A Guide to the Best Affiliate Marketing Programs for Beginners (2022) » Small Business Bonfire
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If you want to earn (eventual) passive income, affiliate marketing might be the right option for you! In this article, we will evaluate the top ten best affiliate marketing programs for beginners and proffer a few tips to help get started. Let’s take a closer look!
Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
- Skimlinks
- eBay Affiliate Program
- ShareASale
- Fiverr
- Amazon Associates
- Etsy Affiliate Program
- Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Program
- ClickBank
- Impact
- FlexOffers
What is Affiliate Marketing?
Before we get into the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners, let’s briefly review what affiliate marketing is. In a nutshell, affiliate marketing is the process of earning a commission by promoting other people’s products or services.
The history of affiliate marketing dates back as far as 1989, when the first eCommerce site was created by William J. Tobin, the world’s first internet marketer.
These days, you can find affiliate programs for just about anything – from fashion and beauty to tech and gaming.
There are many different types of affiliate programs, but most programs will fall into one of two categories:
- Cost-per-action (CPA)
- Cost-per-click (CPC)
With CPA programs, website owners are paid when a customer completes an action, such as filling out a form or registering for a service.
With CPC programs, website owners are paid when a customer clicks on an advertisement.
Affiliate Networks Vs. Affiliate Programs
When it comes to affiliate marketing, there are two main ways to go: affiliate networks and affiliate programs.
Affiliate Networks
Affiliate networks are a group of merchants who have partnered together to provide an easy way for affiliates to find products to promote.
They offer a variety of benefits, including access to a large number of merchants, simplified payments, and support from the network’s team of experts.
Affiliate Programs
Affiliate programs, on the other hand, are run by individual merchants who create their own rules and conditions for their affiliates.
They can be a great way to find unique products and get more control over the commissions you earn. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which option is best for you.
How to Find a Good Affiliate Program
Now that you know the difference between affiliate networks and affiliate programs, it’s time to learn how to find a good affiliate program.
Here are a few things to look for:
1. A good affiliate program will have a high conversion rate. This means that people who click on your affiliate link are more likely to buy something from the merchant.
2. The affiliate program should offer a generous commission. This is how you’ll make money, so you want to make sure that you’re getting a good return on your investment.
3. The affiliate program should have a good reputation. You can check out online forums and reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about the program.
4. The affiliate program should be easy to use. You don’t want to sign up for something that’s complicated and difficult to navigate.
5. The affiliate program should offer good customer service. If you have any problems, you’ll want to be able to get in touch with someone who can help
6. The affiliate program that you go with should have flexible payment options. You should be able to choose when and how you get paid.
We’ll go through each of these factors in depth so you can decide which affiliate program is right for you.
High Conversion Rate
You want to look for an affiliate marketing program that has a high conversion rate. This means that people who click on your affiliate link are more likely to buy something from the merchant. This process is known as conversion marketing.
A high conversion rate is essential if you’re going to make money from your affiliate marketing efforts. After all, you want to be sure that your efforts are resulting in sales, not just clicks.
When looking for a high conversation rate affiliate marketing program, it’s important to consider the products and services being offered. Make sure that the products are relevant to your audience and that you feel confident in promoting them.
Great Payouts
It is important to find an affiliate marketing program that has high payouts.
This means that you will earn a higher commission for each sale that you generate. A high payout is especially important if you’re just starting out, as it will give you a chance to make more money and to reinvest in your business as quickly as possible.
A good affiliate marketing program will also have a variety of payment options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Of course, you want to be sure that the affiliate marketing program is legitimate and that the company can afford to pay out such high commissions.
Good Reputation
When looking for an affiliate marketing program, it’s important to consider the reputation of the program.
You can check out online forums and reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about the program. It’s important to choose a program that has a good reputation so you can be sure that you’re getting quality products and services.
It’s also important to consider the reputation of the merchant. You want to be sure that you’re promoting a company that is reputable and that you feel confident in recommending their products and services.
There are a few things to look for when considering the reputation of an affiliate marketing program:
- Look for online reviews and testimonials
- Check out the merchant’s website
- Make sure the products and services are relevant to your audience
- Choose a program that has been around for awhile
Easy-to-Use Platform
When it comes to affiliate marketing, an easy-to-use platform is essential. With so many different programs and options available, you’ll want a system that makes it easy to find the right products and track your sales.
This will make it easier for you to get started and to see results from your efforts. A good platform will also have a wealth of resources to help you learn more about affiliate marketing and how to improve your campaigns.
An easy-to-use platform will also make it simpler to create effective marketing campaigns, track your results, and optimize your efforts for maximum impact.
The easier a platform is to use, the better it will be for beginners looking for an entry-point to affiliate marketing.
Customer Service
One of the most important aspects of a successful affiliate marketing program is providing excellent customer service.
This means:
- Responding to inquiries in a timely manner
- Addressing any concerns or issues that customers may have
- Providing support whenever necessary
By providing great customer service, you can build trust with your customers and encourage them to return again in the future.
Additionally, satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your program to others, which can help boost your traffic and sales.
Flexible Payment Options
When you’re just starting out, it’s important to find an affiliate marketing program that offers flexible payment options.
This way, you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Some affiliate marketing programs will pay you monthly, while others will allow you to choose your own payment schedule.
In some cases, you may even be able to negotiate a higher commission percentage if you’re willing to be paid less frequently.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners.
Here are 10 of the Best Affiliate Marketing Programs
Let’s examine these affiliate marketing programs in depth so you can decide which one is best for you.
Skimlinks
Skimlinks is a platform that allows bloggers and website owners to monetize their content by linking to products and services from affiliate networks.
Skimlinks scans the content of a website and automatically creates links to affiliate products and services. When a reader clicks on one of these links, the platform will track the sale and pay the affiliate network a commission.
They are one of the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners because it is so simple to use. All you need to do is sign up and add a few lines of code to your website or blog, and they will take care of the rest.
They have a huge network of over 24,000 merchants, so you will be able to find affiliate links for pretty much anything you can think of. And, their average commission rate is a solid 10%.
The site has even been featured in publications such as The Guardian in an article providing reader information on affiliate links.
Where to Find It: Skimlinks
Type: Affiliate network
Payouts: Flat fee, commission, or Cost Per Action (CPA) payouts
Best For: Merchants who want to easily connect with publishers
Pros:
- Easy-to-use platform, no special software or plugins required
- Wide range of publisher partners
- Great commission rates
- You can make money from any type of content, including blog posts, product reviews, articles, and more
Cons:
- Sometimes slow to payout commissions
- Takes a commission on sales that you generate
- Not super transparent about which merchants are paying them commissions so it can be hard to tell if you are getting the best deal through their program
- You can’t always control which products and services are promoted on your site.
eBay Affiliate Program
The eBay affiliate program is one of the oldest and largest affiliate programs around. It has over 2 million affiliates, and pays out over $1 billion in commissions every year.
It’s also one of the simplest to use. All you need to do is sign up and then promote eBay products on your website or blog. There are no special requirements or qualifications.
eBay has a wide range of products, so you’re sure to find something that interests your audience. Some of these include:
- Fashion
- Electronics
- Home goods
- Toys
- Outdoor gear
They also offer a wide range of promotional tools and resources such as:
- Banners
- Text Links
- Product Images
There is also a training center that provides all the information you need to get started.
Where to Find It: eBay Affiliate Program
Type: Affiliate program
Payouts: Commission rate of roughly 1%-5%
Best For: Beginners looking to make a profit
Pros:
- Wide range of products to promote
- Simple and easy to use
- Trusted brand
- Lots of established resources and tools to help get started
Cons:
- Only available to residents of the United States
- Customer support can be slow to respond
- Relatively low commission rates making it difficult to make a profit sometimes
- Difficult to rank your affiliate links higher than the competition
ShareASale
ShareASale is an affiliate marketing network that connects merchants and affiliates. Merchants can search for affiliates by category or keyword, and affiliates can research merchant programs to find the best fit for their blog or website.
ShareASale has over 4,000 merchants listed in its program directory, and a wide variety of programs available, including everything from tech gadgets to health and beauty products.
ShareaSale is a great affiliate marketing program for beginners because it offers high payouts and a wide variety of merchant partners.
Where to Find It: ShareASale
Type: Affiliate network
Payouts: Commission based payments sent out on the 20th of every month. No minimum requirement for payout.
Best For: Experienced affiliates who are looking for a high-quality network with plenty of options.
Pros:
- Reliable customer service
- High payouts
- Wide range of merchant partners
Cons:
- Lack of product options
- Some merchants have been known to be slow in approving affiliate applications.
Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of services. Sellers offer services starting at $5, and buyers can purchase these services by selecting from a range of options, such as graphics and design, digital marketing, writing and translation, business consulting, and more.
One great thing about Fiverr is that it’s so versatile. There are plenty of different services to choose from, and new ones are being added all the time. This makes it a great option for someone who is looking for a specific service, or for someone who wants to find a service that isn’t readily available elsewhere.
Another thing that makes Fiverr a great affiliate marketing program for beginners is the fact that there is no minimum budget required.
Once you are approved as an affiliate, you will receive a unique referral URL. When someone clicks on your referral link and makes a purchase, you will earn a commission.
You can start out by offering simple services for $5 each, and then gradually increase your prices as you gain more experience and develop a following.
Plus, there is no limit to how much you can earn on Fiverr. Some people have even managed to make six-figure incomes by offering their services on the platform.
Where to Find it: Fiverr
Type: Affiliate program
Payouts: Weekly payouts through PayPal or Payoneer
Best For: Beginners looking to get started in affiliate marketing, because Fiverr has a wide range of services and a low cost barrier to entry.
Pros:
- Low cost to get started – Just $5 to get started with a project
- Great way to connect with other bloggers and entrepreneurs
- Wide range of services available
- Fiverr is a great way to get exposure for your business.
Cons:
- Services are low-cost, so commissions can be low as well
- Some services have a lot of competition.
Amazon Associates
When it comes to the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners, Amazon Associates is often at the top of the list. And for good reason – Amazon is one of the most popular online retailers, with a massive selection of products and a loyal customer base.
When you promote Amazon products, you can be sure that you’re promoting a product that people are interested in and that will sell.
Amazon also has a wide range of products available, such as:
- Electronics
- Clothing and accessories
- Home and kitchen products
- Toys and games
- Sports and outdoors gear
No matter what your niche is, you’re sure to find products that will fit.
Joining Amazon Associates is free, and you can start earning commission on sales as soon as you start promoting products.
Amazon pays high commissions – up to 10% on some products – so you can earn a good income by promoting their products.
Where to Find It: Amazon Associates
Type: Affiliate network
Payouts: Commission, with up to 10% on sales through affiliate links
Best For: Amazon fans who want to make money by promoting the products they love
Pros:
- Huge range of products to promote
- Trusted brand with a large, loyal customer base
- High commission rates
Cons:
- Not as many resources available for affiliates
- Customer support can be slow to respond at times
Etsy Affiliate Program
Etsy is a popular e-commerce website that specializes in selling handmade or vintage items. The Etsy affiliate program is a great way for beginners to get started in affiliate marketing because it is easy to join and the commission rates are relatively high.
In addition, the Etsy affiliate program offers a wide variety of promotional tools, including:
Where to Find It: Etsy Affiliate Program
Type: Affiliate program
Payouts: Commission basis – up to 10% on sales through affiliate links
Best For: Beginner affiliate marketers
Pros:
- No minimum payout requirement
- Variety of payout options
- Relatively high commission based payments
Cons:
- Not as many resources available for affiliates
- Customer support can be slow to respond.
Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Program
Rakuten Advertising is a subsidiary of Rakuten, Inc., one of the largest eCommerce companies in the world.
The Rakuten Advertising affiliate program is one of the oldest and most well-respected programs in the industry. It offers a variety of tools and services to help affiliates succeed, including:
- An easy-to-use interface
- High commissions
- Dedicated support
Rakuten Advertising also has a wide range of products and services to offer affiliates, including search engine marketing, display advertising, lead generation, and more.
Affiliates can also take advantage of special offers and discounts on Rakuten’s other services such as cash back and e-commerce.
The Rakuten Advertising affiliate program is a great choice for beginners because it’s easy to use and offers high commissions. It’s also a great option for experienced affiliates who want access to Rakuten’s wide range of products and services.
Where to Find It: Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Program
Type: Affiliate network
Payouts: High commission payouts
Best For: Rakuten could be great for beginners or experienced affiliates alike
Pros:
- High payouts
- Wide range of merchant partners
- Reliable customer service
- Longstanding, respectable network
Cons:
- It can be difficult to make sales
- The commission structure can be complicated to understand
ClickBank
ClickBank is one of the most popular affiliate marketing programs in the world. It is a great program for beginners because it is easy to use and has a wide variety of products to choose from including:
- eBooks
- Software
- Membership sites
With ClickBank, you can promote products from different categories, including:
- Health and fitness
- Business and investing
- Food and drink
Where to Find It: ClickBank
Type: Affiliate program
Payouts: Up to 75% on sales through affiliate links
Best For: Experienced affiliate marketers
Pros:
- High payouts
- Wide range of merchant partners
- Reliable customer service
Cons:
- Some products have a lot of competition.
- It can be difficult to find good products to promote
- You may need to put in quite a bit of time to make money
Impact
Impact is one of the top affiliate marketing programs for beginners. It offers a simple and easy-to-use platform, making it perfect for those who are just starting out.
Impact also has a wide range of great features, including:
- A built-in tracking system
- Unlimited affiliates
- 24/7 support
Additionally, Impact offers generous commission rates and a wide variety of products to choose from such as:
- eBooks
- Courses
- Membership sites
Where to Find It: Impact
Type: Affiliate program
Payouts: Low minimum payout threshold of just $50 which makes it easy to receive payments
Best For: Impact is great for beginners, but is also excellent for experienced affiliate marketers as well
Pros:
- Built-in tracking system
- Unlimited affiliates
- Wide range of merchant partners
Cons:
- Minimum payout threshold
- Not as many resources available for affiliates
FlexOffers
FlexOffers is a great affiliate program for beginners because they offer a wide range of merchant partners and have a low minimum payout threshold. It is also super easy to get started. You can create an account and start promoting offers within minutes.
If you need any help getting started, FlexOffers has a wealth of resources to help you get up and running quickly, such as:
- A step-by-step guide to affiliate marketing
- A glossary of terms
- Tutorial videos
FlexOffers also offers a wide range of features, including:
- Timely payouts
- A large selection of merchants
- Dedicated account managers
Where to Find It: FlexOffers
Type: Affiliate network
Payouts: $100 minimum payout threshold
Best For: Beginners looking to get started with affiliate marketing
Pros:
- There are thousands of merchants on FlexOffers so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
- Easy sign-up process
- There are a variety of offers including cash back, discounts, and free products
- Lots of resources including tutorials webinars, and eBooks
- Variety of payout options including PayPal, bank transfer, and check
Cons:
- The $100 minimum payout threshold can be difficult to reach
- It can be difficult to find quality offers relevant to your niche because FlexOffers is so large
Conclusion
There are a lot of great affiliate marketing programs for beginners. Take some time to research each one and find the one that best suits your needs. With the right program, you can start generating sales and earning commissions in no time.
FAQ
Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought by the affiliate’s own marketing efforts.
The definition of affiliate marketing can be broad, but essentially it is a way for a business to partner with individuals who promote its products or services online.
There are many benefits of affiliate marketing, such as:
– Affiliate marketing can be an easy way to generate income online.
– There is no need to create your own products or services.
– Affiliate marketing programs are typically free to join.
– Affiliates can earn commissions on sales they generate for the business.
Anyone with a website or blog can be an affiliate. In order to become an affiliate, you must first apply and be accepted by the merchant.
The best way to get started with affiliate marketing is to find a merchant that offers a great products and services, and then sign up for their program.
You can find merchants through online directories or search engines, or you can contact them directly. Once you’re approved as an affiliate, you can begin promoting their products and services on your website or blog.
Here are some tips for success with affiliate marketing:
1. Choose a niche that you’re interested in and know something about. This will make it easier to write content that promotes the merchant’s products and services.
2. Find a merchant that offers a good commission rate. This will ensure that you earn a decent income from your affiliate sales.
3. Promote the merchant’s products and services on your website or blog using creative and informative content
4. Monitor your affiliate sales and traffic to make sure that you’re generating a good return on investment for your time and effort
5. Be patient! It takes time to build up a successful affiliate marketing business.
Some common mistakes that affiliates make include:
1. Promoting products or services that they’re not interested in or know nothing about. This will make it difficult to write effective content and drive sales.
2. Not monitoring their affiliate sales and traffic to see what’s working and what’s not. This can lead to wasted time and effort promoting products or services that aren’t generating any sales.
3. Not being patient enough. It takes time to build up a successful affiliate marketing business. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Here are some other great resources for learning about affiliate marketing:
– The Affiliate Marketing Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Earning Passive Income Online by Geno Prussakov
– Affiliate Marketing for Dummies by Robyn Greene
– The Ultimate Guide to Affiliate Marketing by Matthew Woodward
– How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing
Here are three main payout methods for affiliate marketing programs:
– Pay-per-click
– Pay-per-lead
– Pay-per-sale
With pay-per-click, you are paid a commission based on the number of clicks your links receive.
With pay-per-lead, you are paid a commission based on the number of leads you generate for the merchant.
With pay-per-sale, you are paid a commission based on the amount of sales you generate.
An affiliate network is a platform that connects affiliates with merchants. It’s a great way to find new affiliate programs to promote, and to get paid for your sales. Some examples of affiliate networks include:
– ClickBank
– ShareASale
– Commission Junction
An affiliate manager is someone who manages an affiliate program for a merchant. They are responsible for recruiting affiliates, approving applications, and providing support and guidance to affiliates.
The best place to start is by finding a merchant that offers a great product or service, and then sign up for their affiliate program. Once you’re approved as an affiliate, you can begin promoting their products and services on your website or blog.
Be sure to let us know which one you think might be best for you in the comments below!
