Starting an affiliate or sponsorship-based business requires minimal upfront investment. You can quickly begin promoting products or services with a website, blog, or social media presence. Most affiliate programs are free to join, requiring only an application and approval process.
Here are the requirements and commission structures for various affiliate program types.
Consumer Products (Amazon, Walmart)
- Basic website or social media presence
- Initial content demonstrating product knowledge
- Entry-level commission rates
Digital Products (Coursera, Udemy)
- Established audience in education/learning
- Content focusing on skill development
- Higher commission rates
Software/SaaS (Shopify, HubSpot)
- Professional online presence
- Business-focused content
- Premium commission structures
These different program types demonstrate the flexibility of affiliate marketing–you can choose the programs that best align with your audience, content style, and business goals. What works best for your business will depend on your niche, audience needs, and the type of content you create.