The 7 Best Affiliate Networks for Beginners

There are a lot of affiliate networks you can choose from when getting started. Continue reading to learn about 7 of the best for new affiliate marketers.

AFFILIATE MARKETING

5/23/20252 min read

Starting your affiliate marketing journey can be overwhelming with so many affiliate programs and networks out there. This guide will introduce you to seven of the most beginner-friendly affiliate networks and show you how to sign up for them. These networks offer a wide variety of products, reliable tracking, and straightforward approval processes, making them perfect for those just getting started.

1. Amazon Associates

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • One of the most trusted and widely used e-commerce platforms.

  • Easy approval process.

  • Huge selection of products across all categories.

Commission Rate:

  • Varies by product category (typically 1% to 10%).

Cookie Duration:

  • 24 hours

How to Join:

  • Visit affiliate-program.amazon.com

  • Sign in with your Amazon account.

  • Fill in your website or content details.

  • Wait for approval (usually instant).

Tip: You must make at least three sales within 180 days to stay active.

2. ShareASale

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • Offers thousands of merchants across many niches.

  • Easy-to-use dashboard.

  • Lots of small and mid-sized brands with generous commissions.

Commission Rate:

  • Varies by merchant (often 5% to 50%).

Cookie Duration:

  • Varies (typically 30 days)

How to Join:

  • Go to shareasale.com

  • Create an affiliate account.

  • Apply to individual merchant programs within the network.

3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • Large selection of premium brands.

  • Detailed analytics and reporting.

Commission Rate:

  • Varies by advertiser.

Cookie Duration:

  • Usually 30 days

How to Join:

  • Visit cj.com

  • Sign up for an affiliate account.

  • Complete your profile.

  • Apply to join advertiser programs.

4. Rakuten Advertising

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • Works with reputable brands.

  • High-quality tracking and support.

Commission Rate:

  • Varies by brand.

Cookie Duration:

  • Usually 30 days

How to Join:

5. Impact

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • Modern interface and real-time analytics.

  • Partnerships with many popular companies.

Commission Rate:

  • Varies by partner.

Cookie Duration:

  • Usually 30-90 days

How to Join:

  • Visit impact.com

  • Create an account.

  • Search and apply to relevant brand partners.

6. ClickBank

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • Focuses on digital products (eBooks, courses, software).

  • High commission rates.

  • Easy approval, even without a website.

Commission Rate:

  • Often 50% or higher.

Cookie Duration:

  • Typically 60 days

How to Join:

  • Visit clickbank.com

  • Create an affiliate account.

  • Browse and promote products from the ClickBank marketplace.

7. FlexOffers

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

  • Access to thousands of affiliate programs.

  • Wide variety of niches.

Commission Rate:

  • Varies by merchant.

Cookie Duration:

  • Typically 30 days

How to Join:

  • Visit flexoffers.com

  • Sign up as a publisher.

  • Apply to merchant programs within the network.

Tips for Choosing the Right Network

  • Match networks to your niche and content style.

  • Check cookie duration and commission structure.

  • Start with 1–2 networks and grow from there.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right affiliate network is a key step in your affiliate marketing journey. These beginner-friendly options make it easier to find products you believe in and start earning commissions. As you gain experience, you can explore additional networks or even join direct affiliate programs from brands you love.

To learn more about Affiliate marketing, check out this FREE information video.

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