Affiliate Marketing for Newbies: SaaS Affiliate Programs in 2025
List of Software & Business Tools Affiliate Programs
I have created a curated list of high-quality, reputable affiliate programs across zero-code, automation, AI, SEO, marketing, website building, and business tools.
Enjoy!
🚀 Zero-Code & No-Code Platforms
Make.com (Automation & Integration) Affiliate Program
Commission: 20% recurring for 24 months
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Special Offer: 1-month free Pro plan trial for referrals
Why Promote: Leading visual automation platform with 250,000+ customers
Best For: Automation enthusiasts, business owners, agencies
Application: Direct signup through Make.com affiliate program
Bubble.io (No-Code Development) Affiliate Program
Commission: Variable (through FlexOffers)
Cookie Duration: Up to 400 days
Why Promote: Leading no-code platform for building web applications
Best For: Entrepreneurs, startups, no-code developers
Application: Through FlexOffers affiliate network
Webflow (Website Design & Development) Affiliate Program
Commission: 50% recurring for first 12 months (up to 12 transactions)
Cookie Duration: 90 days
Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum with increasing benefits
Why Promote: Visual web development platform, 200,000+ users
Best For: Web designers, developers, agencies
Application: Direct application through Webflow affiliate program
🎥 AI Video Generation Tools
HeyGen (AI Avatar) Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 20% recurring commission for 12 months on every paid Creator or Team plan you refer. Some sources mention up to 25%–30% depending on the plan and specifics
Cookie Duration: 30–60 days (varies by source)
Payout Details: Minimum payout is $30, paid via PayPal monthly, within the first five business days. No self-referrals or branded keyword bidding allowed
Ideal Audience: Creators, video editors, marketers, real estate agents, L&D professionals, and those active on platforms like YouTube and TikTok
How to Join: Apply via the HeyGen website, get your unique link, and start promoting
InVideo (Video Generation) Affiliate Program
Commission: 50% per sale on monthly plans; 25% per sale on annual plans. Some sources note a range of 25%–50% depending on the product and campaign
Cookie Duration: 120 days, with lifetime attribution once a free account is created via your link
Payout Details: No minimum payout balance; payments via PayPal or wire transfer. Payout threshold may vary by affiliate network (e.g., $50 on some platforms)
How to Join: Sign up through the Impact.com network or directly via InVideo’s affiliate page
Ideal Audience: Content creators, marketers, bloggers, YouTubers, and social media managers
🤖 AI & Content Generation Tools
Jasper AI (AI Writing Assistant) Affiliate Program
Commission: 30% recurring for first 12 months
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Plans: Creator, Teams, Business
Why Promote: Leading AI content creation tool with 50,000+ users
Best For: Content creators, marketers, agencies
Application: Through FirstPromoter platform
Copy.ai (AI Copywriting) Affiliate Program
Commission: 45% for 6 months
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Payout Threshold: $0 (no minimum)
Why Promote: Advanced AI writing platform with machine learning
Best For: Marketers, content creators, businesses
Application: Direct signup
CustomGPT.ai (Custom AI Agents) Affiliate Program
Commission: Up to 20% recurring for first 2 years
Monthly Bonuses: Up to $1,500 extra earnings
Cookie Duration: Up to 60 days
Why Promote: Fastest-growing custom AI solutions
Best For: Businesses needing personalized AI solutions
📈 SEO & Analytics Tools
SEMrush (SEO & Digital Marketing) Affiliate Program
Commission: $50-$200 per sale + $10 per trial + $0.01 per signup
Cookie Duration: 120 days
Tiers: Basic to Platinum with increasing commissions (up to $350)
Quarterly Bonuses: $200-$1,500 based on performance
Why Promote: Industry leader used by 7M+ marketers and Fortune 500 companies
Best For: SEO professionals, digital marketers, agencies
Moz (SEO Tools) Affiliate Program
Commission: 20% recurring commission
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Why Promote: Trusted SEO brand with high user retention
Best For: SEO specialists, digital marketers
Application: Through Impact Radius
Surfer SEO (Content Optimization) Affiliate Program
Commission: 25% recurring
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Monthly Prizes: Available for top performers
Why Promote: Popular content optimization tool
Best For: Content marketers, SEO specialists
📧 Email Marketing & Automation
HubSpot (CRM & Marketing Hub) Affiliate Program
Commission: 30% recurring for up to 12 months (up to $1,000+ per sale)
Cookie Duration: 180 days
Tiers: Multiple levels with increasing rewards
Why Promote: Leading CRM used by 120,000+ businesses in 100+ countries
Best For: B2B marketers, sales professionals, agencies
ConvertKit (Email Marketing) Affiliate Program
Commission: 30% recurring lifetime commission
Cookie Duration: 90 days
Why Promote: Creator-focused email platform with high retention
Focus on 3-5 programs that align with your audience on femaleswitch.com
2. Application Strategy
Have quality content related to the tools
Show traffic statistics and audience demographics
Highlight your promotional strategies
3. Content Creation Tips
Write detailed reviews and tutorials
Create comparison posts
Share case studies and results
Use multiple content formats (blogs, videos, social media)
4. Compliance Requirements
Always disclose affiliate relationships
Follow FTC guidelines
Use proper affiliate link formatting
Respect cookie duration and attribution rules
💡 Pro Tips for Success with Affiliate Marketing
High-Converting Strategies
Personal Experience: Only promote tools you've actually used
Tutorial Content: Create how-to guides and walkthroughs
Comparison Posts: Compare similar tools objectively
Email Marketing: Build an email list for ongoing promotion
Social Proof: Include testimonials and case studies
Best Performing Categories
SaaS Tools: Highest commissions and recurring revenue
Business Tools: Strong conversion rates in B2B space
AI Tools: Growing market with high interest
Website Builders: Evergreen demand
Payment and Tracking
Most programs pay monthly (30-45 days after month end)
Common payment methods: PayPal, direct deposit, wire transfer
Track performance across multiple programs
Optimize based on conversion data
Affiliate Marketing for Newbies FAQ
What is affiliate marketing and how does it work?
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where individuals earn commissions by promoting products or services from other companies. When someone clicks on your unique affiliate link and makes a purchase, you receive a percentage of the sale. The process involves three main parties: the merchant (product creator), the affiliate (you), and the consumer. Affiliates receive unique tracking links that contain cookies to track referrals, ensuring you get credit for sales even if customers don't purchase immediately.
How do I start an affiliate marketing blog?
Starting an affiliate marketing blog requires several key steps. First, choose a specific niche that aligns with your interests and has good monetization potential. Purchase a domain name and web hosting service, then install WordPress as your content management system. Select a professional theme that suits your niche, and install essential plugins for SEO and affiliate link management. Create valuable content consistently, focusing on product reviews, tutorials, and comparison guides. Apply to relevant affiliate programs once you have quality content and traffic.
What are the best niches for affiliate marketing?
The most profitable affiliate marketing niches include personal finance, technology, health and wellness, travel, beauty and cosmetics, fitness, home decor, pets, business tools, and online education. Personal finance and technology tend to offer higher commission rates, while evergreen niches like health and fitness provide consistent demand. Choose a niche where you have genuine interest or expertise, as this makes creating authentic content easier and helps build trust with your audience.
Where can I find free affiliate marketing blog templates?
Free affiliate marketing blog templates are available from several sources. WordPress.org offers numerous free themes suitable for affiliate blogs, including Astra, GeneratePress, and Kadence. Template websites like Template.net provide free affiliate marketing templates for various purposes. Webflow offers some free templates, and many theme developers provide lite versions of their premium themes. When selecting templates, ensure they are mobile-responsive, fast-loading, and optimized for SEO.
How important is SEO for affiliate marketing success?
SEO is crucial for long-term affiliate marketing success as it drives organic traffic to your content without ongoing advertising costs. Focus on keyword research to find terms your target audience searches for, including commercial intent keywords like "best," "review," and "vs." Create high-quality content that matches search intent, optimize your pages for target keywords, and build authoritative backlinks. SEO provides sustainable traffic that can generate passive income over time, making it one of the most effective strategies for affiliate marketers.
What affiliate marketing programs should beginners join?
Beginners should start with well-established programs like Amazon Associates, which offers millions of products and reliable payouts, though commission rates are lower. ShareASale and CJ Affiliate provide access to thousands of merchants across various niches. Consider programs like Shopify (up to 200% commission), ClickFunnels (30% recurring), and software companies that offer higher commissions. Start with 2-3 programs in your niche rather than trying to join dozens at once.
How do I create effective affiliate marketing content?
Effective affiliate marketing content focuses on providing genuine value to readers rather than just promoting products. Write detailed product reviews based on personal experience, create comparison guides between similar products, and develop tutorial content that incorporates affiliate products naturally. Include honest pros and cons, high-quality images, and answer common questions your audience might have. Always disclose your affiliate relationships transparently to maintain trust and comply with legal requirements.
What are the biggest mistakes beginner affiliate marketers make?
Common beginner mistakes include choosing products based solely on high commission rates rather than audience needs, failing to disclose affiliate relationships, promoting too many products at once, and expecting quick results. Many beginners also neglect to build an email list, don't focus on a specific niche, and create thin content that doesn't provide real value. Avoiding these mistakes by focusing on quality over quantity and building genuine relationships with your audience leads to better long-term success.
How long does it take to make money with affiliate marketing?
Most successful affiliate marketers report it takes 6-12 months to see significant income, with many not earning substantial amounts until after their first year. The timeline depends on factors like your chosen niche, content quality, marketing strategy, and time investment. Building organic traffic through SEO typically takes 3-6 months to gain momentum. Focus on creating valuable content consistently rather than expecting immediate results, as affiliate marketing is a long-term strategy that builds compound growth over time.
What's the difference between affiliate marketing and blogging?
Affiliate marketing is a monetization strategy, while blogging is a content creation platform. Blogging involves creating and publishing content regularly on a website, while affiliate marketing is one way to monetize that content by promoting other people's products. Many successful bloggers use multiple monetization methods including affiliate marketing, sponsored content, digital products, and advertising. Affiliate marketing can be done without blogging through social media, email marketing, or paid advertising, but blogging provides a solid foundation for long-term success.
How do I choose the right affiliate marketing strategy?
Your affiliate marketing strategy should align with your strengths, audience, and available time. Content marketing through blogging and SEO works well for those who enjoy writing and want long-term passive income. Social media marketing suits those comfortable with platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Email marketing is effective for building direct relationships with subscribers. Paid advertising can accelerate results but requires budget and expertise. Most successful affiliates combine multiple strategies rather than relying on just one approach.
What affiliate marketing templates and tools do I need?
Essential templates include content calendars, product comparison charts, email sequences, and disclosure statements. Tools that help include link management software like ThirstyAffiliates or Pretty Links, email marketing platforms like ConvertKit or Mailchimp, SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, and analytics tools like Google Analytics. Many affiliate networks provide marketing materials including banners, product images, and pre-written content. Start with free versions of these tools and upgrade as your business grows.
How do affiliate marketing programs pay their affiliates?
Affiliate programs use various payment models including pay-per-sale (most common), pay-per-lead, pay-per-click, and pay-per-install. Payment schedules vary but typically occur monthly, with most programs requiring a minimum threshold (usually $25-100) before paying out. Payment methods include direct deposit, PayPal, check, or wire transfer. Commission rates range from 1-50% depending on the product type and program, with digital products generally offering higher rates than physical products.
What makes a successful affiliate marketing article?
Successful affiliate marketing articles provide genuine value while naturally incorporating product recommendations. They typically include personal experience with the product, detailed pros and cons, comparison with alternatives, high-quality images or videos, and clear calls-to-action. The content should answer specific questions your audience has and match their search intent. Include proper affiliate disclosures, optimize for relevant keywords, and ensure the article flows naturally rather than feeling overly promotional.
How do I optimize my affiliate blog for conversions?
Conversion optimization involves testing different elements of your content and website. Use clear, compelling calls-to-action that create urgency or highlight benefits. Place affiliate links strategically within content where they feel natural and relevant. Improve page loading speed, ensure mobile responsiveness, and create trust signals like testimonials and author credentials. Test different link placements, button colors, and content formats to see what resonates best with your audience. Focus on building trust before trying to sell.
What are the legal requirements for affiliate marketing?
The most important legal requirement is disclosure - you must clearly state when content contains affiliate links. In the US, the FTC requires "clear and conspicuous" disclosure before affiliate links. Use phrases like "This post contains affiliate links" at the beginning of content. Some countries have additional requirements, so research local laws. Always be honest in your promotions, don't make false claims about products, and ensure you comply with each affiliate program's terms of service.
How do I find profitable affiliate marketing keywords?
Use keyword research tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner to find relevant terms. Look for commercial intent keywords that include modifiers like "best," "review," "vs," "comparison," and brand names. Focus on long-tail keywords with decent search volume but lower competition. Analyze competitor content to see what keywords they're targeting successfully. Consider the buyer's journey and create content for both informational and commercial searches within your niche.
What's the difference between affiliate networks and direct programs?
Affiliate networks like ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and ClickBank act as intermediaries between merchants and affiliates, offering multiple programs in one platform. They handle tracking, payments, and provide unified reporting. Direct affiliate programs are run by individual companies like Amazon Associates or Shopify's program. Networks offer convenience and variety, while direct programs often provide better support and higher commissions. Most successful affiliates use both types depending on their niche and needs.
How do I scale my affiliate marketing business?
Scaling involves systematizing your processes and expanding your reach. Create content calendars and templates to streamline content creation. Consider hiring writers or virtual assistants to help with research and content production. Expand to multiple traffic sources beyond just SEO, including social media, email marketing, and paid advertising. Diversify your affiliate programs and income streams. Build an email list to maintain direct contact with your audience. Track your metrics closely to identify what's working and double down on successful strategies.
What role do free templates play in affiliate marketing?
Free templates provide structure and save time in content creation and business operations. Content templates help maintain consistency in product reviews, comparison articles, and email campaigns. Website templates give your blog a professional appearance without design costs. Disclosure templates ensure legal compliance across all content. Marketing templates like social media post formats and email sequences help maintain regular communication with your audience. While free templates are helpful starting points, customize them to match your brand and audience needs.
How do I create an affiliate marketing content calendar?
A content calendar helps maintain consistent publishing and strategic promotion. Start by researching seasonal trends and product launches in your niche. Plan content around high-traffic periods like holidays or industry events. Mix different content types including product reviews, tutorials, comparison guides, and informational posts. Schedule social media promotion and email campaigns to support new content. Include affiliate program deadlines and promotional periods. Use tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or specialized content planning software to organize your schedule.
What metrics should I track for affiliate marketing success?
Key metrics include click-through rates on affiliate links, conversion rates, average order value, and total commissions earned. Track organic traffic growth, email list growth, and engagement metrics like time on page and bounce rate. Monitor which content pieces generate the most affiliate income and which programs perform best. Use Google Analytics to understand your audience and their behavior. Track ROI on any paid advertising or tools you invest in. Regular analysis helps optimize your strategy and focus on the most profitable activities.
How do I balance providing value with promoting affiliate products?
The key is following the 80/20 rule - provide value 80% of the time and promote products 20% of the time. Focus on solving problems your audience faces, with affiliate products being solutions rather than the main focus. Create genuinely helpful content that would be valuable even without affiliate links. Only promote products you truly believe in and would recommend to friends. Be transparent about your experiences, including any drawbacks. Build trust through consistent, honest communication, and sales will follow naturally when you've established credibility with your audience.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.