10 Best Affiliate Programs in UK

In the digital age, opportunities abound for individuals to monetize their online presence through affiliate marketing. Whether you're a blogger, content creator, influencer, or social media enthusiast, affiliate programs offer a lucrative way to earn income by sharing relevant links. Recognizing the significance of affiliate marketing, brands increasingly incorporate it into their advertising strategies, with up to 80% relying on affiliates to enhance sales.

This industry, valued at $8.2 billion, is a high-value, low-risk avenue for driving sales, brand awareness, and revenue generation. This article explores the top affiliate networks in the UK, providing a guide for individuals seeking to leverage affiliate marketing for financial success.

For those based in the United Kingdom or with a significant audience in the region, selecting the right affiliate program is crucial. Not all affiliate programs are equal, with variations in commissions, reputations, and authenticity. This article identifies some of the best UK affiliate programs, offering insights into mutually beneficial partnerships that cater to diverse target audiences.

Additionally, the discussion extends to UK affiliate networks, simplifying the process of choosing the most suitable affiliate marketing programs for individuals looking to optimize their online revenue streams

Amazon Associates UK

• E-commerce Dominance: Amazon UK, recognized as a leading online store, holds a significant position in the UK's e-commerce sector, boasting net sales exceeding $17 billion in 2021.
• Market Presence: The UK stands as Amazon's second-largest European market, trailing only behind Germany, with over 66,000 SMEs and a vast product catalog surpassing 600 million items.
• Affiliate Program Inquiry: Amid its colossal presence, a critical inquiry arises: Does Amazon Associates run the most favorable affiliate program for UK affiliates?

Key Features of Amazon Associates UK:

• Commission Range: Amazon Associates, a global affiliate marketing powerhouse, offers varying commission rates, from 1% on games consoles to an enticing 20% on Amazon Games.
• Cookie Window: Despite a seemingly limited 24-hour cookie window, affiliates still earn commissions if a product is added to the cart within this timeframe and the order is placed within the next 90 days.
• Commission Disbursement: Commissions are disbursed through direct deposit, Amazon.co.uk gift certificates, or checks, typically around 60 days after the conclusion of the sale month.

Affiliate Program Considerations:

• Product Diversity: Amazon Associates stands out for its extensive product range, providing affiliates with a commission scale ranging from 1% to 20%.
• Payment Methods: Affiliates receive monthly payments through various methods, making Amazon Associates an appealing choice for marketers.
• Cookie Duration: While the cookie duration is brief at 24 hours, the program's global recognition and diverse product offerings make it a prime option for marketers seeking a robust affiliate platform.

Shopify Commerce Platform Overview

Shopify serves as a robust commerce platform, aiding businesses worldwide in growth and management. Merchants across 175+ countries leverage Shopify to establish online stores, reaching customers through various channels such as web, mobile, and in-person transactions.

UK Shopify Landscape:

As of Q4 2022, Store Leads reported a notable presence with 151,547 active Shopify stores in the UK, showcasing a substantial 50% year-on-year increase.

Shopify Affiliate Program Details:

• Managed Platform: The Shopify affiliate program operates through Impact Radius, a global affiliate marketing network.
• Commission Structure: Affiliates receive a flat $150 commission per online sale, emphasizing a straightforward and attractive compensation model.
• Cookie Window: The program offers a 14-day cookie window, providing a defined period for potential conversions.
• Marketing Resources: Shopify extends various affiliate tools, including ready-made lead magnets and creatives, enhancing affiliates' promotional capabilities.
• Performance Insights: Affiliates gain access to a personalized dashboard, offering detailed insights into their performance within the program.

Application Criteria and Review Process:

Before applying, potential affiliates should meet specific criteria:

• Own and actively manage a website.
• Possess an established audience.
• Demonstrate the ability to create original content, such as blog posts and online courses.
• Have experience using Shopify or a comparable ecommerce platform.

Shopify encourages diversity in affiliate types, welcoming collaboration with course creators, educators, influencers, and review sites. The application process involves manual review by Shopify’s affiliate team, typically processed within five business days.

Commission Payout and Payment Methods:

• Commissions, reaching as high as $150, are contingent on the merchant's location.
• The Shopify Affiliate Program requires a minimum balance of $10 for withdrawals, providing flexibility in payment frequency. Affiliates can opt for payment upon reaching a specific balance or on a bi-weekly basis.
• All commission payments are made in USD.
• Payment methods include direct deposit to the affiliate's bank account or PayPal.

The Shopify Affiliate Program revolves around promoting ecommerce technology, catering to the growing market of online businesses.

Shopify affiliates benefit from a comprehensive support system, including a global creative library, lead magnets, a monthly newsletter, and curated email programming. These resources aim to enhance content creation and improve conversion rates.

Awin

Awin stands as one of the world's largest and most esteemed affiliate networks, consistently earning the Publishers' Choice of Network award at the Performance Marketing Awards.

The Awin group, encompassing Awin (formerly Affiliate Window and Zanox), Affilinet, and ShareASale, boasts a vast network of 241,000+ active publishers, witnessing 260 affiliates joining daily. In 2022 alone, the network distributed £920 million in commissions.

Awin hosts 21,200 advertisers across diverse B2B and B2C categories, fostering collaborations with influencers through innovative payment models. The platform caters to various publishers, from bloggers and vloggers to social media users, with a dedicated publisher success team offering support and guidance.

Awin's Noteworthy Attributes and Considerations:

The strength of Awin lies in its extensive roster of 21,200 advertisers, featuring renowned brands like MyProtein, LookFantastic, and Marks & Spencer. The network's global reach accommodates brands from the UK, US, and other countries.

While Awin's generosity and vast opportunities make it appealing, prospective affiliates should be aware of a £5 application review fee, which is non-refundable in case of rejection.

Despite this minor consideration, the platform's substantial benefits position Awin as an attractive choice for affiliate marketers, facilitating connections with major brands and providing varied commission rates based on individual advertiser terms. Payouts are scheduled on the 1st and 15th of the following month after affiliates reach a minimum threshold of $20, offering flexibility through payment methods such as BACS, ACH, and international wire transfers. Awin's commitment to affiliate support and its role as a thriving marketplace make it a noteworthy affiliate network for marketers seeking diverse opportunities.

CJ Affiliate

Formerly recognized as Commission Junction, CJ Affiliate stands out as one of the earliest and most esteemed affiliate networks globally, tracing its roots back to 1998. Over its extensive history, CJ Affiliate has secured its place as a favorite among major advertisers, boasting twice as many IR500 brands as its closest competitor.

Impressive Figures The platform's remarkable achievements include reaching over one billion customers monthly, facilitating 14+ billion meaningful interactions annually, and disbursing over $1.8 billion in yearly publisher commissions.

User-Friendly Onboarding Upon joining CJ Affiliate, marketers gain seamless access to individual affiliate programs with just a single click, facilitating a swift start to product promotion. Embracing diverse publishers, including bloggers, social media users, email marketers, and vloggers, CJ Affiliate provides a range of performance-boosting tools.

Deep Link Generator One such tool is the deep link generator, enabling effortless tracking link creation directly from brand sites, streamlining the process for affiliates.

Navigating CJ Affiliate

Considerations for Affiliates For seasoned affiliate marketers, CJ Affiliate, with its few hundred UK-based advertisers, offers a familiar name in the industry. While the platform may lack a vast array of UK-specific advertisers, its international shipping options broaden the scope for affiliates.

Simplified Application Process CJ Affiliate's user-friendly approach minimizes hassle, allowing affiliates to apply individually to programs matching their niche interests. Although individual program applications may consume time, CJ Affiliate compensates with a straightforward and streamlined experience.

Customer Support Enhancement The platform's customer support, once perceived as less accessible, has notably improved, enhancing the overall experience for marketers.

Market Presence and Partnerships:

Robust Market Presence With its substantial market share and partnerships with renowned brands like Priceline, J.Crew, Overstock, and Barnes & Noble, CJ Affiliate secures its position as a leading force in the affiliate marketing landscape.

Varied Commission Rates Commission rates, contingent on advertiser rates, exhibit variability, providing affiliates with diverse earning opportunities.

Advanced Tools and Features Advanced tools and features, such as omnichannel tracking and Content Certification, underscore CJ Affiliate's commitment to facilitating seamless connections between affiliates and brands.

Payment Flexibility:

Flexible Payment Options The platform's payment methods, offering flexibility through direct deposit and Payoneer, coupled with varying payout frequencies, contribute to making CJ Affiliate a reliable and dynamic choice for affiliate marketers.

ClickBank

ClickBank's Legacy: Established as one of the industry's earliest affiliate networks, ClickBank boasts a global affiliate base exceeding 100,000 members. Renowned for timely payments and exceptional customer service, ClickBank has sustained its popularity among affiliates over the years.

Product Diversity and Global Reach: ClickBank's platform is a treasure trove of digital products available for marketers to showcase on their websites. With a global appeal, affiliates appreciate the platform's capacity to recommend products to audiences worldwide, including those in the United Kingdom.

Commission Rates and Payment Flexibility The allure of ClickBank lies in its competitive commission rates, typically ranging from 50% to 70%. Affiliates benefit from weekly or bi-weekly payouts through multiple methods, including cheque, direct deposit, wire transfer, and Payoneer.

Affiliate Support and Training: ClickBank prioritizes affiliate success by providing dedicated support and online marketing training. While the platform's reputation experienced fluctuations, recent improvements have contributed to a more refined product and offer selection, minimizing spammy content.

Product Variety and Commission Structure: ClickBank primarily features digital services, enabling affiliates to tap into a broad array of offerings. Commission rates, however, exhibit variability, ranging from as high as 75% to more moderate rates around 10%, depending on the advertiser.

Payment Methods and Frequency: Affiliates enjoy flexibility in receiving earnings, opting for monthly or bi-monthly payouts based on individual preferences. ClickBank facilitates payments through diverse methods, including cheque, wire transfers, and Payoneer.

Industry Stalwart: As one of the oldest players in the affiliate marketing realm, ClickBank stands as a testament to longevity, having disbursed over $6 billion in commissions over its extensive two-decade history. The platform's user-friendly account setup allows affiliates to swiftly generate links and commence their earning journey without cumbersome verification processes.

Abundance of Products: ClickBank's affiliate program features an extensive array of digital and physical products, providing affiliates with ample options to align with their respective niches. While the competitive landscape includes numerous affiliates, the capacity to promote multiple products enhances potential earnings.

Key Affiliate Program Details:

• Commission Rate: Variable, subject to individual product rates.
• Payment Schedule: Weekly or bi-weekly, with a flexible payment threshold ranging from $10 to $1 million.
• Payment Methods: Diverse options including cheque, direct deposit, wire transfer, and Payoneer.
• Cookie Duration: Generous 60 days, allowing affiliates an extended window for potential earnings.

Rakuten

Rakuten's Dual Role: Functioning as both a cashback website and a renowned affiliate network, Rakuten stands out by rewarding customers for their purchases and facilitating connections between affiliate marketers and a vast network of over 2,500 retailers.

Dynamic Commissioning Suite: Rakuten's Commissioning Suite enhances the earning potential for marketers by offering three distinct commissioning options tailored to different aspects of the sales process:

• Dynamic Commissioning: Provides insights into advertiser goals and scaled revenue payouts.
• Coupon Commissioning: Offers visibility into customer usage of coupon codes.
• Multi-touch Commissioning: Credits marketers for contributions at any stage in the process.

Commission Rates and Payouts: Commission rates on Rakuten vary based on the individual retailer. Marketers can opt for direct deposit or check as their payment methods, with payouts processed after a 90-day period. A minimum commission threshold of $50 must be met for marketers to receive their payouts. Rakuten's cookies boast a 30-day lifespan, allowing for a reasonable attribution window.

Affiliate Support and Educational Resources: Rakuten prioritizes the success of its affiliate marketers by providing robust support services. In addition to personalized assistance, the platform offers educational materials to empower marketers and enhance their effectiveness.

Rakuten's Industry Dominance: Originating as a Japanese advertising and technology company, Rakuten has evolved into one of the world's largest affiliate networks, securing its position as the top affiliate marketing network for 11 consecutive years. With a focus on retail, direct-to-consumer (D2C), finance, and travel-related programs, Rakuten has over 150,000 active publishers. The platform's innovative technology enables affiliates to deliver personalized experiences to website visitors, automatically transforming standard advertiser links into trackable and commissionable affiliate links.

Brands and Payment Methods: Rakuten's expansive network includes well-known brands such as Fully, OPI, Virgin Wines, Udemy, COS, and NARS Cosmetics. The platform accommodates various payment preferences, offering PayPal, direct deposit, and check as viable payment methods.

Educational Empowerment: Affiliates joining Rakuten benefit from a wealth of educational tools and training materials. These resources are designed to equip affiliates with the knowledge and skills necessary to start earning promptly.

Key Rakuten Affiliate Network Details:

• Commission Structure: Variable, contingent on individual retailer rates.
• Payment Methods: Diverse options, including PayPal, direct deposit, and check.
• Brands: Notable partners include Fully, OPI, Virgin Wines, Udemy, COS, and NARS Cosmetics.
• Innovative Technology: Automatic conversion of standard links into trackable affiliate links.
• Educational Support: Extensive resources to empower affiliates and facilitate a seamless earning experience.

Bluehost

Platform Overview: Bluehost, a prominent web hosting company, extends its reach through a robust affiliate program, providing marketers with opportunities to earn commissions through referrals. Known for its user-friendly approach, Bluehost facilitates the creation and management of websites, particularly catering to beginners and WordPress enthusiasts.

Commission Structure: The Bluehost affiliate program features a straightforward commission structure. Marketers receive a flat $65 commission for each customer who signs up for a hosting package through their referral link. Additionally, a tiered commission system allows marketers to earn up to $130 for a single sale. To be eligible for payouts, a minimum earnings threshold of $100 must be reached within 12 months from the first purchase.

Payment Methods and Thresholds: Bluehost ensures flexibility in payments by offering various methods. Affiliates can receive payments via PayPal, wire transfer, and ACH transfer, especially for those surpassing the $10,000 earnings mark within a 90-day period.

Affiliate Support and Duration: Recognizing the importance of support, Bluehost provides affiliate assistance to enhance marketers' success. The program's cookies have a generous 60-day lifespan, allowing for an extended attribution window.

Bluehost's Popularity: Highlighted in blog posts, such as those guiding users in creating a WordPress blog, Bluehost's popularity in the UK affiliate scene is evident. The combination of a 90-day cookie duration and a $65 commission contributes to its appeal. Its established reputation in the web hosting service domain further facilitates marketer recommendations to blog readers.

Web Hosting Made Accessible: Bluehost stands out for its affordability and accessibility, particularly for individuals navigating the complexities of website setup. The platform is well-suited for those embarking on their web hosting journey, emphasizing simplicity and compatibility with WordPress.

Key Bluehost Affiliate Program Details:

• Commission Rate: Flat $65 commission per customer sign-up, with the potential to earn up to $130.
• Minimum Payout Threshold: $100 within 12 months of the first purchase.
• Payment Methods: PayPal, wire transfer, and ACH transfer for earnings exceeding $10,000 in a 90-day period.
• Cookie Duration: Generous 60-day lifespan for affiliate cookies.
• Affiliate Support: Dedicated support for affiliates to enhance their overall experience and success.

Skimlinks

Unique Content Monetization Platform: Skimlinks distinguishes itself as a content monetization platform, collaborating with over 50 networks, including Awin, Rakuten Advertising, and CJ Affiliate. This innovative approach consolidates a vast array of merchants — 48,500 worldwide — within a unified platform.

Impressive Figures and Global Presence: With a global footprint, Skimlinks boasts partnerships with 60,000 publishers and generates £1.9 million in daily sales. The platform's acquisition by Taboola, a leading content discovery platform, in 2021 further solidifies its industry presence.

Tools Empowering Affiliate Marketers: Skimlinks prioritizes affiliate success by providing an array of tools. The Skimlinks Editor Toolbar facilitates effortless affiliate link generation, showcasing commission rates while browsing merchant websites. Additionally, their affiliate hub furnishes real-time reports on clicks, revenue per merchant, and content performance.

Exclusive Deals and Higher Commissions: A notable feature is Skimlinks' ability to negotiate exclusive deals with merchants, often resulting in higher commission rates compared to other affiliate networks. This strategic approach enhances earning potential for affiliate marketers.

Key Skimlinks Affiliate Program Details:

• Platform Description: Content monetization platform collaborating with 50+ networks.
• Global Reach: 60,000 publishers, 48,500 merchants, generating £1.9 million daily.
• Parent Company: Acquired by Taboola in 2021.
• Affiliate Tools: Editor Toolbar for seamless link generation, real-time performance reports.
• Exclusive Deals: Negotiates exclusive deals with merchants, offering competitive commission rates.
• Payment Methods: Direct deposit and PayPal options.
• Featured Brands: Hello Fresh, Sephora, Dream Cloud.

Skimlinks stands at the forefront of revolutionizing affiliate marketing by offering a unified platform, empowering tools, and strategic collaborations to maximize the potential for both publishers and merchants.

Leadpages

Leadpages, a prominent website builder catering to small businesses, extends its reach through a robust affiliate program. This free program stands out by offering affiliates up to 50% recurring commissions for each sale, encompassing renewals, updates, and one-time purchases. Notably, participation is open to everyone, whether or not they actively use Leadpages.

Affiliate Support: Leadpages goes beyond commission rates, supporting its affiliates with a wealth of promotional assets, tutorials, and training materials. These resources empower affiliates to enhance their sales strategies and, consequently, elevate their commission earnings.

Key Affiliate Program Details:

• Commission Structure: Variable, ranging from 10% to 50%.
• Payment Schedule: Commission payouts are scheduled on the 13th of each month for the previous month's earned revenue.
• Payment Methods: Affiliates can receive payments through PayPal or Stripe.
• Cookie Duration: A competitive 90-day cookie duration ensures affiliates receive credit for conversions within this timeframe.

Program Dynamics: Leadpages, primarily focused on lead generation, offers a versatile toolkit encompassing a landing page builder and complementary features like pop-up forms and alert bars. The affiliate program provides a chance to earn a flat 30% for each sale facilitated through the affiliate link. While lacking recurring commissions, affiliates benefit from monthly payouts via PayPal.

In summary, Leadpages not only empowers small businesses with its website-building capabilities but also presents a lucrative opportunity for affiliates to earn substantial commissions through a well-structured and supportive affiliate program.

Fiverr

Fiverr, a renowned marketplace connecting freelancers and digital service seekers, offers a multifaceted affiliate marketing program. Affiliates can choose from distinct commission plans, including flat rates, percentage shares, or hybrid models combining a fixed CPA for initial purchases with subsequent revenue shares.

Key Affiliate Program Details:

• Commission Structures: Varied, encompassing flat rates based on buyer's category, $15 to $150 commissions on specific products, and hybrid models.
• Payment Schedule: Monthly, with a net 30 payout for accounts accumulating at least $100.
• Payment Methods: Affiliates receive payments via PayPal or Payoneer for amounts under $1,000; wire transfers are utilized for payouts exceeding $1,000.
• Cookie Duration: A competitive 30-day window from the first click allows affiliates to earn commissions on referrals.

Fiverr Platform Insights: Fiverr, utilized by major brands like Facebook, Google, and Netflix, boasts 4.2 million active buyers as of September 2022, indicating a consistent 3% year-on-year growth.

Commission Structures and Additional Opportunities: Fiverr's affiliate program introduces a 30-day cookie window and two primary commission structures:

1. Fiverr CPA: Fixed commissions ranging from $15 to $150 based on the buyer's category.
2. Fiverr Hybrid: Combines a $10 CPA with a 10% revenue share for a 12-month duration.

Beyond these, Fiverr extends additional earning avenues:

• Fiverr Business: Offers a $100 CPA and a 10% RevShare for 12 months.
• Fiverr Learn: Provides a 30% commission on online course sales.
• Fiverr Affiliate: Grants a 10% share of referred affiliates' earnings for a lifetime.

Influencer Program and Payout Details:

Fiverr's dedicated influencer program, offering enhanced commissions, requires a minimum of 5,000 subscribers for participation. Commission balances under $1,000 are disbursed through PayPal and Payoneer, while amounts exceeding $1,000 are transferred via wire transfer. A reasonable minimum payment threshold of $100 ensures timely payouts.

Choosing the Right Affiliate Program: Key Considerations for Success

When selecting the best affiliate programs, it's crucial to align your choices with your niche and target audience. Start by identifying affiliate programs that offer products or services relevant to your content. Consider the commission structures, ensuring they are competitive and provide reasonable compensation for your efforts. Additionally, examine the affiliate network's reputation for reliability, timely payments, and robust tracking mechanisms to ensure you receive accurate credit for your referrals.

Furthermore, assess the affiliate program's support and resources. Opt for programs that offer comprehensive marketing tools, tracking analytics, and responsive customer support. Adequate training materials and promotional assets can significantly contribute to your success as an affiliate marketer. Finally, consider the longevity and stability of the affiliate program, as partnering with reputable and established networks enhances the likelihood of a fruitful and enduring collaboration.

FAQs

1. How do I select the most suitable affiliate program for my niche? Consider programs aligned with your content and audience. Evaluate the commission structure and payment methods. Look for programs with quality products or services.
2. What are the essential factors to assess in an affiliate network? Check the reputation and reliability of the network. Review cookie duration, as it impacts commission potential. Examine the available support and resources for affiliates.
3. Is it better to join a niche-specific or a broad affiliate program? Choosing between niche and broad programs depends on your audience. Niche programs may offer more relevant products, enhancing conversion.
4. How can I ensure timely and reliable payments from affiliate programs? Verify the payment schedule and minimum payout requirements. Opt for programs with transparent and consistent payment methods.
5. What role does audience engagement play in affiliate program success? Prioritize programs that resonate with your audience's interests. Engage your audience by promoting products or services authentically.
6. Is affiliate marketing legal in the UK? Affiliate marketing is entirely legal in the UK, with adherence to specific regulations being crucial to avoid penalties. Compliance with consumer protection regulations set by authorities like the Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) in the UK and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US is mandatory. Marketers are required to include clear disclaimers on their websites and ensure that their promotional content is transparent and not misleading.
7. How much do affiliate links pay in the UK? The payment structure for affiliate links in the UK varies across different networks and programs. Compensation methods include set fees per click, payments for sign-ups, and a percentage share of sales. The payout rates are specific to each brand and its affiliate program.
8. How can I start affiliate marketing with no money in the UK? Getting started with affiliate marketing in the UK doesn't necessarily require any upfront payment. Many affiliate networks allow individuals to join without fees, making it accessible for those with limited budgets. Initiating affiliate marketing through platforms like social media can be a cost-effective way to begin without financial investments.