Affiliate/Sheet

How to Join Affiliate Programs

A step-by-step guide to joining affiliate programs: what you need before you apply, where to find them, and what happens after you are accepted.

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How affiliate programs work
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What joining means

When you join affiliate programs, you sign up to promote a company's products. You get special links to share. When someone buys through your link, the company pays you a commission on qualifying purchases.

Some networks say joining is free. FlexOffers' program page says it is free to register as a publisher. impact.com's affiliate page says joining as an affiliate partner is free. ClickBank's affiliate page says you sign up for a free ClickBank account to access products.

What you need before you apply

Programs want to see what you will promote with.

Amazon's rules are one example. Amazon's Associates policies say your site must have original content and be publicly available. The Amazon Associates agreement says you must be able to enter contracts, so a minor cannot join.

Some programs have extra limits. Amazon's Associates policies say sites aimed at children are not eligible.

Before you apply, get your site or channel ready. Fill it with your own work. A page with nothing on it gives a program nothing to review.

Where to find programs

There are two main places to look.

Direct brand programs

Many brands run their own programs. You apply on the brand's own site. If you want to promote a specific product, look for an "affiliates" or "partners" link at the bottom of that company's page. See our pages on the Amazon affiliate program and the Shopify affiliate program for examples of direct programs.

Affiliate networks

A network holds many brand programs in one place. You make one account, then apply to brands inside it. Our page on affiliate marketing networks covers how they work.

Here is what a few networks say on their own pages.

  • CJ's publisher page says you can join brand programs with a single click.
  • CJ's publisher page says its Content Certification program gives instant approval from top brands.
  • impact.com's affiliate page says its marketplace lets you connect directly with top brands that match your audience.
  • Rakuten Advertising's publisher page says its Publisher Dashboard lets publishers connect with brands and grab links.
  • Awin's publisher page says creators can share affiliate links in blogs, social posts, videos and newsletters.

Networks are a good place to start when you want many programs in one account. For program ideas by niche, see affiliate programs for bloggers and creators and software affiliate programs.

The application and review process

You apply, and the program reviews your application.

Amazon's process shows the pattern. Amazon's Associates policies say you must submit an application, and Amazon will accept or reject it. The policies also say Amazon will evaluate your application and tell you if it is accepted or rejected.

If you are rejected

A rejection is not always final. Amazon's Associates policies say you can reapply if your application was rejected for unsuitable content. Then try again with more of your own work on your site.

How long it takes

Each program sets its own review time. Some networks approve fast. CJ's Content Certification program gives instant approval from top brands, its publisher page says. Others take longer. The program's own page is the place to check.

What happens after you are accepted

Once you are in, you can start placing links. There you create your affiliate links and place them in your content.

Amazon's agreement lets you place links to Amazon on your website, social media content, app, or Alexa skill. Other programs name their own allowed places. Read the terms before you share links somewhere new.

Your links are tracked. When a reader clicks, the program counts it. How long a click counts is the cookie window, and each program sets its own.

Commissions build up in your account until they are paid out. How and when the money reaches you is set by each program too. Our page on how affiliate payouts are sent explains those lines.

Rules to know once you are in

Each program has its own linking rules. Some limit where you may post links. Some ban certain claims about their products. Read the terms on the day you join, and check back now and then, because they change.

You also have a duty to your readers. When a link earns you a commission, say so. Our page on FTC affiliate disclosure requirements covers what the law asks for.

Can you join more than one program?

Yes. You can use direct programs and networks at the same time. Just keep track of each program's rules, because they differ from one to the next.

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