An affiliate program turns your existing customers, influencers, and content creators into a commission-based sales team. It’s one of the most cost-effective acquisition channels — you only pay when sales happen. Here’s how to set it up on Shopify.
Why Run an Affiliate Program?
- Pay-per-sale model — zero upfront marketing spend
- Affiliates create content that drives long-term organic traffic
- Leverage the trust affiliates have with their audience
- Works alongside your other channels (email, ads, SEO)
Top Affiliate Apps for Shopify
- Refersion — most popular, tracks both affiliate links and coupon codes, has an affiliate marketplace
- UpPromote — affordable, great for beginners, includes influencer management
- Tapfiliate — supports multi-level commissions, good for SaaS-style affiliate programs
- GoAffPro — generous free plan, simple setup
Setting Up Your Program Structure
Decide on:
- Commission rate: 10-20% is standard for physical products. Digital products can go to 30-50%
- Cookie window: 30-90 days is typical. Longer = more attractive to affiliates
- Payout threshold: $50-100 minimum before payout
- Payout method: PayPal, bank transfer, or store credit
Recruit Your First Affiliates
- Email your existing customers — loyal buyers make great affiliates
- Reach out to bloggers and YouTubers in your niche
- List your program on affiliate directories (ShareASale, CJ Affiliate if using those platforms)
- Add a “Partner with us” link in your website footer
Provide Affiliates with Assets
Make it easy for affiliates to promote you:
- Banner ads in standard sizes
- Product images and descriptions
- Sample social media copy
- Unique discount codes to share (tracks their referrals via coupon)
Track and Optimise Performance
Monitor in your affiliate app:
- Clicks, conversions, and revenue per affiliate
- Best-performing traffic sources
- Average order value from affiliate traffic
Reward your top affiliates with higher commissions or exclusive promotions to keep them engaged.
