September 22, 2023
This page contains affiliate links, and we may earn commissions for purchases on other sites.
Affiliate marketing success partly depends on the commission rates you earn. This post lists the best high-paying affiliate programs for beginners and bloggers in various niches. We’ll also explore the best affiliate networks to join.
It may seem obvious to promote high-paying programs. However, many affiliates painstakingly market low-paying programs and merchants, such as Amazon Associates, which pays up to 10%. On the other hand, I’m not suggesting publishers only promote programs with high payouts. Instead, they should strike a balance and understand a program’s earning potential. For example, converting one Shopify plan monthly for twelve months will generate $1,800 in commissions yearly ($150 x 12 months). That amount is probably more rewarding than earnings from other programs for the same marketing effort.
Highest Paying Affiliate Niches
There are high-paying programs in every niche, product category, sector, and industry. However, software merchants pay the highest commissions. Unlike many traditional brick-and-mortar companies, software companies can pay higher commissions due to lower capital-intensive costs and higher margins. For example, an email marketing service provider doesn’t necessarily incur more expenses for each new customer. Also, it doesn’t spend money on manufacturing or inventory. Therefore, it can be more generous with affiliate commission rates. Lastly, many software companies have recurring affiliate programs that share revenue from ongoing customer payments.
| Niche | Commission Example |
| E-commerce apps | $200 per sale |
| Business apps | $200 per sale |
| Marketing apps | $200 per sale |
| E-learning | 45% per sale |
| Software apps | 100% per sale |
| VPN apps | 100% per sale |
| Web hosting | $500 per sale |
Best High-Paying Affiliate Programs
First, you’ll find many merchants on this list and other lucrative programs on the top affiliate networks, including Impact, CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, and FlexOffers. Secondly, these affiliate programs are free to join and excellent for beginners without a website. To qualify for my list, the merchant must:
- Pay a minimum commission rate of 30% or $75
- Offer a 30-day cookie duration or referral period
- Have an excellent business reputation
- Be a market leader or top contender
TubeBuddy
TubeBuddy is a browser extension, website, and mobile app that integrates with YouTube. TubeBuddy offers 60+ features, including channel management, video optimization, SEO, keyword research, tag management, analytics, productivity, bulk processing, marketing automation, and AI tools.
Over 1 million users have installed TubeBuddy from the Chrome Web Store, with an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars. TubeBuddy has many resources to support creators, including a YouTube channel, blog, podcast, and Discord Server.
The TubeBuddy affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Relevant niches: YouTube creator tools, digital marketing, and online business
- Commission rate: Up to 30% recurring
- Cookie/referral period: Lifetime
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
VidIQ
VidIQ offers AI-driven growth tools to help creators and marketers grow their channels and brand awareness. VidIQ’s Chrome browser extension features video scoring, SEO, keyword research, tag management, analytics, AI coaching, and more.
Over 2 million users have installed VidIQ from Google’s Chrome Web Store, with an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars. They offer an engaging and insightful YouTube channel and blog to support their YouTuber community.
Affiliates get the following with the VidIQ affiliate program:
- Niches: YouTube creator tools, digital marketing, and online business
- Commission rate: Up to 25% recurring
- Cookie/referral period: 90 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
GetResponse
GetResponse is an all-in-one digital marketing platform offering email campaigns, landing pages, website builders, conversion funnels, webinar hosting, opt-in forms, web push notifications, live chat, and other marketing automation tools. It helps to generate leads, increase sales, sell knowledge, and engage customers. GetResponse is an excellent alternative to ClickFunnels, Mailchimp, and Brevo (formerly Sendinblue).
GetResponse helps over 350,000 customers globally in eight languages to generate leads and convert sales. Its target customer base includes entrepreneurs, freelancers, digital marketers, and online sellers, from small businesses to enterprises.
The GetResponse affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Niches: Business tools, digital marketing, and e-commerce
- Commission rate: 33% recurring or $100 one-time
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and CJ Affiliate
Systeme.io
Systeme is a complete digital marketing platform that allows you to launch an online business. It offers various tools, including sales funnels, email campaigns, website builders, webinars, affiliate program management, content management, and marketing automation. Systeme is an excellent alternative to ConvertKit, Kartra, and Kajabi.
300,000+ entrepreneurs trust Systeme because its platform is powerful yet simple to use. Also, it is ten times cheaper than most competitors, and 99% of features are free to use, resulting in a winning value proposition.
The Systeme affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Niches: Business tools, digital marketing, and e-commerce
- Commission rate: 60% recurring
- Cookie/referral period: Lifetime
- Payout threshold: $30
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
MailerLite
MailerLite provides the latest email marketing features to help you grow subscribers and build stronger relationships, including design editors, templates, opt-in forms, and marketing automation. It also offers website and blog builders, landing pages, and e-commerce solutions. If you’re searching for an alternative to ActiveCampaign, Aweber, or Constant Contact, MailerLite is a great option to consider.
MailerLite has nearly 1,500,000 million customers globally and supports digital entrepreneurs, freelancers, professional marketers, and e-commerce sellers. It offers over 100 integrations to popular apps, including Shopify, BigCommerce, Stripe, WooCommerce, PayPal, and Salesforce.
The MailerLite affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Niches: Business tools, digital marketing, and e-commerce
- Commission rate: 30% recurring
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
ShareASale is a leading affiliate network with the tools and technology to support advertisers and publishers worldwide. Thousands of merchants use ShareASale to manage their programs, implement tracking, view reports, recruit and communicate with affiliates, and process payments.
ShareASale is one of the largest affiliate networks in North America, serving 4,500+ merchants and over 100,000 publishers. Popular merchants on ShareASale include Esty, Reebok, FreshBooks, Grammarly, Weebly, and Wondershare.
Marketers get the following with the ShareASale affiliate program:
- Niches: Affiliate marketing, digital marketing, and e-commerce
- Commission rate: Up to $150
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Semrush
Semrush is a powerful and versatile SEO, advertising, social media, and content marketing platform for online marketers. Semrush features keyword, link building, market analysis, PPC, content, and video advertising research tools.
Semrush has over 100,000 paying customers across 140+ countries. It caters to digital marketers, freelancers, and agencies in various positions, including SEOs, performance marketers, content marketers, social media marketers, and marketing consultants.
The Semrush affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Niches: Business tools, digital marketing, and e-commerce
- Commission rate: $200
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Shopify
Shopify provides everything you need to sell online, on social media, and face-to-face, including e-commerce software, point-of-sale (POS) hardware, themes, hosting, domains, business tools, marketing automation, payment processing, fulfillment, capital, and analytics. In addition, the Shopify App Store has thousands of apps to enhance and scale your store.
Shopify is the market leader in e-commerce software and POS hardware. Their millions of customers across 175+ combine for over 200 billion in gross market volume annually. Shopify’s stock is publicly traded.
The Shopify affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Niches: E-commerce and business tools
- Commission rate: Up to $150
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Debutify
Debutify is a top-rated, user-friendly, and high-converting free Shopify theme with 60+ premium add-ons to increase e-commerce sales. Launch your e-commerce product, build a dropshipping business, or expand your retail presence online with Debutify.
Debutify has five plans: Free, Growth, Pro, Custom, and Enterprise. Over 200,000 brands use its theme and reviews app to scale revenues.
The Debutify affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Niches: E-commerce, business tools, and website themes
- Commission rate: 25% recurring
- Cookie/referral period: 90 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Coursera
Coursera offers online education through partnerships with hundreds of top-ranked universities and companies, including Stanford, Columbia, Duke, Google, and Meta. From a catalog of 7,000+ courses, Coursera learners can take free and paid classes, specializations, professional certificates, and degrees.
Coursera supports over 100 million students globally and welcomes individuals, enterprises, governments, and campuses to access its world-class learning platform. Coursera’s revenue is growing by double digital year-over-year.
Marketers get the following with the Coursera affiliate program:
- Niches: E-learning, education, and career
- Commission rate: Up to 45%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Domestika
Domestika is a fast-growing creative community where top experts share knowledge and skills through professionally produced online courses. Take tutorials in illustration, marketing, business, design, photography, music, web design, app development, and more.
Domestika, motivated by its thriving community, has expanded its reach by creating online courses for those who want to unlock their creative potential and connect with like-minded creatives worldwide.
The Domestika affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Niches: E-learning, education, and career
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Emeritus
Emeritus partners with top-ranked universities to offer comprehensive learning experiences in various subjects. It combines innovation, technology, and quality training to provide best-in-class online, cohort-based programs regarding management, sales, digital marketing, finance, and AI. Emeritus’ university partnerships include Columbia, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern Kellogg, and INSEAD.
Affiliates get the following with the Emeritus affiliate program:
- Niches: E-learning, education, and career
- Commission rate: Up to $1,500
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of free and paid classes in design, art, business, marketing, technology, lifestyle, and more. Enroll in Skillshare classes to create, build, and thrive in whatever you do. Skillshare’s 30,000+ classes and 11,000+ teachers support over 800,000 members.
The Skillshare affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Niches: E-learning, education, and career
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Bluehost
Bluehost is one of the most established website hosting providers, supporting millions of websites globally. Furthermore, Bluehost offers shared hosting, dedicated hosting, VPS hosting, WordPress and WooCommerce solutions, domains, a website builder, and professional services.
WordPress.org recommends Bluehost, and it serves 2 million users. Bluehost has been operating since 2003.
The Bluehost affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Niches: Website hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: $65
- Cookie/referral period: Up to 120 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and CJ Affiliate
Hostinger
Hostinger offers fast and user-friendly website hosting solutions at a price nobody can beat. Hostinger plans cover websites, cloud, WordPress, email, e-commerce, VPS, domains, website builders, and more.
Hostinger, a tech startup launched in Lithuania in 2004, is a top provider of web hosting solutions. It caters to over a million users from more than 150 countries with similar interests.
Affiliates get the following with the Hostinger affiliate program:
- Niches: Website hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and CJ Affiliate
Liquid Web
Liquid Web provides fully managed web hosting, cloud, e-commerce, and data center solutions. Liquid Web’s products include dedicated servers, server clusters, VMware private cloud, and more.
Liquid Web’s ten global data centers serve 187,000 customers and 500,000+ sites. They consistently rank high in customer loyalty and NPS scoring.
The Liquid Web affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Niches: Website hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: Up to 150%
- Cookie/referral period: 90 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
SiteGround
SiteGround is an innovative technology leader in the website hosting and security sector. Sitegroud offers shared hosting, cloud hosting, WordPress hosting, enterprise solutions, email hosting, and domain registration. It also has optimization and security plugins for WordPress users.
SiteGround offers multilingual customer support and supports nearly 3 million websites globally. It maintains a client satisfaction rate of over 98%.
Marketers get the following with the SiteGround affiliate program:
- Niches: Website hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: Up to $125
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
Namecheap
Namecheap is a reputable domain registrar and web hosting provider. It offers many internet services, including domain registration, web hosting, and SSL certificates. Namecheap is known for its affordable pricing and reliable customer support.
Namecheap is a top choice for individuals and businesses looking to establish an online presence, offering a convenient platform for acquiring and managing domain names and hosting solutions with a strong emphasis on security and accessibility.
Affiliates get the following with the Namecheap affiliate program:
- Niches: Website hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: Up to 100%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate
Kinsta
Kinsta offers premium performance, hosting, and reliable support for businesses of all sizes. Also, it’s powered by the Google Cloud Platform for blazing-fast page loads. Kinsta partners with Cloudflare to offer high-end website security to its 26,000+ customers.
Kinsta supports WordPress, WooCommerce, databases, applications, enterprises, and agencies. Additionally, it offers free migration and top-rated customer service.
Marketers get the following with the Kinsta affiliate program:
- Niches: Managed WordPress hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: Up to $500 plus 10% recurring
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $100
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
WP Engine
WP Engine provides fast, reliable, and managed WordPress hosting and solutions. It also offers robust 24/7 support, headless WordPress, Genesis themes/blocks, and more. WP Engine has over 185,000 customers, including Under Armor, AMD, Thompson Reuters, and Soundcloud.
The WP Engine affiliate program is attractive for these reasons:
- Niches: Managed WordPress hosting and online business services
- Commission rate: Up to $200
- Cookie/referral period: 180 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
WP Rocket
WP Rocket is a WordPress caching plugin and a powerful application to boost your site’s load time, improve your PageSpeed score, and optimize your Core Web Vitals. WP Rocket has the most powerful features to make your website blazing fast.
The WP Rocket affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Niches: WordPress, plugins, and website performance
- Commission rate: 20% – 30%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Weblium
Weblium is an intuitive website-building platform enabling individuals and businesses to create professional and responsive websites. Offering a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and a variety of customizable templates, Weblium simplifies the web design process for users of all skill levels.
Weblium provides tools for building and managing websites, including e-commerce capabilities, SEO optimization, and mobile responsiveness. It is a versatile solution for those looking to establish an online presence without extensive technical or coding expertise.
The Weblium affiliate program offers the following benefits:
- Niches: Website builder, blogging, and e-commerce
- Commission rate: 35%
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
NordVPN
NordVPN is a top-rated VPN offering military-grade online security and protection applications. NordVPN provides numerous benefits, including secure internet, a strict no-logs policy, malware blocking, and more. Other NordVPN brands include NordLayer, NordPass, and NordLocker.
NordVPN operates worldwide with offices in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, USA, Lithuania, Switzerland, and Panama.
The NordVPN affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Niches: VPN, online security, and internet privacy
- Commission rate: Up to 100%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and CJ Affiliate
Proton
Proton provides user-friendly encrypted email, calendar, file storage, VPN, and online security apps for individuals and businesses who value privacy. Its end-to-end and zero-access encryption means that no one (not even Proton) has the technical means to access your data without your permission.
Over 100 million people have signed up for Proton. Additionally, Proton secures more than 10,000 businesses, including some of the world’s largest public and private organizations.
The Proton affiliate program (ProtonVPN and Proton Mail) offers the following benefits:
- Niches: VPN, online security, and internet privacy
- Commission rate: 30%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $100
- Affiliate software/network: Tune
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a freemium VPN service that was founded in 2019. It is a relatively new VPN provider, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and robust security features.
Atlas VPN is a good option for those seeking a secure, cost-efficient VPN service. Additionally, it’s an excellent option for those new to VPNs, as the free plan is a great way to test out the service before committing to a paid plan.
Affiliates get the following with the AtlasVPN affiliate program:
- Niches: VPN, online security, and internet privacy
- Commission rate: 60%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Tune, Impact, and CJ Affiliate
Surfshark
Surfshark is a fast-growing cybersecurity company that develops privacy and security protection solutions to secure people’s digital lives, including a VPN, antivirus, and search apps.
Surfshark and Nord Security merged under one holding company to form a cybersecurity powerhouse but operate independently.
Marketers get the following with the Surfshark affiliate program:
- Niches: VPN, online security, and internet privacy
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate, Impact, and Tune
VuzeVPN
VuzeVPN protects users’ privacy, keeps browsing anonymous, and offers best-in-class security and encryption. In addition, VuzeVPN protects users from viruses, malware, adware, and phishing attacks.
The VuzeVPN affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Niches: VPN, online security, and internet privacy
- Commission rate: 50%
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Norton
Norton provides various products and services related to digital security, identity protection, and online privacy, including defense against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. Its goal is to help protect your private and financial information when you go online.
The Norton affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Niches: VPN, online security, and internet privacy
- Commission rate: Up to 200%
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Inc Authority
Inc Authority offers various services to help you launch your business, protect your brand, and build for the future. In addition, Inc Authority supports custom websites and logos, business plans, trademarks, building business credit, and more.
Inc Authority has been operating for over 30 years and has formed around 250,000 entities. Moreover, it maintains an excellent rating on Trustpilot from 25,000+ reviewers. Thousands of customers prefer Inc Authority to ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent.
Affiliates get the following with the Inc Authority affiliate program:
- Niches: Business formation, business services, and entrepreneurship
- Commission rate: $100
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Incfile
Incfile offers the lowest cost LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, and Non-Profit incorporation services, starting at $0 plus state fees. Moreover, IncFile provides various business formation, administration, legal, and trademark services and resources to build a successful company.
Incfile has helped over 1 million businesses and maintains an excellent rating on Trustpilot from 13,000 customers.
The Incfile affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Niches: Business formation, business services, and entrepreneurship
- Commission rate: $100
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an online legal services company that helps individuals and businesses with various legal needs. The company offers multiple services, including business formation, registered agent services, trademark and copyright registration, wills, trusts, and immigration.
The LegalZoom affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Niches: Business formation, legal services, business planning, and entrepreneurship
- Commission rate: Up to $125
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Pixlr
Pixlr is a graphic design and image editing tool that helps people create images, logos, thumbnails, and posters for their websites, blogs, projects, and social media accounts. It provides basic and advanced editing options, including cropping, resizing, rotating, adjusting colors and contrast, retouching, adding text, and more.
Marketers get the following with the Pixlr affiliate program:
- Niches: Business tools, graphic design, and content marketing
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
FreshBooks
FreshBooks offers small business accounting and management software to create proposals, send invoices, track time, manage receipts and expenses, accept payments, and more. Freshbook is for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and businesses with contractors and employees.
The FreshBooks affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Niches: Accounting, invoicing, and tax planning
- Commission rate: Up to $200
- Cookie/referral period: 120 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Tidio
Tidio is an all-in-one customer service app that improves your customer support and helps generate more sales. Tidio’s live chat widget makes your business available 24/7, while AI-powered chatbots engage your customers in real-time.
Marketers get the following with the Tidio affiliate program:
- Niches: Business tools, website chat apps, and customer service
- Commission rate: 30%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Sonetel
Sonetel is a global telecommunications company that offers cloud-based communication solutions. It provides virtual phone numbers, call forwarding, and international call management, enabling businesses to establish a professional and global presence.
Sonetel allows users to manage calls, texts, and voicemail from anywhere, making it a convenient choice for companies with international or remote teams. It’s an excellent and cost-efficient alternative to Skype.
The Sonetel affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Niches: Virtual phone number, communications, and business tools
- Commission rate: 35%
- Cookie/referral period: 365 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Fiverr
Fiverr is the largest online marketplace for freelance services starting at $5. Thousands of freelancers offer marketing, business, graphic design, website design, writing, translation, video, and programming services. Fiverr Business, Pro, Studios, Logo Maker, and Workplace round out the full suite of services for SMB and enterprise customers.
Freelancers from over 160 countries across 600+ categories assist over 4 million customers on Fiverr. Also, Fiverr has a monopolistic position alongside Upwork in the online talent category.
The Fiverr affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Niches: Outsourcing, human resources, and talent management
- Commission rate: Up to $150 or $10 plus 10% recurring for up to 12 months
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $100/$50
- Affiliate software/network: Cellxpert, Awin, and CJ Affiliate
Envato
Envato is a digital marketplace that provides creative assets and tools for web developers, designers, and entrepreneurs. It offers website templates, graphics, stock photos, fonts, and other digital assets. ThemeForest is the world’s largest marketplace for website templates. Envato Elements is a subscription service, which provides access to a huge library of digital assets for a single monthly fee. Finally, create mockups, logos, social posts, and videos in seconds Placeit.
Envato has affiliate programs for each of its offerings:
- Niches: Web design, digital assets, templates, and themes
- Commission rate: Up to 50% and $120
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
TemplateMonster
TemplateMonster is an online marketplace with ready-made website templates and themes for various platforms, including WordPress, Joomla, Magento, and Shopify. With thousands of templates available, TemplateMonster provides web developers and designers with an extensive selection of digital assets to create unique and professional-looking websites.
TemplateMonster offers various tools and services, including a drag-and-drop builder, customization services, and a lifetime support guarantee, making it a convenient one-stop shop for all web development needs.
The TemplateMonster affiliate program is attractive for these reasons:
- Niches: Web design, digital assets, templates, and themes
- Commission rates: 30%
- Cookie/referral period: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $30
- Affiliate software/network: Post Affiliate Pro
Apple
Apple affiliates can promote millions of songs, albums, books, audiobooks, movies, news, and TV shows. In addition, you’ll earn commissions on memberships for Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Podcasts.
The Apple affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Niches: Entertainment, music, books, and programming
- Commission rates: Up to 400%
- Cookie/referral period: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $30
- Affiliate software/network: Partnerize
STDcheck
STDcheck takes the embarrassment and hassles of conventional STD testing by providing fast, affordable, and private tests to adults and minors with 4,500+ testing centers. All tests are FDA-approved.
Affiliates get the following with the STDcheck affiliate program:
- Niches: Health, wellness, and relationships
- Commission rate: 40%
- Cookie/referral period: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
Best Affiliate Networks
Joining the right affiliate network(s) can lead to success. Therefore, affiliates (and merchants) should consider the following criteria.
The network and programs are free to join. Merchants pay networks to use their software and access thousands of affiliates. That revenue model allows affiliates free access in exchange for driving leads and sales for advertisers.
The network has reputable merchants. Most affiliates want to promote legitimate and trustworthy companies, products, and services. Therefore, the best networks carefully screen and accept reputable merchants. By contrast, networks with questionable companies and sellers focus on quantity, not quality, leading to terrible outcomes.
The network has a wide selection of merchants, categories, products, and services. So naturally, affiliates want to optimize their marketing activities by matching products to their audiences and niches. To achieve those goals, publishers can only experiment with different advertisers and programs if the network provides enough selection.
Acceptance/approval rates are high, and turnaround is fast, making it easy for affiliates to join programs. There’s no point in being on a network with high application decline rates. Secondly, application turnaround times, for instance, one to five business days, should be quick. However, on some networks, my applications remain pending for months, prohibiting me from moving forward. While merchants are responsible for processing applications and cycle times, networks should educate merchants on the benefits of approving affiliates quickly, i.e., the sooner they get approved, the sooner they can start to market.
Different commission models are available. In affiliate marketing, cost-per-action (CPA) describes how advertisers will pay affiliates for desired actions referred users take. For example, cost-per-sale compensates affiliates for sales, whereas cost-per-lead compensates leads. Those are also known as pay-per-sale and pay-per-lead, respectively. Affiliate networks may also have pay-per-click, cost-per-click,cost-per-install, cost-per-call, and cost-per-download CPA models and programs.
Sales attribution and tracking software are robust and efficient. Some affiliate networks use cookieless tracking and other methods to track conversions to combat browser and privacy initiatives, while others use inferior tracking technologies.
The network offers different payment methods, such as PayPal, direct deposit, cheque, wire transfer, etc. Secondly, payout thresholds should be low enough to keep operations flowing and affiliates engaged, for example, a $50 payment threshold.
User support is excellent, and problems are solved quickly. I don’t contact customer support often, but I want to see fast results when I do.
Networks typically require that new publishers have a website or an active YouTube channel. That’s an excellent way to keep low-quality marketers off their platforms.
Here are several top affiliate networks for beginners, bloggers, YouTubers, and experienced marketers. Additionally, I use and recommend the following platforms.
Impact
Impact was founded in 2008 by a team of Internet marketing and technology experts who founded Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate), Savings.com, and LeadPoint. Its mission is to deliver disruptive innovations in technology and performance marketing to help clients successfully navigate the digital landscape.
Impact offers marketing solutions for influencers, affiliates, mobile app developers, and marketing agencies.
- Region(s): The United States and international markets
- Merchants/brands: 4,000+
- Niche strengths: Computers, consumer electronics, financial services, retail, jewelry and watches, and accessories
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: Multiple times monthly
- Payment methods: Direct deposit and PayPal
- Minimum payout amount: $10
- Programs: CPA, CPS, CPI, and CPL
- EPC program data: Yes
ShareASale has been in business for 20+ years, exclusively as an affiliate marketing network. It serves as a low-cost way to grow sales through performance marketing. ShareASale is one of the top networks for pay-per-lead offers.
- Region(s): The United States
- Merchants/brands: 15,000+ (across Awin and ShareASale)
- Niche strengths: Accessories, clothing, computers, consumer electronics, health, home and garden, gifts, art and photography, and sports
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: On the 20th of each month
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, check, and wire transfer
- Minimum payout amount: $50
- Programs: CPS and CPL
- EPC program data: Yes
CJ Affiliate
With 20+ years of experience, CJ Affiliate is one of the most trusted and established names in affiliate marketing. They are passionate about using data to drive growth for their clients. CJ Affiliate is a part of the Publicis Media Groupe and has 14 offices across the United States, Europe, and India.
- Region(s): The United States and Europe
- Merchants/brands: 3,200+
- Niche strengths: Clothing and apparel, health and wellness, travel, retail, computers, and electronics
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: Monthly
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, check, and Payoneer
- Minimum payout amount: $50
- Programs: CPS, CPL, and Pay Per Call
- EPC program data: Yes
FlexOffers
FlexOffers features over 10,000 advertisers and 65+ affiliate network partnerships. It also acts as a sub-affiliate network, serving as a one-stop shop for those who value convenience, ease, and high application approval rates. Its FlexCash program offers additional ways to earn by referring content creators to the platform, i.e., users can make up to 10% on revenues generated by their referrals.
- Region(s): The United States and Europe
- Merchants/brands: 10,000+
- Niche strengths: Accessories, clothing, computers, consumer electronics, and credit cards
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: Monthly
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, check, and PayPal
- Minimum payout amount: $50
- Programs: CPS and CPL
- EPC program data: Yes
Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising is a global marketing, advertising, and technology services provider. Rakuten Advertising combines a unique media inventory, an international affiliate network, advanced machine learning, and rich consumer insights to deliver results that increase brand awareness and marketing performance.
- Region(s): The United States, Europe, and Japan
- Merchants/brands: 2,300+
- Niche strengths: Accessories, clothing, computers, consumer electronics, and health
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: Monthly
- Payment methods: PayPal, direct deposit, and check
- Minimum payout amount: $50
- Programs: Mostly CPS
- EPC program data: No
Awin
With over 20 years of experience, Awin combines mergers and acquisitions of Affiliate Window, Zanox, affilinet, and ShareASale. Its parent companies are Axel Springer and United Internet. Awin has over 15,000 advertisers and 200,000 publishers on its platforms, and its website is available in 12 languages.
Awin creates trusted partnerships to drive growth. Its global affiliate marketing network empowers advertisers and publishers of all sizes to grow their businesses online.
- Region(s): Europe
- Merchants/brands: 15,000+ (across Awin and ShareASale)
- Niche strengths: Finance, insurance, retail, shopping, telecommunications, services, and travel
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: Twice a month
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, check, and international wire
- Minimum payout amount: €20/£20/$20
- Programs: CPS and CPL
- EPC program data: Yes
Svorn Commerce
Sovrn Commerce (fka VigLink) is an online advertising technology firm that helps publishers monetize their content by offering various products and services. Sovrn’s affiliate marketing platform helps publishers monetize their content by linking to products and services from other merchants automatically.
- Region(s): The United States and international markets
- Merchants/brands: 50,000+
- Niche strengths: Retail, shopping, telecommunications, online services, and travel
- Deep linking: Yes
- Payment frequency: 90 days from the end of the month in which commissions were earned
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, check, international wire, and PayPal
- Minimum payout amount: $25
- Programs: CPS and CPL
- EPC program data: Yes
Start Earning
Promoting high-paying affiliate programs and joining reputable affiliate networks is a surefire way to succeed in affiliate marketing. Also, consider the following factors when assessing merchants: company reputation, commission rate, cookie duration, earnings per click (EPC), payment minimum and cycle, marketing materials, free trials, and coupons to share with your audience.
Affiliates can earn hundreds to thousands monthly, depending on how much traffic they send advertisers and conversion rates. Moreover, some affiliates report making $10,000+ monthly. While it may take time to achieve your income goals, my list of high-paying programs will support your journey.
