Shopify Affiliate Program

If you’re searching for an affiliate program that combines reliability and profitability, the Shopify Affiliate Program can be the perfect fit. As a globally renowned eCommerce platform, Shopify has developed an enticing affiliate program enabling individuals and businesses to earn substantial commissions by promoting their products and services.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll keep you covered about:

How Shopify affiliate works,
Why you should join in promoting Shopify,
How does the program works,
How to promote it.

Get ready to discover the potential of this affiliate program and pave your way to online success.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a robust eCommerce platform designed to assist businesses in operating their online stores. It presents a compelling option for businesses looking to expand their reach beyond physical brick-and-mortar locations.

According to BuiltWith, Shopify powers 4.8 million active websites, with around 2% ranking among the top million sites by internet traffic volume. This company also holds the second-largest market share among eCommerce technology platforms for the top one million traffic-generating sites.

Promoting Shopify to an audience with entrepreneurial aspirations and an interest in online income opportunities is a smart choice.

Now, let’s explore the steps to promote Shopify effectively.

Difference between Shopify Partner Program vs Shopify Affiliate Program

What is Shopify Affiliate Program?

On the other hand, the Shopify affiliate program welcomes entrepreneurs, educators, influencers, content creators, and others who refer their audience to Shopify.

This program is free to join and allows affiliates to earn commissions by referring new Shopify merchants through their unique affiliate links. Additionally, commissions can be earned through Shopify Plus referrals.

What is Shopify Partner Program?

The Shopify Partner Program offers additional ways to make money. This program includes a group of designers, developers, marketers, etc., using the Shopify platform to build e-commerce websites, themes (Shopify theme stores), and apps ( Shopify app stores).

As we mentioned above, three ways that Shopify Partners usually do to expand their company and bring in continuing monthly income are:

Refer customers to Shopify
Create eCommerce themes and publish them in the Shopify Theme Store
Develop Shopify apps and publish them in the Shopify App Store

Shopify Affiliate Program Review

About Shopify Affiliate Program

The Program generally works by allowing affiliates to earn commissions by referring new users to Shopify. The affiliates can be anyone in a diverse community of businesses, entrepreneurs, influencers, and content creators who would like to educate and inspire their audiences about an eCommerce platform, Shopify.

The program is completely free, enabling you to earn commissions for referring new businesses to Shopify.

What are Shopify Affiliate Program Commission Rates?

Upon reviewing the FAQs on the Shopify affiliate program landing page, you will discover the following details regarding commission rates:

Such a vague answer.

Luckily, we have gathered more specific information for you: Shopify offers affiliates a fixed bounty of $150 commission rate for every qualified referral they generate.

In simpler terms, when a person (Shopify potential users) clicks on your affiliate link, visits the Shopify website, and successfully subscribes to a plan, you earn $150. This applies regardless of whether they opt for the Basic Shopify plan at $29/month or the Advanced package priced at $299 per month.

How Much Can You Make From the Shopify Affiliate Program?

It depends, I can say.

The potential earnings from the Shopify Affiliate Program can vary depending on the number of qualified referrals generated.

It’s important to note how many you make from this program can vary based on factors such as the quality of referrals, marketing efforts, and the overall conversion rate of the targeted audience.

However, with a generous commission rate and the growing popularity of Shopify as an eCommerce platform, affiliates have the potential to earn a significant income through the Shopify Affiliate Program.

How Long is the Cookie?

Shopify offers their partners a standard 30-day cookie duration.

This means that if a user clicks on your affiliate referral link and creates a Shopify account within 30 days, you will receive the commission for their purchases during that period.

It’s important to note that the cookie duration applies to the initial click and does not extend with subsequent clicks or visits.

Who Should Join the Shopify Affiliate Program?

This is ideal for those having an audience aligning with the target market of Shopify.

Some groups of people who can benefit from joining the program:

Entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur looking to monetize online or offer value to your audience by recommending eCommerce solutions.

Influencers/ Content Creators: It’s great to have a blog, social media following, YouTube channel, or any other online platform with a significant audience.

Website Designers and Developers: Professionals in the field of web design and development.

Ecommerce Enthusiasts: For those having a passion for eCommerce and enjoy exploring different platforms and solutions

Individuals interested in passive income: This affiliate program is a great option if you are looking for a way to generate passive income

What are the Requirements and Rules of Shopify Affiliate Program?

The requirements to join Shopify Program include:

Owning and running a working website
Having a substantial of followers
Creating an original video course and blog posts
Understanding how to use other eCommerce platforms (not just Shopify)
Regarding and referring to Shopify Partner Agreement

Once you submit your application to the Shopify team, they will conduct a review process that typically lasts around 15 business days. Upon approval, you will receive an email containing an affiliate link to promote Shopify and resources to assist you in getting started.

As a Shopify affiliate, you will gain access to a range of affiliate marketing tools provided by Shopify.

Additionally, you will be assigned a unique reference handle, enabling you to monitor and manage all of your referrals effectively. This feature ensures that you can easily keep track of your affiliate activities and the success of your promotional efforts.

Which Payment Methods Can Shopify Affiliates Choose?

Shopify offers payouts to your PayPal account.

This means that bank transfers, debit or credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and gift cards are not supported by Shopify for affiliate program payments.

If you do not have a PayPal account or prefer not to use it, the Shopify affiliate program may not be suitable for you. However, if you are comfortable with using PayPal, Shopify provides the following payment terms:

Credits generated from the 1st to the 15th of the month will be paid five business days after the 15th.
Credits between the 16th and the last day of the month will be paid five business days after the end of the month.

Shopify notes that commission payments below $25 will be held until the next payment period. However, this condition may not be applicable since Shopify offers a fixed bounty rate of $150 per sale, making it unlikely for commissions to fall below the $25 threshold.

If you come across any difficulties or have inquiries regarding payment methods, you can contact your supported affiliate manager, who will help you address the matter and provide assistance.

Pros & Cons Of The Shopify Affiliate Program

The Shopify Affiliate Program comes with several advantages and disadvantages. Here are some to consider:

Shopify Affiliate Program Pros

Generous commissions: The program offers a fixed bounty rate of $150 per sale, which can result in significant earnings for successful referrals.

Trusted and reputable brand: Shopify is a well-known and respected e-commerce platform used by millions of entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide, making it easier to promote and gain the trust from potential customers.

Wide target audience: The program appeals to a broad range of individuals, including entrepreneurs, marketers, influencers, bloggers, and website owners, providing ample opportunities for referrals.

Robust affiliate resources: It provides a range of marketing materials, including banners, links, and promotional content, to support affiliates in their marketing efforts.

Dedicated affiliate manager: Affiliates have access to a dedicated affiliate manager who can assist with any issues, questions, or support needed during the program.

Shopify Affiliate Program Cons

Limited payment options: The program only offers payouts to PayPal accounts, which may be inconvenient for individuals who prefer alternative payment methods.

Minimum payout threshold: Commission payments below $25 are held until the next payment period, which can delay the receipt of earnings for affiliates with lower sales volumes.

As mentioned above, each referral will make you earn 150$, so it’s impossible for you to make $25 for their affiliate program.

Dependence on referral conversions: Earnings in the program rely solely on successful referrals who sign up and pay for a Shopify subscription, meaning there is no recurring commission structure or additional revenue streams.

Competitiveness: The popularity of the Shopify Affiliate Program means there is considerable competition among affiliates, requiring effective marketing strategies to stand out and generate referrals.

Limited control over product and service offerings: As an affiliate, you are limited to promoting and referring customers to the Shopify platform without the ability to customize or control the product features, pricing, or customer experience.

Pros of Shopify affiliate program

Generous commissions
Trusted and reputable brand
Wide target audience
Robust affiliate resources
Dedicated affiliate manager

Cons of Shopify affiliate program

Limited payment options
Minimum payout threshold
Dependence on referral conversions
Competitiveness
Limited control over product and service offerings

How to Apply for Shopify Affiliate Program?

If Shopify requirements meet your expectations, you can start submitting to join their program by following these steps.

Signing up for the program

Step 1: Visit Shopify Affiliate Program website >Review the program details, so take the time to read through the program’s terms and conditions, commission structure, etc > Click on Apply Now button.

Step 2: The site will direct you to an Impact subdomain form. Continue to fill out the application form with your information.

Step 3: Provide marketing channel information and browse through Shopify’s terms and conditions.

Step 4: Click on Sign up to submit your application.

After being approved

After submitting your application, the Shopify Affiliate Program team will review it. If they accept your submission, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions and details about accessing your affiliate account.

Step 6: Set up your affiliate account. Follow the instructions provided in the confirmation email to set up your affiliate account. This may involve creating a password, providing additional information, or verifying your email address.

Step 7: Start promoting and earning. Once your account is set up, you can access your unique referral links, banners, and other marketing resources.

Use these materials to promote Shopify through your chosen marketing channels and start earning commissions for successful referrals.

How long does it take for Shopify to accept your application as an affiliate?

The timeframe for Shopify to accept your application as an affiliate can vary. Typically, the Shopify Affiliate Program team takes a few business days (about 15 days) to review and approve applications.

However, it’s important to note that the exact duration can depend on factors such as the volume of applications received and the current workload of the review team.

Remember to regularly check your email, including your spam or junk folders, for any communication from Shopify regarding your affiliate application.

How You Can Make Money With the Shopify Affiliate Program

Apply these marketing tactics to promote the program.

Content Marketing

If you’re doing on an eCommerce niche, it’s easy to generate valuable and informative content centered around eCommerce, entrepreneurship, and online business.

You can create various forms of content, such as blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts. Incorporate your Shopify affiliate links and banners within your content to encourage readers or viewers to sign up.

Email marketing

Already have an email list or newsletter subscribers? Send targeted emails highlighting the benefits of using Shopify for eCommerce. Include your affiliate links and incentivize your subscribers with exclusive offers or discounts.

Influencer collaborations

You can collaborate with influencers or bloggers who already have a relevant audience in the eCommerce or business space. They can create sponsored content or reviews featuring Shopify, and you can provide them with unique affiliate links or coupon codes to track referrals.

Webinars or workshops

Another way to promote the Shopify affiliate program is to host webinars or workshops focused on eCommerce or online business topics and include Shopify as a recommended platform.

Provide valuable insights, demonstrate the features of Shopify, and use your affiliate links during the presentation or in the follow-up materials.

Networking and partnerships

Connect with other entrepreneurs, marketers, or business professionals who may have an interest in promoting Shopify. Collaborate on joint ventures, guest blog posts, or cross-promotions to expand your reach and increase the visibility of your affiliate links.

FAQs

How much do Shopify affiliates make?

The amount that Shopify affiliates can earn varies based on the number of referrals they generate. The Shopify Affiliate Program offered a fixed bounty rate of $150 per Shopify plan referral.

Does Shopify have an affiliate program?

Yes, it does. It allows individuals to earn commissions by referring new customers to Shopify. As an affiliate, you can earn a commission for each successful referral who signs up for a paid Shopify plan through your unique affiliate link.

How does Shopify program work?

Conclusion: Should you join Shopify Affiliate Program?

Ultimately, the decision to join the Shopify Affiliate Program should be based on a thorough understanding of the program, your target audience, and your marketing capabilities. Consider these factors and weigh them against your goals to determine if becoming a Shopify affiliate is your choice.