Top Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners 2025
Passive income…that’s the dream for everyone, right?
Affiliate Marketing is somehow connected to easy money. That’s why there are so many people out there doing it the wrong way, thinking they will make money just by practically shouting out “Buy now”.
Well, here’s a truth bomb thrown at you.
You’re not going to make any significant money if you don’t provide value.
Here’s what my experience as an Affiliate Marketer has taught me so far regarding what works and what doesn’t.
1. Know what the hell you’re talking about.
Affiliate sites are product/service review sites. What’s the core of reviews? Actual valuable info. You’re not going to create thorough head-to-heads between 2 products if you don’t know what customers want to know regarding those. And truth is, you can’t provide that if you don’t know the subject matter well enough. Users are not stupid. Yes, you might be able to fool some people being half-knowledged on a subject, but you can’t scale an affiliate site if you don’t really know your stuff. This goes even more for affiliates that are into niches, like online gambling for example (which is popular for affiliates), that require expertise.
2. Pick a niche you like.
Affiliate Marketing has one big advantage that can also turn out to be a disadvantage. You can choose to promote whatever you want. The tricky part though is to avoid choosing a niche you don’t actually like just because you heard that conversion rates are good and you’re going to go from rags to riches in no time. That stuff doesn’t happen and you’re just going to end up writing about something you hate. It’s no secret that one of the recipes for success is to do something you love and Affiliate Marketing is no exception to that.
3. Don’t go after competitive keywords.
Do you know what’s the Holy Grail of keywords for an affiliate marketer? Best [insert niche keyword]. Good luck trying to rank for those if you choose to build a site around them, and trust me as I know that from experience. Of course, it always depends on the vertical you’re in and how saturated it is. However, picking the right keywords and also studying the intent behind those keywords is something that makes or breaks Affiliate Marketers. One of the worst things you can do is mixing up intents, namely using keywords that have an informational intent in a piece that’s purely written for transactional purposes. A good technique to avoid going after competitive keywords is to choose to review products that are new and not so popular yet and get a head start on attempting to rank for keywords related to those, as opposed to old and competitive ones.
4. Research partners before you start working with them.
Here’s another truth bomb. Not every brand is trustworthy and will pay out your commission, and again I’m judging from my affiliate experience in online gambling. There are quite a few shady operations there, so you really have to do your research on Affiliate forums and just steer away from the ones that rob people away from commissions or have unreliable, vague and irrational terms and conditions.
Affiliate Marketing for Beginners Skills
As a beginner in affiliate marketing, it's essential to start with affiliate programs that have low barriers to entry and are beginner-friendly. Here are some easy affiliate programs that are known for being more accessible to newcomers:
1. Amazon Associates
- Overview: One of the most popular and beginner-friendly affiliate programs, Amazon Associates allows you to promote virtually any product on Amazon. With a vast range of products to choose from, it's easy to find something relevant to your audience.
- Why It's Easy: No minimum traffic requirements, and approval is straightforward as long as you have a website or blog.
2. ShareASale
- Overview: ShareASale is an affiliate network that partners with thousands of merchants across various industries. It’s beginner-friendly with a simple application process.
- Why It's Easy: ShareASale offers many affiliate programs with low entry requirements, making it easier for beginners to get approved.
3. Rakuten Advertising
- Overview: Rakuten Advertising connects you with major brands in a wide range of niches. It’s easy to join, and the platform offers robust tracking and reporting tools.
- Why It's Easy: Simple approval process and access to a variety of affiliate programs.
4. ClickBank
- Overview: ClickBank specializes in digital products like eBooks, software, and online courses. It's easy to get started, and many products offer high commissions.
- Why It's Easy: ClickBank is open to affiliates from around the world, and there are no strict entry requirements.
5. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
- Overview: CJ Affiliate is one of the largest and most established affiliate networks, offering access to a wide variety of brands and products.
- Why It's Easy: Many programs within CJ Affiliate are beginner-friendly, and once approved for the network, you can apply to different merchants.
6. eBay Partner Network
- Overview: eBay’s affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by promoting eBay listings. You can link to millions of products across various categories.
- Why It's Easy: Low entry requirements and a massive selection of products make it ideal for beginners.
7. FlexOffers
- Overview: FlexOffers is another affiliate network with a vast array of affiliate programs. They work with both digital and physical products and have a wide variety of niches.
- Why It's Easy: They accept new affiliates, and many programs within the network are beginner-friendly.
8. Awin
- Overview: Awin is a global affiliate network with thousands of merchants across various industries. They’re open to beginners and provide tools to help you get started.
- Why It's Easy: Simple application process and access to numerous affiliate programs across different niches.
9. Bluehost Affiliate Program
- Overview: Bluehost is a web hosting company that offers a popular affiliate program. You earn a commission for every person who signs up for hosting through your link.
- Why It's Easy: Bluehost is a widely recognized brand, and the approval process is relatively straightforward.
10. Fiverr Affiliates
- Overview: Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers offering services like graphic design, writing, and digital marketing. Their affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by promoting these services.
- Why It's Easy: Easy to join and no strict approval criteria, with many potential niches to target.
11. Shopify Affiliate Program
- Overview: Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform, and their affiliate program pays for every referral who signs up for a paid plan.
- Why It's Easy: Shopify's affiliate program is open to new affiliates, especially if you have an interest in e-commerce or entrepreneurship.
12. Target Affiliate Program
- Overview: Target offers an affiliate program through their affiliate network, allowing you to promote their wide range of products.
- Why It's Easy: Target is a well-known brand with easy approval and a broad product selection.
13. Walmart Affiliate Program
- Overview: Like Amazon, Walmart offers an affiliate program where you can promote a variety of products from their online store.
- Why It's Easy: Walmart's affiliate program is accessible, and the brand's name makes it easy to promote products.
14. Etsy Affiliate Program
- Overview: Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Their affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by promoting products from sellers on the platform.
- Why It's Easy: Etsy’s program is beginner-friendly, especially if you have a niche related to arts, crafts, or unique goods.
15. Printful Affiliate Program
- Overview: Printful is a print-on-demand service that allows people to create custom products like t-shirts and mugs. Their affiliate program lets you earn commissions by referring new users to the platform.
- Why It's Easy: No strict requirements, and it’s ideal if you’re in the e-commerce or custom products niche.
Tips for Getting Approved as a Beginner:
- Have a Website or Social Media Presence: Even a simple blog or active social media account can increase your chances of approval.
- Focus on Niche: Choose programs that align with your content or audience.
- Be Honest in Your Application: Clearly explain how you plan to promote products and what platforms you’ll use.
- Build Traffic and Engagement: Even if you’re just starting out, having some traffic or engagement on your blog or social media can help in getting approved.
By starting with these beginner-friendly affiliate programs, you can gain experience in affiliate marketing and gradually move on to higher-paying programs as you grow your online presence.