Top 19 Affiliate Marketing Programs for Beginners to Start Earning 

Key takeaways: 

• Affiliate marketing provides a steady passive income for website owners and content creators. 
• Not all affiliate marketing programs are the same. You need to consider commission rate, cookie duration, payment duration and other factors to find the best fit. 
• The best affiliates are those related to your industry since you’ll attract audiences more likely interested in their offers. 

Have you ever dreamed of earning in your sleep—no product to ship, no customer service to manage, just your affiliate links working for you 24/7. Let us introduce you to affiliate marketing. 

Affiliate marketing makes you money by recommending products and earning a commission on sales. You sign up for an affiliate program and get a specific link. Then, you share it with your audience. If someone buys something through your link, you get paid.  

According to AuthorityHacker’s statistics, the average affiliate marketer earns around $8,000 monthly. 

If you run a blog or have a YouTube channel, you generate additional income from your content. But before diving in, you’ll need to learn how to choose the right affiliate program, the best ones available, and how to start making money with them. 

What to look for in an affiliate program 

Not all affiliate programs are the same. If you want to make the most money, keep these things in mind: 

• Commission rate. The higher the commission, the more you make per sale. Look for programs that offer a good percentage. 
• Cookie duration. When someone clicks your affiliate link, their browser stores a tracking cookie. Longer cookie duration means you have a better chance of getting credit for the sale. You’ll want something between 30-90 days. 
• Payment frequency and methods. Some programs pay monthly, while others pay weekly. Make sure they offer payment methods that work for you. Usually, they’ll offer bank transfers, PayPal, or cheques.  
• Product relevance and demand. Choose programs that match your audience’s interests. If they like the product, they’re more likely to buy it. It’s also more seamless and less distracting if it matches your niche. 
• Brand reputation. Stick with companies that people trust. It makes it easier to convert clicks into sales. Otherwise, it may also affect your reputation. 
• Recurring vs. one-time commissions. Some programs pay you once per sale, while others keep paying as long as the customer stays subscribed. Pick which one works best for you. 
• Marketing support and resources. Programs that provide banners, email templates, and tracking tools make it easier for you to succeed. 

19 best affiliate marketing programs 

Once you know what you’re looking for, finding which programs best fit you is easier. But to make the decision easier, we’ve listed down some of the top affiliate programs: 

Web hosting & domains 

1. Domain.com  

Domain.com is a trusted domain registration and web hosting services provider. As an affiliate, you’ll receive a unique tracking link, which you can share via your blog, website, or social media. You’ll earn a commission every time a user clicks your link and makes a qualifying purchase. 

• Commission: 30% for domains, 70% for web hosting and website builder accounts. 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Cookie duration: 60 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Banner ads or text links 
  • Affiliate support system 
• Qualifications: Must have an active website, blog, or social media account to promote Domain.com’s services. Ideally, with content related to website creation 

2. Bluehost  

Bluehost is one of the most popular hosting providers, known for its reliable service and excellent support. Their affiliate program is ideal for bloggers, tech influencers, and website owners since they promote hosting services. Once you join their program, you’ll receive a referral link and can start earning a commission for every successful signup through your link. 

• Commission: Up to 70% per qualified sale, capping at $100 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Cookie duration: 45 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Bluehost Affiliate Support team 
  • Banner ads and text links 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
• Qualifications: Must have an active website, blog, or social media account to promote Bluehost’s services. Ideally, with content related to website building 

3. SiteGround  

SiteGround also offers web hosting solutions. Their affiliate program offers tiered commissions, which means the more referrals you make, the higher your commission. Affiliates receive exclusive access to banners, tracking dashboards, and promotional content to help drive sales. 

• Commission: Starts at $50 per sale (increases with more referrals) 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: Bank transfer or PayPal 
• Minimum payout: No minimum payout 
• Cookie duration: 60 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Ready-to-go banners 
  • Free hosting trials 
  • Custom creatives 
  • Detailed tracking  
  • Dev tools 
• Qualification: Bloggers, publishers and content creators with a qualifying website or mobile app. Ideally, their content focuses on website building 

eCommerce & online retail 

4. Amazon Associates 

When we talk about affiliate programs, Amazon Associates is one of the most popular. Users earn commissions by promoting Amazon products. Plus, affiliates can create custom product links and earn a percentage of any sale within 24 hours of a user clicking their link. It’s best for people who make videos or blog posts about product reviews. 

• Commission: Up to 10% (varies by category) 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: Direct deposit, PayPal, or check 
• Cookie duration: 24 hours 
• Support and resources:
  • Link-building tools 
  • Marketing too
• Qualification: Bloggers, publishers and content creators with a qualifying website or mobile app  

5. Shopify  

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that helps businesses build their own online store. They have two referral programs: Shopify plan referrals and Shopify POS pro referrals. 

For plan referrals, you earn a commission when someone signs up for one of Shopify’s eCommerce plans. With POS Pro referrals, you’re referring customers who sign up for Shopify’s premium Point of Sale (POS) system for physical retail stores. These referrals tend to earn higher commissions because they involve more advanced features. 

Just note that you need to have a website for Shopify’s program. So, if you create content for digital marketers and influencers focused on eCommerce, this is right up your alley. 

• Commission: Up to $150 per referral 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Minimum payout: $10-150 (depending on the region) 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Unique referral links for Shopify plans and POS Pro.  
  • Affiliate dashboard for tracking performance.   
  • Dedicated affiliate support team 
• Qualifications: 
  •  Own and run an active website, blog, or social media account 
  • Have an established audience 

SaaS and online tools 

6. SEMRush 

SEMRush is an SEO tool widely used by businesses to optimize their online presence. They used to have recurring commissions per subscription, meaning you keep earning as long as your referrals stay subscribed. However, SEMRush’s affiliate program recently transitioned to flat rates.  

Regardless, they’re still an excellent choice for digital marketers and bloggers who cover SEO-related topics. The higher tier you are, the more you earn. 

• Commission: $200/sale and $10/free trial 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Cookie duration: 120 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Unique referral links for SEMrush plans 
  • Marketing materials such as banners, widgets, and videos 
• Qualifications: Own and operate an active website, blog, or social media account 

7. HubSpot 

HubSpot is a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation tools. Their affiliate program stands out with high commissions per sale and recurring commissions. It is a perfect opportunity for marketing professionals and business consultants who use and want to promote HubSpot’s suite of tools. 

• Commission: Up to $1,000 per sale and up to 40% recurring commission 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Cookie duration: 90 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Banners 
  • Email templates 
  • Product demos 
  • Customizable affiliate dashboard 
• Qualifications:  
  • Must have an active website, blog, or social media presence with content relevant to HubSpot’s offerings 
  • Content creators, SaaS reviewers, digital educators, and product integrators 

Finance and investing 

8. Fiverr  

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace for hiring professionals. These can be for various services, such as musicians, web developers, social marketers, or writers.  

Their affiliate program‘s partners earn commissions by referring customers who purchase services on Fiverr. With competitive rates, it’s best for bloggers, digital marketers, and influencers who cater to entrepreneurs and businesses. 

• Commission: Varies by service 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer 
• Cookie duration: 180 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications:  
  • Content creators, digital entrepreneurs, solution providers, online educators, marketers, and agencies 
  • Must have an active website, blog, or social media presence. 

9. Robinhood 

Robinhood’s affiliate program lets you earn commissions by promoting the Robinhood app. After signing up, you’ll receive a unique referral link. Every time someone clicks your link, opens an account, or completes qualifying actions, you earn a commission. You can promote Robinhood via blog posts, social media, or other content. 

• Commission: Varies by actions  
• Payment: Instant stock deposit 
• Payment method: Paypal or bank transfer 
• Minimum payout: $50 
• Cookie duration: No tracking cookies  
• Support and resources:  
  • Banners 
  • Referral links 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: 
  • Must have an active website, blog, or social media presence 
  • Content creators with an established audience interested in promoting financial services 

10. Coinbase  

In Coinbase’s affiliate program, you earn commissions whenever users sign up. As interest in cryptocurrency rises, promoting Coinbase can be an opportunity for techy audiences. You’ll earn a 50% commission based on the trades your referrals make for the first 3 months. Crypto bloggers or anyone interested in the fintech space are best suited for these. However, it’s not available if you’re based in the UK. 

• Commission: Varies based on trade volume 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or cryptocurrency wallet 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: Open to individuals with an active website, blog, or social media presence focused on cryptocurrency and financial sectors 

Digital products & online learning 

11. Teachable  

Teachable is an online platform that lets creators build and sell their courses. Their affiliate program lets you earn a percentage from every sale made through your referral link. What makes Teachable’s program stand out is the 30% lifetime recurring commission, so as long as your referral continues as a paying customer, you’ll keep earning from them. Influencers in the education, coaching, and self-improvement niches are the best fit for this. 

• Commission: 30% recurring; $450 on average 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Banners 
  • Referral links 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Support 
• Qualifications:  Content creators, influencers, educators, and marketers in the online education and course creation 

12. Coursera  

Coursera offers university-level courses and certifications through its platform. As a Coursera affiliate, you can promote thousands of courses across various industries. Affiliates earn commissions on course enrollments and subscriptions. This program can be very profitable if you have an audience interested in career advancement. 

• Commission: 15-45% commission per purchase 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or direct deposit 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Professionally designed banners 
  • Text links 
  • Newsletters 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Product merchandiser field 
• Qualifications: Open to individuals with an active website, blog, or social media presence focused on online education and e-learning 

13. Udemy 

Udemy is a leading platform for online learning, just like Coursera, offering thousands of courses in various fields. However, unlike Coursera’s academic angle, Udemy’s lessons vary more.  

Affiliates earn commissions for every course sold through their referral links. It’s suitable for anyone whose content focuses on education, self-improvement, and career growth. 

• Commission: 10% per referral 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or direct deposit 
• Minimum payout: $1 
• Cookie duration: 7 days 
• Support and resources: 
• Qualifications:  
  • Individuals with an active website, blog, or social media presence that’s focused on online learning 
  • Content quality, audience engagement, and alignment with Udemy’s brand 

VPN and cybersecurity 

14. NordVPN  

NordVPN is one of the most well-known VPN services in the world, offering online privacy and security solutions. Their affiliate program provides high commissions for every new subscriber referred. Since VPN services often work on a subscription model, this affiliate program can be highly profitable for affiliates who target privacy-conscious users, tech enthusiasts, or digital nomads. 

• Commission: 30% commission per recurring subscriber 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or wire transfer 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: Individuals with an active website, blog, or social media presence that’s focused on cybersecurity and privacy niche   

15. ExpressVPN  

ExpressVPN is another leading VPN provider with strong security features and fast speeds. Their affiliate program is great for tech bloggers and cybersecurity influencers.  

• Commission: Up to $74 per sale 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or wire transfer 
• Minimum payout: Depends on plan (one month for $13, six months for $22, and twelve months for $36) 
• Cookie duration: 90 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: Content creators, influencers, educators, and marketers in the cybersecurity and privacy niche 

16. Surfshark 

Surfshark is a more recent VPN service with competitive pricing and affiliate rates. If your audience includes people interested in cybersecurity, remote work, or international streaming, this could be a good fit. 

• Commission: 40% commission per new sales 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Minimum payout:  $120 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources: 
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: Anyone with an active blog, website or social media presence focused on cybersecurity and privacy 

Health and wellness 

17. Noom  

Noom is a health and weight loss program that combines psychology and technology to help users develop healthier habits. Their affiliate program offers commissions on subscriptions. It’s great for fitness, wellness, and nutrition bloggers. 

• Commission: Varies based on each plan ($10 or %30 commission) 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or direct deposit 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: 
  • Anyone with an active website, blog, or social media presence 
  • Ideal for health and wellness bloggers, weight loss coaches, fitness professionals, and health and beauty influencers 

18. NutriProfits 

NutriProfits provides supplements and health products with high commissions per sale. This affiliate program is ideal for fitness influencers, wellness coaches, and nutrition-focused websites. The high commissions make it particularly attractive for affiliates with a highly engaged audience. 

• Commission: 40% commission on health and beauty products 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or bank transfer 
• Minimum payout:  $120 
• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: 
  • Anyone with an active website, blog, or social media presence focused on nutrition, health and wellness 

19. MyProtein  

MyProtein’s niche is fitness and nutrition, offering supplements, workout gear, and healthy snacks. You earn your commissions by promoting their products to fitness enthusiasts. If your audience is passionate about bodybuilding, sports nutrition, or healthy living, this program can be a great fit. 

• Commission: Up to 6.4% per sale 
• Payment: Monthly 
• Payment method: PayPal or direct deposit 

• Cookie duration: 30 days 
• Support and resources:  
  • Marketing tools 
  • Affiliate dashboard 
  • Dedicated support 
• Qualifications: 
  • Anyone with an active website, blog, or social media presence 
  • Ideal for health and wellness bloggers, weight loss coaches, fitness professionals, and influencers in the health and wellness niche 

Earn more and stress less with an affiliate program

 Affiliate marketing turns your content into easy passive income. And with the right programs and sharing useful content, you can start earning commissions today. 

So why wait? Join a trusted affiliate program now. You can start by signing up for the Domain.com affiliate program.