Shopify is an innovative e-commerce platform that empowers individuals and businesses alike to open online stores. Through their Affiliate Program, marketers, influencers, and content creators can earn commissions by promoting Shopify and making sales for commission. Here is everything you need to know about the Shopify affiliate program.
What is the Shopify Affiliate Program?
The Shopify Affiliate Program is an innovative way for individuals and businesses to make extra income by referring customers to Shopify. When you join, you will receive an affiliate link that tracks visitors referred by you; should any sign up for paid plans with Shopify after following that link, you will earn a commission payment from them!
Pros and Cons of Joining the Shopify Affiliate Program
Pros:
- One of the higher-earning affiliate programs available.
- Utilizes Impact, a highly effective and user-friendly affiliate network.
- Access to an affiliate manager for support issues.
- Easy communication with representatives.
- Great recurring commission potential.
Cons:
- Cookie duration is standard at 30 days, which could be longer.
Shopify Affiliate Program: Commission and Cookie Duration
Affiliates receive a 20% recurring commission from merchants’ monthly subscription fees on Basic Shopify and Shopify plans. They also earn a 20% recurring commission on the monthly base platform fee for Shopify Plus merchants referred by them. Additionally, Shopify provides a 30-day cookie period.
How to Join the Shopify Affiliate Program?
Joining the Shopify Affiliate Program is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
- Visit the Shopify Affiliate Program Page.
- Click on the ‘Apply now’ button to access the application form.
- Provide accurate information about yourself and your promotional strategies. This includes details about your website, audience, and how you plan to market Shopify.
- After submitting your application, you must wait for the Shopify team to review it. Approval times can vary, so be patient.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an email with login details for your affiliate dashboard. This is where you’ll find your unique referral link and promotional materials.
Finding the right audience for your affiliate marketing efforts
To promote the Shopify Affiliate Program well, you must find and focus on the right people. Your affiliate marketing will work best if you reach people who want to start an online store or those with a business that could use Shopify’s tools.
Start by doing market research. Look for places online where business owners and entrepreneurs meet, like forums and social media groups. Join these communities and share helpful tips and advice about e-commerce and online businesses. This will build your reputation and make you known as an expert.
Also, use keyword research tools to find what people are searching for related to e-commerce, online stores, and making websites. Create content with these keywords to improve your search engine rankings and draw in the right people.
Think about working with influencers or bloggers who discuss e-commerce or business online. Partnering with them can help you reach more people and get your affiliate promotions seen by more potential customers.
Remember, it’s better to have a smaller group of people who are really interested in Shopify than a big group who isn’t interested at all.
Strategies to promote the Shopify Affiliate Program
Now you know more about the Shopify Affiliate Program and how to spot your ideal audience. Let’s look at some smart ways to promote the program and get more affiliate money.
Content Marketing
Content marketing is a strong tool for pushing the Shopify Affiliate Program. Make valuable, informative content to draw in and keep your target audience while adding your affiliate links.
Think of topics that matter to your audience’s needs. You could write blog posts or make videos on starting an online store, picking the best e-commerce platform, or tips for a successful online business. Suggest Shopify as a solution and share your affiliate link.
Use keyword research and add those keywords to your content to make it search-engine friendly. This will make you more visible in search results and bring more people to your site or blog.
Also, try guest posting on other sites or working with creators in your niche. This helps you reach new people and find more potential customers.
Social Media Marketing
Social media offers many opportunities to promote the Shopify Affiliate Program. Find out where your audience hangs out online. It could be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or TikTok.
Make posts that catch the eye and show why Shopify is great for an online store. Use striking images, good captions, and hashtags to get seen more. Always add your affiliate link in your posts or bio.
You might also pay for ads on social media to reach even more people. Tools like Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and LinkedIn Ads let you target specific groups so the right people see your promotions.
Talk to your audience by answering comments, messages, and mentions. A good relationship with your followers makes them more likely to use your affiliate links and share your content.
Email Marketing
Email marketing works well for promoting the Shopify Affiliate Program, too. Build an email list of people interested in e-commerce or online businesses and send them special offers and suggestions.
Create something like an ebook, checklist, or unique content as a lead magnet. Give this away to get email addresses and grow your list.
With your subscriber list, set up automated emails that provide helpful content and suggest Shopify. Include your affiliate link in these emails to make it easy for subscribers to sign up for Shopify. Use strong calls to action and personal messages to boost conversions.
Consider splitting your email list based on what subscribers like or how much they interact. This will allow you to send more focused promotions and improve your chances of making sales.
4 Shopify Affiliate Program Alternatives
Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is one of the most popular affiliate marketing programs in the world. Affiliates can earn up to 10% in commissions by promoting Amazon products on their websites or social media platforms.
- Commission Rates: Up to 10% on eligible purchases.
- Cookie Duration: 24 hours for direct clicks; 90 days if the customer adds a product to their cart.
- Product Range: Extensive range across multiple categories, including electronics, apparel, and home goods.
eBay Program
Through the eBay Partner Network, affiliates can promote eBay listings and earn a percentage of the revenue from both the sale price and the auction fees.
- Commission Rates: Varies depending on the category of the item sold, generally ranging from 1% to 4%.
- Cookie Duration: 24 hours for “Buy It Now” items; 10 days for auction items.
- Product Range: Diverse, including collectibles, electronics, fashion, and more.
Etsy Program
The Etsy Affiliate Program is designed for those who want to earn commissions by promoting unique and creative goods sold on Etsy’s platform.
- Commission Rates: 4% for every sale.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days from the user’s click.
- Product Range: Handmade or vintage items, art, and craft supplies.
BigCommerce Program
The BigCommerce Program offers generous rewards for referring customers to its e-commerce solution, which is designed for businesses of all sizes.
- Commission Rates: 200% of the client’s first monthly payment or $1,500 per company customer.
- Cookie Duration: 90 days following the initial click-through.
- Product Range: E-commerce platform services tailored to merchants looking to scale their business online.
Final Thoughts
The Shopify Affiliate Program presents an attractive opportunity for those seeking to monetize their online presence. With strong brand recognition, competitive commission rates, and comprehensive support systems, affiliates have everything they need to succeed with this opportunity. If e-commerce is your passion and helping others succeed online is your passion, too, the Shopify Affiliate Program could be a perfect fit.
To find other affiliate programs and boost your earnings, take a look at our technology affiliate programs section for new opportunities. Finally, don’t forget to follow us on social media to receive the best and latest affiliate program:
