If you’re looking for beginner-friendly affiliate programs that don’t require a large following or website traffic to get started, you’re in the right place.
But here’s the thing:
Affiliate marketing can sometimes feel like an exclusive club, especially when you’re just starting out.
Many companies you’d love to promote might reject your application, leaving you wondering why.
The reasons are often straightforward:
- No followers or traffic: If you don’t have good enough social media followers or traffic to your website, some companies may hesitate to accept you.
- No website: Most affiliate programs require you to have a website or, at the very least, established social media profiles.
- Not a fit: Some brands might feel like your niche doesn’t align with their target audience.
- Country or region not supported: Your location can also play a role in whether you get approved.
When I first started, I experienced most of these challenges—except the website requirement since I already had one.
Despite that, I was able to join many affiliate programs early on, even though I was just getting started.
My approach was to apply to programs that were beginner-friendly.
Over time, my website traffic and social media audience have grown. So it’s easier for me to join any program I want now.
Heck, nowadays, at least one company reaches out to me each week to join their affiliate program and promote their offering.
Like this company:
And this one:
Well, today, I’ll be sharing some beginner-friendly affiliate programs you can join.
These are affiliate partnerships that don’t require you to have an existing audience, website traffic, or a large social media following. They’re designed to be accessible to anyone willing to promote products or services, regardless of their online footprint.
However, this does not mean that they are inferior or pay less to programs that have all sorts of requirements.
It just means that as a beginner, you can:
- Start promoting products immediately.
- Enjoy a low barrier to entry without needing to build a large audience first.
- Experiment with different promotion strategies without the pressure of maintaining high traffic.
Working Directly with Companies vs. Using Affiliate Platforms
As a beginner affiliate marketer, you have two main ways to join affiliate programs: you can sign up directly with companies or go through affiliate platforms, which are simply marketplaces that connect you with various brands.
Some companies run their affiliate programs directly, others operate through platforms, and some use a hybrid approach.
From my experience, whether a company’s program is direct or through a platform doesn’t usually affect their decision to accept you. In most cases, they already have set criteria for approval.
The main advantage of joining a program managed directly by the company is that it may give you the opportunity to build a relationship with their affiliate team.
However, affiliate platforms allow you to explore a range of affiliate programs as they offer a wide selection.
Plus, the application process may be simpler.
In fact, some affiliate platforms, like Impact.com, do have pre-qualified programs that you can promote instantly without needing to go through an approval process. You simply click “join,” and you’re in.
Here are a few examples of affiliate platforms I have used:
Impact.com
Impact offers a robust tracking platform and partners with well-known brands across many industries, including technology, fashion, and travel.
I’ve used them to sign up for various programs like web hosting services, SEO tools, and other online business software.
PartnerStack
PartnerStack focuses on SaaS and online tools, making it a great choice if you want to promote software products and online services.
While you can join certain programs hosted on the platform if you sign up directly, PartnerStack requires that you apply for your network profile to be accepted if you must join programs via its platform.
CJ Affiliate
CJ Affiliates is one of the oldest and most well-known affiliate platforms, offering partnerships with major global brands.
Be aware that if you don’t make a sale within six months, your account could be deactivated. Fortunately, it’s easy to reactivate your account later.
Digistore24
Digistore24 is a platform with a wide range of digital products, from online courses to software and wellness programs.
Awin
Awin is a global affiliate marketing platform that connects affiliates with merchants in e-commerce, finance, and travel.
Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising is a well-established network, formerly known as LinkShare, that partners with big retail brands, as well as finance and travel companies.
Not all platforms are a smooth start for beginners. For example, I was initially rejected by ClickBank and ShareASale.
I haven’t had the chance to reapply now that my online presence has grown, but these platforms may become more accessible as you gain more experience.
120+ Affiliate Programs You Can Join as a Beginner
Without further ado, here’s a list of beginner-friendly affiliate programs.
💻 Online Tools & Software
Bluehost
Bluehost offers a beginner-friendly affiliate program with no traffic requirements. Earn $65 per referral for web hosting sign-ups.
ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels provides affiliates up to 40% recurring commission for promoting its sales funnel platform, no audience required.
Fiverr
Fiverr‘s affiliate program offers up to $150 per referral for promoting freelancing services, no followers or website required to be approved.
GetResponse
GetResponse’s affiliate program offers a 33% recurring commission for promoting email marketing tools, perfect for beginners.
Livestorm
Livestorm gives affiliates 20% recurring commission for promoting webinar software, ideal for those just starting without traffic.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign’s affiliate program offers a 30% recurring commission for promoting email marketing automation software, no traffic needed.
Podia
Podia offers a 30% recurring commission on its online course platform, ideal for affiliates without traffic or large followings.
SkillShare
Skillshare gives affiliates $10 per new customer for promoting online courses, no audience or website required to join.
Systeme.io
Systeme.io offers a 40% recurring commission for promoting its all-in-one marketing platform, beginner-friendly without traffic.
Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro provides a 50% commission per sale for its WordPress page builder, perfect for beginners without a large audience.
GeneratePress
GeneratePress offers a 30% commission for promoting its WordPress theme, beginner-friendly without requiring traffic or a website.
Kinsta
Kinsta’s affiliate program provides up to $500 per referral for promoting premium WordPress hosting, no traffic needed to join.
vidIQ
vidIQ offers affiliates up to 15% recurring commission for promoting its YouTube optimization tools, ideal for beginners without a large audience.
NordVPN
NordVPN’s affiliate program offers up to 40% commission for promoting VPN services, no website or traffic required to join.
Moosend
Moosend provides a 30% recurring commission for promoting email marketing software, beginner-friendly without a large following.
Tailwind
Tailwind provides a 15% recurring commission on social media scheduling tools, no traffic or website needed to start.
Synthesia
Synthesia offers 20% commission per sale for promoting its AI video generation platform, perfect for beginners without a large following.
InVideo
InVideo’s affiliate program gives 50% commission on its video creation software, ideal for beginners without traffic or followers.
Printful
Printful provides a 10% commission on print-on-demand services, no website or large audience required to join.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers affiliates up to 60% commission for promoting web hosting services, beginner-friendly without needing traffic..
Namecheap
Namecheap’s affiliate program offers 20% commission for promoting domain registrations and web hosting, ideal for beginners without followers.
LastPass
LastPass offers affiliates 25% commission for promoting password management software, beginner-friendly without traffic or followers.
ThriveCart
ThriveCart’s affiliate program provides up to 50% commission on sales of its shopping cart platform, no traffic or audience required.
ConvertKit
ConvertKit’s program offers a 30% recurring commission for promoting email marketing software—ideal for new affiliate marketers.
ClickUp
ClickUp gives affiliates a 20% recurring commission on project management software, no traffic or website needed to start.
Kajabi
Kajabi offers 30% commission for promoting its online course platform, great for affiliates without needing large followings.
💰 Finance & Investment
Binance
Binance offers up to 50% commission on trading fees for every new user you refer, making it a great choice for affiliates targeting crypto traders. No need for a website or existing followers to join their program.
Bybit
Bybit’s affiliate program allows you to earn up to 30% commission on trading fees from each referred user. It’s a high-potential platform for those looking to target the fast-growing cryptocurrency market.
TradingView
TradingView offers affiliates 30% recurring commission for every user who signs up for a paid plan. Perfect for content creators targeting traders and investors, as no prior traffic or followers are required to join.
Robinhood
Robinhood’s affiliate program offers $5 per qualified referral for stock trading, no existing followers or website required.
Acorns
Acorns allows affiliates to earn $10 per new user for promoting its micro-investing platform, easy for beginners to join.
Coinbase
Coinbase offers $10 for every new crypto trader signed up through your affiliate link, perfect for those starting out.
Personal Capital
Earn $50 per referral for financial management software with Personal Capital’s affiliate program, no website or traffic required.
WeBull
WeBull provides up to $150 per referral for promoting its trading platform, designed for those without followers.
Capital One
Capital One’s affiliate program offers $50 per qualified lead for promoting its banking services, no website or traffic required.
SoFi
SoFi gives affiliates up to $150 for promoting personal finance services like loans and investing, ideal for beginners.
Stash
Stash offers a $20 commission per referral for promoting its personal investment app, perfect for those without traffic.
Betterment
Betterment provides up to $50 per new account for promoting its robo-advisor platform, no audience required to join.
Fundrise
Fundrise offers affiliates $25 per referral for promoting real estate investing, great for beginners without a website.
🏋️♂️ Health & Fitness
MyProtein
Earn a 10% commission promoting supplements through MyProtein’s affiliate program, ideal for beginners without an established audience.
FitPlan
FitPlan offers 25% commission per subscription for promoting workout plans, no traffic or followers needed to join.
Life Extension
Life Extension gives affiliates 10% commission on wellness products, perfect for promoting without large social followings.
Bowflex
Bowflex’s program offers up to 15% commission on fitness equipment, ideal for beginners without needing much traffic.
Organifi
Organifi’s affiliate program gives 30% commission on wellness drinks and supplements—beginner-friendly, with no large audience required.
Nike
Nike’s affiliate program offers up to 11% commission on athletic gear, beginner-friendly with no traffic requirements.
Under Armour
Under Armour gives affiliates 5% commission on fitness products, ideal for promoting without an established following.
iHerb
iHerb’s affiliate program offers up to 5% commission on health supplements, beginner-friendly without a large audience.
Peloton
Peloton provides a 12% commission for promoting fitness subscriptions and equipment, easy for beginners to join.
GNC
GNC’s affiliate program offers 10% commission on health supplements, perfect for beginners without traffic or followers.
✈️ Travel & Accommodation
Booking.com
Booking.com’s affiliate program offers 4% commission per booking, no traffic or website required to start promoting.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner offers affiliates up to 20% commission on travel bookings, perfect for beginners without a large following.
Airbnb
Earn a commission promoting Airbnb Experiences through its affiliate program, no prior traffic or followers needed to join.
Viator
Viator provides affiliates 8% commission on tours and activities, with no traffic requirements, perfect for beginners.
World Nomads
World Nomads offers 10% commission on travel insurance, making it easy for beginner affiliates to promote without followers.
Expedia
Expedia provides up to 6% commission for promoting hotel and travel bookings, beginner-friendly without needing followers.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers affiliates 4% commission for promoting hotel bookings, perfect for beginners with no traffic requirements.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor’s affiliate program offers up to 50% commission on travel bookings, easy to join without needing a website.
Travelpayouts
Travelpayouts offers affiliates up to 70% of the commission on travel services, beginner-friendly without traffic needed.
Agoda
Agoda gives affiliates up to 7% commission on hotel bookings, making it ideal for beginners with no follower base.
🎓 Online Education & Courses
Udemy
Udemy’s affiliate program offers 10%-15% commission on course sales, ideal for beginners promoting educational content without traffic.
Skillshare
Skillshare gives affiliates $10 per new customer for promoting online courses, no audience or website required to join.
Coursera
Coursera’s affiliate program provides a 20% commission per course enrollment, perfect for beginners without needing a website.
Thinkific
Thinkific offers 30% recurring commission on its course creation platform, ideal for affiliates without followers or traffic.
Teachable
Teachable’s program gives affiliates 30% commission for promoting online course platforms—great for beginners to earn easily.
Pluralsight
Pluralsight offers 50% commission on new subscriptions to its tech education platform, no traffic or website required.
EdX
EdX gives affiliates 10% commission per course sale for promoting online education, perfect for those starting out.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn provides 15% commission on online course enrollments, great for beginners without needing a large audience.
Lynda
Lynda’s affiliate program offers 10% commission for promoting online learning resources, no website or followers required.
MasterClass
MasterClass gives affiliates a 25% commission for promoting its online courses, making it easy for beginners to join.
👗 Fashion & Apparel
SHEIN
SHEIN’s affiliate program offers 10% commission on clothing and accessories, making it beginner-friendly with no follower requirements.
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing provides affiliates 12% commission per sale on fashion products, no large audience or traffic needed.
ASOS
ASOS offers up to 10% commission for promoting trendy apparel, ideal for beginners without needing a website.
Nordstrom
Luxury department store offering up to 5% commission. Promote high-end fashion and beauty products to fashion enthusiasts.
Zappos
Online shoe retailer offering 7% commission. Promote a wide range of footwear to comfort-seeking and fashion-forward consumers.
Lululemon
Athleisure brand offering 5-11% commission. Promote high-quality workout gear to fitness enthusiasts and yoga practitioners.
Zaful
Zaful’s affiliate program gives 12% commission on fashion products, with no traffic or followers required for sign-up.
Gymshark
Gymshark provides affiliates 10% commission on activewear sales, perfect for those just starting in affiliate marketing.
H&M
H&M’s affiliate program offers 5% commission on clothing and accessories, beginner-friendly without traffic or followers.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom provides up to 5% commission for promoting fashion products, easy to join without needing a website.
Macy’s
Macy’s offers 2%-5% commission for promoting fashion and apparel, no traffic or follower requirements needed.
Boohoo
Boohoo’s affiliate program offers 7% commission for promoting trendy clothing, ideal for beginners without an audience.
Levi’s
Levi’s gives affiliates 5% commission for promoting denim and fashion products, perfect for those just starting out.
💄 Beauty & Personal Care
Glossier
Glossier offers 10% commission for promoting beauty products, no traffic or large followers needed to join the program.
Sephora
Sephora’s affiliate program gives up to 10% commission on beauty products, making it beginner-friendly without requiring a website.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop offers 10% commission for promoting skincare and grooming products, easy for beginners to join without followers.
FabFitFun
FabFitFun’s program provides $10 per referral for beauty box subscriptions, ideal for those without traffic or a website.
Thrive Market
Thrive Market gives affiliates $20 per referral for promoting organic beauty and wellness products, no large audience required.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty’s affiliate program offers 8% commission on makeup products, beginner-friendly with no traffic needed.
Ulta
Ulta provides up to 10% commission for promoting beauty and grooming products, great for beginners without followers.
Morphe
Morphe’s affiliate program offers up to 7% commission on beauty products, no website or large audience required.
Tarte
Tarte gives affiliates 8% commission on skincare and makeup products, perfect for beginners to start earning.
Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s affiliate program offers 5% commission on beauty products, easy for beginners without needing traffic or a website.
🐾 Pets & Animal Care
Chewy
Chewy offers $15 per new customer for promoting pet supplies, with no traffic or follower requirements for affiliates.
Petco
Petco provides up to 8% commission for promoting pet care products, easy for beginner affiliates without a website.
Ollie
Ollie’s affiliate program gives $60 per referral for promoting dog food subscriptions, ideal for those just starting out.
BarkBox
BarkBox offers affiliates $15 per subscription for promoting dog treat boxes, beginner-friendly without traffic or a large audience.
Rover
Rover’s affiliate program provides $20 per booking for pet sitting services, no website or followers required to start.
PetSmart
PetSmart offers affiliates 8% commission on pet supplies and services, ideal for beginners with no traffic needed.
TruDog
TruDog provides a 20% commission on dog food and care products, beginner-friendly without requiring a website or followers.
Only Natural Pet
Only Natural Pet gives affiliates 10% commission for promoting natural pet products, easy for those starting in affiliate marketing.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog offers $20 per referral for dog food subscriptions, no traffic or audience needed to start earning.
Pawp
Pawp provides affiliates 20% commission on pet health services, perfect for those without traffic or followers.
🍽️ Food & Beverage
Blue Apron
Blue Apron’s affiliate program offers $15 per referral for meal kit subscriptions, easy for beginners without traffic.
Sunbasket
Sunbasket provides $20 per referral for promoting healthy meal delivery services, with no website or followers required.
Daily Harvest
Daily Harvest offers affiliates $15 per subscription for promoting healthy food deliveries, beginner-friendly without traffic.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh gives $10 per sale for promoting its meal kit service, perfect for beginners without a large following.
Thrive Market
Thrive Market’s program provides $20 per sale for promoting organic food, no website or followers needed to join.
ButcherBox
ButcherBox offers $20 per sale for promoting premium meat delivery services, no traffic or website needed to join.
Wine.com
Wine.com provides affiliates up to 10% commission on wine purchases, beginner-friendly with no traffic requirements.
Magic Spoon
Magic Spoon’s affiliate program gives 20% commission for promoting healthy cereal, perfect for beginners with no large following.
Home Chef
Home Chef offers $10 per meal kit subscription for promoting its service, no website or traffic required.
Green Chef
Green Chef provides $15 commission per sale on organic meal kits, ideal for beginners without traffic or followers.
🚗 Other Affiliate Programs
Amazon
Amazon Associates offers commissions ranging from 1%-10% on product sales across categories, perfect for beginners without traffic requirements.
Tire Rack
Tire Rack’s affiliate program offers 6% commission for promoting tire sales, no traffic or website needed to join.
ThredUP
ThredUP provides $10 per referral for promoting second-hand fashion, beginner-friendly with no large audience required.
Cratejoy
Cratejoy gives affiliates 10%-15% commission on subscription boxes, ideal for those just starting without needing traffic.
Rakuten
Rakuten offers affiliates $25 per new member sign-up for its cashback service, easy for beginners to join and promote.
Gazelle
Gazelle’s affiliate program provides 3%-5% commission for promoting used electronics, with no traffic or followers needed.
Turo
Turo’s affiliate program offers $25 per referral for promoting car rentals, no traffic or followers required to join.
AutoZone
AutoZone provides up to 8% commission for promoting automotive parts, ideal for beginners without a website.
Vistaprint
Vistaprint offers 8% commission on print and design products, perfect for those starting without traffic or followers.
Zulily
Zulily gives affiliates up to 10% commission for promoting lifestyle products, beginner-friendly without audience requirements.
Wayfair
Wayfair’s affiliate program offers 7% commission on home and lifestyle products, easy to join with no traffic needed.
Hulu
Streaming service offering $10 per subscription. Promote on-demand entertainment to cord-cutters and binge-watchers.
BuyBuyBaby
Baby product retailer offering up to 3% commission. Promote essential baby gear to new and expectant parents.
Hobby Lobby
Craft store offering up to 4% commission. Promote art supplies and home decor to creative hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.
Home Depot
Home improvement retailer offering up to 8% commission. Promote tools and materials to DIY enthusiasts and homeowners.
Best Buy
Electronics retailer offering up to 7% commission. Promote tech gadgets and appliances to tech-savvy consumers.
REI
Outdoor gear retailer offering up to 5% commission. Promote camping and hiking equipment to outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Affiliate Programs
When starting your affiliate marketing journey, having access to a diverse range of programs is important.
However, not all programs are beginner-friendly, meaning some may not accept you right away.
The 120+ affiliate programs listed in this post are beginner-friendly, which allows you to dive into affiliate marketing without the pressure of needing massive traffic or a large following.
Choose the programs that align with your interests, authentically promote them the way you want, and start earning affiliate income.
