The Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners (That Actually Convert!)
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In this post we are going to go over the best affiliate programs for beginners that actually convert.
If you’ve been on my blog before you will know how much I love and talk about affiliate marketing.
But just in case you are new, I’m going to go over the best way to get started with affiliate marketing to make money online.
If you’re new to making money online in general, affiliate marketing is one of the easiest, fastest, and most beginner-friendly ways to start earning.
The trick is finding the affiliate programs that are right for you.
This doesn’t just mean the ones that either have high commission rates, have fun products or the ones you have seen other people talking about.
There is a list of things I would always recommend you look for when looking to join an affiliate program.
I would always recommend you choose programs with products you like/know, with a brand you trust, has a good commission rate, a good conversion rate, a long cookie period and has good customer service.
You can also always make sure the brand offers good marketing material but if it’s something you are keen to promote, you can work around this.
There are exceptions to the list for some of the things mentioned, but we will go over that in this post.
Choosing the wrong programs is often why many people give up before they ever see their first sale.
I’m writing this post to help change that so you can make money online with affiliate marketing!
I’ve put together a list of some of the best, highest-converting affiliate programs for beginners.
These are all programs that are easy to join, simple to promote, and proven to convert well even if you have low traffic or are just getting started!
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which programs to join that are right for you. Along with how to promote them, and how to make your first affiliate income.
Let’s get into the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners that actually convert.
What Makes an Affiliate Program “Beginner-Friendly”?
Before we get into the list of affiliate marketing programs, it’s important to understand what it is that makes a program suitable for beginners. As not all of them are – for a range of reasons.
Not all affiliate programs are created equal. So here’s what to look for when looking for a beginner friendly program:
1. Easy or No Application Process (this matters most!)
When you’re just starting out, you don’t need long approval forms or “minimum audience” requirements. (Or if they do, they are very small.)
Programs that accept beginners immediately (or within minutes) let you get started in promoting your link right away instead of waiting weeks to hear back if you have been accepted or not.
Once you are making money from a couple of the “easy” ones and as your audience grows, you can then start applying to the others that can take some time to get approved.
2. Low Payout Threshold
This is something we rarely think of until afterwards lol. But a low payout threshold is honestly so much better when you are first getting started.
If a program only pays out after $100+ or $500+ etc it can take forever to see your first payment. Especially if you get $8 per sale as an example.
A lower threshold (like around $20) helps you stay motivated and actually see results early on and get the cash a lot sooner.
3. High-demand, Popular Products
Your clicks will convert best when the products already have demand.
You shouldn’t need to “convince” people or sound too salesy. They should already want what you’re recommending! (Or at least heard of the concept of it if you are introducing something new).
Digital tools, Shopify/Online Stores, hosting, email providers, legal template bundles, and everyday items tend to convert incredibly well as people are already looking for/needing these.
4. High-Trust Brands
People buy from brands they recognise, trust and feel comfortable with.
Established companies = higher click-through rates and therefore higher conversions.
When you recommend familiar names, your audience doesn’t need convincing as they already trust the company. (Think Amazon, Sephora, Mailerlite etc).
You can focus on the benefits of the exact product or service you are promoting, as you don’t need to convince anyone of the reliability of that brand.
5. Recurring Commissions
Recurring commissions is the dream scenario lol. It works the same as when people buy a single product or service. The difference is that instead of a one off payment, you get paid every month that user stays subscribed.
This is how beginners start building their income without constantly chasing/needing new sales.
If you’re new to affiliate marketing, it really helps to understand how it all works before choosing programs. I’ve broken this down step-by-step in Affiliate Marketing for Beginners: How to Make Your First $1,000, and if you want a broader overview of how affiliate marketing actually makes money long-term, How To Make Money With Affiliate Marketing walks you through the full picture.
The Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners (That Actually Convert!)
Now to the actual list…
These affiliate programs are beginner friendly, easy to promote, and known for converting well. These programs are aimed more at products/services in blogging, online business, digital products, and content creation niches etc.
1. Amazon Associates
Why it converts:
Amazon is one of the easiest affiliate programs for beginners because everyone already knows, trusts, and uses it. At the very least they have heard of it!
It’s super easy to get accepted into. You just need your own website/where you will be promoting your links and they will check it.
Amazon’s huge product range means you can link to almost anything. This could be blogging tools, home office items, books, planners, décor, literally whatever your niche covers lol.
Plus with the Amazon affiliate program, when someone clicks your link, if they then bought 5 unrelated things, as long as it’s within 24hrs, you will get commission on those too! So as much as the commission percentage isn’t huge, it can add up lol.
This is often the first program people join with the variety of products on there. The only thing to note is that amazon requires you to make 3 affiliate sales within 180 days and if this doesn’t happen you have to re-apply. So it may be worth waiting until you have a few readers before applying, but you can always reapply if needed!
Beginner benefits:
Easy to get started
Amazon is one of the most accessible affiliate programs for beginners. It has a simple sign-up process and anyone with a website can join! Just remember that 3 sale minimum before applying.
A really easy way to start with physical products
Amazon lets you promote everyday items that people already buy. This makes it feel more natural than software or services when you’re just starting out.
People trust Amazon
Amazon is already familiar to most people, which can make affiliate links feel natural within your niche/content rather than disruptive or forced as it’s a site people recognise.
Good for getting comfortable with affiliate links
It’s often one of the first programs people use, simply because it’s simple to join, no audience threshold and it helps you understand how affiliate links work in real content before branching out elsewhere!
The payout threshold (as of now) is only $20 too which is amazing.
This means you only need to make $20 in comissions before seeing the money in your account!
2. Perfecting Blogging Course Affiliate Program
Why it converts:
Beginner bloggers want step-by-step guidance, and a high-quality(!!!) blogging course removes the overwhelm instantly as it walks them through the info they actually want and need.
Courses convert really well because people want results fast. This means they’re willing to invest when something feels good value, clear, simple, and beginner-friendly.
This is especially true when you’ve personally taken the course and can speak from experience as I do all the time with the blogging course I swear by lol.
To check that course out, you can find all the information here!
If you have taken a different course that you love, check if they have an affiliate program as a lot of online tools do!
Beginner benefits:
You can earn real commissions without needing thousands of views
Blogging courses often have higher payouts per sale, which means you don’t need huge traffic numbers to see good results. Even a small, engaged audience can be enough to generate commissions even early on.
Courses solve a clear problem
This means that they naturally convert as people are already looking for the information. When someone is searching for a blogging course, they’re usually stuck or looking for a recommendation. The nice thing is that if someone is looking for a course, you’re just pointing them toward a recommendation they are already looking for! Win-win.
You don’t need to be an expert
You’re just sharing tools that genuinely helped you
You’re not teaching the course yourself lol. You’re simply recommending something that helped you and your own progress. This means it’s authentic and achievable, rather than putting pressure on you to create your own course.
One review post can earn commissions for months or years
Course review posts (for high-quality courses!) tend to be good evergreen content. This means that once they’re published and getting traffic (from Google or Pinterest etc), they can continue bringing in traffic and so affiliate income, long after the initial work post was published.
People who look for courses are serious about their blog
People buy courses when they are already motivated to invest in themselves and their blog or business.
Unlike more random type purchases, course buyers are usually serious about learning and actually using the information. That mindset makes them more likely to commit and follow through if they like the sound of the one you are promoting.
Fewer clicks are needed to reach your first payout
This is because the commission per sale is higher!
This will vary course to course depending which platform they are on, but from experience for example, basically every commission I make from this course here (it sells well because I took it and love it lol) means I get the payment in real money, really quickly.
This was a big one for me when I started out. Higher commissions mean you don’t need dozens or hundreds of sales to hit a payout threshold. This can make courses especially appealing if you are newer and are still building traffic but want to see your sales turn into real money sooner lol.
As mentioned above, I have a detailed full review of this blogging course if you want to see everything it includes and why it helped me so much. If you want to see if it’s right for you, you can find that post here.
3. Shopify
Why it converts:
Shopify is so so beginner-friendly and removes all the techy/coding stress from selling products. Whether someone wants to sell digital products, physical items, or start a full shop, Shopify is the easiest way to get going.
As there’s a huge demand for ecommerce right now, Shopify tends to convert fast for creators in the money-making niche.
It’s simple to use, affordable and is a brand everyone knows and trusts. This is important as it makes for a perfect affiliate program.
The payout time is a bit longer with Shopify. This is because they offer a free trial and 3 months at just $1 a month so you get paid after this timeframe if your customer then goes straight into the paid plan.
Beginner benefits:
Anyone can set up a store in a few clicks
Shopify removes a lot of the technical faff that stops people from getting started in the first place. Because it’s genuinely easy to set up, more people follow through rather than giving up halfway, which helps conversions.
The free trial and the trial period are SO GOOD
As of now, Shopify is offering a free trial for a few days and 3 months for $1 a month. This offer means people are more keen to try it as they have so long to do so to see if it’s right for them. Having such a good initial offer makes a big difference. People feel more comfortable trying Shopify when they know they have time to try it properly before committing.
Clean, stress-free dashboard
This matters (probably more than you realise) because online tools that feel simpler tend to be easier for people to stick with. When someone clicks through and isn’t immediately overwhelmed, they’re more likely to have a go and really see if it’s right for them, instead of just closing the tab lol.
Works for both digital and physical products
Shopify isn’t limited to one type of business which is a huge plus. It works just as well for digital products such as planners or printables as it does for physical products like stationery, mugs or handmade items! This means that anyone can use Shopify, no matter what it is they want to sell.
Pinterest loves Shopify
Shopify stores are designed to help people clearly go from browsing what they want, to buying said product. This makes them a good fit for promoting to your Pinterest traffic. Instead of sending your audience to pages that aren’t built for selling things from pinterest, linking to a proper storefront creates a better experience for people coming from your pins directly.
If you want a full breakdown of how Shopify works and why I recommend it for beginners (and for everyone!!) I wrote a complete post about it here.
4. MailerLite
Why it converts:
Beginners know they need an email list, but most email platforms feel overwhelming and expensive. Often this is the case lol.
The beauty of MailerLite is that it’s simple, beginner-friendly, and has a really good free plan. This makes it the perfect starter point into email marketing for anyone who wants to utilise it.
I started with a different platform, found it confusing, went for the free plan on mailerlite, loved it from the start, still use it now, and only upgraded in my own time when I needed to!
Anything with a trustworthy brand that solves a problem and offers a free trial or free plan is always a good idea!
MailerLite is such a huge and well-respected name in the email marketing space. And people looking at email marketing platforms (even the free plans) are serious about their online business.
Beginner benefits:
Start for free
This is huge as your audience can build their email list without ANY upfront cost. No free trial, a straight up free plan for up to 500 subscribers!The free plan makes it much easier for anyone to join because there’s no worry about being locked in to any subscription cost. It allows anyone to start building their email list straight away.
Drag-and-drop everything
This was a huge factor for me when I was initially choosing an email provider. No design skills, no coding, no stress!
Everything in MailerLite is super clear and visual and drag-and-drop lol. This makes it easy to play around with and use. Emails, forms, and even full landing pages can all be set up without needing to code anything! This is reassuring for people who feel intimidated by email marketing to begin with.
Automations that don’t feel scary
Automations (the emails you set up that go out automatically) are presented in a reallly simple-to-follow set up. Things like welcome emails, freebie emails, follow-ups, and other sequences can be set up without needing to understand complicated sequences or funnels. This makes email marketing feel far more approachable!
If you want a low-key example of this, this freebie triggers a simple automated email so you can see how it works. Plus you’ll get the freebie to keep lol.
Ideal for growing an audience from day one
MailerLite works really well whether someone has zero subscribers or is starting to grow more. There is the free plan and then various other levels. It’s simple enough to start with, but then also flexible enough for people to continue using as their numbers grow, which makes it a great long-term option.
5. HostGator
Why it converts:
Every new blogger who wants their own blog needs hosting. There’s no way around it.
Choosing hosting is tricky as from the outset, a lot of them look the same. That does not mean they are all created equal.
A hosting company that is affordable, has good and reliable customer service (like 24/7 live chat), and does what you need it to is important and will save you a lot of stress down the line.
I’ve used HostGator for YEARS for multiple sites, and still use them to this day.
HostGator converts well because it’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and has amazing customer service.
When you explain it in a simple, non-intimidating way, beginners are much more likely to sign up using your link because they trust your recommendation. This is especially important if you have real experience of the product.
Beginner benefits:
Hosting is something every blogger needs
Any blogger who isn’t just a hobby blogger needs hosting. Every website needs it, regardless of niche, which is why it fits in so naturally when you’re already chatting about your site, the tools you use, or how everything’s set up. People want recommendations. If you use a quality hosting provider you enjoy such as Hostgator or any other with a good affiliate program, promote it!
Affordable pricing makes it an easy choice
One of the reasons HostGator works well is that the entry-level plans are affordable. It doesn’t feel like a huge financial purchase, which helps people feel more comfortable getting started rather than putting it off.
It fits naturally as a resource link
Hosting doesn’t need a big explanation or a dedicated blog post. If you already use it yourself (which we are assuming you do lol), it’s easy to include as a simple resource link. This could be in things like a tools and resources page or even a casual “what I use” link. Of course it could be just answering a comment question too! This way it’s truthful and helpful but without it feeling forced.
It’s a well-known, trusted option
HostGator is a familiar name when it comes to high-quality but affordable hosting. This is not only amazing for you, but it then helps remove initial hesitation from others about who to use for their own site. When your readers recognise the name something AND have your own experience/recommendation, they’re more likely to feel comfortable choosing them as their own hosting provider.
It can work even with smaller audiences
Hosting is often one of the first things people sort when they’re setting up a site, for obvious reasons. So it really doesn’t rely on needing huge traffic or overly- complicated funnels to earn commission from it. If you’re already using it and loving it and then sharing your experience, that’s all people need to know.
Of course you can promote your own hosting company if you chose one other than HostGator. Make sure you do trust and love your hosting provider, that they are a good recommendation and that they have a good affiliate program. If all is good then go for it!
I only promote HostGator personally as I have been with them for well over 10 years across multiple sites and they are still really affordable, so helpful if you ever have issues and they have done me well this far!
6. Legal Pages Bundle
Why it converts:
Legal templates are one of those things bloggers often panic about because they know they need them but have no idea where to start lol.
As a blogger you will know that you have to have all of your legal pages and up and live on your blog. We also all know that free templates are free for a reason and don’t cut it in terms of being actually covered lol.
Promoting something you already use is key.
For me I use this exact blogging bundle as it’s written by a Lawyer, specifically for bloggers. It was a one time purchase for all the page templates. The templates took 10 minutes to edit to my specific circumstances and website, and then they were live – done!
Bloggers (especially newer ones) will want a direct link to the exact legal templates/pages you use as it’s not something anyone wants to get wrong.
A done-for-you legal bundle removes all the stress instantly of knowing exactly which pages they need and exactly where to get them.
If you have the same bundle I have (I know a lot will do as it’s such good value and means you are covered in like 10 mins flat), you can of course promote that as they have a really good affiliate program too that you can join once you have the bundle yourself.
The starter bundle is perfect for newer/smaller businesses!
If you got your legal pages from a different Lawyer/source, they may have an affiliate program too. This is always worth a look as like mentioned above, things like legal pages are something people want the EXACT link to, so they don’t get it wrong!
Beginner benefits:
Every website needs them
Legal pages are something every website needs, but most beginners either don’t know where to start or where to get them. This then makes this a very natural and helpful affiliate recommendation for a bundle or pages you are already using.
Easy to include naturally
Perfect fit for blog content no matter your niche. It’s easy to include in posts like how to start a blog or if your niche isn’t blog related, it’s perfect in your “tools and resources” page, making it beginner-friendly, easy and natural to promote.
Saves time and stress
Explaining that this as a done-for-you solution (rather than figuring it out themselves) makes it feel like a relief purchase, because it is! Legal pages are not something to guess at, so having that direct link makes it easier for everyone.
Doesn’t matter your niche
New bloggers (sensibly!!) often want to “do things properly” from the start. And they need legal pages. This then makes legal page bundles especially relevant for you to promote even early on with smaller traffic levels.
7. Blog Theme
Why it converts:
A blog theme is one of those upgrades where people can instantly see the difference. A cleaner layout, better spacing, nicer fonts and suddenly the site just feels more professional. And readers pick up on that straight away!
A lot of new bloggers don’t rush into buying a theme. They’ll often start on a free one (I think we all did!) then reach a point where something just feels… not quite what they are after aesthetics wise.
It could be that their blog doesn’t look how they imagined or maybe feels cluttered, or they’re just ready for it to look and perform better. That’s usually when a theme recommendation lands at the perfect time, and is why it feels helpful, not pushy as it’s them who is looking for a new theme that they like the look of.
The fact they can see your theme live means they can literally see it in action. Seeing a theme on a real blog helps people picture their own site looking that way too. If it’s what they are looking for, it’s another win-win!
One of the other reasons that themes convert well is that they’re (usually) a one-off purchase but makes a huge difference to the whole feel of the website!
The theme I use on my blog is this one here, and I’ve loved it and used it for years now. Plus their affiliate program is great.
That said, themes are very much a personal preference so what works for one blog won’t necessarily be right for another. If you love yours and it offers a good affiliate program like my preferred theme does then you can promote that instead!
(As a quick example of what I mean by a “great” affiliate program, this theme’s affiliate program offers 70% commission lol. There is a $100 payout threshold but with 70% that can add up fast, plus it’s paid monthly!)
Beginner benefits:
Everyone needs a theme
Themes work well to promote/recommend because they’re one of those things that just makes sense to mention. Anyone who has a website has one, no matter what niche they’re in lol so it doesn’t feel weirdly specific or like you’re forcing it into content. You’re just recommending something you already use and love.
There’s also not much explaining needed.
Most people will already know what a theme is. Plus if they’re on your site reading your post, they can literally see the result and aesthetic for themselves, which makes it feel more like “oh, that’s how they got their site to look like that” rather than you trying to talk them into anything.
Affordable, one off purchase
A big reason is that themes are (usually) a one-off purchase. Some aren’t but most of the time themes are a one off payment and then free updates for life just as this one is. That means there’s no monthly payment, no ongoing commitment, it’s just a straightforward one-off decision.
It can be recommended naturally
And the best part is you can mention a theme in a really natural. It fits into any niche when you’re talking about things like your website setup, the tools/resources you use, how you run things behind the scenes, or even just when someone asks what theme you’re using because they like the look of your site.
If you’re curious about the theme I use on this blog (and have done for years now as I still love it lol) it’s this one here. Super customisable, fast and affordable with free updates!
Quick Tips for Getting Your First Affiliate Sale Fast
Promote things you actually use
Promoting products you already use, trust and love will make things so much easier. If you promote products you are unfamiliar with, people can tell. If you stick to what you know – especially initially – you will find getting your first sales so much easier.
Add links high up in your blog posts
While spamming links is never the answer, having your links obvious and visible is important. Keeping your links higher up within your blog posts will help your readers to know where to go to purchase whichever products you’re promoting.
Mention your links in multiple places
You have to be a little careful as some affiliate programs don’t allow affiliate links to be promoted in certain places. For example some don’t allow affiliate links in private Facebook groups or directly from Pinterest Pins.
Keep the rules of your chosen programs in mind, but you can share them across public platforms – with your disclaimers clearly noted.
Within blog posts is one of the most popular ways but you can also share on socials, through email marketing and even in video descriptions etc.
Keep your Tools page updated
Every blog should have a tools and resources page. While it’s not compulsory, it definitely helps your readers to find the tools and products you use and recommend. They could be interested in your blog theme, who you use for hosting, email marketing etc. Having all your top tools in one place with your affiliate links in is a win-win for everyone.
Add new content consistently
Adding new content consistently is really important as it keeps your blog/socials up to date. It also helps your current and any new readers aware that your blog and/or social accounts are still active. Most readers/viewers prefer someone active and present. This means if they have any questions, or have issues with any of the links, they know they can reach out and hopefully receive an answer.
New content also keeps your socials and/or blog in search and keeps you in the algorithm which is such an important way to be found.
Conclusion – The Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners (That Actually Convert!)
Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest and most accessible ways for beginners to start earning money online. And choosing the right programs makes all the difference.
All of the programs chosen for this list convert well because they’re well trusted names, beginner-friendly, and easy to promote (naturally) through your blog content, Pinterest, email marketing, and digital product posts etc.
Start with just a few programs, weave them into your content, and focus on being genuinely helpful. Also don’t forget to add your disclaimers! Your first commissions may well come sooner than you think. And once they do, the momentum builds quickly and you can start branching out to even more programs.
If you are looking for more information on Affiliate marketing, you can check out these posts here:
→ How To Make Money With Affiliate Marketing
→ Affiliate Marketing for Beginners: How to Make Your First $1,000
Speak soon!
Katherine
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