Best Affiliate Marketing Programs for Beginners in 2022

10 Best Affiliate Marketing Programs for Beginners in 2022

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0
Finding the best affiliate programs for beginners is one of the most difficult challenges you’ll face when starting an affiliate marketing business.
After all, thousands of high-paying affiliate programs are available.
The wrong affiliate program could set you back months, whereas the right one could have you earning your first affiliate bucks before your site is even “completed.”
So, because this is a frequently asked question, we’re going to spend some time together in this blog post looking at the best affiliate programs for beginners.
And we’ll try to give you a more balanced view of why joining affiliate networks makes more sense sometimes than joining an in-house affiliate program, and vice versa.

Let’s get to it.

Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
Amazon Associates Affiliate Program
CJ (Commission Junction) Affiliate Program
ShareASale Affiliate Program
ClickBank Affiliate Program
Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Program
Impact Affiliate Program
Awin Affiliate Program
Etsy Affiliate Program
eBay Partner Network Affiliate Program
Fiverr Affiliate Program
Affiliate Networks vs. Affiliate Programs
The first mental barrier to overcome is distinguishing between in-house affiliate marketing programs (merchants) and affiliate networks.
Some newcomers use these terms interchangeably, but they are not.
Not at all.
Assume you create an authority site focused on outdoor sporting equipment, promoting products such as trampolines, water slides, lawn sports, and so on.
You would then have the option of joining several (or dozens!) of affiliate marketing programs for various manufacturers and suppliers.
Alternatively, you could simply join a network that will connect you with the majority of the product suppliers with whom you wish to collaborate.
The most logical first step for someone new to affiliate marketing is to join affiliate networks and work from there.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
In fact, some affiliate programs exist only outside of affiliate networks, so you’d have to sign up for them separately.
My favorite example was when I first started out as an affiliate marketer, focusing on replica lightsabers.
True story: I used to make a lot of money selling toy lightsabers.
Master Replicas was the company behind them, and they had an excellent affiliate program. So I had to sign up with them directly because they “owned” the prop and replica lightsaber market at the time.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Years later, they migrated to an affiliate network, but the payouts were lower, the terms were terrible, and I eventually let the affiliate site die of a broken heart…and broken affiliate links.
So we’ll look at both sides of the equation.
First, the best and most popular affiliate networks, followed by a diverse range of affiliate programs that are sufficiently generic to apply to most audiences.

What To Look For In A Good Affiliate Marketing Program
Ease of Use
However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
When you first start out in affiliate marketing, you should make things as simple for yourself as possible.
This includes signing up for affiliate programs that not only make sense but are also well-managed and well-designed.
After all, the last thing you want to deal with is an affiliate program with a horrible user interface.
Creating affiliate links or uploading a banner can be a nightmare as a result.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
I’ve been that soldier, sobbing over my keyboard because the geniuses behind a particular affiliate program designed an interface so complicated that the only person capable of “solving” it would have to be a cross between Stephen Hawking and Doctor Strange.
Affiliate networks, on the other hand, do not have that issue because their goal is to make your life as easy as possible in affiliate marketing.
Because if you’re not making money (i.e. passive income), neither are they — nor are their clients.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Having said that, there are just as many in-house affiliate programs that serve as the affiliate marketing equivalent of the Sistine Chapel.
But the point we want to emphasize here is that ease of use should be a deciding factor when selecting an affiliate program.
When you have a little more skin in the game, it won’t be as much of an issue.

Point of contact
However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
From time to time, things will go wrong.
Links will stop working, or you will wonder why last month’s sales report appears to be upside down.
That is precisely when you will require the assistance of a dedicated affiliate manager.
Affiliate networks have a slight advantage in this regard because, in addition to the affiliate manager, you can rely on their support staff for any program you have a question about.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Just remember that affiliate managers are like face-to-face managers in that some are excellent and others are dreadful.
Before you sign up for any affiliate program, always inquire about the level of support you will receive, such as whether you will be assigned a dedicated affiliate manager.
“Jack the IT guy takes care of that,” is not the type of response you want…or should accept.

Commission & Payments
However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Determine not only how much you’ll be paid by a specific affiliate program, but also when you’ll be paid.
The majority of affiliate programs are Net 30, but some are Net 60 or Net 90.
In layman’s terms, this means that most affiliates are paid 30 days after a sale, but others aren’t paid for 90 days.
That’s a long time to wait for affiliate earnings, especially if you have bills to pay.

Best Affiliate Marketing Programs For Beginners
However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Now, let’s look at the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners — those that will give you the best chance of making money online with your new venture.

Amazon Associates

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Jeff Bezos is a very astute businessman.
He’s also indescribably wealthy; his bank balance is a binary representation of his name.
That wealth is the result of foresight, such as being one of the first online retailers to offer an affiliate program in 1996.
Yes, the Internet existed in 1996, but you could only hear it when you picked up the phone. If you’re not sure what that means, ask your parents.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
The Amazon Affiliate Program (also known as the Amazon Associates Program) is one of the most established affiliate programs available. And it’s extensive, covering all of the products they sell online. So, if you find something on Amazon, you can sell it and profit from it.
Everything from books to bullhorns, and everything in between — there’s something for everyone.
Amazon’s affiliate marketing program is the first place we send new affiliates because it is so simple to use, particularly when creating your first affiliate link (s).

Post : However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Do you want to learn how to build an Amazon affiliate site for free? We provide step-by-step instructions. You should also read our Amazon Affiliate Program Review.
Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

You get paid: Net 60

Payment threshold: $10

Best suited to: Affiliate marketing beginners building their first site

Pros
International brand recognition — everyone knows what Amazon is
385 million products for Amazon Associates to promote
They place huge focus on customer service, so you benefit from that
Link creation and management is super easy
Easy-to-use affiliate dashboard
Cons
Amazon changes their mind on commission rates as often as they change their underwear
The 24-hour cookie is far from ideal

CJ Affiliate

![image.png]
()
https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction, is one of the most established affiliate networks, and I’ve been using it since around 2002.
CJ Affiliate differs from Amazon in that it focuses on both big brand names and smaller product and service suppliers.
As of this writing, they represent major corporations such as Zappos, Walgreens, Verizon, Under Armour, Trip Advisor, Staples, Sonos, Disney Shops, Sears, and Samsung.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
In addition, there are approximately 2,473 other affiliate marketing programs.
You get all the tools successful affiliate marketers need, from excellent support to simple affiliate link creation, in addition to the extremely diverse range of brands and products.
But what I really like about the CJ Affiliate network is their metrics, which allow me to see whether or not an affiliate program is profitable.
That saves a lot of time.
There’s no guesswork, so you can plan out exactly which affiliate programs you’ll promote and how much you can expect to make per sale.

URL: Commission Junction
Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

Payment threshold: $50

You get paid: Net 30

Best suited to: Affiliate marketers with 3–6 months experience under their belt.

Pros
Intuitive interface and dashboard — ideal for affiliate marketing beginners
Lots of really big brand names under one roof
Direct display advertising (flat fee and commission) opportunities
You can find profitable affiliate programs without having to guess
Support and tutorials make things very easy
Cons
Big brands come and go on this network all the time
There is a very mild learning curve when compared to Amazon

ShareASale

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
ShareASale is one of the most underutilized affiliate networks out there.
Part of this is because the interface looks like it was designed in 2002 and hasn’t changed since I first signed up for my account many moons ago.
Some new affiliate marketers are put off by the lack of a “Wow” factor.
However, my friends, my friends -
ShareASale offers some of the best affiliate programs available. Some companies pay between $300 and $350 per sale. And, no, those affiliate programs have nothing to do with…um…”enlargement” products or anything of the sort.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
In fact, they represent around 5,000 different affiliate programs, but these are focused more on smaller but profitable companies, rather than just huge brand names.
The affiliate marketing dashboard is simple but functional, and sometimes simplicity is a good thing.
ShareASale is a network that you should seriously consider joining.

Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

Payment threshold: $50

You get paid: Net 30

Best suited to: An affiliate marketer looking for emerging brands or more tangential products and services.

Pros
Thousands of products and services to promote
Smaller, unknown but very worthwhile affiliate programs
The “Search for Merchants’ function is far superior to Commission Junction, for example
Their ‘PowerRank’ metric shows you where an affiliate program sits in the top 1000 on ShareASale
You don’t have to wait months to get paid
Cons
A very dated interface
The approval process for affiliate programs can be unpredictable at times

ClickBank

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
ClickBank is yet another affiliate network in the “grandparent” category, having been in operation since 1998.
And it’s a true rags-to-riches business story, with friends sitting around a garage transforming it into a business with annual sales of US$3 billion.
While every other affiliate program was attempting to figure out how to ship goods while still making a profit, the guys at ClickBank turned that concept on its head by focusing on selling digital products instead.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
This meant instant delivery, virtually no overhead, and the ability to collaborate directly with creators. And, while they could never have predicted the existence of social media, their products can also work extremely well with those audiences.
All of their products are available on the ClickBank Marketplace, but they do offer some physical products these days.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
The Marketplace interface is functional, but it appears to have remained unchanged since 1998. It’s a minor quibble, but it’s long overdue for a makeover.
Check out our (well, Gael wrote it, so it’s a collective we) article on how to make money with ClickBank if you need a little more assistance getting started as a ClickBank affiliate.

Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

Best suited to: Marketers who prefer promoting digital products

Payment threshold: $50

You get paid: Net 60

Pros
You rarely need to be approved to promote a program
Probably the best network for anyone doing affiliate marketing without a website
Their top-tier programs average out at about $50 per sale
You’ll have lots of opportunities to promote programs with recurring commission
Most of the pre-selling is done for you by the merchant’s landing page
Digital products can work hand-in-hand with email marketing/social media
Creating your affiliate link is super easy
Cons
The Marketplace hasn’t changed one bit in 19 years — it’s functional but very dated
Certain programs can result in very high refund rates

Rakuten Advertising

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Rakuten is a Japanese affiliate marketing service provider that you may not have heard of.
When they acquired LinkShare in 2005, they got their foot in the door of the affiliate marketing scene.
Since then, they’ve taken the Rakuten Linkshare platform from being a market presence to consistently winning awards.

So….is it suitable for beginner affiliates?

The short answer is “Yes”, but let me elaborate:

The interface is pretty similar to most other affiliate networks
They represent 1,000+ brands and businesses
Their merchants supply everything from gifts and flowers through to consumer electronics and office supplies.
However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
The only potential disadvantage is that because Rakuten is a major player in the affiliate marketing industry, the approval process can be lengthy, especially if your site has little or no traffic.
That being said, Rakuten is a sleeping giant that many inexperienced affiliates overlook.
Some affiliates have claimed that this network is slow to pay out, but I’ve never experienced this.
URL: Rakuten affiliate program
Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

Best suited to: Affiliates who want to broaden their horizons beyond Amazon and eBay.

Payment threshold: $50

You get paid: Net 30

Pros
Lots of big brand affiliate programs live here
Reasonably intuitive interface — it gets the job done
Handles over US$100 million in sales transactions each year
One of the oldest affiliate networks there is
Cons
An interface that’s so dated it makes me look young
The lack of metrics data gives me stomach ache

Impact

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Despite its claims, Impact is essentially another large affiliate marketing network, though it is not as old as ClickBank and ShareASale.
But, after all, age is just a number, so Impact’s relative youth should not deter you from signing up. Commission Junction was founded by its founders, so they clearly know what they’re doing!
Impact, like the other major networks, features a slew of household names, such as Adidas, Airbnb, and HSBC. At the time of writing, there were a total of 2,517 brands using the platform to reach new audiences, with new advertisers joining the network on a regular basis.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Impact’s user interface is a lot fancier than most affiliate networks, which is not surprising for a (relative) newcomer to the world of affiliate marketing.
But it’s not just about looks; it also includes some useful, user-friendly features.
One of my favorite sections is the “brands to work with instantly,” which lists all of the advertisers who offer instant approvals. It’s a fantastic feature that allows new affiliate marketers to get up and running quickly.

Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

Best suited to: Affiliate marketers looking for programs offering instant approvals

Payment threshold: Varies by payment method

You get paid: Monthly

Pros
Easy to find brands offering instant approvals
Big choice of affiliate programs (more than 2,500 at time of writing)
Smart interface is more intuitive than older networks
Home to plenty of big-name brands like Adidas and Airbnb
Wide choice of categories, from shoes and apparel to B2B services
Multiple ways to cash out your earnings, including PayPal and direct transfer
Cons
The wealth of features can make it a little complex for new affiliate marketers
This is a minor one, but it doesn’t have quite as many big names as Commission Junction

Awin

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
While it’s difficult to quantify, Awin can undoubtedly claim to be the largest affiliate network, with over 16,500 advertisers and 225,000 publishers at the time of writing.
The platform generated an impressive 182 million sales in 2020 alone, and its affiliates earned $1 billion in commission, so it’s a pretty big deal.
Not only is it large, but it is also one of the oldest networks. Although Awin has only been around since 2017, its roots can be traced back to the zanox and Affiliate Window networks, both of which were founded in 2000.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Not content with running its own network, Awin recently acquired ShareASale, another network on this list. They do, however, operate as completely separate entities with their own merchants, so successful affiliates can sign up for both.
Awin features a slew of well-known brands, including Emirates, Etsy, and Under Armour.
However, as an affiliate marketer, my favorite aspect of Awin is its dedication to quick payments. Many of its affiliate programs offer accelerated payments, and you’ll be paid for validated transactions regardless of when the advertiser pays Awin.

Cost: Free

Type: Affiliate network

Best suited to: Affiliates who want to get paid promptly!

Payment threshold: From $20

You get paid: Once or twice a month (you choose)

Pros
Accelerated payments mean you don’t have to wait around for commissions
Huge choice of affiliate marketing programs
Easy-to-use platform with clear, consistent labels and layouts
Tracking is easy to follow and understand through your Awin dashboards
Slicker interface than most networks
Lots of big-name brands to work with
Cons
With 260 affiliate marketers joining the network every day, you’ll face a lot of competition
While it operates globally, it’s most heavily concentrated on UK and EU advertisers

Etsy Affiliate Program

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
The Etsy program is a hybrid of affiliate marketing and shopping.
This is due to the fact that the products sold on the platform are made by independent crafters, vintage traders, and artists, though there has been some “creep” with overseas manufacturers attempting to stake a claim here.
So, if that makes sense, it’s an affiliate network for sole proprietors.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Nobody else comes close to Etsy’s position as the leading platform in their niche. In just a few years, they’ve gone from zero to publicly traded company.
What interests me about Etsy is that a surprising number of people I know have either purchased something from the platform or are selling their own handicrafts on it.

Side note: I made my first ever Etsy purchase while writing this — the screenshot above is a hint.
However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
You can earn money through Etsy’s affiliate program by linking to and/or reviewing products you find on the platform. When one of your visitors makes a purchase, you will receive a 4% commission.
Is this, therefore, one of the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners? You won’t be able to retire on Etsy commissions, but it does provide an excellent opportunity to earn some extra cash.

URL: Etsy affiliate program
Cost: Free

Type: Merchant (via Awin)

Best suited to: Affiliates with an interest in handmade items, personalized products or vintage goods.

Payment threshold: $50

You get paid: Net 30

Pros
Clean, modern interface with easy navigation
Constantly updated range of items in stock — there’s always something new
The best affiliate program in the craft/vintage/gift market
You support independent product creators (micro-businesses) when you promote Etsy
Their product range is diverse enough to keep people on the site for hours
Cons
Popular vendors eventually leave the platform — don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Etsy traders have been grumbling about recent algorithm changes on the platform

eBay Partner Network

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
We won’t bore you with a history of eBay because everyone knows what it is.
However, what began as a way for people to clear out their garages and make a few bucks has evolved into a global marketing platform for both individuals and large corporations.
Did you know that more than 80% of eBay’s 1.4 billion listings are for new items?
It’s more than just a market for used goods and/or junk.
So, while most newbies jump right into Amazon (which is not a bad decision), very few pause to consider the eBay affiliate program.

However, affiliate networks are not a panacea.
eBay also manages their own affiliate program, so there are no “middlemen” involved; you deal directly with them.
And that means being able to build a relationship with their team of affiliate managers, which could be invaluable to you in the future.
In short, this affiliate program, officially known as the eBay Partner Network (EPN), isn’t perfect, but it can be a great place for new affiliates to start, usually in conjunction with the Amazon Associates Program.

URL: eBay Partner Network
Cost: Free

Type: Merchant

Best suited to: Anyone — if you’ve ever been on eBay you’ll understand why

Payment threshold: $10

You get paid: Net 30

Pros
The EPN actively welcomes raw beginners — there’s a very low barrier to entry
Globally recognized brand name
Hundreds of millions of products for sale
You can offer your visitors real value for money here — often better than Amazon
Relatively high commission rates, ranging up to 70% per sale
You can receive payments via PayPal
Cons
24-hour cookie — only a session-based cookie could make this worse
Lots of reproduction/knock-off products on their platform

Fiverr Affiliate Program

https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Speak with a few other affiliate marketers and I’m sure they’ll tell you that selling services is usually a lot easier than selling physical products.
Simply present a list of service providers to an audience, and they will take care of the rest.
Fiverr took that basic concept and ran with it, monetizing the gig industry for services such as graphic design, marketing, writing, video and animation, music, programming, business, lifestyle, and industries.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Although you can sign up for their program on CJ.com, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on their in-house affiliate program instead.
It has the potential to be one of the highest paying affiliate programs available. The Fiverr affiliate program pays up to $150 per referral, depending on the service provider category you promote.
Unlike some other affiliate programs, Fiverr offers multiple ways to earn affiliate revenue, including their ‘Learn from Fiverr’ courses, where you can earn 30% commission on sales.

However, affiliate networks are not a cure-all.
Although this gig platform’s reputation was built on selling digital services such as WordPress installations and backlink building, you can now find “lifestyle” services such as arts and crafts, tarot readings, and even relationship advice.
Oh, and signing up for their affiliate program takes about 30 seconds — simply enter your name, email address, and password.

URL: Fiverr affiliate program
Cost: Free

Type: Merchant

Best suited to: Any blog with a topic that is directly or tangentially related to a Fiverr gig category, although business-style services do tend to sell very well.

Payment threshold: $100

You get paid: Net 30

Pros
Really nice affiliate interface — it’s a breath of fresh air compared to others
Fiverr are a market leader, so there’s no real competition
New services become available to sell all the time — you’ll always have something to sell
Potential for deliciously high $150-per-referral commissions — there is potential to earn a lot of money here
Cons
You don’t get paid for any sales made to existing customers
Like Etsy, some of the most popular gigs will eventually move to their own website

NOTE : Reseller Free Traffic Software!
Get Reseller License And Keep 100% Sales From Selling fully Automated Traffic Software to find buyer traffic from 10+ different high traffic ad sites at once!
Get fully Automated Traffic Software to generate free buyer traffic instantly from 10+ different high traffic ad sites at once!
You Will Get Automated Software To Submit Ads And Search Expired Tumblr Blogs To Build Valuable Backlinks
Get 100% free targeted traffic that generate us 200+ leads a day
Get DONE FOR YOU Instant Sales Funnel To Build Leads and Affiliate Commission
Get Solo Ads Agency Guide To Start Solo Ads Business Even Without Having Email List
https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/vb1yf2/0