The 15 Best Affiliate Programs in the Software & Online Business Sector

Jan Siebert11/18/2022

High commissions, fast payout, good conversion - we show you which affiliate partner programs are lucrative.

Table of contents
  1. What are affiliate programs?
  2. Compensation models in affiliate marketing
As a basis for affiliate marketing you should know the following: There are publishers who create posts on social media, run a blog, optimize a website with SEO or generally distribute content via YouTube and other channels. And it is precisely this content that can be used by companies as an advertising placement. The advertising companies are called advertisers, as they pay commissions for successful events, such as referrals of new customers. What you need to pay attention to in this type of cooperation and which affiliate programs are worthwhile, our guest author Jan Siebert explains in this article.
Small hint:Are you thematically not so far yet? Then you can read up on how to start with affiliate marketing in our ContentHub.

What are affiliate programs?

Affiliate programs are partnerships with companies (called advertisers or merchants) in which the company markets a product or service and the affiliate (publisher) receives a commission for each customer they refer to the company.
Often in the German-speaking area, instead of the term "affiliate program", "partner program" is also used. Registration for such a partner program is generally free of charge, but the providers check whether you as a publisher also fit the company and its advertising purposes.
So if you have a website and thus reach for the topic dogs, an application for an affiliate offer from a software company might be rejected. An online shop for pet food, on the other hand, would be a perfect match for an affiliate cooperation.

Recommended affiliate networks

On our comparison platform OMR Reviews you can find more recommended affiliate networks. We present over 60 solutions that are specifically tailored to the needs of affiliate marketing agencies, partner programs and companies. This affiliate network software offers comprehensive support in all aspects of affiliate marketing. Take this opportunity to compare the different software solutions, drawing on authentic and verified user reviews:

Compensation models in affiliate marketing

If you are accepted as a publisher in an affiliate program, a commission contract is automatically concluded. The amount of commission can of course vary from provider to provider. There are also several variations for the type of commission. As a rule, the following types are offered to you:

CPO (Cost-per-Order)

With the CPO, you are paid for actually generated sales. Often the advertiser reserves the right to cancel sales within a certain period of time if the customer has not converted.

Lifetime commission (Recurring Commission)

The lifetime commission is a special form of CPO. Here too, it is about mediated customers. This type of commission is often used by software companies, where you as a publisher participate in the turnover. And as long as the referred user remains a customer.

CPL (Cost-per-Lead)

With the CPL payment, the lead is at the center. It is paid for prospective customers contacting a company and thus the sales can continue to work with them. CPLs are usually fixed amounts.

CPC (Cost-per-Click)

A rather rare monetization in affiliate is the CPC model, which many of you know from Google Ads and where you are paid per click. Here, pure traffic, which is interested in a product or service, is paid for.

How does an affiliate cooperation work?

You should be searching for suitable partner programs in a thematically oriented manner. Then you have promising chances of being accepted. After confirmation, you gain access to the affiliate dashboard of the advertiser with his advertising materials. These can be the following:
  • Text links
  • Display banners
  • animated ads
  • Logos
  • Landing pages
  • Generators or calculators
  • Product data feeds
  • Creatives for actions
The affiliate tracking link, which a user can use to assign you as a publisher, is hidden behind these materials. You can use the materials, integrate them into your website or share them with your followers.
You can see the commission through mediated sales and leads centrally in your affiliate account in a usually structured reporting.

Serious affiliate partner programs-what to look out for?

Basically, affiliate marketing is a serious business model. It is largely about trust, which your followers and readers have to build with you. Only then can you recommend an affiliate product.
You should never have to pay anything to apply for a partner program. This would be a sign that the provider is not quite trustworthy and it is rather a pyramid scheme instead of a real partner model.
In addition, affiliate marketing is not a system for getting rich quick. It is an online marketing discipline that you can learn and perfect. Anything else that is sold to you on YouTube and blogs is often a scam.

The best affiliate products

With which partners you enter into an affiliate cooperation depends entirely on your own business. As a content creator, influencer, blogger, YouTuber, corporate influencer or website operator, you have a reach to a thematic audience. The choice of an affiliate product should match this target group as best as possible, since you want to recommend to your followers something that they then buy. The better the match here, the higher the conversion rate and therefore the commission for you.
There are affiliate partner programs for just about anything. For example:
  • physical products
  • digital products
  • Services
  • Tickets
  • Accommodations
  • etc.
So the best affiliate product can be something completely different for everyone. It depends on your target group that you reach.

What makes successful affiliate sites?

In the end, there's no big secret and the pages can be analyzed in depth with the right SEO tools. Affiliate marketing can not only be operated with a website. E-mail lists, social media profiles or YouTube channels are also great assets to operate successful affiliate marketing.

Affiliate network or single program?

For companies, there are basically two different models how they can set up and offer a partner program. On the one hand, this can be done via so-called affiliate networks, on the other hand, there are specialized affiliate software for individual programs.
Affiliate networks are, so to speak, the link between you as a publisher and the advertisers. In such a network, many advertisers from one industry are often looked after. As an affiliate, you then have an easy time, as you can apply directly to all partners via the network and invoicing and tracking run uniformly via the network.
However, some partner programs are set up via their own tool. This has the advantage for companies that they save the fees for a network and are therefore more independent in the support.
For you, networks are usually more comfortable for the application and billing, but sometimes the conditions in individually hosted partner programs are higher.

An overview of affiliate networks

To give you a first overview, we briefly introduce you to the most important affiliate networks.

The best 15 affiliate partner programs for German publishers in the software and online business area

Finally, let's come to our tips which partner programs you should definitely take a look at in the software and online business area. The programs of course differ depending on the commission in dependency, what kind of product is sold. But also the cookie lifetime is a distinguishing feature. This value tells, in which period after the click a user referred by you is still counted as a lead or sale for you.

neuroflash

The tool neuroflash is an AI text generator. This allows texts to be created completely automatically. The tariffs cost between 29 € and 199 € per month - more about the prices from Neuroflash and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:35%
Type: CPO (Lifetime Commission)
Network:own tool (Firstpromoter)
Cookie Lifetime:60 days

Hubspot

You advertise in HubSpot Sales Hub one of the most famous CRM systems, the different product rates for marketing, sales, customer service, CMS or operations. The prices start at 23 € per month and go up to several hundred euros - more about the prices from HubSpot CRM and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:100% of the first monthly payment or 15% monthly
Type:CPO - One-time payment or recurring payment
Network: Impact
Cookie Lifetime:90 days

monday.com

monday work management deals with a project management software. The pricing includes four paid for tariffs and is paid per user. If you advertise large companies, this can mean a respectable commission. Info on the prices from monday.com and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:100% contribution for the first year
Type: CPO
Network: PartnerStack
Cookie Lifetime:90 Days

Moss

The Fintech Moss offers small and medium-sized companies a complete solution for corporate expenses. The tariffs are based on the number of corporate credit cards issued - more about the prices from Moss and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:20 € or 200 €
Type:CPL or CPO
Network: financeAds
Cookie Lifetime: 90 Days

GetResponse

The e-mail marketing tool GetResponse can be used for the entire marketing automation. Prices start at 11 € per month, but can also rise to over 400 € per month depending on the number of e-mail contacts - more about the prices from GetResponse and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:33% or 100 €
Type: CPO recurring or one-time
Network: own program
Cookie Lifetime:120 days term

ClickFunnels

The American online selling platform ClickFunnels can be advertised and you will receive provision on the monthly and annual tariffs. Prices range from $147 to $297 per month - more about the prices from ClickFunnels and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:up to 40%
Type:CPO
Network: own program
Cookie Lifetime: 30 Days

Perspective Funnels

The tool of Perspective Funnels is a mobile funnel builder. With this, you can specifically collect leads. Provision is paid on the annual or monthly plan - more about the prices from Perspective Funnels and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:10% or 30%
Type: recurring commission, annually or monthly
Network: PartnerStack
Cookie Lifetime: 90 Days

Digistore24

The affiliate program Digistore24 is about new customers for the products sold through the payment provider Digistore24. The check-out is quick and easy, which positively influences conversion. Info about the prices from Digistore24 and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:up to 70%
Type:CPO
Network: Digistore24
Cookie Lifetime:180 Days

Dirk Kreuter - Sales Coach

Dirk Kreuter is a well-known figure in the online business sector. As a sales coach, he trains thousands of people with his courses every year. Of course, you can also advertise these as an affiliate.
Commission:up to 80 %
Type:CPO + second-level commission
Network: CopeCart
Cookie Lifetime:180 Days
Tip: A second-level commission means that if you advertise another affiliate, you will also receive a commission for their sales.

SEMrush

The SEO tool Semrush offers extensive features for analyzing keywords, websites and backlinks. For the tariffs, at least $120 per month is paid - more about the prices from Semrush and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:10$ and 200$
Type:CPL and CPO
Network: Impact
Cookie Lifetime:120 Days

Amazon Partnernet

The Amazon partner program is almost a must-have for every product-side niche website. Amazon practically has the right products for every topic and the conversion rate is optimal due to the familiarity.
Also read about affiliate marketing with Amazon can work for you.
Commission:up to 12%
Type: CPO
Network: own program
Cookie Lifetime: 24 Hours

sevDesk

The invoice and accounting program of sevdesk is popular with self-employed people and small companies. This is also reflected in the affiliate offer. Info on prices from sevDesk and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:up to 90 €
Type:per lead
Network: Awin
Cookie Lifetime:60 Days

ActiveCampaign

The e-mail marketing and automation tool ActiveCampaign gets you involved directly in the revenue of your recruited customers. Depending on the partner level, there are staggered commissions. Info on the prices from ActiveCampaign and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission:20 - 30 %
Type: recurring commission
Network:own program
Cookie Lifetime:90 Days

FINOM

The Fintech business account of FINOM is suitable for self-employed and companies. Accordingly, you have a broad target group for your promotion.
Commission:60,00 €
Type:Pay per Sale
Network: financeAds and Awin
Cookie Lifetime:30 Days

raidboxes®

Web hosting is at the beginning of every business. WordPress is the most famous CMS in the world. The products of raidboxes® are therefore good to recommend. Info about the prices from raidboxes® and the associated user reviews can be found on OMR Reviews.
Commission: 15 %
Type: Lifetime commission per new customer
Network: own
Cookie Lifetime: 60 Days

Conclusion to our affiliate program comparison

Especially in the software and online business area, there are some exciting affiliate programs. The list we presented here is only an extract from numerous great cooperation possibilities. You have everything from recurring commissions, high-priced sales remuneration to quick lead remuneration.
The key messages you should take from this article if you want to make money with affiliate are the following:
  1. Build up a thematic reach. The more qualified your followers or readers are for a topic, the better it fits with the affiliate partner program.
  2. Choose affiliate programs not for the commission, but for relevance. High commissions are tempting. However, this makes no difference if none of your followers and blog readers buy in the end.
  3. Affiliate networks offer more comfort in managing many programs. Above that, create a structure with which you can keep an eye on all partner programs.
Nothing stands in the way of your successful affiliate business.
Jan Siebert

Jan Siebert ist Gründer und Geschäftsführer der tomorrow web GmbH, einem Start-up Accelerator für digitale Geschäftsmodelle. Plattform-Modelle und SaaS zählen hier zu seinen favorisierten Cases. Jan kommt darüber hinaus aus dem Online-Marketing und weiß, wie sich Software-Startups mit gutem SEO-Content vermarkten lassen. 

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Software mentioned in the article

Product or service categories mentioned in the article

Affiliate Networks
Affiliate networks are platforms where advertising companies (advertisers) can enter into partnerships with website operators (affiliates). The affiliates can integrate the advertising materials of the companies on their websites and only receive a commission when previously agreed services such as clicks, leads or sales are achieved. Advertisers increase their brand awareness and at the same time their sales through the use of affiliate marketing solutions. In the partner programs of the advertisers, website operators are provided with banners, links or logos, for example, which they can integrate on their website to guide users to the online shop of the advertisers or the respective product pages, and ideally to encourage a purchase. For this, affiliates receive a commission from the advertiser. In order to keep track of this, the steps of potential buyers are tracked - from the first click to the final purchase. This can be done via cookie tracking, postview tracking or even session tracking. Affiliate networks provide the technical requirements for affiliate marketing. This includes all steps from creating a partner program, networking the advertisers with the affiliates, to processing payments between the two parties. As a rule, advertisers have to pay commissions to affiliate networks. In order to be included in the Affiliate Networks category, a solution should have the following features and properties: * Tracking and Reporting: Precise and timely tracking of clicks, leads, and sales generated by affiliates, as well as detailed reports for a transparent performance evaluation. * Diverse advertising materials: A wide range of advertising materials (such as banners, text links, email templates), allowing publishers to effectively promote products. * Commission Management: Flexible and reliable systems for calculating and paying out commissions to affiliates. * Affiliate Relationship Management: Tools for maintaining and managing the relationships between advertisers and affiliates, including communication resources and support for campaign optimization. * User-friendly interface: An intuitive, easily accessible platform that is suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) software is used to improve the so-called natural or organic visibility of a website on the results page of a search engine (usually Google) or to provide clues and suggestions for improvement. In other words, to make a website, a location on Maps, or a photo in the image search more findable without having to pay for it, you need optimization work, insights, metrics, and orientation. The listed tools enable these SEO insights and analyses by showing, for example, the development of a website's visibility over time, competitive data, important keywords, trend data or hints at technical starting points for improvement. Among the SEO tools, there are specialized tools for individual functions as well as all-in-one solutions that depict (almost) all SEO functions and sometimes even provide solutions for other areas. For example, (almost) all SEO tools focus on the identification of relevant Keywords, there is overlap with Search Advertising Software. All products listed in the SEO category must cover at least one of the following areas: SEO Monitoring & Tracking, Keyword Research, Content or Onpage Optimization, Crawling and/or Offpage SEO. With SEO Monitoring & Tracking tools, keywords can be tracked and thus SEO performance monitored. With the help of Keyword Research Tools, content gaps can be identified. SEO Content Tools help with content creation and optimization. Crawler and log file tools test your own website for technical SEO and create log file analyses. For the inspection, monitoring, and identification of (potential) backlinks, there are Backlink Tools. Do you want to further your education in SEO and learn from experts? Then the OMR Beginners Guide to SEO and the OMR Professional Guide to SEO are just right for you! More than 100 pages of expert knowledge await you in the reports, and even real SEO pros will learn something new! For those who prefer to learn in a flexible e-learning format, we also offer an OMR SEO Pro Deep Dive Webinar and an OMR Academy SEO Fundamentals E-Learning Course.
Public Affiliate Networks
Public Affiliate Networks are a specific subgroup of affiliate networks that act as an interface between advertisers (merchants) and publishers (affiliates). The main difference to private affiliate networks lies in their public nature, which means they are accessible to a wide range of advertisers and affiliates. These networks aim to create an efficient and transparent environment for promoting products and services. Due to their public accessibility, merchants can advertise their products through a variety of affiliates, who in turn are compensated for each action performed (e.g., click, purchase, lead generation). The main target group for Public Affiliate Networks are businesses and advertisers on the one hand, and online publishers, bloggers and influencers on the other hand. Advertisers are looking for ways to promote their products or services and increase their reach, while affiliates want to generate income through product promotion. The areas of application for Public Affiliate Networks are wide-ranging and include online advertising, sales promotion, content marketing and influencer marketing. They are applicable in various industries such as retail, finance, travel, education and many others. The networks provide a platform where advertisers and affiliates can come together, negotiate contracts and track the performance of their campaigns. In order to be included in the Public Affiliate Networks category, a solution should have the following features and characteristics: * Transparent tracking and reporting tools: The ability to track and analyze the performance of affiliate campaigns in real time. * Comprehensive publisher database: Access to a wide and diverse selection of affiliates to ensure the best possible match between advertisers and publishers. * Automated commission systems: Automated systems for calculating and paying out commissions to affiliates. * User-friendly interface: An intuitive user interface that enables both parties to work efficiently and achieve their goals. * Support and training: Provision of support and training resources to maximize the success of affiliate marketing campaigns.

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