The Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners (No Experience Needed)

When you hear the term “affiliate marketing,” what’s the first thing that pops into your head?

Maybe it’s that subtle product recommendation from an influencer you follow—the one they didn’t just love but got paid to promote. Or perhaps it’s that blog post where every few paragraphs circle back to a product the author seems eager to sell. Whether you’re aware of it or not, affiliate marketing is everywhere—and it’s only getting bigger.

But here’s the thing: launching a successful affiliate program is no small feat. It takes thoughtful planning, reliable partners, and ongoing management to get it right. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best affiliate programs for beginners and break down what makes them stand out. Plus, we’ll break down how referral software can make managing an affiliate campaign seamless for any kind or size of business!

What Are Affiliate Marketing Programs?

Simply put, affiliate marketing programs are partnerships between companies and affiliates—people who promote their products or services. Once a customer follows the affiliate’s recommendation and makes a purchase, the affiliate earns a commission. 

So then, what is an affiliate, you ask? An affiliate is someone who promotes a company’s products or services in exchange for a commission. They usually do this by sharing unique affiliate links through their website, social media, email newsletters, or blogs. When someone clicks on their link and makes a purchase, the affiliate earns a percentage of that sale. It’s a simple way for businesses to expand their reach while affiliates earn money for driving traffic and sales.

While affiliate marketing might seem like a modern invention, it actually dates back further than you’d think. In 1989, a guy named William J. Tobin started the first affiliate program for his software company, PC Flowers and Gifts. Yes, believe it or not, online flower deliveries were laying the groundwork for affiliate marketing long before Instagram influencers came along.

Tobin’s idea was simple: his company teamed up with affiliates who promoted their products—mainly flowers and gifts. When someone clicked on these affiliate links and made a purchase from PC Flowers & Gifts, the affiliate earned a commission. The idea took off fast, and today, affiliate marketing has turned into a $12 billion industry, with more than 80% of companies using it as part of their marketing strategy.

But why bother partnering up with an affiliate instead of just marketing your own product? Well, one major benefit of affiliate marketing programs is their cost-efficiency. Instead of paying for ads that might not work, companies reduce these risks by paying affiliates only after getting tangible results. Plus, affiliates already have their audience’s trust, which means the recommendations will likely feel more personal and intentional than a regular ad. 

How to Become an Affiliate Marketer

Getting started as an affiliate marketer is simpler than you might think. First, choose a niche that aligns with your interests or expertise. It’s easier to promote products you genuinely care about or know well, as this builds trust with your audience. 

Once you’ve picked a niche, research affiliate programs in that space—many companies offer them, from big brands to niche businesses. You can start by searching for the best referral programs to earn money.

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Next, create a platform where you’ll share your affiliate links. Whether it’s a website, blog, YouTube channel, or social media page, the key is to produce valuable content that speaks to your audience’s needs.

Make sure your content is authentic and provides real solutions—people can tell when you’re just pushing a product, and that’s not the way to build lasting relationships or drive conversions.

Finally, promote your affiliate links strategically. This doesn’t mean spamming your audience with sales pitches—it means weaving links into helpful content that solves a problem or answers a question. The more value you provide, the more likely your audience is to trust your recommendations and click through to make a purchase. 

With time and consistency, you can turn your very own affiliate marketing business into a lucrative stream of income.

Scroll right to the end of this article for 10 bonus tips for beginners wanting to start out as affiliate marketers. 

How to Launch An Attractive Affiliate Marketing Program (Advice For Businesses)

Needless to say, everyone loves the idea of making money by sharing products they like. That’s exactly why affiliate marketing is gaining popularity on a daily basis. But if you’re on the other side, creating an affiliate program is all about knowing what really attracts and excites creators.

First and foremost, commissions are key. If you want your affiliate program to attract affiliate marketers, you need to convince them that it’s worth their time. No creator is going to spend time and effort promoting your product if someone else is paying them more for the same amount of work. So make sure to offer attractive, clear commissions with additional rates or performance bonuses for top performers. 

Then, there’s the affiliate software or referral software you choose. If the software you’re using looks and feels outdated, affiliates are likely to pass you by. A modern, user-friendly interface where they can track performance, clicks, sales, and commissions can do wonders for your success. No one wants to spend hours navigating a confusing system or hunting down their earnings, so the more you streamline the process for the affiliates, the more likely they are to stay active. Keep in mind that the software you choose should be easy for you, your affiliates and your potential customers.

If you’re launching an affiliate program, it’s time to think beyond traditional cookie-based tracking. With privacy regulations tightening and browsers increasingly blocking third-party cookies, relying on cookies can lead to inaccurate tracking and missed conversions. 

Cookie-less tracking offers a more reliable solution, allowing you to track referrals directly without worrying about browser restrictions. This method ensures that your affiliates get the credit they deserve, while giving you more accurate data to optimize your program and drive better results. Referral software like Referral Factory works without cookies. This also means that it works beyond the e-commerce space for businesses with longer sales cycles!

For the best results, you’ll want to provide your affiliates with quality promotional materials and the equipment they need to promote your brand effectively. This will show them that you’re invested in the success of your partnership no less than they are.

And let’s not forget about clear terms and conditions. Nobody likes confusing rules, so be honest and upfront with your affiliates from the get-go. To gain their trust, consider giving them guidelines, deadlines, and a transparent description of the payment process.

The 15 Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners

Amazon Associates Affiliate Program

Amazon Associates, also known as the Amazon Affiliate Program, has been around since 1996 and is still one of the most popular choices for new affiliates. It’s easy to use and gives you access to just about anything Amazon sells—from books to gadgets to kitchen tools. If it’s on Amazon, you can earn a commission on it.

Pros

• Everyone knows and trusts Amazon
• Over 385 million products to choose from 
• User-friendly and easy-to-create links

Cons

• Commission rates change frequently
• You only get paid for purchases made within 24 hours of someone clicking your link
• Lower commission rates compared to other affiliate programs

Best for: Beginners who are just getting acquainted with the principles of affiliate marketing

Commission rates: Range from 1% to 10%, depending on the product category

CJ – Commission Junction

CJ, formerly known as Commission Junction, is one of the oldest affiliate networks out there, and it’s packed with big brands and plenty of opportunities. If you’re looking to work with well-known names like Zappos, Verizon, or Disney, CJ is the place to be. It lays the groundwork for a smooth and profitable affiliate marketing journey. 

Pros

• Intuitive software dashboard that allows beginners to get started and manage their links easily
• Hosts plenty of major brands under one roof
• Offers flat fees and performance-based payouts besides the usual commissions

Cons

• Big brands often come and go on the platform
• Can feel a bit more complex compared to super-simple platforms like Amazon.

Best for: Affiliate marketers with three to six months of experience who are ready to start working with big-name brands and want access to great performance metrics

Commission rates: Vary depending on the brand and product, but CJ’s metrics help you see which programs are worth your time.

ShareASale

ShareASale might not have the flashy appeal of other networks, but it’s a hidden gem in the affiliate marketing world. With thousands of products and services to promote, it’s perfect for finding unique, lesser-known brands that can still make you some serious money. If you’re looking to discover new opportunities beyond the big-name brands, ShareASale is worth a try.

Pros

• Thousands of products and services, including many smaller, lesser-known programs that are surprisingly profitable
• Super handy “Search for Merchants” function
• Straightforward payment process and faster commissions 

Cons

• Software platform looks like it’s straight out of 2002—basic and could use a facelift
• Approval process may take a while

Best for: Affiliate marketers who are looking to explore emerging brands and niche products, or simply want to try something beyond the mainstream names

Commission rates: Vary depending on the merchant, with some programs offering impressive payouts of $300 or more per sale

NordVPN

NordVPN is a big name in the online privacy game. It’s a software subscription that offers secure, encrypted connections that keep your browsing private and your data safe. With a huge network of servers worldwide, it lets you access content from all over and dodge those annoying geo-restrictions. Plus, they don’t log your activity—so if privacy is your priority, NordVPN’s got your back. Throw in an affiliate program, and it’s game on. 

Pros

• Up to 100% commission on the first sale and 30% recurring
• An easy sell for anyone interested in security and internet safety
• A 30-day cookie window that gives you plenty of time to earn commissions after someone clicks your link

Cons

• Mainly appeals to people looking for privacy solutions
• The VPN space is super competitive

Best for: Affiliates into tech, security, privacy, or anyone targeting audiences who care about keeping their data safe

Commission rates: Up to 100% on the first sale and 30% recurring

Proton

Proton is designed to keep your data safe and out of the hands of tech giants, governments, and hackers. With Proton, you get a whole suite of easy-to-use, privacy-focused tools like encrypted email, calendar, file storage, password protection, and VPN apps. Built with military-grade encryption and open-source code and backed by Swiss privacy laws, Proton is trusted by over 100 million people and businesses who take their privacy seriously.

Pros

• Up to 100% commission on the first sale and up to 30% recurring
• Focus on security appeals to a wide range of users
• Strong reputation and emphasis on privacy make it an easy sell to audiences who prioritize data security

Cons

• Mainly for privacy-focused users
• Crowded market for privacy tools requires a strategic approach

Best for: Affiliates focusing on tech, online security, or privacy niches, particularly those with audiences who value their data privacy

Commission rates: Up to 100% on the first sale and up to 30% recurring.

Referral Factory

It would be silly not to include ourselves in this list! Referral Factory is B2B software that any business, no matter the size or industry, can use to build, launch and manage their own referral program. It’s all plug and play, so no developers or technical experience is needed. In fact, it was built by marketers for marketers! 

Pros

• Pays $200 in visa gift cards for every new customer after they pay and stay for 2 months. 
• Easy to promote since they provide a simple referral link with all the information.
• Referral tracking is cookie-free so you can be 100% sure of accuracy.

Cons

• Limited to the B2B space.

Best for: Bloggers, influencers, and content creators who work in the B2B marketing field.

Commission rates: Flat rate of $200 per successful referral. 

TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy is a must-have browser extension and toolkit for YouTubers, packed with features that streamline video creation and channel management. The platform helps content creators boost their video’s discoverability and engagement. Simply put, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to grow their YouTube channel and maximize success.

Pros

• Provides commissions on any future purchases someone makes after clicking your link
• Offers up to 30% recurring commissions, so you continue to earn every time your referrals renew their subscriptions
• Easy to promote to a wide audience of content creators

Cons

• Specifically targets YouTubers, so it’s essential to have an audience that’s either into content creation or digital marketing
• Highly competitive space

Best for: Affiliates focused on digital marketing, YouTube growth, or those with an audience of aspiring content creators

Commission rates: Up to 30% recurring

AvantLink

AvantLink is a top choice if you’re looking to promote big-name brands like Whirlpool and Booking.com. With a solid set of promotional tools, regularly updated offers, and detailed analytics, AvantLink has everything you need to optimize your affiliate campaigns and track performance. 

Pros

• Works with major brands
• Constant updates with new deals and offers.
• Tracking codes and in-depth analytics

Cons

• Earnings vary based on your traffic, content quality, and SEO
• No option for phone support

Best for: Experienced affiliates who are ready to work with big brands and use advanced tools and analytics.

Commission rates: Based on the program and performance, with opportunities to earn more if you create your own tools using AvantLink’s API

FanFuel

FanFuel is a leading platform in the affiliate marketing space, with a focus on the nutraceutical niche. Known for offering generous commissions, direct brand partnerships, and dedicated support, FanFuel is a viable option for better earning opportunities and guidance. It’s suitable for both beginners and seasoned marketers looking to maximize their income.

Pros

• Emphasis on direct brand partnerships offers high earnings
• Weekly payouts provide a faster cash flow compared to the industry standard
• Access to dedicated affiliate managers makes the program beginner-friendly

Cons

• Tailored to health and wellness supplements, limiting appeal for those outside this market
• Specific industry jargon may be challenging for those unfamiliar with the niche

Best for: Affiliates interested in the health and wellness niche who are looking for high commissions, quick payouts, and strong support

Commission rates: 50% on sales and 10% on second-tier referrals

ClickBank

ClickBank is one of those old-school affiliate networks that’s been around forever, with a massive range of products from various niches. Its timely payouts and a huge selection of both popular and quirky items make it a go-to for many affiliates. The platform’s mix of high-commission opportunities and extensive marketplace are definitely worth exploring.

Pros

• Plenty of options to find the right fit for your audience
• Commissions as high as 90%
• Solid reputation for paying affiliates on time

Cons

• Not every product on ClickBank is a winner—some can be low-quality
• High competition
• Certain items have higher refund rates

Best for: Affiliates who enjoy exploring a wide range of products and don’t mind sifting through options to find high-performing offers

Commission rates: Up to 90%, depending on the product

BoodleBox

Boodle Box is a fun and educational subscription box designed to help children learn coding, robotics, and other STEM skills through hands-on activities. With the Boodle Box Affiliate Program, you can inspire the next generation of innovators while earning a commission by promoting a product that’s both educational and entertaining.

Pros

• Engages children with exciting, hands-on STEM learning activities
• Parents love the combination of education and fun
• High-quality materials and well-structured curriculum

Cons

• Niche product, primarily targeting parents with school-aged children
• Subscription-based model may require more effort to convert sign-ups

Best for: Bloggers, influencers, and content creators who focus on parenting, education, or STEM topics and want to promote products that help children develop essential skills.

Commission rates: 20% commission on every sale made through your referral link for up to one year recurring.

Etsy Affiliate Program

Etsy is a beloved marketplace where each handcrafted item has a unique story behind. The platform unites those who like to share their unique, creative finds and creations of art. With the Etsy Affiliate Program, you can monetize your content and connect with a supportive, artistic community.

Pros

• Full of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items 
• Known and trusted
• The chance to support small creators and artists

Cons

• Commission rates are on the lower side, with 4% for standard affiliates and 2% for social media creators
• There’s a $5 fee to join via Awin, though it’s refundable

Best for: Bloggers, influencers, and content creators who love promoting unique, handcrafted items and connecting with an audience that values creativity.

Commission rates: 4% for standard affiliates and 2% for social media content creators.

eBay Partner Network

eBay’s affiliate program, the eBay Partner Network, is a great way to monetize your content if your audience loves unique, vintage, or second-hand items. As an eBay Affiliate, you’ll get access to tools you can use to create links to specific eBay products. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase within 24 hours, you earn a commission.

Pros

• Trusted, household name, which can really help with conversions when promoting products
• Perfect for those promoting vintage, rare, or handmade finds
• Handy tools that make it easy to create links and promote specific products

Cons

• You only have 24 hours to get a sale after someone clicks your link, which limits the earning window.
• Low commission rates, ranging from 1% to 4% and with a cap on some items

Best for: Affiliates with an audience interested in unique finds and rare collectibles

Commission rates: 1% to 4%, depending on the product category

Brighter Site Affiliate Program

Brighter Site is an intuitive website builder that empowers users to create professional websites without any coding knowledge. With the Brighter Site Affiliate Program, you can earn commissions by promoting a user-friendly platform that simplifies web design for individuals and small businesses.

Pros

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builder
• Great for small businesses and individuals looking to create a professional online presence
• No technical skills required to design or launch a site

Cons

• Primarily targets smaller businesses and individuals, which may limit audience reach
• Customization options may not be as advanced as other platforms

Best for: Bloggers, influencers, and content creators who focus on entrepreneurship, small business solutions, or tech for beginners and want to promote an accessible, no-code website builder.

Commission rates: 20% commission on each successful referral

Fiverr Affiliate Program

Fiverr is a popular platform for affordable freelance services, ranging from design and writing to marketing and tech support. While it’s not the biggest affiliate network, it offers a chance to earn by promoting its large talent pool to your audience. It’s a great fit for content creators, marketers, and anyone who frequently recommends freelancers.

Pros

• Strong brand name that helps with conversions
• Wide range of services and digital products to appeal to various audiences
• Potential for recurring commissions and access to marketing support and resources

Cons

• Lower starting commission rates for the standard marketplace
• Low-priced gigs can lead to smaller commissions

Best for: Content creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs who often recommend freelancers.

Commission rates: 25% of the first order for Fiverr Marketplace, 70% for Fiverr Pro, with 10% recurring commissions and special rates for the Logo Maker.

FlexOffers

FlexOffers Affiliate Program

FlexOffers connects advertisers and publishers, offering a wide range of affiliate programs across numerous industries. With over 15 years in the market, it’s a trusted name known for its reliable platform and strong affiliate management.

Pros

• Diverse programs across various industries
• Real-time tracking to help optimize campaigns
• On-time monthly payments and global offers for different markets

Cons

• Limited training available for new affiliates
• Minimum payment threshold of $25 to $1,000 and a processing fee charged
• Long payout timeline compared to some other networks

Best for: Blogs, websites, and influencers looking to monetize with a variety of affiliate programs.

Commission rates: Vary by the advertiser; affiliates benefit from a 30-day cookie duration.

Bonus: 10 Tips for Starting Out As an Affiliate Marketer

1. Find Your Authentic Voice

People can spot a forced recommendation from a mile away. Share products you genuinely believe in, and speak like you’re talking to a friend. Authenticity builds trust, and trust leads to conversions.

2. Test Products/Services Before Promoting

Don’t just promote anything that offers a commission. Try the products yourself whenever possible. When you can provide real-life experiences, your recommendations carry more weight.

3. Solve, Don’t Sell

Focus on solving problems rather than selling products. When your content helps people overcome challenges, they’re more likely to follow your affiliate links naturally—because you’ve already proven your value.

4. Leverage Underused Platforms

Everyone’s using Instagram and YouTube, but have you explored TikTok, Pinterest, or even Quora? These platforms often have less competition and offer unique ways to promote affiliate links.

5. Create ‘How-to’ Guides or Case Studies

Instead of just listing products, walk your audience through how to use them. “How-to” content or personal case studies resonate with people who are looking for practical advice before they make a purchase.

6. Start Building Your Email List Early

Even if you’re just getting started, begin collecting emails from your audience. A loyal email list gives you direct access to potential customers, long after they’ve left your website or social media profile.

7. Narrow Your Niche

Go beyond broad categories like “fitness” or “fashion” and drill down to something more specific—like “sustainable yoga gear” or “affordable streetwear for students.” The more niche you go, the easier it is to stand out.

8. Offer Bonuses or Exclusive Content

Add value to your affiliate promotions by offering something extra. It could be an exclusive tutorial, a checklist, or a discount code—anything that makes your recommendation more enticing.

9. Collaborate with Other Affiliates

Reach out to other affiliate marketers in your niche and collaborate. Whether it’s through guest posts, joint webinars, or shout-outs, working together can amplify your reach and introduce you to new audiences.

10. Analyze and Adjust Regularly

Success in affiliate marketing isn’t just about setting and forgetting. Track which products perform best, which content drives the most clicks, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Stay agile and tweak what’s not working.

Why Not Join an Affiliate Program Today?

So, there you have it—a thorough list of beginner-friendly affiliate programs and some tips to help you get started! If you feel like you have the inspiration to kick off your own affiliate program or join one, why not go for it? Seriously, it can be a fun journey.

If you’re a business looking to grow through affiliate marketing, tools like Referral Factory can make things easier, but the real excitement comes from experimenting and figuring out what works for you and your audience. So take your time, get creative, and don’t hesitate to try new things. You never know where affiliate marketing might take you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest affiliate program to join?

The easiest affiliate programs to join often have minimal requirements and a straightforward signup process. Programs like Amazon Associates and ShareASale are popular choices for beginners because they offer a wide range of products to promote and user-friendly interfaces, plus they usually provide resources and support to help you get started.

How can I start an affiliate program as a beginner?

To start an affiliate program as a beginner, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose a niche: Focus on a specific area that interests you and has a target audience.
2. Research affiliate programs: Look for reputable affiliate programs related to your niche. Check commission rates, payment terms, and support offered.
3. Create content: Build a platform—such as a blog, website, or social media account—where you can share your content and include affiliate links.
4. Sign up: Join the chosen affiliate programs and obtain your unique affiliate links.
5. Promote: Share your content through various channels, and use your affiliate links to direct your audience to the products or services.

Which platform is best for affiliate marketing for beginners?

The best platform for affiliate marketing as a beginner really depends on your style and where your audience hangs out. If you like writing, starting a blog on sites like WordPress or Wix is awesome for sharing detailed reviews and articles. If visuals are more your thing, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest work great for quick promotions. And if you love making videos, YouTube is perfect for sharing reviews and tutorials. Essentially, try to pick a platform that feels right for you and connects with your audience.