Getting Started for Affiliates

This guide will help you start earning commissions by promoting affiliate programs.

Step 1: Join a Program

There are three ways to join an affiliate program:

1. Accept an Invitation

If a merchant invited you:

1. Check your email for the invitation
2. Click the invitation link
3. Create your account or sign in
4. Accept the invitation

2. Browse the Marketplace

Discover programs in the marketplace:

1. Browse available programs
2. Click Join Program on programs that interest you
3. Wait for merchant approval (or instant approval if enabled)

3. Use a Direct Signup Link

If a merchant shared their signup link:

1. Click the merchant's signup link
2. Create your account
3. Your application is submitted automatically

Step 2: Create Referral Links

Once approved, create your referral links:

Navigate to Links & Codes

1. Go to Links & Codes in your dashboard
2. Select the program
3. Find your unique referral code (e.g., JOHN123)

Generate Links

Your base referral link:

https://merchantsite.com/?ref=YOUR_CODE

For specific pages:

https://merchantsite.com/pricing?ref=YOUR_CODE
https://merchantsite.com/signup?ref=YOUR_CODE

Share Your Links

Share your referral links:

• Social media posts
• Blog articles
• Email newsletters
• YouTube video descriptions
• Podcast show notes

Step 3: Create Coupon Codes (Optional)

Coupon codes are a powerful way to track conversions without requiring clicks:

Create a Coupon

1. Go to Links & Codes
2. Click Create Coupon Code
3. Enter:
   • Code: e.g., "SAVE20"
   • Discount Type: Percentage or Fixed
   • Discount Value: e.g., 20% or $5

How Coupon Tracking Works

When customers use your coupon:

• They get a discount at checkout
• You earn a commission on the sale
• No referral click required!
• Works automatically with Stripe or manual tracking

Promote Your Coupons

Share coupons:

• "Use code SAVE20 for 20% off!"
• Add to social media bio links
• Include in email signatures
• Feature in video descriptions

Step 4: Track Your Performance

Dashboard Overview

Your dashboard shows:

• Total Clicks: How many people clicked your links
• Conversions: How many became customers
• Conversion Rate: Clicks → Customers percentage
• Total Earnings: Your commission total
• Recent Activity: Latest clicks and conversions

Conversion Types

Signups: Free account registrations Purchases: Paid transactions

Your commission depends on the program's structure.

Performance Metrics

Monitor these key metrics:

• Click-through rate: How effective your promotion is
• Conversion rate: How well traffic converts
• Average order value: Size of purchases
• Earnings per click: Revenue per visitor

Step 5: Get Paid

Payment Information

1. Go to Settings
2. Add your payment information
3. Choose your payment method
4. Set minimum payout threshold

Payment Schedule

Merchants typically pay on a schedule:

• Monthly (most common)
• Bi-weekly
• Quarterly

Check each program's payment terms.

Commission Status

Pending: Conversion recorded, awaiting approval Approved: Merchant approved, will be paid Rejected: Did not meet program requirements Paid: Commission has been paid out

Best Practices

Content Creation

Be Authentic:

• Only promote products you believe in
• Share honest experiences
• Disclose affiliate relationships

Provide Value:

• Write helpful reviews
• Create tutorials
• Solve problems for your audience
• Answer common questions

Optimize for Conversions:

• Clear call-to-actions
• Highlight benefits
• Address objections
• Create urgency (ethically)

Compliance

Follow FTC Guidelines:

• Disclose affiliate relationships
• Use hashtags like #affiliate #ad
• Be transparent with your audience

Follow Program Rules:

• Read merchant guidelines
• Don't use prohibited methods
• Respect brand guidelines
• Follow promotional rules

Avoiding Fraud

Don't:

• Click your own links
• Ask friends/family to create fake accounts
• Use fake email addresses
• Try to game the system

Why:

• refVenue has fraud detection
• You'll get blocked
• Merchants review suspicious activity
• Quality scores affect your account

Advanced Strategies

Email Marketing

Build an email list:

1. Create a lead magnet (free guide, checklist, etc.)
2. Collect email addresses
3. Send valuable content
4. Include affiliate links naturally

Content SEO

Rank in Google:

1. Research keywords
2. Create comprehensive guides
3. Optimize for search intent
4. Build backlinks

Paid Advertising

Use paid ads (if allowed by program):

1. Start with small budgets
2. Test different ad copy
3. Track ROI carefully
4. Scale what works

Multiple Programs

Diversify your income:

• Join multiple programs in your niche
• Compare commission rates
• Promote best-fit products for different scenarios
• Don't put all eggs in one basket

Troubleshooting

My Links Aren't Tracking

Check:

• Cookies are enabled in browser
• Link format is correct
• Program is still active
• You're approved for the program

Conversions Not Showing

Possible Reasons:

• Cookie expired (check program's cookie duration)
• Customer cleared cookies
• Conversion outside tracking window
• Merchant hasn't approved yet

Low Conversion Rate

Improve:

• Target better audience
• Improve your content quality
• Add more context/value
• Test different promotional angles
• Use coupons to incentivize purchases

Next Steps

• Creating Referral Links
• Creating Coupon Codes
• Dashboard & Performance
• Promotional Best Practices

Need Help?

• FAQ
• Troubleshooting
• Contact Support