Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways to start an online business. Unlike building your own product or service, you can earn commissions by promoting other companies’ offerings. But before you start sharing links and making sales, you need to join an affiliate program.

If you’re wondering how to apply, what approval requirements look like, and how to maximize your chances of getting accepted, this guide breaks it all down step by step.

What Is an Affiliate Program?

An affiliate program is a partnership between a business (the merchant) and marketers (affiliates). Affiliates promote products using unique tracking links, and when those links generate sales, leads, or clicks, the affiliate earns a commission.

These programs are usually free to join, but each company or network may have its own application process and eligibility requirements.

Step 1: Decide on Your Niche

Before applying, you should know your niche—the specific audience you want to serve. Merchants want affiliates who can actually reach and influence their target customers.

For example:

• A fitness brand is more likely to approve an affiliate with a health blog or Instagram fitness page.

• A SaaS company may prefer affiliates with a tech-focused YouTube channel.

Your niche helps you stand out during the application process.

Step 2: Find the Right Affiliate Program

There are two main types of opportunities:

1. Direct Affiliate Programs – Run by individual businesses like Shopify, SEMrush, or Bluehost. You apply directly on their website.

2. Affiliate Networks – Marketplaces like CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, or Rakuten, where you can apply to multiple merchants in one place.

👉 A useful resource to discover programs across niches is BigMoney VIP Affiliate Directory, which curates opportunities for affiliates at all levels.

Step 3: Check the Requirements

Some programs are very beginner-friendly (like Amazon Associates), while others require proof of traffic or content before approving you. Typical requirements include:

• A Website or Blog – Not always necessary, but it increases credibility.

• Social Media Presence – Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube can substitute for a website.

• Niche Alignment – Programs want affiliates whose audience matches their product.

• Traffic Metrics – Some programs ask for minimum page views or followers.

Step 4: Prepare Before Applying

To maximize approval chances, do a quick checklist:

• Have a website, blog, or social media account with some content already posted.

• Write an “About” or “Mission” page explaining your purpose.

• Make sure your content aligns with the program’s niche (don’t apply to a fitness program if you only post about pets).

• Avoid empty or brand-new sites with no content—these are often rejected.

Step 5: Apply to the Program

Applications usually involve filling out a form that asks:

• Your name and contact details.

• Your website or primary traffic channel.

• How you plan to promote products (content marketing, social media, email).

• Your geographic location (important for tax purposes).

Some programs auto-approve you instantly. Others manually review applications and may take a few days or weeks.

Step 6: Get Approved and Access Your Dashboard

Once accepted, you’ll gain access to:

• Affiliate Dashboard – Where you track clicks, sales, and commissions.

• Affiliate Links – Unique referral links or banners to use in promotions.

• Creative Assets – Pre-made marketing materials like images, emails, or ads.

Step 7: Start Promoting Responsibly

Once inside, you can start creating content that incorporates your affiliate links. Best practices include:

• Disclosing affiliate links (to comply with FTC guidelines).

• Promoting only products you trust.

• Tracking your performance and optimizing campaigns.

Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected

• Incomplete Applications – Skipping questions or providing vague answers.

• No Content Presence – Applying without a website, social media, or any visible platform.

• Misaligned Niches – Applying to promote software when your content is about cooking.

• Low-Quality Content – Spammy or duplicate blogs can lead to rejections.

Pro Tips to Increase Your Approval Rate

1. Start with Beginner-Friendly Programs – Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and ShareASale rarely reject new affiliates.

2. Show You Have a Plan – Mention the channels you’ll use (blog, YouTube, TikTok).

3. Be Honest – Don’t claim massive traffic if you’re just starting out.

4. Build Content First – A few blog posts or videos in your niche can make all the difference.

5. Diversify – Apply to multiple programs to avoid being dependent on one.

Example: Applying to Amazon Associates

1. Go to the Amazon Associates website.

2. Sign in with your Amazon account.

3. Enter your website or social media details.

4. Choose product categories you plan to promote.

5. Get instant approval (pending verification after your first 3 sales).

This shows how simple it can be, though other programs may require more detail.

Why It’s Worth Applying Carefully

Remember, affiliate marketing isn’t just about joining every program you see. By applying strategically and aligning with the right merchants, you:

• Build long-term partnerships.

• Gain access to higher commission tiers.

• Strengthen your reputation as a trusted affiliate.

The goal isn’t to be in every program—it’s to be in the right ones for your audience.

Final Thoughts

Joining an affiliate program is your first step toward building a profitable online business. Start by clarifying your niche, building a presence, and applying to beginner-friendly networks. As you grow, you can expand into higher-paying, specialized programs.

Be patient—approval doesn’t happen overnight for every program. Focus on building value for your audience, and the right programs will follow.