How Nicholas Smith Turned $0 into $40,000 on Skool Using Free Traffic

Case Study Overview

This study shows how Nicholas Smith used a zero-budget approach to drive traffic, build trust, and generate sales without Facebook ads or Instagram posts. By focusing on free community growth and strategic affiliate placements, he pulled in $40,000 in just ten days.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Platform

Nicholas picked Skool.com for its built-in community features and front-page exposure. He launched a free group focused on online earning strategies. Within days, organic visits and word-of-mouth pushed his member count to 12,000, earning him a spot in Skool’s featured listings.

Step 2: Crafting a Free Value Stream

He posted guides, templates, and Q&A sessions to deliver actionable tips upfront. No hard sell. Just genuine help. That approach established trust, so when he added affiliate links to recommended tools, conversions flowed naturally.

Step 3: Affiliate Monetization

A “Resources” section showcased products he used. With clear reviews and use-case examples, affiliate commissions climbed to $12,000 per month. Free membership gave leads time to see his credibility before spending.

Step 4: Launching a Paid Tier

Next, he rolled out a $99/month premium group. Members got in-depth tutorials, weekly live calls, and personalized support. Because the free group had delivered so much, sign-ups were quick and retention held strong.

Step 5: Introducing High-Ticket Coaching

For the most engaged students, a high-ticket offer provided 1:1 coaching and a customized roadmap. About 35 clients joined, adding a significant revenue boost on top of recurring income.

Step 6: Evergreen YouTube Channels

Nicholas created faceless YouTube channels in niches like finance and self-improvement. Outsourced script, voice, and editing at $50–$100 per video. One channel pulled in $105,000 in ad revenue over 30 days, while also funneling traffic back to Skool.

Step 7: Scaling Up

With systems in place, Nicholas duplicated his approach: more channels, niche splits, and continuous optimization. Each new asset widened his net, driving fresh sign-ups and affiliate sales without extra ad spend.

Results Recap

In just ten days, zero ad spend turned into $40,000 revenue. Ongoing affiliate commissions hit $12K/month and YouTube ads delivered six-figure monthly payouts. All built on free, evergreen traffic sources.