Best Affiliate Marketing Applications for 2025

Marketing Feb 7, 2025

The affiliate marketing industry has been on a steady growth path in recent years. Today's value of this business model is estimated to be $8.3 billion.

The concept of affiliate marketing is simple as it relies on either existing or new website traffic. Basically, you partner your platform, application, blog, or content with a high-paying marketing program that rewards you each time a customer purchases on the brand’s website due to your advertising efforts.

Many online businesses align their marketing campaign through an affiliate program to help increase their ROI. It is a win-win scenario where both the involved parties benefit through collaboration with each other. But with so many softwares and companies out there, how does one make the right choice for their content or business? So to help our beloved readers we have compiled a list of the top affiliate programs they can join to earn more from their existing customer base.

How to choose software with an affiliate marketing program

So there is a common misconception that all affiliate marketing programs are created equal. However, many of them differ from each other based on commission, payout method, support provided, transparency, etc.

If you are new to this business, then it would be better for you to join networks like SpreadSimple, Shopify, or Amazon Associates, as they are industry leaders who have been in the market for a long time. They can help startups find business partners for collaboration easily. Before jumping into the types of softwares for affiliate marketing and what are their benefits, let us look at the key features to consider when making the right choice for your enterprise.

Key features to consider

When evaluating any affiliate marketing applications, it is prudent to consider the following factors.

Ease of setup. First and foremost, people assume that payout should be the first feature to look into when considering an affiliate program. But they would be wrong.

It is the ease of usability and setup that needs to be looked at first. If a system is so complicated that there is a requirement for an IT professional, then it is best to not consider it. The smaller businesses that are new to this model should remember that simplicity is key. Look into the integrations they offer, such as payment providers, helpful video guides, and customer support. Also, read up on existing client reviews to know about the software.

Financial terms. The second factor to look into is the commission or percentage that affiliates earn for each successful referral. The main reason anyone joins a program like this is to get money.

Also, check out and read about the different payment methods provided by the program, for instance, is it direct deposit, PayPal, Stripe, etc. Lastly, the minimum payout amount needed before a cashing out (typically ranges from $25 to $200) and the cookie duration. This is the time for which the user’s browser tracks each affiliate’s referrals which tend to be between one to 180 days.

Onboarding and communicating with affiliates. This is a crucial component as onboarding new affiliates should be a seamless and intuitive process. Think and consider things like navigating the signup system, educational resources provided for new affiliates, automated emails for guiding through the sign-in, and free trials.

The next part is how the communication is between the affiliate and brand since this is a big part of the success. Does the support help transparently and quickly when needed, are there regular updates to the affiliates on the performance, and in-app messaging, and are the program details and changes communicated instantly? Make sure to consider all of the above before selecting an affiliate program.

Integrations. No applications run in isolation, so make sure the affiliate software offers smooth integrations with other useful systems, preferably without coding. Some of the things to look into are email marketing tools, payment getaways, CRM, etc. For example, take SpreadSimple which provides easy integration with PayPal for all your payment needs without typing a single line of code.

Data security. Last but not least, the affiliate software should prioritize data security. It should comply with global security standards and regulations to make sure that the business information and personal data of the affiliates are both protected. Look for features such as data encryption, secure storage, and two-factor authentication.

Consider your audience’s interests

Now that you have selected a few high-paying paying easy-to-use affiliate softwares, it is time to design the content of your website to start drawing the four-figure commissions you are expecting. To craft targeted content that appeals to your audiences, follow the instructions below.

Focus on your audience’s pain points. what this means is to look into the interests and needs of your target audience. Find out what they are like to read, address their issues, and create content that offers solutions specific to their problem.

Move them through the sales funnel. Once a business has managed to grab the attention of the potential customer, they should not directly shove affiliate links into every nook and cranny of their website. Instead, make the visitor move through the sales funnel carefully and guide them from one webpage to the next using internal links. Once they have enough information, they will convert to consumers.

For instance, if you have signed up for an affiliate program, we suggest you write an article or blog titled How online businesses can open new revenue streams for startups. In this blog post, there will be internal links to something like A detailed guide to launch your new e-commerce store. This guide will then link to one more blog post as the Top 10 platforms for marketing your products. On the final lines of these web pages, you can place your affiliate links.

Keep a lookout for special offers, discounts, and new product launches. Make sure you get a regular update about any offer and new product launches from your affiliate program, as these are very enticing to your target audience and a great way to push for higher conversions.

Importance of customer support and pricing.

The main reason to join any affiliate marketing plan is to earn money. If the affiliate keeps brands happy by promoting and selling their products, they will retain them in their program, which translates to accurate timely payouts with transparent data. To make sure everything runs smoothly, there needs to be reliable softwares to back your business.

For example, there are various payment options such as bank trader, PayPal, gift cards, Stripe, and even cryptocurrencies. Clear reporting to track earnings is crucial, and automated payment processes ensure timely payouts. So make sure your software can scale with your business. Another aspect to look out for is hidden fees while choosing your SaaS application. Some companies start with lower upfront costs and quickly charge high transaction fees which can hurt the business in the long run.

Lastly, before selecting a suitable application to collaborate with, make sure they provide multiple channels of support like email, live chatbots, or phone connection. Whether you are an experienced affiliate marketer or new to this program, there will be a time when you will need help with an issue or have some questions. During these moments, a reliable support team can make all the difference. Read up on their customer reviews and focus on how swift and helpful their grievances were in the past.

Top Software for Affiliate Marketing Business

1. SpreadSimple

SpreadSimple is a powerful no-code website builder that helps its customers create feature-rich online stores using just Google Sheets. With the help of their pre-existing templates provided, you can create, customize, and automate your affiliate website in a matter of minutes. Now with the added power of AI, it is possible to do it even faster and quite efficiently. They offer lots of integrations with analytical tools such as Google and Hotjar to make your web pages SEO-friendly and rank higher on SERPS. Just add eBay, AliExpress, Amazon, or any other marketplace products to your spreadsheet and start your website with referral links for each product.

SpreadSimple also has an affiliate marketing program that pays a 30% commission for each referral with up to 12 recurring payments. You do not even need to be a member of the company to apply, but some experience with the software is helpful. They also feature a performance dashboard that lets you track your progress and earnings with full transparency.

Affiliate software details:

Commission rate – 30% for each referral and up to 12 recurring payments.
Payment limit – The minimum payout limit is $50, with no maximum limit.
Payment methods – PayPal
Cookie duration – 45 days

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2. Shopify

A well-known e-commerce platform by the name of Shopify has over a million retailers spread across 175 countries. It empowers its users to start, grow, and manage their online businesses while offering customizations to sell across various channels. They include big brand names like Netflix, Gymshark, and Polaroid.

They feature an affiliate program that brings many global content creators, influencers, and educators together. The online website you start with Shopify allows you to earn competitive commission through referrals of new merchants and the best part is that their program is free to join. They give their customers a chance to monetize their website traffic and benefit from access to lead magnets, a monthly newsletter, and curated email content. Their affiliate plan is designed to support content creation and boost conversion rates.

Their only issue is that Shopify is kind of vague on their exact commission structure which varies based on the location of the referred merchants. The good news is that there is no limit.

Affiliate software details:

Commission rate – $150 for each full-priced plan referral and every eligible POS pro referral.
Payment limit – for withdrawals a minimum balance of $10 is needed. There is an option of bi-weekly payments and all transactions are in USD, regardless of your location.
Payment method – PayPal or direct deposit to your bank account.
Cookie duration – 30 days.

3. Amazon Associates

Who hasn't heard of Amazon – the world’s largest online marketplace? They happen to have an extensive range of products that help affiliates earn a commission with their Associate program.

The way Amazon Associates works is that anyone can sign up and start earning on everything sold on the platform, which includes third-party sellers as well. Their process is very simple to execute. Once the registration is done, just open their product web page, grab the unique referral link, and start using it on your website. Once any customer uses this link and enters the cookie window, you shall earn a commission on any goods they purchase within the next 24 hours, even if it is not the initial product that brought them to the link. For instance, if a person clicks on a link for a printed t-shirt and also along with that they buy a few accessories like belts and chains. Not only will the affiliate make a commission on the t-shirt, but also on the other items in the shopping cart.

Though this sounds extremely good on paper, the catch is that some product categories pay as low as 1%. They also are notorious for strict affiliate policies, and after the first few sales, they will review your account to make sure you are compliant with their terms and conditions. If there are any discrepancies then they can also close your account.

Associate program details:

Commission rate – 1% to 20% based on different product categories. There is also a flare rate for special commission income.
Payment limit – Monthly, with a 60-day waiting cycle.
Payment method – Amazon gift certificate with a minimum $10 balance, cheque with a minimum $100 balance, and direct bank deposit.
Cookie duration – 24 hours for cart additions and then approximately 90 days until cart expiry.

4. Rakuten

Rakuten is a well-known affiliate marketing network that helps connect serious publishers with some of the biggest brand names in the world. Some of their merchants are Virgin Holidays, Best Buy, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. Their affiliate program bridges the gap between companies(like advertisers merchants and retailers) and consumers as well as rewards consumers for purchases made through their marketplace. They stand out from their competitors by offering three distinct commission structures:

Dynamic – the commission rate varies based on different categories and is customizable on factors like customer status(new or regular) and product type.
Coupon – in this the different brands set specific rules for coupon code usage including timing, product type, commission terms, and eligible affiliates.
Multitouch – high-performing affiliates receive exclusive offers for early funnel engagement as well as rewards for first-click attribution in the user’s journey.

Another great thing about Rakuten’s application is that they have added some innovative features to their platform that are good for affiliates:

Discovery tools – A matchmaking AI tool provides data-driven partnership recommendations so that affiliates can choose programs that fit their audiences.
Outstanding support – Their publisher team delivers useful insights after reviewing your accounts and provides ongoing strategy support as well as helps to connect with the right advertisers.
Commissioning Suite – This refers to the above-mentioned commission structures which make them stand apart from other programs.

Affiliate plan details:

Commission rate – Varies based on individual advertiser rates.
Payment limit – Monthly cycle. Rakuten receives the money in 30 days and pays affiliates in the following week with a $50 minimum balance for payout.
Payment method – Direct deposit, PayPal, or cheque.
Cookie duration – Varies by the advertiser.

5. Semrush

Unlike the other platforms here, Semrush is an SEO tool that assists marketers and online businesses with the help of different digital tools, such as keyword research, rank tracking, competitor analysis, and website audits. It offers its users a way to boost their website traffic, improve their SERP position, and drive more qualified leads.

It has a free affiliate program that suits agencies, paid search specialists, content creators, and publishers. The registration happens through the Impact Radius affiliate network and allows affiliates to earn commissions at every stage of Semrush’s marketing funnel – from initial product awareness to actual conversion. Their only downside is that you only earn commissions on first-time buyers.

Affiliate software details:

Commission rate – $200 for each subscription sale and $10 for every free trial.
Payment limit – based on the Impact network rules. Choose either a specific monthly payout date or get paid upon reaching a set threshold.
Payment method – Electronic funds transfer or PayPal.
Cookie duration – 120 days.

6. HubSpot

The next application on our list is an all-in-one CRM platform called HubSpot. It helps businesses grow faster and better by integrating marketing, sales, content management, and customer service. They offer an affiliate program with a 30% recurring commission rate for every net new customer referral. What makes the HubSpot affiliate plan lucrative for users is the ability to grow and earn more commission through their different tier levels. This includes the following:

HubSpot affiliate – 30% recurring commission for every new client that is referred to any of the 400 plus marketing assets. There are also some challenges for additional income.
Super Affiliate – for 100-200 signups a month, there are building opportunities along with content audits for better lead generation.
Elite affiliate – this is for affiliates who provide over 200 plus sign ups in a month. They get detailed performance reports, regular check-ins with an assigned affiliate manager, and co-branded marketing assets.

For startups and seasoned businesses looking to grow, there is a lot of potential to grow when you join the HubSpot affiliate program. Just that they do not pay out for any free trial subscription, only for new consumers.