10 Best affiliate marketing programs for beginners To Make Money

Getting started with affiliate marketing can feel overwhelming, especially with the endless options out there. But don’t worry—we’re here to simplify things for you! Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of online earning or looking for the easiest path to success, we’ve rounded up the top affiliate marketing programs for beginners. These beginner-friendly programs are designed to help you kickstart your affiliate journey and start generating income with confidence. Let’s dive in!

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What Are Affiliate Marketing Programs

Affiliate marketing programs are partnerships where businesses reward individuals (affiliates) for driving traffic or sales to their websites through the affiliate’s marketing efforts. Affiliates earn a commission for promoting the business’s products or services, often using unique tracking links to monitor their referrals’ performance.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon Associates is known for its international brand and easy-to-use dashboard.
• eBay Partner Network offers a wide range of products to promote with a simple setup process.
• Rakuten Advertising provides access to a vast network of advertisers and high commissions.
• PartnerStack focuses on B2B partnerships, making it unique among affiliate programs.
• CJ Affiliate is one of the oldest networks and offers a variety of products to promote.

1. Amazon Associates

The Amazon Associates program is a giant in the affiliate marketing world. With Amazon’s vast selection of physical and digital products, it offers both reach and reliability. Most Amazon affiliates promote Amazon products through their website or blog. To be eligible, websites must be owned by the applicant and have a minimum of 10 posts.

Pros

• International brand recognition – everyone knows what Amazon is
• 385 million products for Amazon Associates to promote
• They place a huge focus on customer service, so you benefit from that
• Link creation and management is super easy
• Easy-to-use affiliate dashboard

Cons

• Lower commission rates compared to other programs
• Short 24-hour cookie duration
• Payouts can take up to 60 days

If you’re new to affiliate marketing for beginners, Amazon Associates is a great place to start. The program is user-friendly and offers a wide range of products to promote.

2. eBay Partner Network

The eBay Partner Network is a solid choice for beginners in affiliate marketing. It offers a commission rate of up to 4%, depending on the product category. This means you can earn a percentage of eBay’s revenue from each sale you refer.

One of the standout features of this program is its vast product range. With over 1 billion active listings, you can promote both new and used items, making it easier to find products that match your audience’s interests.

Why You Should Promote the eBay Partner Network

• Commission rate: Up to 4%
• Cookie Duration: 24 hours
• Payment Methods: PayPal, bank transfer
• Products: Everything

The eBay Partner Network is often overlooked by beginners who are busy applying to more mainstream programs. However, it can be a great fit for certain niches, especially if your audience is interested in used products.

With a globally recognized brand name and a low barrier to entry, the eBay Partner Network welcomes beginners and offers real value for money.

Keep in mind that the cookie duration is only 24 hours, so you’ll need to drive quick conversions to maximize your earnings. Despite this, the program’s benefits make it a worthwhile option for new affiliate marketers.

3. Rakuten Advertising

Rakuten Advertising, previously known as LinkShare, is a veteran in the affiliate marketing world. This network offers access to a wide selection of well-known brands across various industries, making it a great choice for beginners. Their long-standing presence in the market suggests reliability and stability.

When you join Rakuten Advertising, you can partner with big brands and smaller merchants alike. This means you have a diverse range of products to promote, which can help you reach a broader audience. However, be prepared to navigate a slightly outdated interface.

• Commission rates: Vary depending on the merchant
• Cookie life: Varies depending on the merchant

If you’re new to affiliate marketing, signing up with Rakuten can give you access to affiliate offers from brands your audience recognizes. This can be a great way to start building your passive income.

Rakuten’s partnerships include some of the biggest names in the world, such as Sephora, New Balance, and JetBlue. Despite having fewer merchants compared to other networks, the quality of their partners makes them a worthwhile option.

4. PartnerStack

PartnerStack is a top choice for those looking to dive into B2B affiliate marketing. If you want to work with top-tier B2B companies, this network should be your starting point. PartnerStack is known for its higher commission and conversion rates, making it a lucrative option for beginners.

You must apply to each partner program separately, but once accepted, you’ll be paid out monthly via PayPal or Stripe, provided you meet the $5 payout threshold. The commission rates depend on the merchant, with an average of 25% recurring. The cookie life also varies but typically lasts around 90 days.

PartnerStack is particularly beneficial for those interested in technology partnerships. The platform offers recurring revenue of 20-100% of a sale for the lifetime of the customer you helped create. This means you can earn a steady income over time, making it a sustainable choice for long-term affiliate marketing.

PartnerStack simplifies the management, reporting, and tracking of affiliate programs, making it easier for you to focus on promoting and earning.

PartnerStack is an excellent platform for beginners in B2B affiliate marketing, offering high commissions, long cookie life, and a user-friendly interface.

5. CJ Affiliate

CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction, is one of the most popular affiliate networks available. One of the key benefits of using CJ Affiliate is its wide selection of brand partnerships. These partnerships cover many areas, including retail, travel, finance, and home services. Currently, CJ partners with over 3,800 brands, including well-known names like Barnes & Noble, Office Depot, J.Crew, and Blue Apron.

CJ Affiliate is known for its detailed metrics, which help you see if an affiliate program is profitable. This feature saves you time and removes the guesswork, allowing you to plan which programs to promote and estimate your earnings per sale.

• High ticket affiliate marketing opportunities
• Low ticket affiliate marketing options

CJ Affiliate is a great choice for beginners due to its vast selection of advertisers and easy-to-use metrics.

6. ShareASale

ShareASale is a well-established affiliate network that has been around for over two decades. It partners with nearly 4,000 different merchants, including popular brands like Etsy, Reebok, and Warby Parker. This makes it easy to find the right products to promote, no matter your niche.

One of the best things about ShareASale is that it is very beginner-friendly. You won’t be kicked out if you don’t make sales right away. This allows you to experiment and find what works best for you. The platform’s dashboard is basic but functional, which can be a good thing if you prefer simplicity.

To get started, you’ll need to join the network and then apply to individual merchants. Once approved, you can generate affiliate links and track your sales stats on the ShareASale dashboard.

With a reputable track record and a wide range of merchants, ShareASale offers a secure and flexible option for new affiliate marketers.

7. FlexOffers

FlexOffers is a great choice for beginners in affiliate marketing. They offer a wide range of products and merchants, making it easier for you to find something that fits your niche. With over 12,000 advertisers, including big names like Macy’s, Walgreens, and Hulu, you have plenty of options to choose from.

One of the standout features of FlexOffers is their performance-based marketing approach. This means you can earn more by promoting products that perform well. They also offer Net 7 payments for top performers, which means you can get paid weekly.

FlexOffers provides a user-friendly dashboard that gives you access to over 650 million products. This makes it easy to find the best offers for your audience. Additionally, they offer various payment methods, including check, PayPal, direct deposit, and wire transfer.

FlexOffers is less well-known than some of the bigger players like CJ and Amazon, but they have a friendly affiliate management team that wants you to succeed.

FlexOffers is a solid option for beginners looking to dive into affiliate marketing. With a variety of products, flexible payment options, and a supportive team, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed.

8. ClickBank

ClickBank is one of the oldest affiliate networks, starting from a garage in 1998. It has grown into a business with $3 billion in sales per year. ClickBank focuses on selling digital products, which sets it apart from other affiliate programs that deal with physical goods.

If you’re new to affiliate marketing, ClickBank offers some training and support to help you get started. The platform features a huge marketplace with a mix of good products and quirky knick-knacks, making it a versatile option for affiliates.

• Commission amount: Up to 90%.
• Payment threshold: Set your own – from $100 to $1 million. The average is $100.
• Payout method: Direct deposit, check, and wire transfer. These may vary depending on your location and ClickBank’s policies.

The trick for any ClickBank affiliate is picking the right offers to promote to the right audience.

9. Awin

Awin, also known as Affiliate Window, is a global network that connects over 14,000 advertisers with publishers in 180 countries. Despite its extensive reach, it often gets overlooked in favor of more popular networks like CJ Affiliate or ShareASale. This is unfortunate because Awin offers unique advertisers that you won’t find anywhere else.

Awin also owns ShareASale, but they operate separately with their own merchants. This means you can sign up for both and expand your opportunities. Some big names on Awin include Emirates, Etsy, and Under Armour.

One of the best things about Awin is its commitment to fast payments. Many programs offer accelerated payments, and you’ll get paid for validated transactions regardless of when Awin gets paid by the advertiser.

• Commission rate: Varies
• Cookie Duration: Varies
• Payment Methods: Direct deposit, wire transfer
• Products: Various

In 2020 alone, Awin generated 182 million sales, and its affiliates earned $1 billion in commission. It’s a significant player in the affiliate marketing world.

10. Commission Junction

Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate) is one of the oldest and most popular affiliate networks. It connects you with a vast selection of advertisers across many niches, making it easy for beginners to find relevant programs to promote.

One of the benefits of using CJ Affiliate is its selection of brand partnerships, which cover many verticals, including retail, travel, finance, and home services. Currently, CJ partners with over 3,800 brands, including household names such as Barnes & Noble, Office Depot, J.Crew, and Blue Apron.

A major advantage for newbies is access to dedicated affiliate managers who offer support and guidance. CJ Affiliate also provides training resources through Commission Junction University.

• Commission rate: Depends on individual program
• Cookie Duration: Depends on the advertiser
• Payment Methods: Check, direct deposit, or Payoneer
• Products: Various

In 2024, CJ Affiliate remains a go-to platform for affiliate marketing beginners, offering a user-friendly interface and robust features.

CJ Affiliate also sweetens the deal with faster payouts on a Net 30 basis. The payment threshold is $50 minimum, and you can choose to get paid via check, direct deposit, or Payoneer.

Conclusion

Getting started with affiliate marketing can feel challenging, but choosing the right program can make all the difference. We’ve reviewed some of the top options for beginners, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Take your time to consider which one aligns best with your goals and needs. Keep in mind that success in affiliate marketing doesn’t happen overnight—it’s about persistence and continuous learning. Stay patient, keep refining your skills, and you’ll start seeing results. Best of luck on your affiliate marketing journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting other people’s products or services. When someone buys through your link, you get a commission.

How do I get started with affiliate marketing?

First, pick a niche you are interested in. Then, join an affiliate program, get your unique links, and start promoting those products or services on your blog, social media, or website.

What are the benefits of affiliate marketing?

You can earn money from home, set your own schedule, and work with products you love. Plus, you don’t have to handle inventory or customer service.

Do I need a website to do affiliate marketing?

Having a website helps, but it’s not necessary. You can also use social media, YouTube, or email newsletters to promote your affiliate links.

How much money can I make with affiliate marketing?

Earnings vary. Some people make a few dollars a month, while others make thousands. It depends on your effort, the niche, and the products you promote.

Is affiliate marketing free?

Joining most affiliate programs is free. However, you might need to invest in a website, marketing tools, or advertising to boost your earnings.

How do I choose the right affiliate program?

Look for programs with good commissions, reliable payments, and products that fit your niche. Also, check reviews and see if other marketers are happy with the program.

Can I do affiliate marketing as a beginner?

Yes, many affiliate programs are beginner-friendly. Start with well-known programs like Amazon Associates or eBay Partner Network to get the hang of it.