In the ever-evolving digital landscape, SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms play a significant role in businesses' and individual users' daily operations.
As an online affiliate marketer, identifying the right SaaS affiliate program can transform your revenue generation by helping users discover valuable tools to streamline their processes and boost productivity.
With numerous SaaS solutions available on the market, the challenge lies in pinpointing the affiliate programs that offer not only high commission rates but also a recurring commission model and, preferably, a 2-tier model.
This blog post aims to analyze the top SaaS affiliate programs for online marketers comprehensively.
Through this exploration, you can gain valuable insights into the commission structures, the support and resources each platform provides, and their alignment with your audience's needs and marketing goals.
Remember that selecting the right SaaS affiliate program requires careful consideration of the platform's features, benefits, and commission structure.
Equally important is understanding your audience's needs and preferences and your ability to promote the program through various marketing channels effectively.
Considering these factors, you can choose the most suitable SaaS affiliate programs for your unique situation, optimizing your potential earnings and providing valuable recommendations to your audience.
What Are the Best SaaS Affiliate Programs?
1. Systeme.io
Systeme.io is an all-in-one marketing platform designed to help entrepreneurs and businesses streamline their online presence, manage their sales funnels, and automate email marketing campaigns.
With a range of features, including landing pages, email marketing, and online course creation, Systeme.io is an excellent choice for small businesses and solopreneurs looking to grow their online businesses efficiently.
The platform's straightforward interface and comprehensive toolset make it an attractive option for users who value simplicity and efficiency in their marketing efforts.
Commission Rate: The Systeme.io affiliate program offers a generous commission structure, with affiliates earning a 50% recurring commission on the subscription fees of referred customers plus up to $300 additional commissions on multiple backend offers.
This recurring commission model ensures a steady income stream for successful affiliates.
Cookie Duration: 365 days. Your affiliate ID is linked to your referral's email address for life.
More Information: Visit Systeme affiliate program page
2. GoHighLevel
GoHighLevel is an all-in-one marketing and sales automation platform designed for marketing agencies and small businesses.
The software offers many features such as CRM, marketing automation, landing pages, appointment scheduling, and more, making it an excellent choice for those looking to streamline their marketing and sales processes.
GoHighLevel is perfect for agencies and businesses requiring a comprehensive platform to manage and grow their online presence effectively.
Commission Rate: The GoHighLevel affiliate program offers a generous recurring commission model, with affiliates earning 40% monthly recurring commissions for each referred customer.
This model allows affiliates to generate a consistent income by promoting GoHighLevel's powerful marketing and sales automation tools. They also have a 2-tier model with a 5% commission.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit GoHighLevel affiliate program page
3. Kinsta
Kinsta is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider catering to businesses and individuals seeking top-tier performance, security, and customer support for their websites.
Built on the Google Cloud Platform, Kinsta offers lightning-fast load times, automatic scaling, and a user-friendly dashboard, making it an excellent choice for users who demand high-quality hosting without the hassle of managing complex server configurations.
Kinsta's commitment to outstanding performance and customer service has made it popular among website owners and developers.
Commission Rate: Kinsta's affiliate program rewards affiliates with high commissions, ranging from $50 to $500 per sale, depending on the customer's chosen plan.
Kinsta offers a 10% recurring commission on monthly subscription fees, ensuring long-term revenue generation for affiliates.
Cookie Duration: 60 days.
More Information: Visit Kinsta affiliate program page
4. WP Engine
WP Engine is one of the leading managed WordPress hosting providers with high-performance hosting solutions and exceptional customer support for businesses and individuals.
With a focus on speed, security, and scalability, WP Engine ensures that websites run smoothly and efficiently. It is ideal for users who demand reliable and powerful hosting services.
WP Engine's easy-to-use platform and expert support have earned it a strong reputation among website owners, developers, and digital agencies.
Commission Rate: The WP Engine affiliate program boasts high commission rates, with affiliates earning $200 per sale or 100% of the first month's payment, whichever is higher.
WP Engine also features a 2-tier model, allowing affiliates to earn $50 for every sub-affiliate referral.
Cookie Duration: 180 days.
More Information: Visit the WP Engine affiliate program page
5. Jasper
Jasper.ai is a cutting-edge AI-powered writing assistant that helps businesses, marketers, and content creators generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently.
Designed to cater to a wide range of industries, Jasper.ai streamlines the content creation process by offering suggestions, improving grammar, and ensuring that the text is engaging and informative. '
It's an excellent software choice for those looking to save time and boost productivity in their writing tasks.
Commission Rate: The Jasper.ai affiliate program offers a generous 30% recurring commission for each referral that subscribes to their platform, allowing affiliates to earn a steady income over time as their referrals continue to use the service.
Cookie Duration: 30 days.
More Information: Visit Jasper affiliate program page
6. Leadpages
Leadpages is a powerful landing page builder designed to help businesses and entrepreneurs create high-converting web pages to generate leads, increase sales, and grow their online presence.
With a wide range of customizable templates and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, Leadpages makes it easy for users to design professional-looking pages that effectively capture and convert their target audience.
The platform's extensive library of resources and integrations ensures that users have all the tools they need to create and optimize their landing pages for success.
Commission Rate: The Leadpages affiliate program offers a recurring commission model, with affiliates earning up to 50% commission on the subscription fees of referred customers.
Cookie Duration: 30 days.
More Information: Visit Leadpages affiliate program page
7. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a powerful email marketing and marketing automation platform designed to help businesses improve customer engagement and sales.
With a suite of features, including advanced segmentation, automation workflows, and CRM integration, ActiveCampaign is well-suited for businesses of all sizes that want to optimize their email marketing campaigns and drive results.
The platform's user-friendly interface and extensive library of resources make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced marketers seeking to enhance their email marketing efforts.
Commission Rate: The ActiveCampaign affiliate program offers a recurring commission model, with affiliates earning up to 30% recurring commissions on referred customers' monthly subscription fees. This structure ensures a steady revenue stream for successful affiliates.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit ActiveCampaign affiliate program page
8. GetResponse
GetResponse is an all-in-one marketing platform that includes email marketing, marketing automation, landing pages, and webinars. It provides businesses comprehensive tools to connect with their audience and drive growth.
With its robust features and customizable templates, GetResponse is well-suited for businesses of all sizes and industries that want to improve their marketing efforts and achieve better results.
GetResponse's user-friendly interface and extensive learning resources make it a practical choice for marketers at any level of expertise.
Commission Rate: The GetResponse affiliate program features attractive commission rates for affiliate marketers, with affiliates earning 33% recurring commissions on the monthly subscription fees of referred customers or $100 per sale.
This model ensures a steady income for affiliates as long as their referrals remain active subscribers.
Cookie Duration: 120 days.
More Information: Visit GetResponse affiliate program page
9. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is a popular email marketing platform tailored for creators, offering easy-to-use automation and segmentation tools to help users build and maintain relationships with their audience.
With its focus on simplicity and powerful features, ConvertKit is the ideal choice for bloggers, podcasters, and other content creators who want to grow their audience and monetize their work.
ConvertKit's intuitive interface, combined with a wealth of educational resources, makes it a user-friendly option for creators at all stages of their journey.
Commission Rate: The ConvertKit affiliate program provides a recurring commission model, with affiliates earning a 30% commission on the subscription fees of customers they refer for up to 24 months.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit ConverKit affiliate program page
10. NordVPN
NordVPN is a leading virtual private network (VPN) service provider offering enhanced online security, privacy, and anonymity.
With its extensive network of servers across the globe, NordVPN enables users to access the internet without restrictions, bypassing geo-blocks and safeguarding their personal data from potential threats.
The service is suitable for individuals and businesses who value their online privacy and security, and it's widely recognized for its top-notch encryption and performance.
Commission Rate: The NordVPN affiliate program offers a tiered commission model, with affiliates earning up to 40% commission on sign-up and renewal, depending on the plan chosen. NordVPN also has a 2-tier model available.
This structure provides a lucrative income opportunity for affiliates promoting NordVPN, and it is one of the best in the industry.
Cookie Duration: 30 days.
More Information: Visit the NordVPN affiliate program page
11. Teachable
Teachable is an online course creation platform that empowers educators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to share their knowledge and expertise through easily accessible digital courses.
Teachable streamlines the entire course creation process, making it an excellent choice for users who want to focus on delivering high-quality content and fostering meaningful learning experiences.
The platform's comprehensive toolset ensures users have everything they need to create, promote, and sell their online courses effectively.
Commission Rate: The Teachable affiliate program offers a recurring commission model, with affiliates earning a 30% commission on the subscription fees of referred customers.
This recurring structure enables affiliates to generate long-term revenue as their referrals maintain active subscriptions.
Cookie Duration: 30 days.
More Information: Visit Teachable affiliate program page
12. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an intuitive cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers, helping them efficiently manage their financials.
The platform offers comprehensive features such as invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and reporting, making it an excellent choice for users who want to simplify their accounting processes and save time.
FreshBooks is tailored to small business owners and freelancers seeking a user-friendly and efficient way to manage their financial tasks.
Commission Rate: The FreshBooks affiliate program offers up to $10 for each lead and up to $200 when a trial signup upgrades to a paid plan.
Cookie Duration: 120 days.
More Information: Visit FreshBooks affiliate program page
13. Clickfunnels
Clickfunnels is a powerful sales funnel builder designed to help entrepreneurs, marketers, and businesses create highly converting sales funnels without the need for any coding or technical expertise.
Clickfunnels offers a range of features, including customizable templates, drag-and-drop page builders, and marketing automation tools, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes looking to optimize their online sales process.
Commission Rate: New ClickFunnels Affiliates will also earn a 20% commission on purchases of ClickFunnels subscriptions. Once you have earned $1,000 in commissions in a month, you can apply to get 30% monthly recurring commissions.
Once you have at least 40 active ClickFunnels members paying for their membership for at least 30 days, you can qualify for 40% monthly recurring commissions.
Cookie Duration: 45 days.
More Information: Visit Clickfunnels affiliate program page
14. Thinkific
Thinkific is an online course creation platform designed for educators, businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking to share their expertise and generate income through digital courses.
Thinkific provides a comprehensive suite of features, including course hosting, payment processing, and student management, enabling users to create and sell engaging online courses easily.
Thinkific's robust tools and integrations ensure that users have everything they need to build, promote, and sell their courses effectively while delivering a top-notch learning experience for their students.
Commission Rate: The Thinkific affiliate program offers a lifetime recurring commission model, with affiliates earning a 30% commission on the subscription fees of referred customers.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit Thinkific affiliate program page
15. SEMrush
SEMrush is a comprehensive digital marketing toolkit that offers a wide range of tools for SEO, content marketing, social media, and PPC campaign management.
Designed for marketers, businesses, and agencies alike, SEMrush provides valuable insights and data-driven recommendations to optimize online marketing efforts and stay ahead of the competition.
With its extensive features, user-friendly interface, and integration capabilities, SEMrush is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to enhance their digital marketing strategies.
Commission Rate: The SEMrush affiliate program offers a competitive commission structure, where you earn $200 for every new subscription sale, $10 for every new trial, and $0.01 for the new sign-up.
Cookie Duration: 120 days.
More Information: Visit SEMRush affiliate program page
16. HubSpot
HubSpot is a comprehensive inbound marketing, sales, and customer service platform designed to help businesses attract, engage, and delight customers. The software offers a wide range of tools and features, including CRM, marketing automation, sales management, and customer support.
It is ideal for businesses looking to streamline their operations and enhance their overall customer experience. HubSpot is well-suited for organizations of all sizes and industries that aim to grow their customer base and foster lasting relationships.
Commission Rate: The HubSpot affiliate program offers a 15% monthly commission (up to 1 year) or a flat rate of 100% of the first month's revenue.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit HubSpot affiliate program page
17. AWeber
AWeber is a powerful email marketing and automation platform designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and digital marketers who want to create and manage effective email campaigns.
AWeber makes it easy for users to build strong relationships with their audience and increase their conversion rates.
AWeber's exceptional deliverability and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for those looking to improve their email marketing efforts.
Commission Rate: The AWeber affiliate program offers 30% commissions on paid accounts referred. If you refer 10 or more new paid accounts in the trailing 12-month period to receive 40% commissions.
If you refer 50 or more new paid accounts in the trailing 12-month period to receive 50% commissions.
Cookie Duration: 365 days.
More Information: Visit Aweber affiliate program page
18. Zoho
Zoho is a comprehensive suite of cloud-based business applications that cater to the diverse needs of organizations, from sales and marketing to finance and human resources.
The software offers a wide range of tools and features that help businesses streamline their processes, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity. Zoho is designed for businesses of all sizes and industries that require a versatile and integrated solution to manage their day-to-day operations.
Commission Rate: The Zoho affiliate marketing program offers a tiered commission model, with affiliates earning up to 15% commission on the subscription fees of referred customers, depending on the product and plan chosen.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit Zoho affiliate program page
19. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a powerful e-commerce platform allowing businesses to create and manage online stores efficiently. BigCommerce is designed for businesses of all sizes and industries that require a scalable and user-friendly platform to support their online business growth.
The software provides various tools and features, including customizable templates, product catalog management, payment gateway integration, and marketing tools. It is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive e-commerce solution.
Commission Rate: The BigCommerce affiliate program is powered by the Impact Radius affiliate network, and it offers a performance-based commission model, with affiliates earning up to $1,500 per referral, depending on the referred customer's subscription plan.
This rewarding commission structure allows affiliates to generate significant income by promoting BigCommerce's e-commerce solutions.
Cookie Duration: 90 days.
More Information: Visit BigCommerce affiliate program page
20. Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is a comprehensive suite of creative tools and services used by professionals and enthusiasts worldwide for graphic design, photo editing, video production, web design, and more.
The platform includes industry-leading applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and InDesign, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an all-in-one solution for their creative needs.
Adobe Creative Cloud is designed for individuals and businesses across various industries who require top-notch creative tools to bring their ideas to life.
Commission Rate: The Adobe Creative Cloud affiliate program offers a commission model based on the product type and subscription plan the referred customer chooses.
Affiliates can earn up to 85% commission on the first-month Creative Cloud All Apps subscription and a flat $72 commission for Creative Cloud All Apps Annual Plans.
Cookie Duration: 120 days.
More Information: Visit Adobe affiliate program page
21. Shopify
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to create and manage online stores easily. Shopify is designed for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises requiring a robust and customizable e-commerce solution.
The software provides a comprehensive set of tools and features, including product listing, inventory management, payment processing, and shipping options, making it an excellent choice for users looking to launch and grow their online businesses.
Commission Rate: The Shopify affiliate program offers a flat commission model, with affiliates earning an average of $58 for each new customer who purchases a paid plan and up to $2,000 for each Shopify Plus referral.
This commission structure allows affiliates to generate substantial income by promoting Shopify's e-commerce solutions.
Cookie Duration: 30 days.
More Information: Visit Shopify affiliate program page
10 Key Features of a Successful SaaS Affiliate Program
1. High-quality Product or Service
Affiliates are more likely to promote and achieve success with a high-quality, reliable SaaS product or service that meets the needs of its target audience. Ensuring the product consistently delivers value to customers will help affiliates build trust with their audience and drive more conversions.
2. Attractive commission rates
A successful SaaS affiliate program should offer competitive commission rates that motivate affiliates to promote the product or service actively. Higher commission rates can help to attract experienced and dedicated affiliates who can drive significant traffic and conversions.
3. Recurring commissions
Recurring commission models, where affiliates earn a percentage of the revenue generated by their referrals for the duration of the customer's subscription, are highly sought after. This model provides long-term income potential for affiliates and rewards them for the lifetime value of the customers they bring in.
4. Cookie Duration
Longer cookie durations give affiliates more time to convert their leads into customers, increasing their chances of earning a commission. A successful SaaS affiliate program should offer a generous cookie duration to ensure that affiliates are fairly rewarded for their marketing efforts.
5. Two-tier commission structure
A two-tier commission model allows affiliates to earn additional income by referring other affiliates to the program. This feature can help attract more affiliates to the program and encourage them to promote it more actively.
6. Reliable Tracking and Reporting
Accurate tracking and reporting systems are essential for affiliates to monitor their performance and optimize their promotional efforts. A successful SaaS affiliate program should provide real-time statistics, detailed reports, and an intuitive dashboard to help affiliates make data-driven decisions.
7. Marketing Resources and Support
Providing affiliates with high-quality marketing materials, such as banners, email templates, and promotional content, can help them effectively promote the SaaS product.
In addition, dedicated affiliate support through training materials, webinars, or direct contact with an affiliate manager can contribute to the program's success.
8. Transparent payout terms
Clear and transparent payout terms, including the minimum payout threshold, payment frequency, and available payment methods, are crucial for maintaining the trust and a strong relationship with affiliates.
9. Regular Program Updates and Improvements
SaaS companies should continuously improve their affiliate programs by introducing new features, optimizing existing ones, and addressing issues. This demonstrates a commitment to the program's success and helps build long-lasting relationships with affiliates.
10. Strong brand reputation
Affiliates are more likely to promote a SaaS product with a positive reputation, a solid track record of customer satisfaction, and a strong social media presence. Building and maintaining a reputable brand image is essential for attracting and retaining high-performing affiliates.
How to Choose the Right SaaS Affiliate Program for Your Audience
1. Assess your audience's needs
Before selecting a SaaS affiliate program, evaluate your audience's specific needs, preferences, and pain points. The chosen program should offer a product or service that aligns with your audience's interests and addresses their challenges.
2. Evaluate product quality and reputation
Research the SaaS product's quality, features, and overall reputation. A high-quality product with positive customer reviews and testimonials will be easier to promote and more likely to result in satisfied customers and recurring commissions.
3. Review the commission structure
Analyze the affiliate program's commission structure and ensure it offers a competitive and fair payout. When evaluating different programs, consider factors such as commission rates, payment frequency, and minimum payment thresholds.
4. Check for cookie duration
Longer cookie durations are generally more favorable, giving affiliates a longer window to earn commissions from referred customers. Choose a program with a reasonable cookie duration that aligns with your promotional strategy.
5. Evaluate promotional materials and support
A strong SaaS affiliate program should provide affiliates with various promotional materials, such as banners, email templates, and social media content.
6. Consider product compatibility
The chosen SaaS product should complement your existing content and not clash with other products or services you promote. This compatibility will make integrating the affiliate program into your existing promotional efforts easier.
7. Analyze the conversion potential
Evaluate the SaaS product's conversion potential by reviewing product pricing, free trials, and overall market demand. A product with a higher conversion potential will likely result in more commissions and revenue.
8. Research the company's history and stability
Partner with a reputable and stable company to ensure a long-lasting and fruitful relationship. Investigate the company's history, financial stability, and overall market presence to make an informed decision.
9. Network with other affiliates
Connect with other affiliates who have experience promoting the SaaS product or are part of the same affiliate program. Their insights can help you gauge the program's effectiveness and the potential challenges you may face.
10. Test the product yourself
Using it can give you firsthand experience of its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. This knowledge will enable you to create more authentic and persuasive promotional content, increasing the chances of successful conversions.
Considering these factors will enable you to select the most suitable SaaS affiliate program for your audience, optimizing your potential to generate consistent revenue through your promotional endeavors.
Wrapping Up
SaaS affiliate programs give content creators and marketers a valuable way to generate income from their online presence.
The key is choosing a SaaS product that genuinely serves your audience's needs. When the product recommendation arises naturally from your existing content, it becomes far less salesy.
Rather than spraying links to every SaaS company under the sun, take time to thoroughly research programs that authentically match your niche, whether they are webinar affiliate programs or something else.
Develop content around how the product can solve your audience's pain points. If the product delivers on its promises, your endorser status will drive conversions and recurring commissions over the long term.
