Table of Contents
- Affiliate Networks vs. Affiliate Programs
- What to Look For in a Good Affiliate Marketing Program
- 1. Amazon Associates
- 2. CJ Affiliate
- 3. ShareASale
- 4. ClickBank
- 5. Rakuten Advertising
- 6. Impact
- 7. Awin
- 8. Etsy Affiliate Program
- 9. eBay Partner Network
- 10. Fiverr Affiliate Program
- 11. Refersion Marketplace
- 12. PepperJam
- 13. FlexOffers
- 14. Avangate Network
- 15. MaxBounty
- 16. LinkConnector
One of the biggest challenges when building an affiliate marketing business is finding the best affiliate programs for beginners. With thousands of high-paying affiliate programs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. Choosing the wrong program can set you back months, while the right one can help you start earning affiliate income even before your website is finished. In this blog post, we will explore the best affiliate programs for beginners and provide a balanced view of why signing up for affiliate networks can be beneficial.
Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
Affiliate Networks vs. Affiliate Programs
Before we dive into the best affiliate programs, it’s important to understand the difference between affiliate networks and in-house affiliate programs. Many beginners treat these terms as interchangeable, but they are not the same.
Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
Affiliate networks are platforms that connect affiliates (publishers) with a variety of product suppliers and manufacturers. By signing up for an affiliate network, you can access multiple affiliate programs in one place. On the other hand, in-house affiliate programs are run by individual companies and require you to sign up with each program individually.
Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
For beginners, it is recommended to start with affiliate networks as they offer a wide range of programs to choose from. However, there are some affiliate programs that are only available outside of affiliate networks, so you may need to sign up for them individually.
Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
What to Look For in a Good Affiliate Marketing Program
When choosing an affiliate marketing program, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key things to look for:
Ease of Use
As a beginner, it’s important to choose an affiliate program that is easy to use. Avoid programs with complex interfaces that make it difficult to create affiliate links or upload banners. Affiliate networks generally have user-friendly interfaces designed to make your life as an affiliate marketer easier.
Point of Contact
Having a dedicated point of contact is essential when things go wrong or if you have any questions. Look for affiliate programs that provide a dedicated affiliate manager or support staff who can assist you. This is especially important when you are starting out and need guidance.
Commission & Payments
Consider the commission structure and payment terms of the affiliate program. Find out how much you will be paid and when you will receive payments. Most affiliate programs operate on a Net 30 basis, meaning you will be paid 30 days after making a sale. However, some programs have longer payment terms, such as Net 60 or Net 90. It’s important to know when you can expect to receive your affiliate income, especially if you have bills to pay.
Now let’s dive into the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners.
1. Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is one of the oldest and most popular affiliate programs. It offers a wide range of products to promote, making it suitable for almost any audience. With Amazon Associates, you can earn a commission on any product sold on Amazon by creating affiliate links. The program is easy to use, especially for beginners, and provides an intuitive dashboard for managing your affiliate links. However, it’s worth noting that Amazon occasionally changes their commission rates, and their cookie duration is only 24 hours, which is not ideal.
URL: Amazon Associates Program
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Payment threshold: $10
You get paid: Net 60
Best suited to: Affiliate marketing beginners building their first site
Pros:
– International brand recognition
– Wide range of products to promote
– Focus on customer service
– Easy-to-use affiliate dashboard
Cons:
– Amazon’s commission rates can change frequently
– Short cookie duration (24 hours)
2. CJ Affiliate
CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction, is one of the oldest affiliate networks. It represents both big brand names and smaller product and service suppliers. With over 2,000 affiliate programs to choose from, CJ Affiliate offers a diverse range of brands and products. Their platform provides excellent support and features, including an intuitive interface and easy affiliate link creation. One of the standout features of CJ Affiliate is its metrics, which allow you to see the profitability of each affiliate program.
URL: Commission Junction
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Payment threshold: $50
You get paid: Net 30
Best suited to: Affiliate marketers with 3-6 months experience
Pros:
– Intuitive interface and dashboard
– Wide range of big brand names
– Direct display advertising opportunities
– Easy program profitability analysis
– Support and tutorials available
Cons:
– Big brands may come and go on the network
– Learning curve compared to Amazon Associates
3. ShareASale
ShareASale is an affiliate network that is often overlooked but offers some of the best affiliate programs. It represents a wide range of products and services, including smaller but profitable companies. ShareASale has a user-friendly interface and a powerful search function that allows you to find profitable affiliate programs quickly. Their “PowerRank” metric shows where an affiliate program ranks in the top 1000 on ShareASale, giving you valuable insights. ShareASale is a great network to consider for emerging brands or more tangential products and services.
URL: ShareASale
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Payment threshold: $50
You get paid: Net 30
Best suited to: Affiliate marketers looking for emerging brands or tangential products and services
Pros:
– Thousands of products and services to promote
– Smaller but worthwhile affiliate programs
– Superior search for merchants function
– PowerRank metric for program ranking
– Prompt payments
Cons:
– Dated interface
– Unpredictable approval process
4. ClickBank
ClickBank is one of the oldest affiliate networks and specializes in digital products. Unlike other networks, ClickBank focuses on selling digital products, which allows for instant delivery and low overhead costs. Their platform offers a wide range of digital products, including e-books, courses, and software. ClickBank is a popular choice for affiliate marketers without a website as their products work well with email marketing and social media. The program is easy to use and offers the potential for high commissions, especially for top-tier programs.
URL: ClickBank
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Best suited to: Marketers who prefer promoting digital products
Payment threshold: $50
You get paid: Net 60
Pros:
– Easy to get approved for programs
– Best network for affiliates without a website
– High commissions, especially for top-tier programs
– Opportunities for recurring commissions
– Pre-selling done by merchant’s landing page
– Easy affiliate link creation
Cons:
– Dated Marketplace interface
– Some programs have high refund rates
5. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising is a Japanese affiliate marketing service provider and one of the largest networks globally. With more than 16,500 advertisers and 225,000 publishers, Rakuten Advertising is a major player in the affiliate marketing industry. They offer a wide range of brands and businesses, making it a great choice for affiliates looking to broaden their horizons. Rakuten Advertising has an intuitive interface and provides support and tutorials to make affiliate marketing easier. However, the approval process can be slow, especially for new websites with little traffic.
URL: Rakuten affiliate program
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Best suited to: Affiliates looking to expand beyond Amazon and eBay
Payment threshold: $50
You get paid: Net 30
Pros:
– Wide range of big brand affiliate programs
– Intuitive interface
– Handles over $100 million in sales transactions annually
– One of the oldest affiliate networks
– Prompt payments
Cons:
– Dated interface
– Approval process can be slow
6. Impact
Impact is a relatively new affiliate network but has quickly become a major player in the industry. It was founded by the same team that created Commission Junction, so they have a deep understanding of affiliate marketing. Impact represents a wide range of brands and businesses, from big names like Adidas and Airbnb to smaller emerging brands. They offer an easy-to-use platform with an intuitive interface and provide support to affiliates. Overall, Impact is a solid network for both new and experienced affiliates.
URL: impact.com
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Best suited to: Affiliates with 3-6 months experience
Payment threshold: Varies by payment method
You get paid: Monthly
Pros:
– Easy to find brands offering instant approvals
– Wide choice of affiliate programs
– Intuitive interface
– Direct display advertising opportunities
– Slicker interface than most networks
– Big-name brands to work with
Cons:
– High competition due to many affiliates joining the network daily
– Concentrated on UK and EU advertisers
7. Awin
Awin is the largest affiliate network globally, representing over 16,500 advertisers and 225,000 publishers. It is a leading affiliate network that has won numerous awards. Awin operates globally but has a strong presence in the UK and EU markets. With a wide range of advertisers, including Emirates, Etsy, and Under Armour, Awin offers plenty of opportunities for affiliates. One standout feature of Awin is its commitment to fast payments, with many programs offering accelerated payments. This network is a great choice for affiliates looking for prompt payments.
URL: Awin
Cost: Free
Type: Affiliate network
Best suited to: Affiliates who want to get paid promptly
Payment threshold: From $20
You get paid: Once or twice a month (you choose)
Pros:
– Accelerated payments for quick commission payouts
– Huge choice of affiliate programs
– Easy-to-use platform with clear labels and layouts
– Transparent tracking through Awin dashboards
– Slick interface
Cons:
– High competition due to many affiliates joining the network daily
– Heavily concentrated on UK and EU advertisers
8. Etsy Affiliate Program
The Etsy affiliate program is unique as it focuses on handmade items, personalized products, and vintage goods. Etsy is the leading platform in this niche, offering a wide range of products made by independent crafters, artists, and vintage traders. The program allows you to earn a commission by linking to products on the platform. While you may not make a fortune with Etsy commissions, it offers a great opportunity to make worthwhile cash. The program has a clean and modern interface, making it easy to navigate and promote products.
Cost: Free
Type: Merchant (via Awin)
Best suited to: Affiliates with an interest in handmade items, personalized products, or vintage goods
Payment threshold: $50
You get paid: Net 30
Pros:
– Clean and modern interface
– Constantly updated range of items
– Best affiliate program in the craft/vintage/gift market
– Diverse product range to keep visitors engaged
– Supports independent product creators
Cons:
– Popular vendors may leave the platform
– Recent algorithm changes have caused some dissatisfaction among traders
9. eBay Partner Network
eBay Partner Network (EPN) is a great alternative to Amazon Associates. eBay is a global marketplace offering both used and new products. With over 80% of listings being for new items, it is not just a platform for used goods. The eBay affiliate program allows you to earn a commission on any product sold on eBay by creating affiliate links. eBay manages its own affiliate program, which means you can build a relationship with their affiliate managers. While the program has a 24-hour cookie duration, it is a solid choice for beginners, especially when combined with Amazon Associates.
URL: eBay Partner Network
Cost: Free
Type: Merchant
Best suited to: Anyone interested in promoting a wide range of products
Payment threshold: $10
You get paid: Net 30
Pros:
– Internationally recognized brand
– Wide range of products to promote
– Potential for high commissions
– Opportunity to build a relationship with affiliate managers
Cons:
– Short cookie duration (24 hours)
– Some reproduction/knock-off products on the platform
10. Fiverr Affiliate Program
Fiverr is a unique affiliate program that focuses on selling services rather than physical products. It offers a wide range of services in categories such as graphic design, marketing, writing, video and animation, music, programming, business, lifestyle, and industries. With the Fiverr affiliate program, you can earn commissions by linking to services on the platform or promoting them through reviews. The program offers high commission rates, with potential earnings of up to $150 per referral. Fiverr has a user-friendly affiliate interface and provides multiple ways to earn affiliate revenue.
Cost: Free
Type: Merchant
Best suited to: Blogs related to Fiverr gig categories or business-style services
Payment threshold: $100
You get paid: Net 30
Pros:
– Modern and user-friendly affiliate interface
– Market leader in the service industry
– Constantly updated range of services
– Potential for high commission rates
– Multiple ways to earn affiliate revenue
Cons:
– No commissions for sales made to existing customers
– Some popular gigs may move to their own websites
11. Refersion Marketplace
Refersion is an affiliate network that offers a wide range of advertisers across various niches. Although it is a newer network, it has quickly gained popularity and boasts over 17,000 advertisers. Refersion’s Marketplace is user-friendly and provides a streamlined interface for finding affiliate programs. While their advertiser filtering interface needs improvement, Refersion is a solid option for new affiliate marketers.
Most suited to: New affiliate marketers who are having trouble getting accepted by other platforms.
Signup URL: Refersion Marketplace
Offer types: CPS
Payment options: PayPal
Payment terms: Dependent on advertiser
Payment threshold: Dependent on advertiser
Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– Thousands of merchants across various niches
– Weekly email updates on new advertisers
Cons:
– In need of improvement in advertiser filtering interface
12. PepperJam
PepperJam is an affiliate network that provides a cozy and user-friendly platform for affiliates. They represent a mix of big brands and niche brands, offering a wide range of products and services. PepperJam’s easy-to-use affiliate dashboard and tabbed link creation interface make it a great choice for both new and experienced affiliates.
Most suited to: Affiliates in need of a user-friendly platform with a broad selection of advertisers.
Signup URL: PepperJam
Offer types: CPS
Payment options: Net 60
Payment terms: PayPal (other options available upon request)
Payment threshold: $25
Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– Easy-to-use affiliate dashboard
– Ability to email advertisers directly
– Cozy feel compared to larger networks
Cons:
– Less than 1,000 advertisers
– Lack of public EPC data
13. FlexOffers
FlexOffers is a reliable and no-nonsense affiliate network that offers a wide range of advertisers. They provide a straightforward platform without the hype often associated with affiliate marketing. FlexOffers represents major brands like Macy’s, Walgreens, and Hulu, as well as niche brands. Their interface is streamlined and easy to navigate, making it a great option for affiliates who want access to a broad selection of advertisers.
Most suited to: Affiliates in need of a wide selection of advertisers without the hype.
Signup URL: FlexOffers
Offer types: CPS, CPL, Flat rate, Per Install
Payment options: Check, bank transfer, wire transfer, PayPal
Payment terms: Net 60
Payment threshold: $25
Pros:
– Simple and friendly onboarding process
– Accepts affiliates using Wix or Blogger
– Streamlined interface for filtering advertisers
– Flex-Rev$hare program for additional revenue
Cons:
– Limited customer support options
– Headache-inducing color scheme
14. Avangate Network
Avangate is an affiliate network that specializes in software and digital courses. They represent a wide range of software brands and also offer some online courses. Avangate’s affiliate platform, called 2Checkout, is easy to use and provides tools like deep linking, geo-targeted shopping carts, and coupon generation. While some software products may be niche, Avangate offers a streamlined interface and easy application process.
Signup URL: Avangate Network
Offer types: CPS
Payment options: Check, direct deposit, PayPal, Avangate Mastercard
Payment terms: Net 30
Payment threshold: $100
Pros:
– Simple and easy-to-use platform
– Streamlined advertiser filtering
– Deep linking tools and geo-targeted shopping carts
– Easy application process
Cons:
– Niche software products may limit market size
15. MaxBounty
MaxBounty is a Canadian affiliate network that specializes in CPA (Cost Per Action) offers. CPA offers pay affiliates when a specific action is taken, such as installing software or completing a form. MaxBounty offers around 2,000 campaigns, including popular niches like online dating and dieting. CPA offers can be more lucrative than other types of offers, making MaxBounty a great choice for affiliates with significant traffic.
Most suited to: Affiliates with traffic and looking for new CPA offers.
Signup URL: MaxBounty
Offer types: CPA, CPL, CPI
Payment options: Direct deposit, check, PayPal, Payoneer
Payment terms: To be confirmed
Payment threshold: $50
Pros:
– Lucrative CPA offers
– Modern and clean dashboard
– Cash bonus for new affiliates
– User-friendly interface
Cons:
– Complex and convoluted application process
– Limited support in case of issues
16. LinkConnector
LinkConnector is an affiliate network that represents a variety of brands, including big names like Reebok and Levi’s. They offer both physical and digital products, making it a well-rounded network. LinkConnector’s interface may be dated, but it provides access to a diverse range of advertisers. The network offers a straightforward application process and features like 7 and 90-day EPC (earnings per click) data.
Signup URL: LinkConnector
Offer types: CPS, CPL, Per Click, Pay per Call
Payment options: Check, PayPal
Payment terms: Net 30
Payment threshold: $100
Pros:
– Smaller network with diverse advertisers
– Easy application process
– Clear and intuitive interface
– 7 and 90-day EPC data
Cons:
– Dated interface
– Limited number of advertisers
In conclusion, these are some of the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners. Each program offers its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your niche and goals. Remember to consider factors like ease of use, point of contact, commission rates, and payment terms when making your decision. With the right affiliate program, you can start earning passive income and building a successful affiliate marketing business.