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The Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners in 2023
Updated on December 5, 2023 – Written By: Shant Alexanian
Learning affiliate marketing is crucial for online entrepreneurs to succeed. Although you have set up your website, ad, or social media platform perfectly, you still need a company to collaborate with. This is where affiliate programs fill the void.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about affiliate marketing programs. By reading this, you will learn the reasons why you need them and have the chance to learn about some profitable affiliate programs suitable for beginners such as yourself.
To begin, it is important to understand what they are and how they work.
The Best 9 Affiliate Programs
What are affiliate programs?
Affiliate programs, which are also known as associate programs, provide a platform for individuals and brands to connect and collaborate with each other through a third party.
Both parties register for the platform, discuss a potential collaboration, and then begin working together.
These affiliate programs are more complex than just aiding merchants and affiliate companies, with a lot going on behind the scenes. They also provide some very essential services to both sides.
How do affiliate programs work?
Affiliate programs work by allowing individuals or businesses to set up a profile and select the brand they wish to promote.
The program produces a special link that affiliates can use to share with their website visitors, customers, and social media followers. When someone purchases a product from the brand through the affiliate, the affiliate earns a commission.
Businesses use affiliate programs to improve their sales. The programs are constructed on platforms that have tracking technology to monitor affiliates.
The 9 best affiliate programs for beginners
1. ClickBank
ClickBank offers affiliate programs that are attractive to all types of marketers. The platform’s affiliate information is freely accessible to everyone, which makes it a beneficial option to consider for achieving success as an affiliate.
In 1998, ClickBank began in a garage and rapidly evolved into one of the world’s leading retail and affiliate websites. ClickBank’s products have been promoted by a significant number of affiliates, who have collectively earned billions in commissions.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it’s a great choice, to begin with, due to its 25-year track record of success. There are many products to promote and numerous companies to partner with, which makes it difficult to resist.
Categories include:
- Business and investing
- Arts and Entertainment
- Travel
- Sports
- Green products
- Home and Garden
To become a ClickBank affiliate, you need to create an account, provide your personal and payment details, and complete your account setup to get started.
Commission percentage: Between 50% and 70%, on average.
Payment: Weekly or biweekly.
Payout method: Check, Payoneer, wire transfer, and direct deposit.
2. Impact Radius
Impact Radius is a leading affiliate marketing network with an extensive network of brands (advertisers) and publishers (affiliates). With its vast reach, it serves as a powerhouse in the industry.
By leveraging Impact, you can effortlessly participate in numerous affiliate programs and effectively promote them to amplify your revenue from affiliate marketing.
Managing your affiliates’ earnings in a single dashboard is the key advantage of an affiliate marketplace. This centralized approach streamlines the process and maximizes efficiency, benefiting both merchants and affiliates alike.
Most programs typically utilize a CPA (cost per action) model, wherein you receive a commission when your visitor makes a purchase through your affiliate link. Impact also offers a variety of automation tools to help streamline your business and earn more revenue.
Commission percentage: Varies depending on the product being promoted.
Payment: Commissions are paid on the 1st and 15th of each month, subject to a minimum account balance of $10.
Payment method: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, and ACH transfer.
3. Amazon Associates
First on the affiliate programs list is Amazon Associates.
Since 1996, Amazon Associates has been one of the most popular affiliate programs for those who are new to affiliate marketing; in fact, it was the first online affiliate marketing program ever created.
Amazon has been helping online marketers earn money by advertising to the millions of customers who shop on their platform every year. When an Amazon affiliate shares a link that results in a sale, you earn a referral fee from the transaction.
The potential for growth for affiliates is seemingly infinite as more and more businesses are learning how to sell on Amazon each year.
You can start your journey as an Amazon affiliate by clicking on the Signup button available on the Amazon Associates page.
Commission rate: The percentage varies between 1% to 20% based on the type of product.
Payment cycle: As an Amazon Associate, your payment will be held until you reach a minimum of $10. Additionally, payment will be disbursed 60 days after the end of the current month.
Payout method: Check, direct deposit, or Amazon gift card.
4. EBay Partner Network
eBay offers one of the highest-paying affiliate programs. The eBay Partner Network is where you can register as an eBay affiliate to earn commissions ranging from 50% to 70%.
eBay provides its affiliates with tools to promote its products easily. The affiliate program of eBay allows the marketing of products through any preferred medium.
One of the distinct features of the eBay affiliate marketing program is that you will collaborate directly with eBay and promote its products, which sets it apart from other programs mentioned on this list. While you’ll be working to a small degree to help sellers, your main relationship is with eBay.
Like Amazon, you will be utilizing a platform that businesses desire to sell their products on, like eBay drop shipping. This could lead to foreseeable expansion.
One added benefit of eBay is that you don’t have to limit yourself exclusively to working with them. As an eBay affiliate, you can work with other merchants and programs to earn extra money.
To get started, you will have to apply to join its affiliate program, which typically takes around five minutes to complete. Compared with other application processes, this is one of the simpler ones.
Commission percentage: The percentage ranges from 50% to 70%, depending on the product type.
Payment: Partners receive payment around the 10th day of each month.
Payout method: PayPal and direct deposit (if the affiliate’s country supports it).
5. Commission Junction (CJ)
CJ is a 25-year-old affiliate marketing program that has been supporting both affiliates and merchants since its inception.
According to its website, the company works with over 3,800 global brands around the world. CJ boasts that merchants prefer them two times more than their nearest competitor.
The claim holds up nicely when closely examining everything that is being offered. Here is a glimpse of the niches one can find on the site:
- Retail
- Travel
- Finance
- Network & Home Services
With a reputation like that, Commission Junction (CJ) should be high on your list of affiliate programs when considering which one to choose.
6. GiddyUp
GiddyUp is a good choice for beginners because it provides an affiliate manager and useful tools to aid in various aspects of its program.
With GiddyUp, you can partner with over 150 direct-to-consumer brands across a wide range of verticals, from health and wellness to travel, home and auto, gadgets, and more. GiddyUp’s affiliates have exclusive access to these e-commerce businesses.
The company offers a creative library to support your digital marketing campaigns, as well as robust tracking and real-time data analysis, enabling you to evaluate your performance every month. By monitoring your performance, you can discover areas where you can improve and potentially increase your future commission.
Commission percentage: Varies depending on the type of referral.
Payment: On the first and fifteenth of each month, you must earn at least $25 to make a withdrawal.
Payout method: Foreign bank transfers, ACH, and checks.
7. ShareASale
ShareASale is an affiliate marketing program that has been around for 22 years, offering support to both affiliates and merchants since it began.
The company’s website states that it collaborates with more than 25,000 merchants. ShareASale claims to be the most rapidly expanding affiliate platform in North America.
It becomes clear that the claim is true upon taking a closer look at the vast offerings. The site provides a range of options categorized into various niches.
After signing up with ShareASale, you will have access to a marketplace offering top brands for you to promote.
Commission percentage: Varies depending on the product being promoted.
Payment: Affiliate transactions will be locked and paid out on the 20th of the following month.
Payout method: You can receive payment by mail, FedEx, direct deposit, international direct deposit, wire transfer, or Payoneer.
8. Awin
Awin is another top affiliate program for beginners. You can join without a website by using your social media profiles such as Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube.
To become an affiliate for Awin, you need to go through a compliance check to confirm your details. Additionally, as part of joining the program, you will need to make a deposit of $5, which Awin will return to you once your earnings reach the first payment threshold.
Awin provides access to over 25,000 brands, including renowned brands and popular household names. To join a program or discuss collaboration, you can either search for it in the company’s advertiser directory or get in touch with someone from the brand.
Commission percentage: The rates are determined by individual sellers, so they differ.
Payment: Commissions are paid on the 1st and 15th of every month for the previous month’s earnings. You must have earned a minimum of $20 to be able to withdraw your earnings.
Payout method: ACH, BACS, or international wire transfer.
9. FlexOffers
Last, but not least is FlexOffers
FlexOffers offers some of the same affiliate programs as other networks such as CJ in some cases. FlexOffers has over 10,000 advertisers available in their system. It could be said that this affiliate network is among the biggest ones out there.
FlexOffers is both a direct partner with many merchants and functions as a “sub-affiliate” platform. FlexOffers becomes an affiliate of a merchant’s program and permits bloggers to utilize its affiliate links instead of directly applying to the merchant. FlexOffers will share the commission from each affiliate signup with you.
FlexOffers can serve as a middleman if you are having difficulty accessing an affiliate program due to being new to the industry.
Undoubtedly, a disadvantage is that the payments are typically reduced due to FlexOffers taking a percentage of each transaction.
The sign-up process for FlexOffers can be a pain, as a sub-affiliate they have some responsibility for conversion quality, and therefore they are selective about which affiliates are accepted into their network.
Nevertheless, if you’re new to affiliate marketing, FlexOffers is a good choice to consider; however, ensure that your website is prepared and professional-looking before applying.
Commission percentage: Varies based on the partner merchant’s commission rates.
Payment: Payments will be issued on the 1st-7th of the following month.
Payout method: Bank transfers, wire transfers, checks, and PayPal.
Summary: The Best 8 Affiliate Programs for Beginners
Now that you have more knowledge about the best affiliate programs for beginners, you can take some time to personally explore them. Finding the best affiliate program and brand for your niche will require time and patience, but the outcome will be rewarding. Remember to thoroughly research and steer clear of any potential scams.
In summary, here are the top 9 affiliate programs for beginners to make money in 2023:
- ClickBank
- Impact Radius
- Amazon Associates
- eBay Partner Program
- Commission Junction (CJ)
- GiddyUp
- ShareASale
- Awin
- FlexOffers
After selecting an affiliate marketing program, you will have finished your journey into affiliate marketing. Your dream side hustle will now be official and may eventually lead you to great success in the future.
FAQs About Best Affiliate Programs
How Do I Become an Affiliate Marketer?
To become an affiliate marketer, you need to join an affiliate network or program first. Once you’re in, pick a product you want to promote. Next, generate content that will direct visitors to your affiliate link to increase traffic. Once people click on your link and make a purchase, you will receive a commission.
How can you learn Affiliate Marketing?
There are countless online courses and helpful YouTube videos that you can explore. Take the time to thoroughly review and learn affiliate marketing from these valuable resources. Getting training from a successful affiliate or mentor can greatly benefit you, as they have already navigated the stages you are currently in. Their experience and guidance can be invaluable in helping you progress. Moreover, they possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of affiliate marketing.
Which affiliate programs are best for beginners?
If you’re new to affiliate marketing, you can sign up for affiliate programs through networks like CJ affiliate, ShareASale, or ClickBank. Sign-up takes minutes, and it’s free. You can quickly generate affiliate links to promote in your content. If you’re not satisfied with a program, you can easily stop promoting it.
What's the best way to start making money online with Affiliate Marketing?
The best way to start making money online with affiliate marketing is by using social media platforms. However, it is recommended that you start by enhancing your knowledge through learning about affiliate marketing. This will equip you with the necessary skills to excel as a professional affiliate marketer, providing guidance on essential concepts, best practices, and important do’s and don’ts. Please note that social media platforms/networks often do not allow the use of affiliate links to maintain a non-spammy environment.
Is Affiliate Marketing Still Profitable in 2023?
Yes, affiliate marketing is still profitable – it’s growing in popularity and is expected to be worth over $8.2 Billion In 2022, up from $5.4 billion in 2017. This presents a significant opportunity for those looking to earn affiliate income.
What Is the Average Affiliate Commission Rate?
The average affiliate commissions typically range from 5% to 30%. The average commission can vary depending on the niche and is often correlated with the value of the marketed product or service.
How do you become a successful affiliate?
To become a successful affiliate marketer, it’s crucial to improve your knowledge of affiliate marketing. Act and follow in the footsteps of a successful affiliate or mentor. Stay consistent and committed to your work with a business mindset. Make strategic investments to scale opportunities and continuously learn about ongoing trends in the affiliate marketing journey. By doing so, you can stay ahead of the competition and pave your way to success.
Is Affiliate Marketing hard to do?
Affiliate marketing is simple if you approach it with a business mindset. You don’t have to create products or services from scratch; they already exist. Now, all you need to do is promote them to your target market or network.
What are some lucrative niche ideas for Affiliate Marketing?
Weight loss, online money making, internet business and marketing, finance, insurance, web hosting, Software as a Service (SaaS), e-commerce, diet and nutrition, dating, and gaming.
Is Affiliate Marketing legit?
Yes, this approach is widely implemented and embraced by numerous enterprises and affiliates worldwide. It stands as a prominent vertical within the realm of digital marketing, having withstood the test of time for a few decades.
Can You Make Money from Affiliate Marketing?
In short yes, you can make money from affiliate marketing by getting a commission for each sale made through the referral links you provide. As an affiliate marketer, your role is to use your referral links to connect customers to merchants.
Is ClickBank the Best Affiliate Program?
The ClickBank affiliate program is the best due to its variety of products, fair commission rates, and easy-to-use platform. ClickBank offers tools for promoting products, tracking performance, and optimizing campaigns. Additionally, you might want to contemplate exploring other alternatives like Amazon Associates program and Impact Radius.
How Do You Make Money with Affiliate Marketing Without a Website?
To earn money through affiliate marketing without a website, you can join an affiliate program or network and promote products using email marketing, social media, and influencer outreach. The platforms can be utilized to advertise and sell products and services, attract visitors, and earn commissions.
What are the benefits of Affiliate Marketing?
- Affiliate marketing offers a unique online business opportunity, allowing individuals to work from the comfort of their homes.
- Having a deep understanding of the business is instrumental in unlocking the potential of generating automated online passive income.
- With just a laptop/desktop and a stable internet connection, the freedom to work from anywhere is within your reach. Moreover, there are even opportunities to work from mobile devices or phones.
- You can launch this business without needing your own products or services. Simply promote someone else’s offerings and earn commissions for each sale made through your affiliate links.
- This business model serves as a gateway to attaining both financial freedom and time freedom.
- It’s the perfect opportunity to break free from a typical 9-5 job when you start earning a substantial income from this business (beginning as a side hustle and then expanding gradually). Note: This is not a get-rich-quick scheme!
- No prior knowledge of software, coding, marketing, or sales background is required to embark on this online business venture from the comfort of your home. Acquire new skills and begin your journey towards success.
- Perfect for individuals looking to start earning a supplementary income, whether it’s part-time or passive.
- The most essential requirement is your eagerness to acquire knowledge about this online business and initiate immediate action.
- Best of all, you don’t have to involve yourself with customer support, billing, shipping, logistics, and similar matters. These responsibilities are handled by the product owner, vendor, or business.
