There are several ways bloggers can monetize their platforms these days. You can accept sponsored posts, place ads, sell products, or offer consultation services.
One of the simplest ways to earn is using the best affiliate programs for bloggers.
Affiliate marketing is a lucrative field for monetization because:
- It’s a multi-billion dollar industry: Spending in the U.S. alone is expected to reach over $8 billion in 2022, almost triple what it was ten years ago.
- According to Rakuten, more than 80% of advertisers have affiliate programs.
- The industry is responsible for over 16% of ecommerce orders.
Keep reading to find out which affiliate program you should choose.
What Are Affiliate Programs?
Affiliate marketing programs are referral programs through which a publisher (or a blogger) earns an affiliate commission by marketing a business’s products.
To get started with affiliate marketing, you:
- Join a program
- Search for a product
- Promote it
- Earn a percentage of profit for each sale you refer
Sales are tracked via affiliate links. Each affiliate program has a slightly different tracking method, but they’ll all give you a way to track your successful referrals.
There are three major players in an affiliate program:
- Advertiser: Also known as the seller, their goal is to make sales while getting the word out about their product.
- Publisher: Also known as the affiliate marketer, their goal is to earn income.
- Consumer: They want to buy a product.
There are different affiliate marketing models and various ways affiliates get paid (per sale, per click, or lead), but the most common is getting paid per sale.
Why Websites Are the Best Affiliate Marketing Platform
Most influencers use social media, email lists, or podcasts to promote products, but here are a few reasons why we think websites are the best medium for affiliate partnerships:
- You own it: When you use social media for affiliate marketing, you’re bound by their terms and conditions, which can change day-to-day. When these platforms change their algorithms, you have to adjust your marketing strategy on the fly.
But when you use a website for affiliate marketing, you own and control everything.
- The SEO advantage: Influencers doing affiliate marketing on social media platforms have to create content so their audience won’t forget them quickly. With websites, you won’t see results immediately, but as you keep improving, more people will visit.
- Multiple revenue streams: Besides promoting affiliate products, you can also use your website to earn by selling digital products getting sponsored posts, or displaying ads.
- No shortage of content types: You can publish anything on your website, but did you know almost 65% of affiliate marketers generate traffic through blogging? The most common types of affiliate marketing blog posts include:
- Listicles
- Product reviews
- Guides and tutorials
The Best Blog Types for Affiliate Marketing
To earn consistently through affiliate marketing, choose niches with a constant demand or that serve a specific audience. Although you can gain a lot initially by capitalizing on trends, it’s a ton of work for such fleeting returns.
The best-case scenario is to combine both trendy and evergreen content.
The most profitable niches for affiliate marketing include:
- Technology
- Lifestyle
- Hobbies and Gaming
- Travel
- Fashion
- Finance
- Food
- Home and Family
- Pet Care
- Health and Fitness
What to Look For in Affiliate Programs for Bloggers
Now that you know what affiliate programs are and the type of content you can make, here are the metrics to look for in the best affiliate programs for bloggers:
- Commission rate: The best affiliate programs for bloggers have reasonable commission rates or the percentage of a sale that advertisers pay to the affiliate. They often offer recurring commissions so you can receive a regular income stream. Commission rates vary per industry and can go as high as 50%.
- Average order value (AOV), or the amount spent by the customer per order: This is calculated by dividing the total revenue by the number of orders. It’s an important metric to look at to determine which marketing and pricing strategies you should implement. Also, if your website doesn’t get as many clicks, it’s better to target affiliate programs with higher AOVs so you can earn a higher commission.
- Cookie duration: Affiliate programs use cookies to track affiliate sales. The cookie duration, or lifespan, is the length of time that the website’s cookie stays on the user’s computer. For example, with a 30-day cookie duration, if a user clicks your affiliate link and makes a purchase within a month, you receive credit for the sale.
Affiliate Programs for Bloggers
Without further ado, here’s our list of the top affiliate programs for bloggers:
We’ll break them into categories below for easier browsing.
WordPress-Focused
WordPress is the world’s top content management system (CMS), powering over 42% of all websites.
Businesses related to the WordPress community have significant potential. These are the best affiliate programs for blogging about web hosting, website management, and WordPress development.
1. Kinsta
Instead of becoming partners with one of the affiliate networks available, we built our own. While we welcome anyone to sign up, we’re selective about who we accept into the program. Our affiliate team will manually screen your website to ensure we’re a good fit.
Here are some incentives to join Kinsta’s affiliate program:
- Real-time tracking feature
- Monthly payouts
- High lifetime value (low churn rate per client) — we keep our clients happy, so any sale you make brings you consistent income.
- Industry-leading tips and tricks to help you effectively market Kinsta products
And those are just a few! We’ve also answered many common questions on our Affiliate Program FAQ page.
- Commission range: $50 to $500 for every WordPress signup, depending on the type of plan + 10% recurring monthly commissions. For Application Hosting and Database Hosting, we offer 5% recurring monthly commissions for every signup. Check out our commission models.
- Payout schedule: Within 60 days after you sign up for a plan.
- Payouts via: PayPal.
- Cookies/tracking: We provide 60-day tracking cookies to make sure you get credited for sale.
2. WP Buffs
WP Buffs is a popular WordPress service provider. It provides WordPress website management and partners with premium plugins to make your website run smoothly.
WP Buffs’ automatic payouts, long cookie-tracking period, and popularity in the WordPress community make it one of the best affiliate programs for bloggers.
- Commission range: Up to 10%.
- Payout schedule: Automatic payouts once your referrals complete their first month.
- Payouts via: PayPal.
- Cookies/tracking: 60 days.
3. Codeable
If you have a network of new business owners that need help with WordPress development, then you should sign up for the Codeable affiliate program.
Codeable has a network of developers who can help with custom WordPress themes, templates, and plugin development, along with security optimization and website design.
- Commission range: 50% commission on all sales.
- Payout schedule: Automatic (no minimum threshold required).
- Payouts via: PayPal or bank wire.
- Cookies/tracking: 30 days.
Website Tools
Besides web hosting, websites and developers need other tools to create graphics or optimize content for search engines. The following software as a service (SaaS) tools are some of the best affiliate programs for bloggers.
4. Adobe
Adobe is every visual artist’s best friend. It’s famous for its suite of creative and multimedia software, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign, etc.).
The Adobe Affiliate Program is very generous. It has a 30-day cookie duration, high commission range, and lets you promote three of its products — Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Stock, and Adobe Document Cloud.
- Commission range: If the customer subscribes on a month-to-month basis, you get 85% from the first month. If they subscribe to an annual plan, you get paid 8.33% of the first-year payment.
- Payout schedule: Monthly.
- Payouts via: Direct deposit.
- Cookies/tracking: 30 days.
5. Semrush
Semrush is a high-quality SaaS tool used by professionals for keyword research, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). Its exclusive partner program empowers bloggers to earn recurring income by encouraging users to sign up for Semrush plans.
- Commission range: Earn up to $200 per new subscription, $10 for every new trial, and $0.01 for new signups.
- Payout schedule: Flexible — set a payout day each month or automatically get paid when you reach a set threshold.
- Payouts via: PayPal or direct deposit. Minimum payout of $50.
- Cookies/tracking: 120 days.
Email Marketing
What’s more ubiquitous than social media? Email.
There are 4 billion email users worldwide, and 64% of entrepreneurs use email marketing to reach customers. That makes email marketing software among the best affiliate programs for bloggers.
6. HubSpot
HubSpot is a renowned player in the realm of email marketing software due to the fact that it is powered by robust CRM software. With a suite of marketing, sales, customer service, and content management tools, HubSpot provides much more than email marketing. It’s an all-in-one platform for attracting, engaging, and delighting customers.
HubSpot’s affiliate program offers high recurring commissions and provides hundreds of marketing assets to make promoting its software rewarding and painless. The program also features payout tiers, so you have the opportunity to earn more and unlock exclusive benefits as an elite HubSpot affiliate.
- Commission range: 30% recurring monthly commission for up to 1 year for each customer you refer.
- Payout schedule: Flexible — set a payout day each month or automatically get paid when you reach a set threshold.
- Payouts via: Direct deposit (EFT) or PayPal.
- Cookies/tracking: 180 days.
7. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is an email marketing provider targeted at bloggers and creatives who wish to simplify their email marketing processes. It offers a visual automation builder that streamlines the newsletter and landing page creation process and makes it possible to create triggers based on website and email actions.
- Commission range: 30% recurring monthly commission for the lifetime of each customer you refer.
- Payout schedule: Once a sale goes through.
- Payouts via: PayPal.
- Cookies/tracking: 60 days.
8. AWeber
Like ConvertKit, AWeber is another popular email marketing platform targeted to small businesses, bloggers, and creatives.
Besides the high commission rate, one of the best things about the AWeber Advocate Program is that its tracking cookies last for up to 365 days. So, when someone clicks your affiliate link, you’ll get credited for sale as long as they sign up within the year.
- Commission range: 30% recurring monthly commission for the lifetime of each customer you refer.
- Payout schedule: Payments are sent on the first of every month for referral payments earned until 15 days before the payment date. U.S. residents have a $30 minimum cashout, while non-U.S. residents need to reach $50.
- Payouts via: PayPal.
- Cookies/tracking: 1 year.
Affiliate Networks
Affiliate networks function as a marketplace for affiliate programs — they’re the midway point between bloggers and merchant affiliates. They provide access to numerous affiliate programs through a single portal.
You don’t need to sign up for multiple programs with affiliate networks. Instead, you can choose the businesses or products you want to promote from the network’s offerings.
Affiliate networks are perfect for beginners. The only downside is that they take a percentage of your commissions in return for the convenience they afford.
9. Amazon Associates
Amazon isn’t just the world’s largest retailer. It’s also one of the first online stores to offer an affiliate program — way back in 1996! Amazon’s affiliate program, Amazon Associates, is one of the best affiliate programs for bloggers because it’s perfect for beginners and offers millions of products.
- Commission range: Up to 10%.
- Payout schedule: Within 60 days after the customer has completed a purchase.
- Payouts via: Direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift card. Minimum payouts depend on the payout option chosen. (Amazon gift cards and direct deposits have a $10 minimum payout, while checks have a $100 minimum payout plus a $15 check fee.)
- Cookies/tracking: Customers must place an order within 24 hours of arriving at Amazon.com using your referral link. If a customer places an item in the shopping cart within that 24-hour window, you’ll still receive the referral fee if the customer buys the item before the shopping cart expires (which is usually 90 days).
10. eBay Partner Network
Although eBay has been around since 1995, the eBay Partner Network program only went live in 2008. While it’s had a late start, it’s still one of the best affiliate programs for bloggers.
With over 1 billion listings and 150 million customers purchasing $25 million worth of merchandise yearly, you’ll never run out of products to promote when you sign up to be an affiliate.
- Commission range: Up to 70%.
- Payout schedule: Monthly, as long as you reach the $10 minimum threshold.
- Payouts via: PayPal and direct deposit.
- Cookies/tracking: Like Amazon, customers must checkout within 24 hours for sale to get credited to your affiliate link.
11. ShareASale
The ShareASale affiliate marketing network from Awin is your best bet if you don’t want to sign up for multiple programs.
Since its founding in 2000, ShareASale has grown to nearly 4,000 affiliate programs across 40 categories with over a million affiliates. Additionally, it provides affiliate marketing classes and training for new affiliates so you can maximize your earning potential.
- Commission range: Varies depending on the program.
- Payout schedule: Every 20th of the month.
- Payouts via: Direct deposit, check, wire transfer, or Payoneer when you reach the $50 payout threshold.
- Cookies/tracking: Varies depending on the program.
Remote Work
2021 was the year of the Great Resignation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 4 million Americans quit their jobs in July 2021. Part of the reason for leaving their jobs was returning to the office. According to Upwork, 24% of American professionals say they would instead take a pay cut to continue working remotely, while 20% are considering freelancing.
It’s currently a jobseeker’s market. Take advantage of these popular affiliate programs promoting remote work.
12. Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelancers. If you’re looking for someone to do logo design, content writing services, or voiceovers, Fiverr has it all.
Fiverr’s affiliate program is one of the top affiliate programs for bloggers. Besides referrals, which can fetch you up to $150 each, Fiverr empowers you to earn by marketing its Fiverr Learn online course and Fiverr Workspace subscription.
- Commission range: Up to $150 for each successful referral of a first-time user; 30% commission for each Learn from Fiverr sale or AndCo plan; 50% commission for each Fiverr Workspace subscription.
- Payout schedule: Once a month, when you reach the $100 minimum payout threshold.
- Payouts via: PayPal and Payoneer for commissions less than $1,000; wire transfers for commissions above $1,000.
- Cookies/tracking: 30 days.
13. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is an online job website that helps you look for jobs quickly. Job listings are divided into different categories, making it easy to find employment. You can also filter options to reflect remote-only (work-from-home) job opportunities.
FlexJobs’ affiliate program is hosted through the CJ Affiliate network (formerly known as Commission Junction).
- Commission range: Up to $15 for each paid subscription you refer.
- Payout schedule: Once a month from commissions earned the previous month.
- Payouts via: PayPal.
- Cookies/tracking: 24 hours.
Travel
In 2019, the U.S. travel industry attracted 80 million visitors, contributing $1.1 trillion to the country’s GDP.
The travel industry was among the most heavily affected during the 2020 pandemic. Now that vaccination rates are up, and virus cases are going down, the industry is slowly starting to pick up — especially since “revenge travel” is an emerging trend.
14. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a popular travel website known for visitors’ and locals’ reviews of destinations, accommodations, and restaurants. The platform allows users to compare prices for and book tours, flights, and places to stay.
You can earn by referring clicks to TripAdvisor’s partner hotels. The payout depends on the number of monthly clicks you refer. Commissions start at 50%, making it one of the best affiliate programs for bloggers in the travel category.
- Commission range: Minimum of 50%.
- Payout schedule: Monthly, once you reach the minimum payout.
- Payouts via: Check or direct deposit.
- Cookies/tracking: 14 days.
15. Expedia
Expedia is a major travel brand that owns other travel companies such as Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity. With over 1 million bookable properties in over 200 countries, Expedia’s wide reach and network land a spot in our list of the best affiliate programs for bloggers
- Commission range: 2-12%.
- Payout schedule: Once a month upon hitting the $50 minimum payout threshold.
- Payouts via: Direct deposit.
- Cookies/tracking: 7 days.
Finance and Credit Cards
Over 1 billion credit cards are in circulation in the U.S., accounting for about one-third of all credit cards worldwide. Experian estimates that each American has an average of four credit cards to their name.
If your blog promotes financial literacy or freedom, you’ll benefit from these affiliate programs.
16. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is accounting software that was launched over 25 years ago. Bloggers, freelancers, and creatives use it to accept payments, pay bills, and manage their payroll.
- Commission range: Up to 10%.
- Payout schedule: Monthly, when affiliates meet the $50 minimum payout threshold.
- Payouts via: Check.
- Cookies/tracking: 45 days.
17. Bankrate
Bankrate started as a print service offering financial advice to its readers in the 1970s. When it went online in 1996, part of its mission was to help its audience discover the best credit cards for them.
While Bankrate is an affiliate for credit card companies, it’s also a public affiliate network, letting you promote multiple credit card programs without signing up for all of them. The only downside is that because they’re an affiliate themselves, you’ll earn less than you would by directly signing up with the credit card company itself.
- Commission range: Varies depending on the program.
- Payout schedule: Varies depending on the program.
- Payouts via: Varies depending on the program.
- Cookies/tracking: Varies depending on the program.
Summary
Affiliate programs empower anyone to leverage their platforms to earn passive income.
They have low start-up costs, don’t require special skills, and can be done on multiple platforms. Many influencers and content creators leverage their large follower counts by recommending affiliate products on social media.
However, you don’t need a large audience to join or succeed in affiliate marketing.
If you already have a website, start earning today by signing up for an affiliate program on our list of the best affiliate programs for bloggers. These programs are popular in their niches, have long cookie durations, and have high commission rates and order values.
Do you enjoy Kinsta’s services? Start earning passively when you sign up for our affiliate program. And if you’re ready to start a WordPress website of your own, Kinsta’s the right place for that, too.
This is an excellent list of affiliate programs for bloggers! The variety of options caters to different niches, making it easier for bloggers to find programs that align with their content and audience. I especially appreciate the detailed breakdown of commission rates and program highlights—it’s incredibly helpful for those just starting with affiliate marketing. Programs like these not only provide great earning opportunities but also add value to readers by recommending trusted products and services. Thanks for compiling such a comprehensive guide; it’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to monetize their blog effectively!