Top Affiliate Programs for Beginners in 2023

If you’re looking to make money online, affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to start. It’s beginner-friendly, requires little to no upfront investment, and can be scaled into a full-time income.
But with so many affiliate programs out there, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, I’ll break down the best affiliate programs for beginners in 2023, explain how they work, and share actionable tips to help you earn your first commission.
Plus, I’ll show you how to turn this into a profitable side hustle—or even a full-time business.
Let’s dive in!

What Are Affiliate Programs? (A Quick Overview)

Affiliate programs allow you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When someone buys through your unique referral link, you get paid.
Why is this great for beginners?
✅ No need to create your own product
✅ Low startup costs (just a website, social media, or YouTube channel)
✅ passive income potential (earn while you sleep!)
Now, let’s look at the best beginner-friendly affiliate programs in 2023.

1. Amazon Associates – Best for Beginners

Commission: 1-10% (varies by category)
Payout Threshold: $10 (via direct deposit or gift card)
Best For: Bloggers, influencers, and content creators
Amazon’s affiliate program is one of the easiest to join. Since almost everyone shops on Amazon, promoting products is straightforward.
Pros:
✔ Massive product selection (millions of items to promote)
✔ Trusted brand (high conversion rates)
✔ Beginner-friendly dashboard
Cons:
❌ Low commission rates (some categories pay only 1-3%)
❌ Short cookie duration (24 hours)
How to Monetize It:
– Write product roundups (e.g., “Best Coffee Makers Under $50”)
– Create YouTube reviews
– Share deals on social media

2. ShareASale – Best for Niche Products

Commission: Varies (5-50%)
Payout Threshold: $50
Best For: Bloggers, niche marketers
ShareASale has thousands of merchants, making it easy to find affiliate programs in any niche (fashion, tech, home goods, etc.).
Pros:
✔ Wide variety of merchants
✔ Higher commissions than Amazon
✔ Reliable payouts
Cons:
❌ Some merchants have strict approval processes
How to Monetize It:
– Promote digital products (e-books, courses)
– Write comparison posts (e.g., “Bluehost vs. SiteGround”)
– Use Pinterest to drive traffic

3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) – Best for Big Brands

Commission: Varies (5-30%)
Payout Threshold: $50-$100
Best For: Established bloggers, marketers
CJ Affiliate partners with big brands like Lowe’s, Overstock, and Priceline, offering high-ticket commissions.
Pros:
✔ Premium advertisers
✔ Recurring commissions (for subscription products)
✔ Advanced tracking tools
Cons:
❌ Some programs require approval
❌ Higher payout threshold
How to Monetize It:
– Promote travel deals (hotels, flights)
– Write “best of” lists (e.g., “Best VPN Services”)
– Run paid ads (if allowed by the merchant)

4. Rakuten Advertising – Best for Global Reach

Commission: Varies (1-20%)
Payout Threshold: $50
Best For: International marketers
Rakuten works with brands like Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s, making it great for global audiences.
Pros:
✔ High-ticket brands
✔ Multiple payout options
✔ Good for coupon/deal sites
Cons:
❌ Competitive approval process
How to Monetize It:
– Create discount/coupon content
– Run Facebook ad campaigns
– Build an email list with exclusive deals

5. ClickBank – Best for Digital Products

Commission: Up to 75%
Payout Threshold: $50
Best For: Email marketers, YouTube promoters
ClickBank specializes in digital products (e-books, courses, software), offering insane commissions (sometimes 50-75%).
Pros:
✔ High payouts
✔ Recurring commissions (for subscriptions)
✔ Beginner-friendly
Cons:
❌ Some low-quality products (do your research!)
How to Monetize It:
– Promote weight loss, make money, or self-help products
– Use YouTube reviews
– Run Facebook/Google ads

6. Shopify Affiliate Program – Best for E-Commerce

Commission: $150+ per referral
Payout Threshold: None (paid per sale)
Best For: Entrepreneurs, business bloggers
If you talk about e-commerce or dropshipping, promoting Shopify is a no-brainer. You earn $150+ for every paid signup.
Pros:
✔ High commission per sale
✔ Recurring revenue (for Shopify Plus referrals)
✔ Great for business content
Cons:
❌ Requires convincing people to start a store
How to Monetize It:
– Create “How to Start a Shopify Store” guides
– Make YouTube tutorials
– Run webinars or free workshops

7. Fiverr Affiliates – Best for Freelance Services

Commission: $15-$150 per referral
Payout Threshold: $100
Best For: Freelancers, gig economy promoters
Fiverr’s program pays you when someone hires a freelancer through your link.
Pros:
✔ High commissions
✔ Evergreen niche (people always need freelancers)
✔ Easy to promote
Cons:
❌ Payout threshold is high
How to Monetize It:
– Write “Best Fiverr Gigs for [Niche]” posts
– Share freelance success stories
– Run Facebook/LinkedIn ads

How to Turn Affiliate Marketing Into a Side Hustle (Actionable Steps)

Now that you know the best programs, here’s how to start earning fast:

1. Pick a Niche

Choose something you’re passionate about (fitness, tech, finance).

2. Build a Platform

• Start a blog (WordPress + Bluehost)
• Grow a social media following (Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok)
• Create a YouTube channel

3. Create Helpful Content

• Product reviews
• “Best X for Y” lists
• Tutorials & guides

4. Drive Traffic

• SEO (optimize for keywords like “best affiliate programs”)
• Social media marketing
• Paid ads (if you have a budget)

5. Scale Up

• Build an email list (convert visitors into buyers)
• Automate promotions (use tools like Pretty Links)
• Diversify income streams (join multiple programs)

Final Thoughts

Affiliate marketing is one of the best online side hustles in 2023. Whether you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or social media influencer, there’s a program for you.
Start with one platform (like Amazon or ShareASale), create valuable content, and scale from there.
Which affiliate program will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
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P.S. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who wants to make money online!

This post is SEO-optimized (keywords included naturally) and structured for easy reading. It provides actionable advice while keeping a conversational tone.
To monetize further:
– Add affiliate links (e.g., Bluehost for hosting)
– Offer a free affiliate marketing guide (lead magnet)
– Promote affiliate courses (like Wealthy Affiliate)
Would you like any refinements? 😊

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