10 Best Affiliate Program Examples & Why They Work

Affiliate marketing is vital in digital marketing strategies, with global spending reached $15.7 billion by the end of 2024. Hence, having a read about affiliate program examples may bring you valuable insights!

Let’s delve into 10 successful stories, analyzing their business models, commission structures, and the why they succeeded

1. Amazon Associates

Amazon is a global e-commerce marketplace, offering millions of products across various niches. Its affiliate program, Amazon Associates, allows individuals and businesses to earn commissions by promoting products available on Amazon.

Amazon Associates is one of the most accessible affiliate programs, accepting affiliates worldwide. The commission structure varies by product category, with most items offering a commission rate below 5%. High-demand categories like luxury beauty and  Amazon-branded products provide higher commissions, but most general items fall within the lower range.

• Commission rates: Typically under 5%, with some categories offering higher percentages
• Cookie duration: 24 hours for direct purchases, extended to 90 days if the product is added to the cart
• Affiliate tools: Amazon provides multiple linking tools, including banners, widgets, and customized links for different platforms
• Amazon Influencer Program: A companion program designed for higher-profile content creators. It in the same way to Associate program but offer a dedicated storefront to showcase recommended products

Why it works? 

Amazon Associates remains one of the most popular affiliate programs due to several key factors:

• Trust and brand authority: Amazon has been a leading e-commerce platform for over two decades, particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan. Customers trust its services, making them more likely to complete purchases.
• Massive affiliate network: With over 1 million affiliates, Amazon provides a well-established system for tracking referrals and ensuring proper payouts. Affiliates simply focus on promoting products while Amazon handles everything else.
• Vast product selection: Affiliates can promote millions of products across various niches, allowing them to tailor their promotions to specific audiences.
• Diverse linking tools: Amazon offers linking solutions for different types of affiliates, from large media sites to independent bloggers and social media influencers.

Despite its advantages, Amazon’s commission rates are generally lower than those of specialized brands. Most products earn affiliates less than 5%, which is why many affiliates prefer to focus on high-ticket or well-known branded items. For example, in the shapewear niche, an affiliate might prioritize promoting SKIMS over generic shapewear brands on Amazon due to better commission rates and brand desirability.

The impact of Amazon’s short cookie duration

Amazon’s 24-hour cookie duration is one of the biggest challenges for affiliates. This means that if a customer doesn’t purchase within a day of clicking the affiliate link, the sale won’t be credited to the affiliate. However, if the customer adds an item to their cart, the cookie extends to 90 days.

Because of this short window, Amazon affiliates need to drive highly effective and immediate conversions. Strategies like seasonal promotions, urgency-driven copywriting, and high-intent traffic sources (e.g., product review blogs and YouTube reviews) are crucial for maximizing earnings.

2. Skillshare Affiliate Program

Skillshare is an online learning platform that provides thousands of courses across creative fields like design, photography, writing, and business. Unlike marketplaces such as Udemy, which allow students to purchase individual courses, Skillshare operates on a subscription-based model, giving members unlimited access to all courses.

Skillshare’s affiliate program offers commissions for both free trial signups and paid subscriptions. Affiliates earn when users sign up for a free trial, and they receive a commission when those users convert into paying members.

• Ways to earn: Affiliates get paid for both free trial signups and paid memberships
• Cookie duration: 30 days, meaning affiliates earn a commission on purchases made up to a month after a user clicks their link
• Affiliate tools: Access to exclusive monthly offers and the ability to promote any course from the Skillshare catalog.

Why it works?

Skillshare’s affiliate program is appealing for several reasons:

• Multiple earning opportunities: Affiliates can earn commissions from both free trial signups and paid subscriptions, increasing the chances of conversion.
• Long cookie duration: The 30-day cookie life is generous compared to many other affiliate programs, giving affiliates more time to earn commissions.
• Flexible promotion strategy: Affiliates can promote any course on Skillshare, allowing them to tailor recommendations to their audience’s interests.
• Exclusive offers: Skillshare provides affiliates with monthly rotating promotions to help boost engagement and conversions.

Unlike many subscription-based affiliate programs, Skillshare does not offer recurring commissions. This means affiliates only earn once per referral, even if the customer continues their membership for months or years.

In contrast, recurring commission models are gaining popularity because they allow affiliates to continuously monetize their audience. For example, a graphic designer promoting a design software like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud can keep their audience engaged by regularly sharing new design techniques, ensuring ongoing commissions. However, with Skillshare, affiliates are incentivized to drive new signups rather than retain existing users.

What to learn in Skillshare affiliate program example

Skillshare’s affiliate program is straightforward. Its commission structure is simple and every products are commissionable.

• No product restrictions: Affiliates promote Skillshare’s entire membership rather than individual courses.
• One core product, broad appeal: Unlike Udemy, where affiliates promote specific courses, Skillshare affiliates market the entire platform as an all-in-one learning resource.
• Higher conversion potential: The variety of available courses acts as a strong selling point, making it easier to convince users to subscribe.

While Udemy’s affiliate program offers more targeted promotions (allowing affiliates to focus on niche audiences interested in specific courses), Skillshare’s simplicity and flexibility make it attractive for content creators looking for a broad, easy-to-market affiliate program.

3. Airbnb Associates Program

Airbnb operates as a peer-to-peer lodging marketplace, connecting travelers with unique accommodations worldwide. To expand its reach, the Airbnb Associates Program was launched in 2015, peaked in 2017, and was ultimately discontinued in 2021.

Airbnb affiliate program had a structured affiliate system, requiring potential partners to meet strict eligibility criteria. Unlike traditional affiliate programs that accept almost anyone, Airbnb targeted high-quality affiliates who could genuinely drive valuable traffic.

• Strict eligibility requirements: Affiliates needed to demonstrate passion, relevance, versatility, creativity, and an audience with high intent to book stays (minimum 1 million monthly visits).
• Affiliate questionnaire: Airbnb further screened applicants to ensure they aligned with the brand’s goals.
• Dual affiliate model: Affiliates could earn commissions by referring both hosts (people listing their properties) and guests (people booking stays).
• Extensive inventory: Access to promote over 4 million Airbnb listings across 191 countries.

Why it works

Airbnb’s affiliate program was effective for several reasons:

• Clear affiliate standards: By setting strict requirements and vetting applicants carefully, Airbnb ensured a mutually beneficial relationship with its affiliates.
• Targeted messaging: The program allowed affiliates to promote either hosting or booking, tailoring content to the right audience.
• Strong product-market fit: With a global inventory of unique accommodations, affiliates had a vast selection of properties to promote.

Why Airbnb ended its affiliate program

Despite its success, Airbnb discontinued its affiliate program in 2021, and several factors contributed to this decision:

• Brand maturity & market saturation: By 2021, Airbnb was already a household name. Affiliate programs work best when there’s a large untapped audience, but as Airbnb matured, affiliates likely found it harder to bring in new customers rather than just recycling existing ones – which didn’t offer much value to Airbnb.
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: The travel industry was hit hard in 2020, forcing Airbnb to cut costs and focus on core business operations, including suspending the affiliate program.
• Shift to influencer marketing: Starting in 2022, Airbnb ramped up influencer marketing efforts on TikTok and Instagram, highlighting unique stays such as treehouses, tiny homes, and luxury getaways. This allowed Airbnb to reach new audiences through storytelling-driven content rather than relying on traditional affiliate marketing.

The pivot from affiliate marketing to influencer marketing

Airbnb’s move from an affiliate-driven model to an influencer-focused strategy reflects a broader shift in marketing trends:

• No more affiliate links or discount codes: Unlike eCommerce brands, Airbnb influencers don’t earn commissions. Instead, they receive fixed payments for content creation.
• Storytelling over direct promotion: Rather than simply driving bookings, influencer content focuses on inspiring travel and building trust.
• Brand presence over conversions: Airbnb’s goal is to maintain a strong online presence, positioning itself as the go-to platform for unique stays.

This case study highlights how marketing strategies must evolve with business growth. Airbnb’s early-stage success relied on affiliates to expand brand awareness, but as the platform matured, influencer marketing became a more effective tool for engagement and storytelling.

4. ActiveCampaign Affiliate Program

ActiveCampaign is a leading email marketing and automation platform designed for businesses looking to improve customer engagement. As a B2B SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) company, its primary revenue stream comes from recurring subscriptions, making its affiliate program particularly attractive.

ActiveCampaign’s affiliate program is built around high-value, recurring commissions, making it one of the more lucrative options in the SaaS industry.

• 20%-30% tiered commission structure: Affiliates start at 20% recurring commission but can increase to 30% based on performance. Affiliates earn commissions on both new sign-ups and renewals, meaning they continue making money as long as the referred customer stays subscribed.
• 90-day cookie duration: This is significantly longer than many other programs, giving affiliates a better chance to earn commissions.
• High earning potential: The average affiliate earns $1,350 per referral, thanks to ActiveCampaign’s high-value customer base.
• Exclusive affiliate community: Affiliates get access to a private network where they can learn from other partners and get direct support from ActiveCampaign.

Why it works

ActiveCampaign’s affiliate program stands out because of its high commission rates, long cookie duration, and ongoing revenue model:

• Recurring commissions ensure long-term earnings: Since affiliates continue earning as long as their referrals stay subscribed, they are incentivized to bring in high-quality leads who will remain customers for months or even years.
• Above-average commission rates for SaaS: Many B2B SaaS affiliate programs offer commissions between 15% and 30%, so ActiveCampaign’s 20%-30% structure puts it at the higher end.
• Strong support system: The affiliate community and resources help partners succeed by sharing best practices and providing guidance.

What to learn from ActiveCampaign’s affiliate program example: High commissions attract more affiliates

ActiveCampaign’s 20%-30% recurring commission model is a key reason why it attracts so many affiliates. In the B2B SaaS industry, customer acquisition costs are high, so companies are willing to invest more in affiliate commissions to get valuable long-term customers.

However, not all industries can afford such high commission rates. For example, B2B SaaS companies (like ActiveCampaign) can justify high commission rates because customers often stay subscribed for years, ensuring long-term revenue. eCommerce or home products brands, on the other hand, usually have lower profit margins and one-time purchases, making such high commission structures unsustainable.

Combining high rewards with strong affiliate support

ActiveCampaign’s success isn’t just about high commissions, it also provides a strong affiliate community and support system. Affiliates don’t just get paid; they get access to resources, best practices, and networking opportunities.

By fostering a collaborative environment, ActiveCampaign ensures affiliates stay motivated and engaged, ultimately leading to higher-quality referrals.

This program proves that a well-structured affiliate model isn’t just about commissions—it’s also about support, education, and community-building.

5. Audible Affiliate Program

Audible, an Amazon-owned audiobook platform, operates on a subscription-based model, offering users access to a vast library of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive content. Like Amazon Associates, the Audible affiliate program rewards affiliates for driving new sign-ups, primarily through free trial promotions.

Audible’s affiliate program focuses on lead generation rather than direct sales. Instead of earning commissions on audiobook purchases, most affiliates generate income through free trial sign-ups.

• $5 commission per free trial sign-up: Each user who signs up for a 30-day free trial through an affiliate link earns the affiliate $5, even if they don’t continue with a paid subscription. Additional $10 commission for Gold membership upgrades: If a trial user upgrades to an Audible Gold Membership, the affiliate receives an extra $10.
• Commission focus: Free trials > Audiobook purchases: Since most earnings come from free trial sign-ups, affiliates prioritize driving traffic and sign-ups over nurturing long-term customers.

Why it works

Audible’s affiliate program is highly effective because:

• It follows Amazon’s proven model: Just like Amazon Associates, Audible provides trust, credibility, and an extensive content catalog, making it easy for affiliates to promote.
• Low friction for conversions: Users don’t need to make a purchase—they only need to sign up for a free trial, lowering the barrier for conversion.
• Recurring revenue potential: Even though affiliates earn primarily from free trials, a percentage of users will convert to paid subscribers, generating additional commissions.

The fact that Amazon has kept the same commission structure for years suggests that this lead-generation approach is effective and sustainable.

The rise of free trial-based affiliate programs

Many audiobook platforms have adopted a commission-based model centered around free trials. Examples include:

• Audible, Scribd, Audiobooks.com → Affiliates earn commissions when users sign up for a free trial, without requiring a purchase.
• Blinkist (subscription-based model) → Commissions are earned when users register and start a free Premium trial.

While this model is attractive for affiliates, it is vulnerable to abuse. Some tricksters attempt to exploit loopholes by: Creating multiple fake accounts using junk email addresses

Self-referring to generate commissions through fraudulent sign-ups. To prevent this, audiobook platforms must implement user verification measures similar to Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, ensuring that real users are signing up.

Audible’s free trial affiliate model demonstrates how low-barrier incentives can drive high conversions. However, companies using this approach must also invest in anti-fraud measures to prevent misuse.

This highlights an important takeaway: while free trial commissions can attract affiliates and increase sign-ups, businesses must balance incentives with security measures to maintain program integrity.

6. Shopify Affiliate Program

Shopify operates on a subscription-based SaaS model, providing businesses with an all-in-one platform for eCommerce. Its affiliate program offers commissions for referrals to both Shopify plans and Shopify POS (Point of Sale) solutions, making it attractive for affiliates in various niches.

Affiliates can earn through two main pathways:

• Shopify Plan Referrals: Affiliates earn commissions when users sign up for a Shopify subscription.
• Shopify POS Referrals: Affiliates can also promote Shopify’s point-of-sale solutions, ideal for businesses with physical stores.

Shopify offers generous commissions, which are among the highest in the eCommerce platform space. Affiliates earn a percentage of subscription revenue as long as the referred user remains a paying Shopify customer.

Shopify is used by millions of businesses worldwide, allowing affiliates to promote the platform across different markets. The program is open to content creators, bloggers, educators, and industry professionals, making it accessible to a wide range of affiliates.

Why it works

One of Shopify’s biggest strengths is its extensive ecosystem, which creates multiple earning opportunities for affiliates:

App developers as affiliates: developers can become affiliates themselves, promoting their own Shopify apps while indirectly driving new Shopify sign-ups.

Apps with their own affiliate programs: Many Shopify apps run separate affiliate programs. When affiliates promote these apps, they also introduce users to Shopify—even if Shopify isn’t their main focus.

This results in a loop of earning opportunities: 

• An affiliate promotes a Shopify app.
• A user signs up for the app and Shopify as a byproduct.
• The affiliate earns commissions for both the app and Shopify.

By leveraging this self-sustaining ecosystem, Shopify continuously benefits from affiliate-driven sign-ups, whether directly or indirectly.

Side discussion: Other platforms with ecosystem-driven affiliate models

Shopify’s affiliate strategy mirrors other large-scale platforms that leverage ecosystem-based affiliate earnings:

• WordPress & Plugin/Theme Developers: Many plugin and theme creators have their affiliate programs, and each sale indirectly promotes WordPress as the core platform.
• Salesforce & AppExchange: Products like DocuSign and Conga, which integrate with Salesforce, often have affiliate programs of their own. Affiliates promoting these apps are also introducing users to Salesforce.

However, this model requires a massive system with strong integrations. Shopify’s ability to sustain this competitive advantage makes its affiliate program one of the most lucrative in the industry.

Shopify’s success shows how an affiliate program can thrive by creating multiple earning layers. If a company has an ecosystem of third-party apps or plugins, it can extend its affiliate opportunities beyond direct product sales—turning partnerships into a self-sustaining revenue loop.

7. HubSpot Affiliate Program

HubSpot operates on a freemium SaaS model, offering businesses free CRM tools with the option to upgrade to paid plans across its product suite, including Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, and CMS Hub. This model enables affiliates to promote a low-friction, high-retention product, which can later lead to upsells, benefiting both affiliates and HubSpot.

Affiliates can choose between two commission structures:

• Recurring model: Earn 15% recurring commission for up to one year from referred customers.
• One-time model: Earn 100% of the first month’s revenue from the referred customer.

Affiliates can promote any HubSpot product, allowing them to target businesses at different growth stages. Even if an affiliate refers users to HubSpot’s free CRM, they can still earn commissions on future upgrades and additional service purchases.

Why it works

HubSpot appeals to businesses of all sizes, from startups using the free CRM to enterprises investing in premium tools. Once businesses start using HubSpot, they often expand their usage over time, increasing the lifetime value of each referred user.

Affiliates don’t just earn from initial sign-ups, they continue earning if customers upgrade, making it a long-term revenue stream.

HubSpot Affiliate Program is easy to entry, hence it got high retention. Unlike some SaaS affiliate programs that offer high upfront commissions, HubSpot focuses on customer retention and long-term earnings:

• Mid-tier commission rates: HubSpot’s 15% recurring commission is not the highest in SaaS, but the longer retention period makes it a profitable choice for affiliates.
• Low barrier to entry: Since HubSpot’s core CRM is free, it’s easy for affiliates to drive sign-ups. Users can start at no cost and eventually upgrade, providing passive earning potential for affiliates.
• Ecosystem-driven earning potential: Affiliates who bring in free users can still earn commissions when those users purchase add-ons or premium plans later.

What to learn: Focus on retention over high commissions

HubSpot’s approach highlights a key affiliate marketing lesson:

• A lower commission rate can still be highly lucrative if the customer retention rate is strong. Affiliates benefit not just from immediate purchases, but also from ongoing user engagement and upsells.
• Programs with a low entry barrier (like free CRM tools) create smoother conversions, allowing affiliates to earn over time rather than relying solely on high-ticket sales.

This model proves that sustainability in affiliate marketing doesn’t always require the highest commission, sometimes, retention is the real key to success.

8. Temu Affiliate Program

Temu operates on a marketplace model, connecting global manufacturers (mostly from China) with consumers worldwide. It follows an aggressive pricing strategy, offering low-cost products with frequent discounts, which makes it highly attractive for price-sensitive shoppers.

Temu’s affiliate program is structured similarly to other eCommerce marketplaces, rewarding affiliates for driving new customers to the platform.

• Commission rates: Affiliates earn up to 20% commission on referred sales. The exact rate varies depending on the product category. Higher commissions for referring first-time buyers, incentivizing affiliates to focus on new customer acquisition.
• Affiliate tools: Includes deep linking, banner ads, and tracking tools to help affiliates optimize conversions.
• Payment options: Offers multiple payout methods, including bank transfers and digital wallets.

Why it works

A 20% commission is relatively high for a marketplace, especially compared to Amazon’s average 3-5% rate. The platform’s ultra-low prices and discounts create a high-conversion environment, making it easier for affiliates to generate sales. While primarily focused on Western markets (US, Canada, EU), Temu is expanding, offering international affiliates more earning potential.

Temu heavily relies on social media virality, encouraging affiliates and influencers to promote flash deals, trending items, and referral bonuses. 

A controversial but effective strategy

Temu’s affiliate program is often considered highly pragmatic. The company has been known to use multi-level marketing tactics, which, while legally permissible, can be seen as aggressive in customer acquisition strategies.

 However, the core success of Temu does not stem from its affiliate program alone, but rather from:

• Low price: Temu offer under-mid priced products, making products accessible to a wide audience.
• Perfect timing: Temu entered the market post-COVID, capitalizing on changed consumer behaviors and economic uncertainty, which made budget shopping more appealing.

Despite concerns, Temu’s affiliate program remains successful because it aligns with the broader appeal of the platform itself.

Challenges to note

• Lower average order value (AOV): Since Temu focuses on cheap products, affiliate’s commissions may be smaller compared to premium brands.
• Brand trust issues: While Temu is growing fast, it still faces skepticism regarding product quality, shipping times, and returns. This might affect an affiliate’s ability to convert more skeptical audiences.
• Sustainability concerns: Temu’s deep discount model raises questions about long-term sustainability, meaning affiliates should diversify their efforts beyond just Temu.

Temu’s affiliate program demonstrates that high commission rates aren’t the only factor: a platform with low prices and high conversion rates can be just as lucrative for affiliates.

Moreover, social media-driven promotions (TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook groups) play a huge role in Temu’s success, showing that affiliates should leverage viral marketing strategies.

Timing matters – Temu’s rapid growth was partly due to favorable market conditions post-COVID, proving that success in affiliate marketing also depends on external factors beyond just program structure.

9. Fiverr Affiliate Program

Fiverr is an online freelancer marketplace, offering services in categories such as graphic design, digital marketing, writing, programming, and business consulting. Unlike product-based marketplaces, Fiverr focuses on service-based transactions, making it unique compared to other affiliate programs.

The Fiverr affiliate program allows partners to earn commissions by referring new buyers to the platform. Affiliates promote Fiverr services and earn commissions when users sign up and purchase gigs.

Fiverr’s affiliate program offers multiple commission structures, giving affiliates flexibility in how they earn:

• Fiverr CPA Plan: Earn up to $150 per first-time purchase, depending on the service category.
• Fiverr Hybrid Plan: Earn $10 CPA for the first purchase + 10% revenue share for the next 12 months.
• Fiverr Business & Pro Plans: Higher commissions for referring business clients who sign up for Fiverr Business or Fiverr Pro.
• Fiverr Learn & AND.CO: Commissions for referrals to Fiverr’s educational platform (Fiverr Learn) and business management tool (AND.CO)

Why it works

Affiliates can choose between a one-time payout (CPA) or a recurring revenue share model. With thousands of gigs in multiple niches, affiliates can tailor promotions to their audience’s needs.

Fiverr serves a worldwide market, allowing affiliates from any region to participate. Unlike eCommerce affiliate programs that require a significant order value to generate meaningful commissions, Fiverr pays affiliates even for small gig purchases.

Fiverr was one of the first major freelance platforms to apply affiliate marketing to the gig economy, making it a pioneer in the industry. Here are a few key reasons why it stands out:

• Flexible linking options: Unlike eCommerce affiliate programs that link to specific products, Fiverr affiliate links do not have to direct users to a specific freelancer. Instead, affiliates can send traffic to Fiverr’s general marketplace, letting customers explore and choose freelancers themselves. This removes friction in the conversion process, leading to higher success rates.
• Targeted freelancer promotions: While affiliates can use general Fiverr links, they also have the option to link directly to specific freelancers. This allows for A/B testing, affiliates can test multiple service providers and identify which ones drive the best conversions.
• Expanding beyond freelance services: Fiverr has strategically developed additional products like Fiverr Business, Learn from Fiverr, and AND.CO, each with its own affiliate structure. This expands earning potential, allowing affiliates to promote multiple Fiverr offerings beyond just freelance gigs.

Is Fiverr Affiliate Program worth it?

Here is what affiliates need to consider before joining Fiverr Affiliate Program.

• Competitive gig pricing: Since Fiverr is known for low-cost services, some affiliates may struggle to earn significant commissions compared to high-ticket affiliate programs.
• Saturation in popular niches: Some categories (e.g., logo design, copywriting) are highly competitive, making it harder for affiliates to differentiate themselves.

Fiverr’s affiliate program demonstrates the power of giving affiliates multiple commission options. 

Flexibility is key – By offering both CPA and revenue share, Fiverr attracts a broader range of affiliates. Unlike product-based programs, Fiverr affiliates don’t rely on high cart values but rather a steady stream of small transactions.

B2B opportunities increase earnings – Promoting Fiverr Business or Fiverr Pro can result in higher-value referrals, making B2B-focused affiliates particularly successful. Fiverr’s open marketplace model enables affiliates to link broadly or specifically, giving them more control over how they drive conversions.

10. Notion Affiliate Program

Notion is a productivity and collaboration software that combines note-taking, databases, task management, and document sharing in a single workspace. Unlike many SaaS tools that focus primarily on businesses, Notion appeals to both individual users and teams through its freemium model, where users can start for free and upgrade to premium features.

Notion’s affiliate program is structured differently from traditional high-paying SaaS affiliate programs. Instead of large recurring commissions, it provides:

• $5 per referral for free sign-ups that meet specific engagement criteria.
• Workspace-based commissions – Affiliates earn commissions when businesses upgrade to paid workspaces, with payouts depending on the subscription plan and team size.

Why it works

Notion encourages affiliates to create and sell personalized templates alongside their affiliate links. This transforms affiliates into creators rather than just promoters. Instead of just advertising Notion, affiliates can demonstrate immediate practical applications (e.g., planners, project management dashboards, content calendars), which increases conversion rates.

This model aligns well with influencers, educators, and content creators who prefer to build a community rather than just drive traffic.

Challenges & things to note

• Lower commissions: Compared to high-ticket SaaS affiliate programs (e.g., HubSpot, ActiveCampaign), $5 per referral is relatively low.
• No recurring revenue: Unlike platforms like ActiveCampaign or Shopify, Notion affiliates do not benefit from long-term customer retention.
• Freemium model impact: Since many users stick with the free plan, converting them to paid subscribers can be challenging.

What to learn: Balancing high engagement with monetization

Notion’s strong product-led growth helps affiliates drive sign-ups, but the monetization model favors the company over affiliates. Key takeaways:

• Freemium SaaS tools can attract many users but may limit affiliate earnings unless there’s a strong upsell process. For long-term revenue, prioritize SaaS programs with recurring commissions or higher payouts per signup. If promoting Notion, focus on high-intent users (e.g., teams, businesses) rather than casual note-takers to improve conversions.
• Leverage Notion’s creator-friendly model: Instead of just promoting the tool, create and sell templates to maximize earnings beyond the affiliate program itself.

Key takeaways from the best affiliate programs example

The affiliate programs covered in this article highlight different strategies for success, whether through high commissions, recurring revenue, product-led growth, or ecosystem advantages. 

Some offer high commissions (ActiveCampaign, Temu), others rely on recurring revenue (HubSpot, Shopify), and some leverage strong ecosystems (Shopify, Fiverr). Affiliates should choose programs that align with their content strategy, whether it’s lead generation (Audible, Skillshare) or long-term customer retention (ActiveCampaign, HubSpot). 

Businesses, on the other hand, need to offer competitive commissions, clear value for affiliates, and sustainable growth strategies to keep their programs effective. Airbnb’s shift from affiliate marketing to influencer partnerships and Notion’s creator-driven approach highlight how adaptability is key. 

Ultimately, the best affiliate programs provide mutual benefits, ensuring both affiliates and businesses thrive.