Tired of promoting physical products with razor-thin margins? Worried about shipping delays and inventory nightmares? There’s a better way.
What if you could promote products that are delivered instantly, have massive commission rates, and often pay you every single month?
Welcome to the world of digital products.
Let’s dive into the best affiliate programs for digital products that can help you scale your revenue without the headaches.
Why You Should Focus on Affiliate Programs for Digital Products
Digital products are a game-changer for affiliate marketers. Unlike physical goods, there are no manufacturing or shipping costs. This means one thing for you: higher commissions.
Think about it. Selling a $50 t-shirt might net you a $3 commission. But selling a $50 ebook could easily earn you $25 or more. That’s the power of digital.
Plus, many digital products, especially software (SaaS), offer recurring commissions. You refer a customer once, and you get paid every month they remain a subscriber. It’s the closest you can get to passive income in this business.
Pro Tip: Look for programs with a long “cookie life.” A 90-day cookie means if someone clicks your link and buys within 90 days, you still get the commission!
How We Chose the Top Programs
We didn’t just pull these names out of a hat. We looked for platforms and programs known for:
- High-quality digital products: From software to online courses.
- Reliable tracking and payments: You need to trust you’ll get paid on time.
- Strong commission structures: Both high one-time and recurring options.
- Great affiliate support: Resources to help you succeed.
7 Proven Affiliate Programs for Digital Products
Ready to find your next money-maker? Here are the top platforms where you can find excellent affiliate programs for digital products.
1. ShareASale
ShareASale is one of the biggest and most respected affiliate networks out there. While they have physical products, their directory of software, themes, and digital services is massive.
Companies like WP Engine and OptinMonster use ShareASale to manage their affiliate programs. It’s a trusted platform with thousands of merchants to choose from, making it perfect for finding a product that fits your niche.
2. Impact
Impact (or Impact.com) is a modern and powerful platform that’s gaining huge traction. It’s known for its clean interface and detailed reporting, which helps you see exactly what’s working.
You’ll find top-tier SaaS companies here like Canva, HubSpot, and AppSumo. If you have an audience interested in business tools and software, Impact is a goldmine. Their tracking is top-notch, so you never miss a commission.
3. PartnerStack
This one is built specifically for SaaS. PartnerStack is the go-to platform for B2B software companies looking to build affiliate (or “partner”) programs.
What does that mean for you? It means recurring commissions are the norm here. You can promote leading software tools like Unbounce and Monday.com and build a predictable monthly income stream. This is a must-join network for any B2B-focused affiliate.
4. ClickBank
ClickBank is one of the old guards of affiliate marketing, and they specialize almost exclusively in digital products. You’ll find thousands of ebooks, online courses, and membership sites here.
While you need to be selective—some products can be low-quality—the top offers on ClickBank have incredibly high gravity scores (meaning lots of other affiliates are making money with them) and commissions can be as high as 75%.
5. Awin
Awin is a massive global affiliate network with a strong presence in Europe and North America. They feature a wide variety of advertisers, including a solid selection of digital goods.
You can find well-known brands like Etsy and Coursera on their platform. Their interface is user-friendly, and their directory makes it easy to filter for the exact type of digital product you want to promote.
6. ConvertKit’s Affiliate Program
Sometimes, it pays to go directly to the source. ConvertKit, a popular email marketing platform, has one of the most beloved direct affiliate programs for digital products in the marketing space.
They offer a 30% recurring commission for the lifetime of the customer. If you refer a creator who builds their business on ConvertKit, you could be earning from that single referral for years to come. It’s a perfect example of a high-quality, direct affiliate program.
7. Semrush Affiliate Program
Another powerhouse direct program is from Semrush, a leading SEO and marketing tool. Their affiliate program is highly competitive and rewarding for those who can drive targeted traffic.
With a last-click attribution model and a generous 120-day cookie life, you have a great chance of earning commissions from the Semrush Affiliate Program. Promoting a tool as essential as Semrush can be incredibly lucrative, as they pay up to $200 for a new subscription sale.
What to Look For in a Digital Product Affiliate Program
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Don’t be. Just focus on these four key areas when you’re evaluating a program.
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Type | Recurring vs. One-Time | Recurring builds stable, predictable income. One-time is great for high-ticket sales. |
| Cookie Duration | 30 days or longer | A longer window gives your audience more time to make a decision while crediting you. |
| Product Relevance | Fits your audience’s needs | Promoting irrelevant products erodes trust and won’t convert. |
| Affiliate Assets | Banners, email swipes, etc. | Good programs help you succeed by providing marketing materials. |
Your Next Steps
Finding the right affiliate programs for digital products is about matching your audience’s needs with a high-quality offer.
Don’t just chase the highest commission. The most successful affiliates promote products they genuinely believe in—products that solve a real problem for their readers.
Start by exploring one or two of the networks we’ve covered, like ShareASale or PartnerStack. Find a product that resonates with you and your audience, and start creating helpful content around it.
You’ve got this.