Best Affiliate Programs For Beginners (35+ High Paying Programs)
- my gen
- Aug 9, 2020
- 14 min read
Do you want to make passive income through affiliate marketing? Here I have made a list of the best affiliate programs for beginners.
Affiliate marketing is a business that enables you to make money by promoting other people’s products and services.
It is a serious business that can pay as much as a full-time job.
Affiliate marketers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to millions per year.
There are hundreds and thousands of affiliate programs out there. So, which ones are the best for you?
We have simplified the answer by providing a list of high paying programs for newbies with good affiliate and marketing support.
[Sidenote: if you need accountability and would like a step by step process for building your affiliate marketing business, check out this 15 day challenge. And if you already have your affiliate marketing business launched, you might also want to check out Startups, a resource to education, community, and tools for founders].
Just choose the products and services that best fit with your brand and your audience’s interests and witness the magic of affiliate marketing.
Let’s dive in with affiliate programs for beginners.
Table of Contents
Difference Between Affiliate Networks And Affiliate Programs
Affiliate programs are the in-house program run and managed by the actual vendor of the product or service.
Examples are the Shopify affiliate program and the Bluehost affiliate program.
Affiliate networks manage multiple affiliate programs under one roof. Once you join a network you get access to multiple affiliate offers from different websites.
Examples include the CJ network, Clickbank, and Shareasale.
Let’s review each in a bit more detail.
Affiliate Networks
They are usually free to join and provide you with an affiliate manager.
They also pay after a certain time i.e 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. The longer the payment release time, the more you have to wait.
You also have to meet a certain payment amount for your payment to be released. Therefore, make sure you read all terms before signing up for any affiliate program.
Let’s go through the list of popular affiliate network programs I recommend for beginners.
1. Amazon Associates Affiliate Program
Starting in 1996, it is one of the oldest affiliate programs in the world.
Being trusted around the world and millions of products to pick from, it allows content creators to make money from their traffic.
Amazon Associates program is free to join and easy to get accepted and because of this is one of the best affiliate programs for beginners.
Commissions: 1%- 10% from purchases. The commission rates may change.
Cookie Duration: 24 hours
Payment threshold: $10
Signup here
2. CJ Affiliate Program
CJ Network, also known as Commission Junction, has been in business for over 20 years. They have partnered with some of the largest brands in the world. A few examples are Samsung and GoPro. It pays $1.8 billion every year to its affiliates.
CJ is free to join.
Commissions: different per product
You get paid: after 60 days
Payment threshold: $10
Sign up here
3. ShareASale Affiliate Program
According to 99 Firms, ShareASale holds 55.7% of the affiliate market making it the largest affiliate network.
Shareasale has also been in the business for the past 20 years and it is free to join. They have established a partnership with some big brands like NBA and Lulu’s.
Commissions: different per product
You get paid: Net 60
Payment threshold: $10
Signup here
4. ClickBank Affiliate Program
Being one of the oldest affiliate networks, Clickbank’s affiliates represent 200 countries in total and at the time of this writing over $4.2B has been paid in affiliate earnings.
Like others, it is also free to join and has thousands of offers to choose from.
Commissions: Vary from offer to offer. The default rate is 25%
Cookie duration: 60 days
You get paid: Net 60
Payment threshold: $100
5. Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Network
Rakuten advertising is another affiliate marketing service provider who acquired Ebates (which pays you cash for shopping) in 2014.
They claim to be the largest affiliate marketing network on the internet and have 150,000 affiliates across the world.
In 2018, Rakuten has processed 100 million orders from 200 countries.
Commissions: Vary from offer to offer
You get paid: Net 60
Payment threshold: $50
Signup here: Rakuten advertising
6. The eBay Partner Network
From Global brand to local stands, eBay connects 183 million buyers across the world and has no longer remained an auction place for used products. At any given time there are over 1.4B listings, 80% of which are new.
Its affiliate program is known as The eBay Partner network. It is easy and free to join and affiliates usually get accepted within a few hours
Commissions: up to 6% of the purchase price
Cookie duration: 24 hours.
You get paid: after 21 days
Payment threshold: $10
Sign up here: The eBay Partner Network
7. Fiverr Affiliate Network
Fiverr is one of the easiest affiliate programs to join. It is one of the best affiliate programs for beginners as you can find almost any service here and easily link it to your blog.
Commission plan: It offers two plans
1- Fiver CPA: $15 – $50 depending upon what services your referred buyer purchases
2- Fiverr Hybrid: $10 CPA + 10% Revenue Share for 12 months
You get paid: Net 30
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payment threshold: $100 minimum
Signup here: Fiverr Affiliate Program
8. Impact Radius Marketplace
The Impact Radius affiliate network has been in the market since 2008 and grown fast since then.
It is also free to join and connects you with some of the world’s largest brands from Lenovo to L’oreal.
You get paid: Net 60
Payment threshold: $25 minimum
Signup here: Impact Radius Marketplace
Best Recurring Commission Affiliate Programs
Listed below are some affiliate programs that pay you ongoing money for as long as the customer you refer is there.
1. Buzzsprout – Podcast Host
Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform that has helped over 100,000 people to start their own podcasts.
Its affiliate program has a generous affiliate commission structure with a really helpful team.
Commission plan: It has two plans
1- Earn a one-time payment of $25 for every customer you send to Buzzsprout.
2- Earn a 20% recurring lifetime commission for all paid customers you send to Buzzsprout.
Cookie Duration: They do not expire and you will be paid for a referral even if somebody doesn’t upgrade to a paid account for years.
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: Buzzsprout Affiliate Program
2. Thinkific – Online Course Creation
Thinkific is an online course creation and selling platform which has helped over 51,000 people launch their own courses.
They use a third-party tool called Partner Stack to manage its affiliate program. You will also be given access to marketing material created by Thinkific.
Commission plan: 20% recurring commission that can be as high as $1100 per referral per year.
Cookie Duration: 90 days
Signup here: Become a Thinkific Affiliate
3. Leadpages Affiliate Partner Program
Leadpages helps small business owners grow by connecting with their audience, getting leads, and closing sales and it does this by building websites, landing pages, and opt-in forms.
The Leadpages affiliate program is managed by Impact. It provides you with marketing and ongoing affiliate support with an easy to use dashboard.
Commission plan: up to 50% in ongoing payments
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Signup here: Leadpages Affiliate Program
4. Teachable
Teachable is another online course creation and teaching platform.
Their affiliate program is free to join.
Commission plan: 30% in ongoing payments
Cookie Duration: 90 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: Teachable Affiliate Program
5. GetResponse
Get Response is a marketing tool more famous for its email marketing and automation features. It has a highly supported affiliate with a monthly payout program and two payment plans.
Commission plan:
1- One-time payment of $100
2- Long-term revenue of 33%, for every sale referred
Cookie Duration: 120 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: GetResponse Affiliate Program
6. SEMRush
SEMrush is all in on marketing tool kit which can help with keyword research and link building.
To note, they have a pre-approved affiliate application system. This means once you apply you automatically get accepted.
It also provides marketing materials for its affiliates in five languages – English, Spanish, French, German, and Russian.
Commission plan:40% recurring commissions
Cookie Duration:10 years – first cookie attribution model
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: SEMRush Affiliate Program
7. Aweber Advocate Program
Aweber is a simple email marketing tool.
Its affiliate program is free to signup and you will be provided with all marketing materials. Aweber support is available 24/7 through live chat.
Commission plan: 30% in recurring commissions
Cookie Duration: 365 days
Payout threshold: $30 for US affiliates and $50 for the non-US affiliates
Signup here: Aweber Advocate Referral Program
8. Elegant Themes
Elegant Themes is the home to the world’s most widely used WordPress themes including Divi. They also offer a few products like social media sharing plugin Monarch and email marketing tool Bloom.
Elegant Themes partners with over 30,000 affiliates and pays out over $3,000,000 per year. Their affiliate program is free to join and offer one of the highest pay amounts, which is why it joins the list of great affiliate programs for beginners.
Commission plan: 50% commission on every sale (even when the customer renews)
Cookie Duration: 180 days
Payout threshold: $200
Signup here: Elegant Themes Affiliate Program
9. Canva
Canva does not need an introduction as it has 18 million users worldwide. It is one of the best graphic design software and is perfect for both beginners (which makes it part of great affiliate programs for beginners) and advanced users.
Canva’s affiliate program is free to sign up and you’ll get free access to all the tools you need to promote Canva Pro and earn top commissions.
Canva provides 24 hours email and live chat support to their affiliates.
Commission plan: up to $36 per Canva PRO subscription
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: Canva Affiliate Program
10. ClickFunnels
Click funnels is a website and sales funnel builder for entrepreneurs.
They have a generous payment structure where every affiliate can earn commissions on all of their front end offers.
Apart from funnels, click funnels have got a lot of other options in the form of books, courses, and challenges where you can earn up to $100 commission per referral.
They pay monthly and have excellent affiliate support.
Commission plan: up to 40%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: Clickfunnels Affiliate Program
11. Webinar Jam
Webinar jam is a webinar hosting platform used by 50,000 people in 40 different industries.
Their affiliate program is powered by the Genesis Digital Partner program.
Commission plan: 40% of every sale and recurring payment generated by your referrals during their first year of membership to WebinarJam.
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Signup here: Webinar Jam
12. Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform with the world’s largest selection of courses.
It runs its affiliate program through Linkshare. It’s free to join and provide you a dedicated affiliate manager and all promotional tools and assets to drive sales.
Commission plan: 20% commission
Cookie Duration: 7 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: Become A Udemy Affiliate
13. Convertkit
Convertkit is an email marketing and automation tool.
It has an in house affiliate program which is endorsed by renowned blogger Pat Flynn. The program is easy to join and provide you with all promotional and training material.
Commission plan: 30% commission
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Payout threshold: No minimum payout threshold
Signup here: Convertkit Affiliate Program
Affiliate Programs Offering One-Time Commissions
1. Printful
Printful is a platform that helps you set up the print on demand drop shipping store through which you can choose from over 220 products online and create and sell custom products online.
Printful’s affiliate program is free to join and is equally helpful for bloggers, influencers, and YouTubers.
Commission plan: 10% commission on every sale they make for 9 months
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $25
Signup here: Printful
2. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is the world’s first AI-powered logo design and branding platform.
Their site helps anyone look professional from the start by making it simple to create a unique online brand identity in minutes and with no design experience needed.
Tailorbrand’s affiliate program is powered by Tune.com
Commission plan: $100
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: Tailor Brands
3. Invideo
Invideo is another online video editor. It has 35,000 paid users from 13 countries.
They have an in-house affiliate program through which you can earn up to $40 per sale.
Commission plan: 50% commission on all referrals
Cookie Duration: 120 days
Signup here: InVideo
4. Envato
Envato Market is the world’s largest creative market place, selling millions of digital assets every year.
Its affiliate program is powered by Impact. Envato affiliates earn over $3 million per year. Their program provides you with all the marketing material.
Commission plan: 30% per sale
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Signup here: Envato
5. Themeisle
Themeisle is home to famous WordPress themes – Hestia, Neve, and many other themes and plugins. It has 471,000 users worldwide.
Their affiliate program of Themeisle is offered via Shareasale. Every affiliate is provided with a dedicated account manager and promotional material including banners, email templates, text links, etc
Commission plan: 55%
Cookie Duration: 365 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: Themeisle
Best Website Hosting Affiliate Programs
1. Bluehost
Bluehost is a famous web hosting provider powering over 2 million websites worldwide.
The affiliate program is free to join and uses your tracking links to help monitor how different activity performs. This was one of the first programs that I ever joined and is definitely deserves to be included in our list of best affiliate programs for beginners.
Affiliates can enjoy a wide selection of tried and tested creative assets. Simply select the banners or ads that best fit your website’s look and feel and start making money.
Commission plan: $65 to $125 per qualified lead
Cookie Duration: 90 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: Bluehost
2. HostGator
HostGator is another web hosting provider and its affiliate program is powered by Impact.
They offer flexible payouts starting with a progressive tiered payment structure. The more leads you bring in a month the higher you will be paid per lead.
A team of Affiliate specialists is ready to assist you with their affiliate program. There is absolutely no cost to you to be a HostGator Affiliate, and the earning potential is great!
Commission plan: 1-5 leads/month…………..$65 /signup
6-10 leads/month ………….$75 /signup
11-20 leads/month…………$100 /signup
21+ leads/month……………$125 /signup
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: HostGator
3. WP Engine
WP engine is a Webhosting platform and operates its affiliate program through Shareasale. You can also promote Studio press, Genesis Pro themes through one program.
You will be given access to a friendly and dedicated WP Engine Affiliate Manager ready to help.
WP Engine rewards you for sending referrals every month.
Commission plan: 100% of the first-month payment
Cookie Duration: 180 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: WPEngine
4. Kinsta WordPress Hosting
Kinsta is a managed WordPress hosting provider that helps take care of all your needs regarding your website.
Commission plan: $50 to $500 with 10% monthly recurring commissions
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: Kinsta
5. SiteGround
SiteGround is known for hosting over 2 million websites.
The SiteGround affiliate program is famous for its high commissions and short payout periods. They pay weekly and the withholding period of commissions is only 30 days.
This is why they are the a favorite hosting partner of 60,000+ affiliates worldwide.
Commission plan: 1-5 Sales /mo $50 /sale
6-10 Sales /mo $75 /sale
11-20 Sales /mo $100 /sale
21+ Sales /mo Custom Commissions
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Payout threshold: No minimum threshold
Signup here: SiteGround
6. Namecheap
NameCheap is a know for domain names and website hosting.
Name cheap affiliate program is powered by three affiliate networks; CJ, Impact radius, and Shareasale. You can join through any of these. Pay rates are as follows.
Commission plan:
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: NameCheap
Best Website Affiliate Programs
1. Wix
Wix is a website platform where you can build your websites, e-commerce stores, or blogs. It is being used by 109 million people.
Wix has an in-house affiliate program. It provides you with creatives to help you promote and has a dashboard to track your sales.
Commission plan: up to $100 per sale
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $300
Signup here: Wix
2. Shopify
Shopify is a world-famous eCommerce store being used by 1 million businesses.
Shopify’s affiliate program offers industry-leading commission, support, and resources. It’s free to join with no monthly charges and no minimum sales requirements.
To max out your earnings, each referral will be followed up with to help them transition from trial to paid plan.
You can get priority Shopify Partner support at any time via phone, email, or live chat. You’ll get a dedicated Affiliate Manager, access to partner education, and discounts on tools that can help you grow your business.
Affiliates can save time and money on content creation by linking to blogs, webinars, video tutorials, tools, and automated funnels developed by Shopify for your audience.
Commission plan: $58 to $2000 per sale
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout threshold: $25
Signup here: Shopify
3. Weebly
Weebly helps you build self-hosted websites, blogs, and online stores.
Their affiliate program is hosted by Shareasale and it is completely free to join. The more you drive, the more you make! There’s no limit on how much you can earn with Weebly.
ShareASale pays affiliates via check, direct deposit, or Payoneer.
Commission plan: 30% commissions
Cookie Duration: 120 days
Payout threshold: $50
Signup here: Weebly
4. Sellfy
Sellfy is a powerful eCommerce platform to sell digital products, physical products, and subscriptions all from one place.
Through Sellfy’s affiliate program, affiliates have been paid $50 million.
Commission plan: 25% commission for 12 months
Cookie Duration: 90 days
Payout threshold: $100
Signup here: Sellfy
FAQs – Best Affiliate Programs For Beginners
What is affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a business model in which you earn commissions by selling other people’s products.
What is an affiliate program?
The affiliate program is offered by manufacturers or companies for affiliates (those who are promoting their products).
How do affiliate programs work?
Businesses either run a small in-house program or take the help of an affiliate network to manage their day to day affiliate operations effectively.
How to start affiliate marketing for beginners?
In this article, we have covered all basic for affiliate marketing for beginners
How to join an affiliate program?
To join an affiliate program, you have to apply individually to each program. Sometimes you can apply through affiliate networks as well.
What is the most profitable affiliate program?
That depends on what your niche has, how much traffic your website generates and what other methods you would be employing to bring qualified traffic to your website
Does eBay have an affiliate program?
Yes.
How do you become an affiliate with amazon?
It is very simple. Click here and follow the instructions
What are some best affiliate programs for beginners without a website?
There are several offers at Clickbank, Shareasale, and Digistore24 which can be promoted without having a website. Some useful channels include email marketing, forums, social media, and running paid promotions.
Summary:
This is just a sneak peek of some affiliate marketing programs for beginners. There are hundreds of others which can be useful for you as a beginner. But don’t get overwhelmed. Start within your niche, apply for 10-20, and then track them with a tool like Trello.
There is no black and white line between ‘this affiliate program is for a beginner’ and ‘this affiliate program is for a super affiliate’. The success of affiliate marketing depends upon two things. The kind of product you promote and the quality of traffic you bring to your website.
Remember that your readers trust you. Therefore, make sure that you trust the products that you are recommending to your readers.
Whenever you promote a product be upfront with your readers. Provide value and educate them. If you have personal experience with the product let them know that. But if you don’t, be honest with that too. Let them know the information they need based on research that you’ve done. Your audience will appreciate you being honest and will buy from you based on the trust that they have with you.
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