Whenever I talk to someone starting out, the first question is usually about the cost. It’s a fair question. The internet is full of “gurus” trying to sell you a $2,000 course on how to make money for free. Let’s get this out of the way right now: you should never have to pay a brand to promote them.
The “free” part refers to the entry fee. You sign up, you get a dashboard, and you get your links. But don’t let the zero-dollar price tag fool you into thinking it’s easy. The cost is your sweat equity. You are essentially a commission-only salesperson without a base salary. If you don’t sell, you don’t eat.
Of course, affiliate marketing is just one slice of the pie. If the idea of working for commissions feels a bit too high-stakes right now, there are plenty of other side jobs you can start from home that offer a more immediate return on your time. But if you’re ready to build something scalable, let’s keep going.
I’ve seen people sign up for twenty programs in a weekend, throw links at their Facebook friends, and then wonder why they made $0.00 by Tuesday. It takes more than just clicking ‘join.’ You need to know which platforms are beginner-friendly and which ones will kick you out if you don’t make a sale within the first few months.
Key Takeaways
- Most legitimate affiliate programs are entirely free to join. If you encounter one asking for an “application fee,” run the other way—it’s almost certainly a scam.
- Success in this field relies on matching the right network to your specific audience—whether that is the massive physical inventory of Amazon or the high-recurring commissions found in modern SaaS platforms.
- While joining is free, the real investment is your time spent creating content that builds enough trust for someone to actually click your link.
1. Amazon Associates: The Universal Starting Point
If you are just getting your feet wet, Amazon is the giant you can’t ignore. It’s the most famous program for a reason. Almost everyone already has an Amazon account, their credit card is already saved, and they trust the “Buy Now” button. That trust is what you are leveraging.
The commission rates are, frankly, nothing to write home about. You might get 1% on a laptop or 4% on home goods. It’s low. However, Amazon has a “universal cookie” feature. If you link to a specific coffee maker, but the user decides they actually want a $2,000 treadmill and buys that instead, you get the commission on the treadmill.
There is a specific rule that often trips people up. Amazon gives you 180 days to make three “qualified” sales. If you don’t, they close your account. You can re-apply later, but it’s a bit of a blow to the ego. I usually tell people not to apply to Amazon until they actually have some consistent traffic coming in.
- Cookie Duration: 24 hours.
- Best For: Beginners, product reviewers, and niche bloggers.
- Payment Threshold: $10 (Amazon Gift Card/Direct Deposit).
2. AWIN: The Diverse Marketplace
I’ve always had a soft spot for Awin. The interface looks like it hasn’t been updated in a decade—it’s very functional but basic—but it is incredibly reliable. They host thousands of merchants, from tiny boutiques to massive brands like Etsy or Reebok.
What I like about Awin is that they are generally more “patient” than Amazon. They won’t necessarily banish you if you don’t make a sale in the first week. It’s a great place to find niche products that aren’t available on the bigger retail sites. If you’re into a specific hobby like gardening or high-end tea, you’ll find a merchant there.
One thing to watch out for: each merchant on the platform has their own approval process. Just because you have an Awin account doesn’t mean you have a green light to promote every brand on the site. You have to apply to each one individually. Some will approve you instantly; others might take two weeks to look at your site.
- Cookie Duration: Varies (usually 30 to 90 days).
- Best For: Niche websites and those looking for specific brands.
- Payment Threshold: $50.
3. Impact: The Modern Powerhouse
If Awin is the “old guard,” Impact is the sleek, modern alternative. A lot of the big tech companies and SaaS (Software as a Service) brands have moved their programs here. If you want to promote things like Canva, various AI tools, or travel platforms, Impact is likely where they live.
The dashboard is clean and, more importantly, the tracking is top-tier. I find their reporting much more transparent than some of the older networks. You can see exactly which links are clicking and where that traffic is coming from with a lot of detail.
They also have a “Contract” system. It sounds intimidating, but it just means the terms of your partnership are laid out very clearly. You’ll know exactly what needs to happen to trigger a payout. It’s a very professional environment, which is refreshing if you’ve spent time on some of the more disorganized affiliate sites.
- Cookie Duration: Varies by brand (often 30 days).
- Best For: Tech reviewers, B2B influencers, and software enthusiasts.
- Payment Threshold: $10 (flexible).
4. CJ Affiliate: For the Big Brands
Formerly known as Commission Junction, CJ is where the “big boys” play. We’re talking about brands like Barnes & Noble, Bluehost, and Priceline. It’s a massive network with a very corporate feel.
I’ll be honest, the approval process for some of the brands on CJ can be a bit of a mountain to climb. They tend to prefer affiliates who already have an established audience and professional-looking platforms. If you’re just starting a brand-new blog today, you might find yourself getting a few ‘no’s’ from their top-tier merchants.
However, once you are in, the potential is huge. They have some of the highest-paying offers in the travel and finance sectors. I find their link generator tools to be some of the best in the industry—it makes creating custom links to specific product pages very easy.
- Cookie Duration: Varies by merchant.
- Best For: Established publishers and professional bloggers.
- Payment Threshold: $50 (Direct Deposit).
5. Fiverr Affiliate Program: The Service Seller
Fiverr is an interesting one because you aren’t selling physical products; you’re selling services. Need a logo? A voiceover? A custom song? Someone on Fiverr is doing it. This could be a great side job too.
This is a very easy program to “sell” because almost every business owner needs a freelancer at some point. The commission structure is also quite generous. You can choose between a flat fee where you get a one-time big payment, or a hybrid model where you get a smaller upfront fee plus a percentage of their future purchases for a year.
I personally think the “Pro” services are the best to promote. These are vetted, high-end freelancers. Recommending a top-tier logo design pays a lot better than the basic stuff, and the conversion rates are surprisingly decent if your audience consists of other entrepreneurs.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days.
- Best For: Business-to-business (B2B) content and career blogs.
- Payment Threshold: $100.
6. Rakuten Advertising: The Selective Network
Rakuten runs a very high-quality network. They are much smaller in terms of the number of merchants compared to CJ or ShareASale, but the brands they do have are often “premium.” Think luxury fashion and high-end electronics.
The interface is decent, though it has its quirks. But they have some unique rotation tools that allow you to display different banners to different users automatically. This can be a game-changer if you’re trying to optimize your site’s layout.
The biggest hurdle here is their selectivity. They are known for being a bit “picky” about who they let onto their platform. If your site still has that ‘under construction’ look, you’ll probably have a hard time getting in. But for those in the fashion or lifestyle space, it’s a goldmine.
- Cookie Duration: Varies (usually 30 days).
- Best For: Lifestyle, fashion, and luxury brands.
- Payment Threshold: $50.
7. Etsy Affiliate Program: For the Creatives
Etsy is essentially the “anti-Amazon.” People go there when they want something handmade, vintage, or unique. If your audience is into DIY, home decor, or weddings, the Etsy affiliate program is almost a mandatory join.
What I love about Etsy is the “story” behind the products. It’s a lot easier to get people excited about a hand-carved wooden desk from a small shop than it is to talk about a generic plastic desk from a big-box store.
The commission is usually around 4% to 5%, but because the items are often one-of-a-kind, the “conversion intent” is high. If someone likes a specific handmade item, they can’t really go find it cheaper elsewhere. They either buy it on Etsy or they don’t get it.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days (7 days on the app).
- Best For: Pinterest influencers, craft bloggers, and gift guides.
- Payment Threshold: $20.
8. Canva: The Easy “Yes”
Almost everyone who works online uses Canva. It’s become the industry standard for people who aren’t graphic designers but need to look like they are. Their affiliate program is great because the product is genuinely useful.
They have two main ways to earn: you get a commission when someone signs up for a trial, and another when they actually pay for a subscription. Because Canva is so well-known, you don’t have to spend much time explaining what it is. You just have to show people how to use it.
I’ve found that a quick tutorial on YouTube or a blog post is the fastest way to see results. You solve a problem (like how to make a social media post), and then you provide the tool to do it. It’s a very natural transition.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days.
- Best For: Educators, social media managers, and YouTubers.
- Payment Threshold: $10 (via Impact).
9. eBay Partner Network: The Hidden Gem
People often forget about eBay, but their affiliate program is actually quite powerful. It works a bit differently than Amazon. On eBay, you’re often dealing with used items, rare collectibles, or refurbished tech.
The commissions are based on a percentage of eBay’s revenue, not the total sale price. It sounds a bit complicated at first, but the conversion rates for rare items are through the roof. If you can find a specific vintage item or a discontinued part and link to it, the person clicking that link is highly motivated to buy.
They also have a very low payout threshold. If you’re just starting and want to see some real money in your account quickly, eBay is a solid choice.
- Cookie Duration: 24 hours.
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, collectors, and bargain hunters.
- Payment Threshold: $10.
Can You Really Do This Without a Website?
I get this question constantly. The short answer is yes, but the long answer is “it’s harder.”
Most of these programs—especially the big networks like CJ or Rakuten—want to see a professional URL. They want to know you have a “home base” where you control the content. However, in the current landscape, many programs are opening up to social media-only affiliates.
If you have a following on TikTok or an active YouTube channel, you can often get approved using those links. Amazon, in particular, has an influencer program specifically designed for people without traditional websites. You get your own “storefront” page on Amazon.
Is it a good idea, though? I’m a bit of a traditionalist here. I think you should always have a website you own. Algorithms change. Accounts get banned. If your entire business lives on a social media app, you’re essentially building on rented land. A simple blog gives you a permanent place to store your content.
Avoiding the “No-Sale” Trap
The biggest mistake I see beginners make is being too “salesy.” You know the type. Every post is just a picture of a product and a “buy now” link. People have developed “ad blindness” to this.
Instead, you need to provide value. If you’re an affiliate for a fitness program, don’t just say “Buy this workout.” Write about how that workout helped you. Share the struggle. Share the parts you hated.
When you’re honest about the flaws, people are much more likely to believe you when you talk about the benefits. I’ve actually had higher conversion rates on articles where I said, “Don’t buy this if you’re a beginner,” because when I said, “Buy this if you’re an expert,” the experts knew I wasn’t just lying for a check.
Common Questions About Free Affiliate Programs
Is it really free to join these programs?
Yes. Every program on this list is free to join. If you ever find a program that asks for a “startup fee” or a “membership cost,” it is almost certainly a scam. Brands pay you to help them sell; you don’t pay them for the “privilege” of working for them.
How much money can a beginner make?
It varies wildly. Some make very little in their first year, while others hit a consistent income within six months. It depends on your niche and how much traffic you can drive. If you’re promoting small items, you need a lot of traffic. If you’re promoting expensive software, you only need a few sales to make a decent income.
Do I need to disclose my affiliate links?
Absolutely. You must clearly state that you will earn a commission if someone clicks your link and makes a purchase. I usually put a small disclaimer at the top of my posts. It doesn’t hurt your sales; in fact, most people appreciate the transparency.
Which program is the easiest to get approved for?
Amazon Associates and ShareASale are generally the easiest for beginners. Amazon has an “open door” policy where almost anyone can join, though you have to prove yourself by making sales to stay active. ShareASale has a wide range of merchants, many of whom are happy to work with newer affiliates.
Which One Should You Pick?
You don’t have to pick just one. Most successful affiliates use a “hybrid” approach. They might use Amazon for small household items, Impact for their favorite software tools, and a niche network for their specific hobby.
My advice? Start with one. Get familiar with the dashboard. Learn how to create “deep links” (links that go to a specific product). Once you make your first $50, you’ll have the confidence to expand.
Wrapping Up
There is a certain thrill to getting that first “Sale Confirmed” notification. It’s about more than the cash—it’s the proof that someone out there actually trusted your recommendation. That’s a powerful feeling.
I’d love to hear which of these you’re leaning toward starting with. Or, if you’ve had a nightmare experience with a specific network’s dashboard, let me know in the comments.
If you found this helpful, feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for more tips on navigating the affiliate world without spending a fortune.
Sources
- www.hostinger.com/tutorials/best-affiliate-networks
- www.getresponse.com/blog/affiliate-marketing-with-no-money
- www.printify.com/blog/best-affiliate-marketing-programs-for-beginners/
- www.uppromote.com/affiliate-programs/without-website/
- www.flowlu.com/blog/finances/best-affiliate-programs/
Hello folk,
I’m here to provide you with tips, tricks, and guidance on how to join affiliate programs and monetize your sites or social media accounts. On the right of the site, you can find a list of categories. Just click on those that interest you and see the affiliate programs available. Join those that fit with your writing expertise and your target audience. If you like my posts, please give me a like here:
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