With top affiliate programs offering up to 200% bounty per referral and lifetime commissions reaching 30%, the ecommerce affiliate vertical has transformed from a side hustle into a legitimate business model.
From industry giants like Shopify and Amazon Associates to specialized platforms like BigCommerce and HubSpot, today's ecommerce affiliate domain provides distinct options for every niche.
The best programs offer competitive commission rates, ranging from fixed payments of up to $150 per referral to recurring commissions of 30% or more. Many also provide extensive marketing resources, creative assets, and dedicated support to help you succeed.
But which ecom affiliate program is worth your efforts? Following in the later sections, I have listed some of the top of the line programs that can flip your affiliate game upside down!
Let's check them out!
Amazon Associates dominates the market with a 46% share among companies using affiliate programs, followed by CJ Affiliate at 8.16%.
Top of the Line Ecommerce Affiliate Programs
| Affiliate Program | Commission Rate | Payment Method | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | up to 10% | direct deposit, check | Wide range of products, personalized affiliate links |
| Shopify | $150 per sale | Direct deposit, PayPal | Recurring commissions for continued use by referred customers |
| eBay Partner Program | 1% to 4% | PayPal, Electronic Funds Transfer | Global reach, diverse product categories |
| Etsy | 4% for US, 5% for other countries | PayPal, ACH (bank transfer) | 30-day cookie duration, wide range of products |
| Awin | 10% to 50% | ACH, BACH, international wire transfers | Low payment threshold of $20, flexible commission structures, reliable on-time payments |
| HubSpot | 30% recurring (up to 1 year) | PayPal, bank transfer | 180-day cookie duration, tiered payments |
| CJ Affiliate | 3% to 50% | Payoneer, check, direct deposit | Two-tier commission structure, comprehensive support |
| Fiverr | $15 to $150 per sale, 10% recurring for 12 months | PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Transfer | Hybrid plan with 10% revenue share for 12 months |
| ShareASale | 4% to 50% | Check, Direct Deposit, Wire Transfer, Payoneer | User-friendly platform, extensive resources for affiliates, wide range of merchants |
| ClickBank | up to 90% | Check, Direct deposit, Wire transfer, Payoneer | Large marketplace with over 4,000 products; reliable payments; never missed a payment since 1999 |
| Rakuten | 3% – 7% per sale | PayPal, direct deposit, check | Access to exclusive cash bonuses, sponsorship opportunities, advanced analytics capabilities |
| Leadpages | up to 50% recurring | PayPal, Stripe | Lifetime commissions, promotional support, training materials |
| ConvertKit | 30% recurring | PayPal | 60-day cookie duration, no minimum payout requirement |
| BigCommerce | 200% on first month or $1,500 per enterprise customer | PayPal, direct deposit | 90-day cookie duration, no commission caps, access to pre-made marketing materials |
| Teachable | 30% per plan purchase, 30% recurring | PayPal | Recurring commissions for the first year, 90-day cookie duration |
| NordVPN | up to 100% for new sign-ups, 40% for yearly plans, 30% for renewals | PayPal, credit cards, cryptocurrencies | High conversion rates, dedicated account manager, global reach, recurring commissions |
| ClickFunnels | up to 40% | ACH, Direct Deposit, PayPal, Check, International ACH (e-check), Money Wires | High commission rates, extensive training resources, user-friendly platform |
| Bluehost | $65 – $125 per sale | PayPal, bank transfer | Tiered commission structure, unlimited earnings |
| Sierra | 5% Per Sale | – | One-time commission with a 14-day cookie duration |
| WooCommerce | up to 30% for first purchase, 10% for returning customers | PayPal, manual payouts, store credit | Customizable referral links, detailed reporting, flexible commission settings |
| Semrush | $200 per sale, $10 per trial | PayPal, Electronic Funds Transfer | 120-day cookie duration, last-click attribution |
1. Amazon Associates
The Amazon Associates program is one of the largest and most successful ecommerce affiliate programs in the world. Launched in 1996, it has grown to include over 900,000 members globally who earn commissions by promoting Amazon products on their websites, blogs, and social media channels.
One of the key features of Amazon Associates is its vast product selection. With millions of products available across categories like electronics, books, home goods, and more, affiliates have a wide range of items to promote to their audiences. The program also offers a variety of linking tools and widgets that make it easy for affiliates to showcase Amazon products and drive traffic to the ecommerce giant's website.
Another notable aspect of Amazon Associates is its tiered commission structure. Affiliates can earn anywhere from 1% to 10% in referral fees, depending on the product category. This performance-based model incentivizes affiliates to strategically promote products that are likely to convert into sales. To participate in the Amazon Associates program, affiliates must have a qualifying website or mobile app with original content.
2. Shopify
As an ecommerce powerhouse, Shopify offers affiliates the opportunity to earn competitive commissions by promoting its platform to their audience. Affiliates can earn up to $150 for each successful referral of a full-priced Shopify plan, depending on the merchant's location.
This commission structure incentivizes affiliates to drive quality leads and help businesses launch their online stores. Shopify's affiliate program provides access to a global creative library, lead magnets, and curated email programming to support content creation and boost conversion rates.
The 30-day cookie duration ensures that affiliates receive credit for referrals who sign up within that timeframe. Shopify's affiliate dashboard offers performance insights, allowing affiliates to track their success and optimize their strategies. With over one million businesses across 175 countries powered by Shopify, affiliates have a vast potential audience to tap into.
3. eBay Partner Program
The eBay Partner Network offers a compelling affiliate program for those looking to monetize their online presence in the e-commerce space. As one of the largest online marketplaces, eBay boasts an impressive 1.3 billion active listings and facilitates 432,000 sales daily. The program welcomes newcomers with a low joining threshold and a simple application process.
Affiliates can earn commissions ranging from 1% to 8%, depending on the product category. Additionally, eBay provides a 100% bonus on baseline earnings for sales generated from new or reactivated buyers. The 24-hour cookie duration ensures potential commissions from qualifying purchases made within that timeframe. Payments are issued monthly for accounts that have earned more than $10, with options for PayPal or direct deposit.
The eBay Partner Network equips affiliates with a comprehensive set of marketing tools, including the Bookmarklet for creating links directly from eBay pages, Smart Placements, Smart Links, the Link Generator, and the Creative Gallery. With millions of different products available and a trusted reputation, the eBay Partner Network presents a unique opportunity for affiliates.
4. Etsy
Etsy's affiliate program offers a unique opportunity for marketers to earn commissions by promoting handmade, vintage, and creative goods from the global marketplace. Affiliates can tap into Etsy's vast product catalog, featuring items from over 7.5 million sellers who collectively generate approximately $5 billion in sales annually. The program provides a 30-day cookie duration, allowing affiliates to earn commissions on purchases made within this window.
Commission rates vary based on the platform used for promotion, with a 4% rate for website links and a 2% rate for social media shares. Etsy Affiliates also gain access to promotional materials, including banners, curated pages, and an affiliate newsletter, to support their marketing efforts.
Payouts can be requested at any time once the account balance surpasses $20, with payments processed via cheque or ACH bank deposit. While the program does charge a small joining fee, Etsy's strong brand recognition, engaged customer community, and diverse product offerings make it an attractive choice for affiliates looking to capitalize on the growing demand for unique and creative goods online.
5. Awin
Awin, a global affiliate marketing network, connects over 30,000 advertisers with more than 1 million active publishers worldwide. As an ecommerce affiliate program, Awin offers a user-friendly platform that enables businesses to grow online sales through partnerships with diverse affiliates, including bloggers, influencers, and technology solutions.
One of the key features of Awin is its innovative tracking technology, which allows advertisers to track and reward publishers for driving valuable customer interactions. Awin's customizable payment system provides flexibility in setting commission rates, with the Awin Access plan charging a 2.5% tracking fee on top of the chosen commission rate. In 2021 alone, Awin's top 100 publishers collectively generated $4.5 billion in revenue and 53 million sales for their advertisers.
The platform also offers advanced reporting and benchmarking tools, empowering advertisers to optimize their affiliate campaigns based on data-driven insights. Awin's ecommerce plugins, such as those for Shopify and WooCommerce, streamline integration and enable merchants to efficiently manage their affiliate programs. With a strong presence in 17 markets worldwide and a huge network of partners spanning various industries.
6. HubSpot
HubSpot's affiliate program presents an enticing opportunity for ecommerce content creators and influencers to monetize their platforms. It offers a generous 30% recurring commission for up to one year on all referred product signups, as stated in a reliable source. This commission structure is highly competitive, especially considering HubSpot's extensive suite of marketing, sales, and customer service tools.
The program's key strength lies in its tiered commission system, rewarding top-performing affiliates with higher payouts. Affiliates can progress from the base 30% commission to “Super Affiliate” and “Elite Affiliate” tiers, unlocking additional bonuses and custom commission rates. This incentivizes affiliates to actively promote HubSpot and drive more referrals.
Another standout feature is HubSpot's 180-day cookie window, which is significantly longer than most affiliate programs. This extended window ensures affiliates receive credit for any referrals who convert within six months of clicking their unique link. Combined with over 400 creative assets like banners and videos, this empowers affiliates to effectively showcase HubSpot's offerings to their audiences.
7. CJ Affiliate
CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction, is a top-tier affiliate marketing network that caters to ecommerce businesses of all sizes. As one of the largest and most established platforms in the industry, it has over 3,000 merchant partners, including renowned brands like GoPro, Lowe's, and Overstock.com.
One of CJ Affiliate's standout features is its competitive commission structure. Affiliates can earn up to 50% commission on sales, depending on the program they promote. Additionally, the platform offers a two-tier commission structure, allowing affiliates to earn a percentage of the commissions earned by any affiliates they refer to the program.
For ecommerce merchants, CJ Affiliate provides a set of tools and services to launch and manage successful affiliate programs. Merchants can customize commission rates, set program terms and rules, and leverage automated communication features to streamline their operations. In terms of payment options, CJ Affiliate offers flexibility, allowing affiliates to receive their earnings via PayPal, direct deposit, or cheque.
8. Fiverr
The Fiverr affiliate program offers a flexible commission structure, allowing affiliates to earn between 25% to 100% commission on the first order of a customer, plus a 10% revenue share on future orders for the first 12 months, with specifics varying by service promoted. This versatility caters to various audience needs and promotional strategies.
Additionally, the program offers advanced marketing tools like the Gig Ads Widget and Search Box Widget to enhance conversions and boost earnings. The commission rates themselves are noteworthy, ranging from $15 to $150 per referral, or a hybrid model of $10 plus 10% recurring for 12 months, depending on the product or service category. This flexibility allows affiliates to optimize their earnings based on their audience's preferences and purchasing behaviors.
Boasting a 30-day cookie duration and a minimum payout threshold of $100, Fiverr's ecommerce affiliate program presents a lucrative opportunity for content creators and digital entrepreneurs to monetize their traffic and audience while providing value to their followers.
9. ShareASale
ShareASale is an ecommerce affiliate program that connects merchants with affiliates to drive sales and revenue. Established in 2000, it has grown to become a significant player in the affiliate marketing space, boasting over 4,500 merchants across various verticals and over 225,000 affiliates. In 2020 alone, ShareASale generated $182 million in sales, showcasing its effectiveness as an affiliate platform.
One of ShareASale's key strengths lies in its user-friendly interface and powerful tracking capabilities. Affiliates can easily navigate the platform, find relevant merchant programs, and access comprehensive reporting tools to monitor their performance. The platform offers a diverse range of commission structures, including pay-per-sale, pay-per-lead, and even a combination of both, allowing merchants to tailor their programs to their specific needs.
Furthermore, ShareASale provides robust integration options, supporting popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, among others. Its extensive merchant network, flexible commission structures, and user-friendly platform, ShareASale has solidified its position as a top ecommerce affiliate program, offering a great opportunity for both merchants and affiliates to maximize their online sales and revenue.
10. ClickBank
ClickBank is an ecommerce affiliate platform that facilitates the promotion and sale of digital and physical products. It serves as an intermediary between product creators, affiliates, and customers, streamlining the entire process. One of ClickBank's key features is its commission structure. It offers two commission models: revenue share and cost-per-action (CPA). The revenue share model allows affiliates to earn a percentage of each sale, typically ranging from 50% to 75%.
ClickBank's affiliate marketplace is a vast repository of products across various niches, including health, wealth, and self-improvement. Affiliates can browse and select products to promote, accessing detailed performance metrics like earnings per click (EPC) and gravity scores to gauge an offer's potential.
ClickBank ensures secure transactions and timely payouts, fostering trust and reliability within its ecosystem. It has facilitated over $5.5 billion in commissions to affiliates across more than 200 countries, solidifying its position as a reputable ecommerce affiliate platform.
11. Rakuten
Rakuten, a global e-commerce giant, offers a robust affiliate program that empowers publishers to monetize their online presence. With an extensive network of over 1,000 merchants, Rakuten's affiliate program provides a diverse range of products to promote, catering to various niches and audiences.
One of the key features that sets Rakuten apart is its flexible commission structure. While the core offers a standard commission rate ranging from 3% to 7% per sale, the program goes beyond this with dynamic, coupon, and multi-touch commissioning options. This allows affiliates to tailor their strategies and maximize earnings based on product categories, customer status, and engagement levels.
Rakuten's affiliate program offers a generous cookie duration, with some advertisers offering up to 90 days, ensuring affiliates receive credit for delayed purchases. Additionally, the program maintains a low $5 minimum payout threshold, making it accessible for affiliates at various levels.
12. Leadpages
Leadpages, a versatile online platform, offers an enticing ecommerce affiliate program tailored for small businesses. This program empowers affiliates to promote Leadpages' suite of lead generation tools, including landing pages, websites, pop-ups, and alert bars. The commission structure is designed to reward affiliates handsomely, with up to 50% recurring commissions on every new customer referral.
Notably, Leadpages implements a tiered commission system based on the total revenue generated by referred customers. If the new customer revenue exceeds $50, affiliates earn a 40% commission. However, if the revenue surpasses $3,000, the commission rate soars to an impressive 50%.
Affiliates can leverage Leadpages' built-in A/B testing capabilities to optimize their landing pages for maximum conversions. The platform offers a dedicated affiliate support team to address queries promptly and provide guidance throughout the promotional process. With a 30-day cookie lifespan, affiliates have ample opportunity to earn commissions from their referrals.
13. ConvertKit
ConvertKit's affiliate program offers a 30% recurring commission for up to 24 months on every customer referred, providing a steady income stream. The program is designed specifically for creators, offering easy-to-use automation, a clean interface, and seamless integration capabilities to help bloggers, podcasters, and other content creators grow their audience and monetize their passions.
One of the standout features of ConvertKit's affiliate program is the comprehensive support it provides. Affiliates gain access to exclusive webinars, a training course, graphics, video assets for advertising, and an analytics dashboard to track progress.
Additionally, ConvertKit's affiliate program has a relatively low barrier to entry, allowing anyone to join, even if they are not a customer themselves. The only requirements are an understanding of ConvertKit's capabilities and an audience that could benefit from its email newsletter software. This inclusive approach broadens the pool of potential affiliates and creates opportunities for diverse content creators to participate.
14. BigCommerce
BigCommerce's ecommerce affiliate program offers an enticing opportunity for affiliates to earn substantial commissions. The program offers a generous commission structure, providing affiliates with a 200% bounty per referral and an impressive $1,500 per Enterprise referral, with no cap on commissions.
Affiliates gain access to an account manager who understands their business goals and collaborates with BigCommerce's conversion rate experts to maximize commissions and earnings per click. Additionally, BigCommerce simplifies the promotion process by offering pre-made text links, banners, and content within the affiliate dashboard. Affiliates can seamlessly integrate these promotional materials onto their websites, blogs, or social media channels, making it effortless to showcase BigCommerce's offerings to their audience.
The program's integration with Tapfiliate, a popular affiliate management tool, further enhances its appeal. Tapfiliate seamlessly connects with BigCommerce, enabling brands to set up and administer affiliate programs directly from the BigCommerce dashboard.
15. Teachable
As a platform for creating and selling online courses, Teachable allows affiliates to earn commissions ranging from 5% to 30% on referred sales. This flexibility in commission rates caters to different promotional strategies, whether prioritizing profitability or attracting high-quality affiliates.
One standout feature of Teachable's affiliate program is the ability to toggle different commission rates for individual affiliates within their profiles. This level of customization empowers course creators to incentivize their top-performing affiliates or align rates with specific marketing goals.
Teachable provides affiliates with a complete suite of marketing resources, including professionally designed banners, a monthly affiliate newsletter, and curated content recommendations. The platform's courses and specializations are typically priced between $29 and $99, offering affiliates an excellent opportunity to monetize their audience's interest in online education.
16. NordVPN
NordVPN's affiliate program rewards affiliates with a generous 40% recurring commission on every subscription sale they drive, ensuring a sustainable income stream. One of the standout features of NordVPN's affiliate program is its tracking system, which accurately attributes sales to affiliates through unique referral links. This transparency fosters trust and ensures fair compensation.
Additionally, affiliates gain access to a wealth of marketing resources, including banners, videos, and customizable landing pages, empowering them to effectively promote the VPN service across various platforms. NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security is a significant selling point, as the company operates a strict no-logs policy and offers advanced features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. These robust security measures resonate with privacy-conscious consumers, driving demand for the product and, consequently, affiliate commissions.
17. ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels' ecommerce affiliate program offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and marketers to capitalize on the platform's powerful sales funnel capabilities. One of the standout features is the seamless integration of ecommerce stores within sales funnels, enabling affiliates to guide customers through a streamlined buying journey.
The ClickFunnels' affiliate program offers an attractive commission structure, offering up to 40% recurring commissions on all ClickFunnels subscription plans. Additionally, affiliates can earn commissions by promoting ClickFunnels' extensive range of products, from online courses to marketing tools, catering to diverse business needs. ClickFunnels' commitment to affiliate success is evident in its robust training resources, including the Affiliate Bootcamp and the annual Funnel Hacking Live event.
Notably, ClickFunnels' affiliate program stands out with its “sticky cookie” feature, which ensures affiliates receive commissions for any purchase made by their referrals, regardless of the time elapsed since the initial referral . This unique aspect eliminates the typical time constraints associated with affiliate marketing, fostering long-term revenue streams for dedicated affiliates.
18. Bluehost
Bluehost's affiliate program is a lucrative opportunity for ecommerce affiliates to earn substantial commissions. As one of the largest web hosting providers, Bluehost powers over 2 million websites globally. Their affiliate program offers a generous $65 commission for each qualified hosting purchase.
The program's key features include a reliable tracking system to ensure affiliates receive credit for every referral . Additionally, Bluehost provides customized campaigns, unlimited referrals, and secure payments through PayPal or electronic bank transfers. The program's dedicated affiliate support team is available to offer personalized advice and guidance, ensuring affiliates can maximize their earnings.
Bluehost paid out a staggering $5 million in commissions to affiliates in a single year, highlighting the program's earning potential. With a 60-day cookie duration and a user-friendly dashboard for tracking performance, the Bluehost affiliate program presents a compelling opportunity for ecommerce affiliates seeking a high-paying and well-established partnership.
19. Sierra
With a rich history dating back to 1892, Sierra has established itself as a trusted brand in the outdoor industry. Affiliates can earn up to 8% commission on qualifying sales, providing a bankable incentive for driving traffic and conversions. Additionally, Sierra offers a 14-day cookie duration, ensuring that affiliates receive credit for any purchases made within that timeframe after a customer clicks their affiliate link.
Sierra's extensive product catalog covers a diverse array of categories, including camping, hiking, climbing, and outdoor apparel, serving a broad audience of outdoor enthusiasts. This variety allows affiliates to promote products that resonate with their target audience, increasing the likelihood of successful conversions. Sierra's user-friendly affiliate dashboard allows for easy tracking of performance metrics, including clicks, conversions, and commissions earned.
20. WooCommerce
WooCommerce, the popular open-source e-commerce platform, has emerged as a powerful solution for businesses seeking to establish and manage affiliate programs. By leveraging dedicated plugins, WooCommerce seamlessly integrates affiliate marketing capabilities into online stores, enabling merchants to tap into a network of potential promoters.
One such plugin, Affiliate For WooCommerce, offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for affiliate program management. It allows merchants to effortlessly enable or disable their affiliate programs, streamlining control over their marketing initiatives. Merchants can customize commission structures, opting for percentage-based or flat-rate fees that align with their business strategies . The plugin intelligently handles affiliate conversions based on user roles, ensuring accurate commission attribution.
According to the Performance Marketing Association, affiliate marketing drove a staggering $71 billion in e-commerce sales in 2021, with every dollar invested in the channel generating $12 in revenue. This underscores the immense potential of affiliate marketing for WooCommerce stores. Additionally, plugins such as AffiliateWP offer robust integration with WooCommerce and membership plugins, powerful affiliate management tools, real-time analytics, reliable tracking, and asset management for branded resources.
21. Semrush
Semrush's affiliate program offers an enticing opportunity for ecommerce marketers and content creators to monetize their online presence. The program boasts a generous commission structure, rewarding affiliates with $200 for every new subscription sale they facilitate, alongside $10 for each trial activation. This competitive payout is complemented by an extended 120-day cookie window, ensuring affiliates receive due credit for their efforts.
Semrush's affiliate program distinguishes itself through its user-friendly application process, typically granting approval within two business days. Accepted affiliates gain access to a wealth of promotional resources, including banners, widgets, videos, and pre-designed landing pages, streamlining their marketing endeavors.
With a global user base encompassing over 10 million marketers and 30% of Fortune 500 companies, Semrush's brand recognition lends credibility and trustworthiness to its affiliates' promotions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ecommerce Affiliate Program
When choosing an ecommerce affiliate program, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure a successful and profitable partnership.
Quenching Queries Related to Ecom Affiliate Programs
What are the Benefits of Joining an Ecommerce Affiliate Program?
The primary benefits include earning passive income, leveraging the merchant's established brand and product offerings, access to marketing materials and tracking tools, and the potential for scalable earnings as your audience grows.
How do Commission Rates Vary Across Different ecommerce Affiliate Programs?
Commission rates can range from as low as 1% to as high as 50% or more per sale, depending on the program and product category. Some programs offer flat-rate commissions, while others have tiered or revenue-share models.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Ecommerce Affiliate Program?
Key factors include commission rates, cookie duration (the time window for earning commissions after a referral), product relevance to your audience, reputation and trustworthiness of the merchant, marketing resources provided, and payment terms.
Can I Join Multiple Ecommerce Affiliate Programs Simultaneously?
Yes, most affiliate marketers join and promote products from multiple ecommerce affiliate programs to diversify their income streams and cater to their audience's varying interests.
How Can I Effectively Promote Ecommerce Affiliate Products?
Effective strategies include creating product reviews, tutorials, comparisons, and buying guides; leveraging social media platforms and influencer marketing; optimizing content for search engines; and utilizing email marketing and retargeting campaigns.
What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid in ecommerce Affiliate Marketing?
Common mistakes include promoting irrelevant or low-quality products, lack of transparency about affiliate relationships, neglecting website optimization, ignoring data and analytics, and overreliance on a single traffic source.
How do I Get Paid from Ecommerce Affiliate Programs?
Payment methods vary but typically include direct bank transfers, PayPal, cheques, or wire transfers. Most programs have a minimum earnings threshold (e.g., $50 or $100) before payouts are issued, and payments are made on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Cash In on the Ecommerce Craze
With the global ecommerce market projected to reach $7.96 trillion by 2027, the potential for earning commissions through affiliate partnerships is immense. Top ecommerce affiliate programs provide commission rates ranging from 4% to as high as 50% per sale, serving different product categories and audiences.
Choosing the right ecommerce affiliate program is crucial for success. Factors such as commission structure, cookie duration, product relevance, merchant trustworthiness, and marketing resources play a vital role in maximizing earnings. Aligning with programs that resonate with their target audience and utilizing data-driven strategies can unlock sustainable revenue streams and capitalize on the booming ecommerce industry.
With 81% of brands now running affiliate programs and businesses seeing an average $15 return for every dollar spent, there's never been a better time to dive into this performance-driven marketing channel.
Take the first step today and transform your digital presence into a revenue-generating powerhouse through strategic affiliate partnerships.
