It can be tough to get approved for affiliate programs as a beginner affiliate marketer or a new blogger. Some programs are very selective about who they approve, and many require a lengthy application process.
But don’t give up! There are plenty of great affiliate programs out there, and with a little bit of effort, you can get approved for most of them.
In this post, I’ll explain the common ways most affiliate application process works and tell you what you need, and have to do to make your application stand out.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, I will receive a commission if you purchase through these links (without any additional cost to you), which helps us maintain this website.
Quick overview of how affiliate programs work
Basically, affiliate programs work like this:
You find a product or service that you want to promote. You sign up for the affiliate program and receive a unique affiliate link.
You promote the product or service using your affiliate link. If someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
It’s a pretty simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, not all products or services offer affiliate programs. And
- Second, not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some programs only pay out a small commission, while others offer a much higher rate.
- There are different types of affiliate programsSome affiliate programs only pay out a commission on the sale of products, while others also provide commissions for leads and clicks. Learn more about affiliate marketing here.
How to get approved for affiliate programs
Getting approved for affiliate programs mostly depends on the program itself.
Some programs have a very simple application process, while others require that you submit an application and wait for it to be approved and most of them have a different kind of approval process.
Then there are some, where you’ll need to be a part of the affiliate network in order to be considered for a certain affiliate program. This might require you to have a website or blog that meets certain criteria.
For example, ShareASale is an affiliate marketing network that connects merchants with affiliates.
In order to be approved as an affiliate, you’ll need to create an account and then apply to the merchant’s program.
However, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of getting approved for most affiliate programs.
Let’s have a look at the steps you should be considering taking while starting your journey.
STEP 1. Filter out your niche.
The very first thing you should consider before starting your affiliate marketing journey is choosing the right niche.
Niche selection is actually one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an affiliate marketer.
It will determine the products and services you promote, the affiliate programs you join, and the type of content you create.
When it comes to getting approved for affiliate programs, it’s important to choose a niche that gives you the highest commission and can make you the most money, at least in my opinion.
And, I think it’s also important to make sure there are plenty of affiliate programs in your niche that you can apply to.
This will give you the best chance of getting approved for at least some of them, while you’ll also be making sure there’s enough demand for the products and services you want to promote.
However, you can also go with a niche you’re passionate about. This way, it will be easier for you to create content and promote products that you’re actually interested in.
But, if you’re just starting out, I think it’s important to choose a niche that has plenty of affiliate programs, and that you can make a lot of money from.
Some examples of profitable niches that have plenty of affiliate programs are:
- Health and fitness
- Dating and relationships
- Weight loss
- Make money online
- Finance.
These are just a few examples, but there are literally hundreds of profitable niches out there that you can choose from.
And, while it’s important to choose a niche you’re interested in, I think it’s even more important to make sure there are plenty of affiliate programs available.
STEP 2. Create an audience for your niche.
After you’re done with choosing your niche, start creating content for your audience.
One of the best ways to get approved for affiliate programs is to have an engaged and loyal audience.
This way, when you do get approved for a program, you already have people who are interested in what you’re promoting.
The 4 best way to create an audience is by:
1. Creating a blog or an affiliate website.
This is probably the most common way to create an audience. In fact, most affiliate programs require you to have a website to qualify for their affiliate programs.
The other reason is blogs and websites can be very effective in gaining organic traffic for your affiliate offers and products through keyword research and attracting your audience.
And if you’re consistent with your content, you’ll start to build up targeted traffic that can bring you affiliate sales in the long term.
Some examples of bloggers who’ve done this effectively are:
- The Balance (financial niche)
- Smart Passive Income (entrepreneurship niche)
- Niche Pursuits (internet marketing niche).
These are just a few examples of bloggers in different niches who’ve been able to make a ton of affiliate income through their websites.
And, the best part is that anyone can start a blog or website. You don’t need any technical skills, and it’s actually very affordable to get started.
You can find out how much it migh cost you to start a blog in this post. And, If you’re new to a website and blog, this post can help you start a blog website.
2. Creating a YouTube channel.
Another great way to create an audience is by starting a YouTube channel. YouTube is a great platform because it allows you to share helpful and entertaining videos with your audience.
The key to making this work is to create videos that are relevant to your niche and offer value to your viewers. One great thing about YouTube is, that you don’t even have to show your face to start a channel.
The other great thing is, that you can combine your site or blog with your YouTube videos to bring in even more targeted traffic.
3. Creating Forum websites.
Another great way to build an audience is by creating your own forum website. This can be a great way to attract people in your niche who are looking for help, advice, and discussion.
And, if you’re able to build up a large and active community, you can also start charging people for membership, which can be a great way to make money apart from the affiliate sales that you will be bringing to the table.
4. Creating social Media profiles.
The last way to create an audience is through social media. This is a great way to connect with people all over the world who are interested in your niche.
The key to making your social media presence felt is by being active on the platform you’re in and sharing interesting and valuable content.
You can also use social media to build up a following and make them one of your traffic sources for your blog or website, which can help you get more targeted traffic and affiliate sales in the long run.
These are just a few examples of how you can create an audience for your niche. If you’re able to put in the work, you’ll be able to get approved for more affiliate programs and make more money.
STEP 3. Join affiliate programs
After you’ve built an audience for your content, the next step is to start applying for affiliate programs.
There are certain things to consider before and while applying. Make sure you’re aware of these things to increase your chances of getting approved for a program.
Missing out on any of these steps could result in you not getting approved for certain affiliate programs that have a strict approval process.
Considerations while applying:
1. Research the best programs for your niche
First of all, research the best affiliate marketing programs for your niche. The last thing you want to do is waste your time applying to programs that aren’t a good fit for you.
The best way to find the right programs is to look at:
- The type of product they’re selling.
- The commission they’re offering.
- The requirements they have for affiliates.
- Start with joining some Affiliate networks. (Find the best ones here)
- Ease of approval for affiliates.
2. Read the terms and conditions.
The next thing you want to do is read the terms and conditions of the affiliate programs you’re interested in.
This is important because you need to make sure you understand the requirements of the program.
Some things to look for in the terms and conditions are:
- The type of content you’re allowed to create so that you don’t have to run into troubles later.
- The countries they’re available in as some affiliate networks and programs restrain from certain countries.
- The payout terms and the channel that they use to make out the payout etc.
2. Fill out the application completely and accurately
After you’ve read the terms and conditions, the next step is to fill out the application. You want to make sure you fill out the application completely and accurately.
Some things to keep in mind when filling out the application are:
- Be honest about your website and traffic.
- Be honest about your experience.
- Make sure you include all the required information.
- Provide your details.
- Professional email.
- Provide your phone no.
3. Write a quality application.
The last step in applying for affiliate programs is to write a quality affiliate application.
Some things to keep in mind when writing your application are:
- Be clear and concise.
- Highlight your experience and skills.
- Explain why you’re a good fit for the program.
- How you will promote it.
- Add additional details if required and make sure your affiliate applications are spelling errors-free.
Note: If you’re a beginner having trouble getting approved for affiliate programs, here’s a list post I wrote earlier that has easy approvals and anyone can sign up for. Check it out here.
4. Wait to hear back from your affiliate manager.
After you’ve submitted your application, the next step is to wait to hear back from your affiliate manager. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Once you hear back from your affiliate manager, they will either approve or deny your application.
If you’re approved, you’ll be able to start promoting the products and services.
5. Follow their instructions for getting started as an affiliate
After you’ve been approved as an affiliate, the next step is to follow their instructions for getting started. And you want to make sure you’re promoting the affiliate products in the right way.
STEP 4. Start promoting the program and earning commissions!
And finally, it’s time to start promoting the program and earning commissions. This is the hardest part, it’s not at all easy to convert your audience.
The only way is to try helping your audience the right way by making sure you’re creating quality content and promoting the products in the right way.
The most common mistakes bloggers make when applying for an affiliate program.
- People get rejected for affiliate programs because they don’t have a website.
- They also get rejected for affiliate programs because their website isn’t high quality.
- Sometimes they get rejected for the lack of traffic to their website.
- People also get rejected for affiliate programs because their website doesn’t target the right audience. They create random content. And,
- Many get rejected for affiliate programs because they’re not familiar with the program’s guidelines. For example, the requirements, the demographic availability of the programs etc.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips that can help you get approved for affiliate programs and also help you become successful in your affiliate journey:
1. Have a high-quality website
This is the most important thing you can do to increase your chances of getting approved for affiliate programs. You need to have a high-quality website that is well designed and has good content.
2. Create a professional email address
Another important thing you can do is to create and apply for affiliate programs using your domain email address for example. yourname@yourdomain.com,
This will make your email look professional and also show the affiliate programs you’re applying for that you’re serious about your affiliate journey.
If you have a website with hostings like WPX and Bluehost you can easily create emails from your domain name.
3. Make sure to add the important pages to your website
Some important pages you should have on your website are an about page, contact page, affiliate disclaimer page and a privacy policy page. These pages will show the affiliate programs you’re applying for and that you’re a real person with a real website.
4. Drive traffic to your website
The next thing you need to do is drive traffic to your website. You can do this by promoting your website on social media, forums, and other websites.
5. Join relevant affiliate programs
Another thing you can do to increase your chances of getting approved for affiliate programs is to join relevant programs.
For example, if you have a blog about web hosting, you can join affiliate programs from some reputed web hosting companies and start promoting.
6. Follow the program’s guidelines
You need to make sure you follow the program’s guidelines. For example, some programs may require you to have a certain amount of traffic before they’ll approve you.
Others may require you to have a certain number of followers on social media.
7. Apply for affiliate programs only after having some audience.
It’s a waste of time to apply for affiliate programs if you don’t have an audience, as you won’t be making any sales.
So, make sure you have an audience before applying for affiliate programs.
8. Promote the products in the right way
The other important thing is to promote the products in the right way. Know what is allowed and what is not with your program. For example, most don’t allow to use of PPC.
9. Start with affiliate networks
Start applying to affiliate networks first, as they’re easier to get approved for. Once you’re approved by a network, you can start applying to individual programs.
Here’s a list of some of the best affiliate networks.
10. Join multiple affiliate programs.
Don’t just join one affiliate program and expect to make a lot of money. Join multiple programs, as this will help you diversify your income sources.
If you’re on the digital marketing niche here’s a list of some of the best affiliate programs you can sigh up for.
11. Join new affiliate programs
Lastly, try joining new affiliate programs as they’re always looking for new affiliates. This will help you get approved for more programs and also make more money.
You can go to websites like ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and Impact Radius to find new affiliate programs.
If you’re in the tech or digital marketing niche you can also go to websites like Capterra and AppSumo to find new products and join their affiliate marketing program.
Summing it up
If you want to be successful with affiliate marketing, it’s important that you take the time to build your own website.
This will show potential affiliates that you are serious about the program and can help increase your chances of being approved.
It’s also crucial that you focus on one primary niche so that you can become an expert in that area. You can always expand your niche later.
And finally, make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions of any affiliate program before applying – this way, you won’t run into any trouble down the road.
Lastly, if you have any questions about getting started in affiliate marketing? Let us know in the comments below or join our forum for more advice from experienced marketers.
