Choosing the right affiliate program is an important step in monetizing your content. But with so many options, where should you start? The best affiliate marketing programs are those that match the avenues or platforms where your audience spends most of their time. For example, if your audience is primarily interested in online travel, you should consider Skyscanner as one of your top affiliate marketing programs.

1. Amazon

Amazon Associates is the e-commerce giant’s affiliate program that offers commissions up to 10% on products. Their affiliate marketing network is trusted by recognizable brands, has an easy signup process, and provides a suite of tools that help affiliates boost conversions. The program is also accessible to anyone with a website or social media channels, but it’s best for content creators with a dedicated audience who are interested in the product or brand. Amazon requires that affiliates prominently display their links and doesn’t allow cloaking.

The company’s reputation is so strong that they attract a diverse group of affiliate marketers, from mid-tier Instagram influencers to major outlets like Buzzfeed and Wirecutter. They’ve also been known to offer instant approvals, which is a big win for newcomers to the industry.

2. eBay

The eBay Partner Network offers a variety of the best affiliate marketing programs that let you promote an extensive catalog of products. You can earn a commission for every sale of the product you refer to your audience, and you will receive marketing materials, tracking tools, and other resources to help you maximize earnings.

If you want to make money as an affiliate marketing specialist, consider promoting Constant Contact’s email marketing tools to your audiences. Their software-as-a-service solution helps businesses grow their email lists and drive conversions. You can also earn a recurring commission for every new customer you refer to the company, and you will get access to promotional banners and other marketing materials to help you succeed with the program.

3. Rakuten

Rakuten is a big-time affiliate network that offers cash back on all kinds of purchases. They do this by earning a commission on every purchase that you make through their links, and then passing it on to you in the form of cash back rewards. Their website has an extensive knowledge center and support staff, which is good news if you run into any problems.

However, they collect location data on every user which isn’t ideal for privacy-conscious users.

This affiliate program is best suited for bloggers, content creators, and publishers who have an audience that would benefit from an email marketing software product. ConvertKit provides a recurring 30% commission for every paying customer and webinar subscriber you refer, along with access to creative assets and reporting tools.

4. Semrush

Semrush is an all-in-one digital marketing toolset with a vast collection of features and tools for SEO, PPC, content, and competitor research. The platform also offers a number of visual reporting tools that make complex data easier to digest. Examples include the Backlink Network Graph and the Keyword Cluster Mind Map.

The tool has a steep learning curve and a high price point, but it is worth the investment for agencies and marketing teams handling multiple websites or client portfolios. In addition, the company provides a ton of free educational resources for users looking to improve their skills. Skyscanner’s affiliate program is ideal for travel content creators who want to monetize their platforms. The company pays a 30% recurring commission for 24 months for every new customer referred.

5. Amazon Associates

The Amazon Associates program is a great option for marketers looking to make money online through affiliate marketing. It’s a trusted brand that offers an expansive product selection and high conversion rates. This affiliate network also features a variety of tools and resources to help you succeed, including a Partner coach and a custom dashboard to track your progress. It’s a great option for marketers, agencies, and content creators who want to boost their revenue through affiliate marketing.

The Amazon Associates program also has a Geniuslink feature, which automatically creates one link for all products you promote in your content. It then uses the visitor’s geolocation to send them to the appropriate international Amazon store. This helps you maximize your affiliate commissions by minimizing the number of clicks required to earn a sale.

Conclusion

As the largest affiliate network out there, Awin offers millions of products and a slew of resources like banners. They also have a number of advertisers that offer instant approval, making it easier for beginners to get started. For writers, bloggers and content creators whose audience would benefit from an email marketing tool, ConvertKit is an excellent choice. Their program offers a lifetime 30% commission for every referred paid customer.