You recommend a product or service using a special tracking link. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission — typically a percentage of the sale. You do not need to create, stock or fulfil anything. Your job is recommendation and trust.
Most programmes require an application. Some (like Amazon Associates) approve quickly with basic requirements. Others (particularly SaaS tools) want evidence of an established audience before approving you.
Common application routes:
- In-platform — Payhip, Gumroad have affiliate schemes within their dashboards
- Affiliate networks — Awin, Impact, ShareASale host multiple programmes
- Direct — Many companies run their own programmes you apply to directly
It varies enormously by category:
- Amazon Associates — 1–5% depending on category. Low rate but high conversion due to Amazon trust
- SaaS tools — 20–40% recurring commission. Higher rates but harder to get approved as a new affiliate
- Physical products direct — 5–15% typically
- Digital products — up to 50% as the margin is higher
The most common reason: insufficient traffic or audience. Programmes want to know you can actually drive conversions. A brand new website with no traffic data is a harder application regardless of how good your content is.
Based on our experience and research:
- A live website with real content — not a placeholder
- A specific description of how you will promote the product
- Mention every traffic channel you have — website, blog, email list, social, YouTube, Reddit
- Evidence you already use the product
- A published review or mention of the product if you have one
Vague applications ("I will share it on social media") get rejected. Specific applications ("I have a live review post at this URL, an email list of X subscribers and promote to UK adults building side hustles") get approved.
Amazon Associates is more accessible than most programmes. They approve most applications but require you to make 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days — otherwise your account is closed. You can reapply after closure.
The 180-day window means you need some traffic before applying, or you need to drive enough to your Amazon links quickly after approval.
Yes. In the UK the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) and the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) require clear disclosure when you have a financial relationship with a brand or product you are recommending. This applies to blogs, social media posts and website pages.
An affiliate link earns commission only on sales or actions — you only get paid if someone buys. A sponsored post is a fixed payment from a brand in exchange for a mention or review, regardless of sales. Both require disclosure. Our Services page has a paid listing option — that is a sponsored placement, not affiliate.
Active and earning (or trying to earn) commission from:
- Amazon Associates — books and pet products
- Pure Pet Food — direct programme
- Digistore24 — health supplement
- Gumroad — platform affiliate
- iD Mobile — via Awin network
- PayPal — via Impact network
Pending approval: Payhip, Microsoft 365. Rejected and reapplying later: Sender.