Use Case: An SEO consultant's blog could publish an in-depth tutorial series on "Advanced Keyword Strategy" using SEMrush and integrate their affiliate links throughout the content.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
SEMrush Academy: Free courses and certifications to help you learn the tool inside out.
Video Editing Software (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro): For creating professional video tutorials.
10. Ultimate Bundles: High-Value, Limited-Time Offers
Why it's great for beginners: Ultimate Bundles is unique. They offer curated collections of digital products (e-books, courses, printables, software) from various creators, usually within a specific niche (e.g., blogging, healthy living, homemaking). These bundles are sold for a very limited time (typically 5-7 days) at a deeply discounted price. Affiliates earn a generous 40% commission per sale. It's great for beginners because:
High Value: The products in the bundles are often worth thousands of dollars individually, making them an easy sell.
Scarcity: The limited-time offer creates urgency, which drives conversions.
Broad Appeal within Niches: There's usually something for everyone within a target niche.
Actionable Steps:
Apply to the Ultimate Bundles Affiliate Program: Go to their affiliate page and sign up.
Familiarize Yourself with Upcoming Bundles: They'll announce new bundles well in advance. Pick a bundle that aligns with your audience.
Get Your Unique Affiliate Link: You'll receive a specific link for each bundle you promote.
Create Pre-Launch and Launch Content:
Pre-Launch (Anticipation): Announce the upcoming bundle, highlight its value, and get people excited.
Launch (Detailed Review): Create a comprehensive review of the bundle, detailing each product, its value, and how it benefits your audience.
Email Sequence: Build an email list and send out a series of emails throughout the bundle's sale period.
Social Media: Promote heavily during the launch week.
Place Order Guidance:
The "place order" process for Ultimate Bundles is designed to be very simple, capitalizing on the urgency.
Your Content: Focus on the incredible value and the limited-time nature. "This amazing bundle of 30+ resources, worth over $1,500, is only available for 5 more days at just $49! Don't miss out!"
The Click: Your affiliate link takes them directly to the Ultimate Bundles sales page for that specific bundle.
The Purchase: On the sales page, there will be prominent "Buy Now" or "Get Your Bundle" buttons. The user clicks this, enters their payment information (credit card or PayPal), and completes the purchase.
Access: Immediately after purchase, they receive an email with instructions on how to access all the products within their bundle.
Your clear call to action: "Click my link now, review all the incredible products included, and secure your bundle before it's gone forever!"
Example/Use Case: If you run a blog about healthy eating, when the "Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle" is released, you would create content reviewing its contents, emphasizing the massive savings, and driving traffic to your affiliate link during the short sales window.
Relevant Tools/Resources:
Email Marketing Service (e.g., ConvertKit, MailerLite): Crucial for promoting time-sensitive offers.
Deadline Funnel: To create real-time scarcity timers on your website, mimicking the bundle's expiring offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Beginner Affiliate Marketing Programs
Q1: Do I need a website to start affiliate marketing?
A1: While a website or blog is highly recommended for long-term success and SEO, you can start without one. Options include social media marketing (e.g., Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram), email marketing (if you have an existing list), or paid advertising (though this is more advanced). However, a website gives you control, authority, and a stable platform.
Q2: How much money can a beginner expect to make?
A2: This varies wildly. Some beginners make their first few dollars within weeks, while others take months to see significant income. Your earnings depend on your niche, audience size, traffic generation strategies, and consistency. It's realistic to aim for a few hundred dollars a month initially, with the potential to scale to thousands as you gain experience.
Q3: What are the biggest mistakes beginners make?
A3: Common mistakes include:
Lack of patience: Expecting instant riches.
Promoting too many products: Spreading themselves too thin.
Not building an audience: Focusing only on sales, not on providing value.
Ignoring disclosure rules: Failing to inform readers that links are affiliate links.
Chasing high commissions over relevance: Promoting products that don't fit their niche or audience.
Q4: How do I get traffic to my affiliate links?
A4: Key traffic generation strategies include:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Creating content optimized for Google to attract organic traffic.
Social Media Marketing: Sharing valuable content and recommendations on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Email Marketing: Building an email list and promoting relevant products to subscribers.
Paid Advertising: Using platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads (more advanced and requires a budget).
Guest Posting: Writing articles for other blogs in your niche to drive referral traffic.
Q5: Is affiliate marketing a get-rich-quick scheme?
A5: Absolutely not. Affiliate marketing is a legitimate business model that requires consistent effort, learning, and strategic implementation. It's a marathon, not a sprint. While it offers immense potential for passive income and financial freedom, it demands dedication and a long-term perspective.
Conclusion: Your Journey from Zero to Hero Starts Now
Embarking on your affiliate marketing journey can feel daunting, but with the right guidance and the right programs, it's an achievable path to building a flexible and potentially lucrative online business. We've laid out 10 excellent affiliate marketing programs that are genuinely beginner-friendly, offering diverse opportunities across various niches. From the vast product catalog of Amazon Associates to the recurring commissions of ConvertKit and SEMrush, and the high-value offers of Ultimate Bundles, there's a starting point for everyone.
Remember, success in affiliate marketing isn't just about picking a program; it's about consistently providing value to your audience, building trust, and strategically integrating your promotions. Start small, learn continuously, and be patient. The "hero" you aspire to be is built through consistent "zero" steps.
Now it's your turn. Pick one or two programs from this list that genuinely excite you and align with your interests. Start creating valuable content, build your platform, and take that crucial first step. The world of affiliate marketing is waiting for you.
Which program will you start with? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's begin your journey from zero to hero!