10 Top Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
In our previous post, we talked about what an affiliate program is, its importance, what are some core factors to consider, and how to choose an affiliate program. We also established the difference between an affiliate program and an affiliate network. Marketers should be able to identify if an affiliate program or network aligns with their short- and long-term goals to set better strategies during their affiliate marketing journey. Then, in this post, we will provide you with 10 top affiliate programs for beginners regardless of the niche you are working on. For each, we tell you whether it’s an affiliate program or network, what you have to do to join, the cookie duration of each, the payment method used, what the commission rate is, and finally the pros and cons of each affiliate program.
1- Amazon Associates
Type: Affiliate Program
Entry requirements: To join the Amazon affiliate program (Amazon Associates), you typically need a website or app, relevant content, compliance with laws, and to be of age. There’s no strict traffic requirement, but some traffic helps. You must reside in a supported country and provide accurate information when applying.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for the Amazon affiliate program (Amazon Associates) is usually 24 hours. This means that if someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase within 24 hours, you’ll earn a commission on that sale.
Payment Method: The payment method for the Amazon affiliate program (Amazon Associates) typically involves payment via direct deposit (Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT) to your bank account. However, depending on your location, there may be other options available such as checks or gift cards.
Commission rate: The commission rates for the Amazon affiliate program (Amazon Associates) can vary depending on the product category and the volume of sales you generate. Generally, commission rates typically range from 1% to 10% of the purchase price of qualifying products.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Vast product selection, Trusted Brand, Flexible payment options, easy integration.
Cons: Low commission Rates, Short Cookie duration, frequent policy changes
2- Commission Junction
Type: Affiliate Network
Entry requirements: You must be at least 18 and own a website or mobile app, fill out the application form on the website, wait for CJ to review and approve your application, and agree to CJ’s terms and conditions and program policies.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) varies based on the program.
Payment Method: CJ Affiliate offers payments via Direct deposit, Check, and Payoneer.
Commission rate: The commission rate for CJ (Commission Junction) varies based on the program and product you’re promoting.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Access to numerous brands and products, reliable payments, advanced tracking and analytics tools, and an established and trusted affiliate network
Cons: Commission rates vary by advertiser, high competition level among affiliates within the network, each advertiser may have its own approval process, and must reach a minimum earnings threshold before you receive payment.
3- ShareASale
Type: Affiliate Network
Entry requirements: Complete the affiliate application form on the ShareASale website, you must have an active website, blog, or app with quality content, submit valid and accurate personal and payment information, wait for approval, and agree to ShareASale’s terms and conditions and network policies.
Pro- tip: When signing up for ShareASale, avoid using free email IDs like Gmail. Instead, use a domain-specific email address (e.g.: name@yourdomainname.com).
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for the ShareASale affiliate network varies by merchant, as each sets its own cookie duration. However, it is commonly 30 days.
Payment Method: ShareAsale uses Checks, Direct Deposit, Wire, and Payoneer to pay commissions to affiliates.
Commission rate: ShareASale’s commission rates vary depending on the merchant and product.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Wide variety of merchants and products, Transparent reporting and tracking tools, and reliable payment system.
Cons: Interface can be overwhelming for beginners, some merchants may offer low commission rates and customer support may not always be responsive.
4- Rakuten Marketing
Type: Affiliate network
Entry requirements:
_ You need to have a live website, blog, or customized social media site with unique, quality content that adds value for users.
_ In the sign-up process, you have to provide a valid email address and validate it through the link that you will be receiving via that email.
_Once you apply, they will review your application within 1-2 business days, and then, if you are approved, you can start promoting their advertisers and earn some commissions.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for Rakuten depends on the terms set by a particular program.
Payment Method: Rakuten Advertising pays publisher commissions by PayPal, direct deposit (ACH), or check.
Commission rate: The commission rate for Rakuten Advertising typically ranges from 3% to 7% per sale, depending on the specific agreement with the advertiser and the type of product that is being promoted. In addition, there may be a tiered commission structure that provides higher rates for increased sales volumes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Timely payments, knowledgeable support, extensive Network, User-friendly interface
Cons: Due to numerous products being found, it might be overwhelming to select a product, there might be delays in processing payment, limited reporting features, and some users report receiving spam from merchants.
5- Clickbank
Type: Affiliate Network
Entry requirements: To join ClickBank as an affiliate marketer, you typically need a valid email address and access to a payment method for receiving commissions.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for ClickBank affiliate links is typically 60 days. This means that if a visitor clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase within 60 days, you’ll earn a commission on that sale.
Payment Method: ClickBank offers payment methods including direct deposit (ACH), wire transfer, check, and Payoneer.
Commission rate: ClickBank’s commission rates vary widely depending on the vendor and product. Commissions can range from as low as 1% to as high as 75% or more of the sale price.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Wide product selection, High commission rates, flexible payment methods, easy to join.
Cons: Inconsistent product quality sometimes, High refund rates which can impact earnings, high competition, Limited physical products.
6- Etsy
Type: Affiliate Program
Entry requirements: To apply for the Etsy affiliate program, you must be above 18 years old and have an active website, blog, or social media profile with original content, and you must comply with Etsy’s terms of service and affiliate program policies.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for the Etsy affiliate program is 30 days. This means that if a user clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase within 30 days, you will earn a commission on the sale.
Payment Method: The Etsy affiliate program typically pays its affiliates through Direct deposit or PayPal
Commission rate: The commission rate for the Etsy Affiliate Program is generally 4% per sale.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Access to unique, handcrafted items and vintage goods, a longer period to earn commissions from referred sales, high conversion rates due to Etsy’s established reputation.
Cons: Low commission rates, not all applications are accepted, limited payment options.
7-LinkConnector
Type: Affiliate Network
Entry requirements: To join the LinkConnector affiliate program, complete their application process, and provide website details, company information, and contact info. Once approved, you’ll receive your unique affiliate link and can start promoting LinkConnector’s offers!
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for LinkConnector affiliate program can vary depending on the specific merchant or advertiser you’re promoting. However, it’s common for LinkConnector to offer a default cookie duration of 45 days.
Payment Method: The payment methods for LinkConnector affiliate program typically include direct deposit (ACH), check, and wire transfer.
Commission rate: The commission rate varies depending on the specific offers and brands you promote.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Advanced Tracking, Flexible commissions, Dedicated support, Earnings per click.
Cons: The minimum payment threshold might be considered high by some affiliates and the learning curve, and the platform’s interface can be less intuitive compared to competitors.
8- Aweber
Type: Affiliate Program
Entry requirements: Have a website, blog, or other platforms suitable for promoting Aweber, create an account on the Aweber affiliate portal, wait for your application to be approved, follow Aweber’s affiliate terms and conditions, and receive a unique link so you can share anywhere.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for the AWeber affiliate program is 365 days. This means if a user clicks your affiliate link, you will earn a commission on any purchases made within one year.
Payment Method: The AWeber affiliate program pays commissions via PayPal.
Commission rate: the commission rate for Aweber affiliate program is 30% recurring for as long as the referred customer remains subscribed. However, If you refer 10 or more new paid accounts within 12 months, you’ll receive 40% commissions; if you refer 50 or more new paid accounts in the same period, you’ll receive 50% commissions.
Pros and Cons
Pros: High recurring commission, long cookie duration, reliable payment method, reputable service.
Cons: Approval process to join which might not be immediate, High-level competition, short free trial in comparison to other services.
9- Elementor
Type: affiliate program
Entry requirements: To join the affiliate program of Elementor, you need to meet one of the following:
- have an online presence, such as a website, blog, or social media platform.
- Create high-quality content related to web design, WordPress, or online marketing.
- Create educational content such as (courses or tutorials)
- Being part of the WordPress ecosystem such as a developer, theme, or plugin author.
- Being a marketer or agency with industry expertise.
Note: Even if you have a unique skill to offer, you can join
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for the Elementor affiliate program is 90 days.
Payment Method: Elementor’s affiliate program typically offers payment via PayPal as the primary method. Affiliates receive their commissions through PayPal accounts linked to their registered email addresses.
Commission rate: The Elementor affiliate program offers an attractive commission rate of 50% per sale. When you refer customers who purchase Elementor products, you can earn up to half of the revenue from those sales.
Pros and Cons
Pros: High Commission rate, long cookie window, Popular and well-respected product, wide range of marketing materials, good customer support.
Cons: Limited payment methods, Niche specificity, Competitive market, High minimum Payout threshold.
10- Digistore24
Type: Affiliate network
Entry requirements: To join Digistore24 as an affiliate marketer, you typically need to provide a valid email address and complete a registration form on their website. There are no specific requirements regarding website traffic or audience size, making it accessible for beginners and experienced marketers alike.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration for Digistore24 affiliate links is 180 days which means that if a visitor clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase within 30 days, you’ll earn a commission on that sale.
Payment Method: Digistore24 offers payment methods including bank transfer (SEPA), PayPal, Direct deposit
Commission rate: The commission rates for Digistore24 products vary depending on the specific product and vendor. Commission rates typically range from around 30% to 75% of the sale price. Some vendors may offer higher or lower commission rates based on their product pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros: High Commission rates, Diverse Product Selection, Flexible Payment Methods, simple approval Process, and long cookie duration.
Cons: Quality of products can vary, Limited Physical Products, high-level competition.
