According to the IAB Australia Affiliate Marketing Industry Review 2024, 36% of advertisers now spend over $50,000 on affiliate and partnership marketing each month. This means affiliates are earning substantial commissions from promoting Australian brands.

The secret to success is selecting products that resonate with your audience. Below, we’ll explore the 20 best affiliate programs and networks in Australia to help you find the perfect fit.

Later, we’ll guide Australian merchants through the first steps of launching their own affiliate program.

TL;DR

If you want to monetize your website or social media, check out our top affiliate programs in Australia. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular options.

  • UpPromote  (Commission: 20% lifetime, Cookie: 30 days)
  • Etsy AU (Commission: 5%, Cookie: 30 days)
  • Fodshop (Commission: 10%, Cookie: 30 days)
  • Ryderwear (Commission: 5%, Cookie: 30 days)
  • Beer Cartel (Commission: 5%, Cookie: 30 days)
  • Accor (Commission: 8%, Cookie: 30 days)
  • THE ICONIC (Commission: 10%, Cookie: 30 days)
  • Nuzest (Commission: 10%)
  • Barney Cools (Commission: 8%, Cookie: 30 days)

Affiliate marketing is a powerful method for Australian brands to boost sales and reach new customers. Keep reading to learn some basic steps to start an affiliate program in Australia.

  • The first task is to select a reliable affiliate software. UpPromote is one of the best solutions that help you launch affiliate programs effortlessly.
  • Then, choose a specific commission structure to reward your partners. Pay per sale, pay per item, and pay per order are the three most popular models.
  • Ensure that your payment methods are familiar to affiliates. Make sure they can receive their commissions in the most convenient way.
  • Don’t forget to track your affiliate performance. Regular evaluations are essential for optimizing your campaign.

Affiliate software like UpPromote will help Australian merchants manage and grow their affiliate programs. You can set basic to advanced commissions, incentivize affiliates with bonuses, deliver automatic payouts, and more.

With 2500+ positive Shopify reviews, UpPromote boasts as the top trusted affiliate software.

Get my 14-day free trial

Best Affiliate Marketing Programs in Australia

Take a quick look at the top choices for affiliate programs in Australia in our summary table:

The best affiliate programs Program name
Affiliate program with the highest commission rates UpPromote (20% lifetime)
Affiliate program with the longest cookie duration FodShop (90 days)
Affiliate program with the most payment methods Ryderwear (Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer)
Affiliate program with the most promotional materials FodShop (pictures, videos, marketing material, printed material)

1. UpPromote (Affiliate marketing tool)

UpPromote Partner Program

UpPromote by Secomapp is a top-recommended affiliate marketing solution on the Shopify platform. The app has gained the trust of 150,000+ merchants worldwide, including in Australia. Brands can easily manage their relationships with affiliates, ambassadors, and influencers through one simplified system.

As part of the UpPromote Partner Program, you’ll earn a 20% lifetime commission for every merchant you drive to UpPromote. This program is an excellent fit for Australian Shopify experts, agencies, and developers looking to grow their income.

The program also includes valuable co-marketing benefits, such as featuring your agency in newsletters, social media posts, and prominent in-app sections.

  • Commission rate: 20% lifetime (with opportunities to get higher commissions based on your performance)
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal or Stripe
  • Payment threshold: $100
  • Promotional materials: Banners, brochures

2. Etsy AU (Handmade items)

etsy australia 1 scaled

Etsy is a trustworthy marketplace for every Australian for unique and creative goods. You can find a vast collection of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures, on their website.

Etsy AU runs their affiliate program via Awin. They pay affiliates a commission rate of 5% on every sale except for gift card purchases. The tracking period for credited referrals remains for 30 days.

Affiliates will receive a regular affiliate newsletter about tips, new launches, and trends. Etsy also gives out banners and diverse product feeds for affiliates to promote.

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: SEPA, BACS, ACH, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Banners, newsletter, product feed

3. HubSpot (Business software)

hubspot affiliate program

If you’re in the business world, then you likely understand the importance of customer relationship management. HubSpot is a leading CRM software company especially favored by small and medium-sized businesses.

What makes HubSpot different from other CRM solutions out there is it offers everything you need for marketing, sales, service and more in one place. The company has recently repositioned itself as an all-in-one customer platform – not just a CRM. 

HubSpot’s affiliate program is a perfect match for anyone hoping to monetize their business content. The customer platform includes a range of products for every stage of the customer journey so the program aligns with various target audiences.

A notable benefit of this program is its tier system. Affiliate partners get the opportunity to earn more than the program’s standard 30% recurring commission as they drive more referrals.

  • Operated by: HubSpot affiliate team through Impact’s platform
  • Commission rate: 30% recurring commission for up to 1 year
  • Cookie window: 180 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, bank/wire transfer

4. Fodshop (Food and nutrition)

fodshop australia 2

FodShop starts their career with a unique low Fodmap diet that could change your daily meals. They supply more than 1,500 low FODMAP food products from more than 250 brands worldwide, from Australia, the USA, New Zealand, and more.

You can sign up through the FodShop affiliate program’s on-site application. The commission rate is up to 10% per sale. The cookie is tracked for 90 days. FodShop will pay affiliates via bank transfer and PayPal, so you must provide your payment information.

You can select from the Fodshop collection of marketing tools, which includes videos, printed materials, and pictures. Additionally, Fodshop creates verbal, written, and designed media to meet your promotional needs for their products.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Cookie duration: 90 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer
  • Promotional materials: Pictures, videos, printed materials

5. Ryderwear (Fashion)

ryderwear australia 3 scaled

Ryderwear is a global fitness clothing brand from Australia that fits every size. They have gym gear for the hardcore bodybuilder and funky street and dress wear for other buyers.

Affiliates can join the Ryderwear affiliate program to earn a 10% commission for each order. The cookie duration remains active for 30 days from the first click of customers.

Ryderwear allows affiliates to use coupon codes to promote their products. However, they must update the coupon in the dashboard beforehand to qualify for approved commissions.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Coupons, offers

 

6. Beer Cartel (Beer)

beercartel australia 4

Beer Cartel is among the best Australian-crafted beer brands with a mission to bring access to the original taste of beer. They create monthly beer subscriptions for customers to try the latest beers.

Affiliates who participate in the Beer Cartel affiliate program can earn a 5% commission upon every successful beer order. The cookie duration lasts for 30 days, during which time affiliates can earn an approved commission.

Beer Cartel creates a wide range of banners for affiliates to use in their promotions. They also offer personalized creatives to support you if you have any requests.

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Banners, personalized creatives

 

7. Accor (Hotels)

accor australia 5 scaled

Accor Hotels is a top-10 hospitality company worldwide, operating luxurious and budget hotels in over 110 countries. The company also runs up to 360 hotels in Australia with their iconic Ibis styles.

Accor Hotels manages their Asian Pacific affiliate program via CJ Affiliate. Affiliates can enjoy an 8% commission rate for every consumed hotel stay. With a cookie duration of 30 days, affiliates will earn their credit commission within 1 month from customers’ first click.

Accor Hotels helps their partners drive bookings and generate commission by providing exclusive offers. The company will also give free banners and unique text links to affiliates on the marketing board.

  • Commission rate: 8%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Banners, text links, offers

 

8. THE ICONIC (Clothes)

theiconic australia 6

As a top clothing retailer, THE ICONIC has elevated Australians’ shopping experience in recent years. The top search brands on THE ICONIC are Aesop, Adidas, Nike, and more.

THE ICONIC affiliate program is powered by Partnerize, a top affiliate network. Affiliates receive a 10% commission on every successful order. The cookie duration is 30 days.

Affiliates can receive weekly offers and discounts from THE ICONIC. As their affiliates, you will also get frequent discounts to attract more audiences through affiliate links.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Bank transfer, PayPal
  • Promotional materials: Weekly offers, discounts, coupons

 

9. Nuzest (Food and nutrition)

nuzest australia 7 scaled

Nuzest was founded with the goal of providing plant-based supplements to enhance health. The brand is famous for their good green vitality, clean lean protein, and more.

You can sign up via UpPromote to join the Nuzest affiliate program. You will receive a 15% commission on the first order at Nuzest. After that, the base commission rate is 10% on additional sales.

Nuzest only makes their payout transactions via PayPal, so having a PayPal account is a must to apply for their program. The brand will give you coupon codes to attract the audience and generate more referrals.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Payment methods: PayPal
  • Promotional materials: Coupon codes

 

10. Barney Cools (Menswear)

barneycools australia 8 scaled

Barney Cools is a fast-growing menswear brand based in Sydney, Australia. Their clothes represent a rebellious spirit and an open mind.

The highlight of their affiliate program is the commission rate of up to 8% for each sale through affiliate links. The cookie duration remains for 30 days to earn an approved referral.

Barney Cools refreshes their content every 2 weeks to assist their partners’ marketing efforts. You’ll have all the needed materials to start promoting without any extra preparation.

  • Commission rate: 8%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Banners, fresh content

 

11. Intersport (Sportswear)

intersports australia 9 scaled

Intersport is one of the biggest sportswear retailers in the world, with stores in many countries. Every Australian sports gear or jersey is available in their shop, along with the most famous brands, including Adidas, Nike, and so on.

Intersports pays their affiliates a 5% commission rate. With an AOV of $140, affiliates could earn $7$ per order. The tracking period for a credit commission through an affiliate link is 30 days.

Affiliates can choose suitable banners for their promotion from Intersport’s collection. In addition, the Intersport affiliate program provides suggested content to help boost your earning potential.

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Banners, content

 

12. ASICS (Sports equipment)

asics australia 10

ASICS is the main distributor of running shoes in various world performance sports. ASICS is the runner’s choice, providing comfort, support, and a superior ride.

When joining the ASICS affiliate program, affiliates can earn a 5% commission on orders made through their affiliate link. The cookie duration is 30 days, which means the commission will be counted within this tracking time.

You’ll have access to their entire data feed to pick the most suitable products to promote. The brand also generates coupon codes on special days to help boost your conversion rates.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Datafeed, promotions, coupon codes

13. Gut Health APEX (Supplements) Gut Health Apex

Gut Health APEX blends native superfoods and science-backed ingredients designed to support digestion, immunity, and overall vitality. Sustainably harvested in Northern Australia, the main ingredient Kakadu Plum delivers powerful vitamin C benefits for gut and microbiome health.

The Gut Health APEX affiliate program offers a 10% commission for any sale you bring into the store. The brand lets affiliates earn from purchases within 30 days of the moment customers click on their affiliate links. All the commissions will be paid through Australian Bank, International Bank, PayPal, or Payoneer, based on the affiliates’ preferred method. 

The brand will provide banners, widgets, videos, and email templates to support your promotions. Additionally, you can access their regularly updated product feed to find the most suitable products for your audience’s preferences.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, PayPal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Links, banners, widgets, email templates, videos, coupons, product feeds

Best Affiliate Networks in Australia

14. Commission Factory

commissionfactory australia 1

Commission Factory is among the best Australia affiliate networks for top-tier nationwide brands to run their affiliate program. Their featured brands include THE ICONIC, ASICS, Coach, and more.

The average commission rate on Commission Factory ranges from 8% to 10% for affiliates. Commission Factory offers various payment methods for publishers globally, such as banks, PayPal, and Payoneer. Their validation period is 30 days, meaning you will receive your payouts within the following month.

Commission Factory supplies a huge collection of marketing tools for publishers to use in their promotion. You can use links, banners, coupons, and other tools to maximize your earning potential.

  • Commission rate: 8-10%
  • Payment methods: Australian Bank, International Bank, Paypal, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Links, banners, widgets, email templates, videos, coupons, product feeds

 

15. Awin

awin australia 2 scaled

Awin is where to find any top advertisers in Australia, with over 30,000 brands in many fields. They are in the same corporation as ShareASale and Commission Factory, other top affiliate networks.

Joining Awin will allow you to earn different tiers of commission rates from many advertisers. Publishers can access the advertiser’s site and choose the most suitable one.

Awin pays affiliates through four main methods, including SEPA, BACS, ACH, and Payoneer. You can use various tools from Awin and advertisers, such as deep links, banners, products, and other creatives.

  • Payment methods: SEPA, BACS, ACH, Payoneer
  • Promotional materials: Deep links, banners, creatives, product feed

 

16. Rakuten Advertising

rakuten australia 3 scaled

Rakuten Advertising is a global leader in affiliate marketing with many innovative tools for both publishers and advertisers. They have the best data, AI tools, and networks for you to start earning money.

When joining Rakuten Advertising as a publisher, you can receive your payouts on a net 30 basis. They process transactions for affiliates through PayPal, direct deposit, and check.

As their influencers, you can have newsletters and giveaways from Rakuten Advertising regularly. You can even get exclusive cash bonuses from them to support your promotion.

  • Payment methods: PayPal, direct deposit, check
  • Promotional materials: Cash bonuses, giveaways, newsletter

 

17. CJ Affiliate

cjaffiliate australia 4 scaled

CJ Affiliate was one of the pioneers in the affiliate industry as a helper in performance marketing. Now, they collaborate with over 3,800 brands across every niche to provide the best affiliate community for publishers.

CJ Affiliate allows publishers to use their dashboards to monetize their promotions for advertisers. Affiliates can choose between direct deposit, Payoneer, and check as their payment methods to receive monthly payouts.

CJ Affiliate makes payout transactions monthly. However, publishers must meet a payment threshold of $50 for direct deposit and Payoneer, and $100 for check to receive their earnings.

  • Payment methods: Direct deposit, Payoneer, check
  • Payment threshold: $50 (direct deposit & Payoneer) or $100 (checks)

 

18. Impact Radius

impact australia 5 scaled

Impact Radius is the affiliate network for many global brands, such as Levi’s, Adidas, Fanatics, and so on. You can join any affiliate program on Impact via free sign-up and receive long-term development.

Impact pays affiliates based on a CPS model (Cost per sale), which means a commission rate is paid on each sale. The payment methods are ACH, Paypal, and wire transfer. However, the minimum threshold to receive a monthly payout is $10.

  • Payment methods: ACH, PayPal, wire transfer
  • Payment threshold: $10

 

19. Partnerize

partnerize australia 6 scaled e1727429432446

Many Australian brands choose Partnerize as their third-party affiliate network to run their affiliate program. Partnerize is trusted for their diverse marketing tools and performance optimization for affiliates.

You can sign up as a publisher on Partnerize’s site to join the affiliate program. Partnerize provides advanced tools to help you find and apply to the right brands with ease.

Partnerize pays commissions to their affiliates on a monthly basis. You can receive your payouts via ACH, bank transfer, PayPal, or wire transfer.

  • Commission rate: Depends on advertisers
  • Payment methods: ACH, bank transfer, PayPal, wire transfer

 

20. ShareASale

shareasale australia 7 scaled

As part of Awin, ShareASale welcomes around 260 new affiliates daily. The platform helps you find new sources of revenue, providing easy-to-interpret reporting and tracking tools.

The commission rate depends on the affiliate program you apply for. ShareASale will give detailed information on every program so you can choose the right one.

ShareASale has various payment methods, such as check, direct deposit, Payoneer, and wire transfer. However, to receive your payouts, you need to have a minimum balance of at least $50.

  • Commission rate: Depends on advertisers
  • Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer, wire transfer
  • Payment threshold: $50

How to create a successful Australian affiliate program for your Shopify brand

Imagine waking up, checking your Shopify dashboard, and seeing new sales that came in overnight.

These sales weren’t from expensive ads, but from a network of passionate fans across Australia who genuinely love and recommend your products.

This is the power of affiliate marketing. It’s like building a commission-only sales team that promotes your brand because they truly believe in it, and you only pay them when they make a sale.

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step framework to build, launch, and grow a profitable affiliate program specifically for the Australian market.

You’ll learn how to turn your happy customers and local creators into a powerful engine for growth, all with low upfront costs and authentic social proof.

Strategic planning before you launch your Australian affiliate program

Before you jump in, a little planning goes a long way.

A strong foundation ensures your affiliate program is built for success from day one.

This section covers the essential first steps, from understanding the local rules to setting clear goals and creating a commission plan that attracts the best partners.

Understanding affiliate marketing in the Australian context

Think of affiliate marketing as a partnership built on genuine recommendations.

An affiliate, someone who genuinely loves your product, signs up for your program and gets a unique link.

They share that link on their blog or Instagram, and when one of their followers clicks it and buys from your store, you pay the affiliate a small commission as a thank you.

This model is especially powerful in Australia because local shoppers trust recommendations from real people far more than traditional ads.

australian affiliate program guide

For example, imagine a Sydney-based fitness influencer sharing their favourite protein powder from Chemist Warehouse, or a Perth travel blogger recommending a specific Samsonite suitcase for a trip to the Kimberleys.

Their followers see it as a trusted tip, not just an advertisement.

However, you need to play by the local rules.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) requires affiliates to disclose their partnership clearly, often by using hashtags like #ad or #sponsored.

This transparency is key to maintaining audience trust.

For your more professional affiliates, they’ll likely operate as a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN), which is something to be aware of for tax purposes.

To protect both your business and your affiliates, you must have clear Terms & Conditions for your program. This document should outline:

  • Commission rates and payment terms.
  • Approved ways for them to promote your brand.
  • Rules around disclosure and transparency.

Having this framework in place ensures everyone is on the same page, creating a strong foundation for a successful partnership.

Structuring a competitive commission plan for the Australian market

Your commission structure is the engine of your affiliate program. It’s what attracts and motivates the right partners for your brand.

While a simple percentage of each sale is the most common approach, the “right” rate varies significantly across different industries in Australia.

australian affiliate program guide

To stay competitive, you need to know the landscape:

  • Fashion and Beauty: This is a highly popular affiliate category. Brands like THE ICONIC and Adore Beauty typically offer rates between 8% and 15%. A Melbourne-based fashion blogger referring a $200 dress could earn a tidy $20 from that single sale.
  • Electronics and Homewares: With tighter profit margins, commission rates are naturally lower. Retailers like The Good Guys might offer 2-5%. The strategy here is based on higher-order values—a 3% commission on a $1,500 fridge is still a significant $45 payout.
  • Travel: The travel sector varies widely. A travel blogger might earn 1-2% on flight bookings, but could make 5-10% on higher-margin sales like travel insurance, car rentals, or guided tours.
  • Digital Products and SaaS: This is where you’ll find the highest commission rates, often ranging from 20% to 30%. Since there’s no physical product cost, companies can afford to be more generous to acquire a new recurring customer.

For high-ticket items, like designer furniture, a flat-rate commission (e.g., a fixed $200 for every sofa sold) can be more appealing and predictable.

To motivate your top performers, consider a tiered structure where their commission rate increases as they generate more sales.

For example, they might start at 10% and jump to 15% after their 50th sale.

Finally, set a fair “cookie duration” or the period an affiliate gets credit for a sale after the initial click.

In Australia, a 30-day window is the industry standard and shows you value your partners’ efforts.

Building your Australia affiliate program on Shopify

With your strategy in place, it’s time to build the technical framework for your program.

This section will guide you through choosing the right tools and setting them up step-by-step.

From installing an app to creating marketing materials, you’ll learn how to create a professional and seamless experience for your affiliates.

Choosing the right affiliate marketing app for Shopify

Your Shopify store is fantastic, but it doesn’t have a built-in system to track affiliate sales.

This is where a dedicated affiliate app comes in.

Think of it as the mission control for your entire program, automating everything from tracking clicks to paying commissions.

It eliminates the manual admin so you can focus on building great relationships with your partners.

While there are several excellent apps like Refersion, Goaffpro, and LeadDyno, many Australian Shopify merchants choose UpPromote.

australian affiliate program guide

We’re proud to power top Australian merchants on Shopify, such as Glow Collection, to grow better and smarter affiliate marketing.

The app perfectly balances powerful, professional features with a simple interface, allowing you to get your program running in minutes without needing any technical skills.

Most importantly, UpPromote’s customer service is proven with a 4.9-star rating and over 2500+ reviews.

When choosing an app, there are a few non-negotiables to look for:

  • Real-time tracking: So you and your affiliates can see sales as they happen.
  • A customizable dashboard: You can brand it with your logo and colours to create a seamless brand experience for your partners.
  • Easy payment options: To ensure your affiliates get paid accurately and on time.

Step-by-step technical setup

Getting started is much easier than you think.

First, head to the Shopify App Store, find your chosen app like UpPromote, and install it.

The app will then walk you through a simple setup wizard to lock in your commission rates and other basic settings.

Next, you’ll create your affiliate registration page

australian affiliate program guide

This is your program’s front door, so make it look professional and inviting.

Imagine a fitness influencer landing on your page; you want to convey that your activewear brand is a credible partner instantly.

With a drag-and-drop editor, you can easily build a branded sign-up page that clearly outlines the benefits, commission rates, and rules.

Then, you’ll activate tracking. UpPromote allows you to track referrals through both links and coupon codes, giving you flexibility. For example:

  • You can give a Brisbane-based food blogger a unique link for their recipe articles.
  • You can give that same blogger a custom discount code like ‘SARAH15’ to share on their Instagram stories.

The system tracks sales from both sources, ensuring they get credit for every customer they send your way.

australian affiliate program guide

Finally, connect a payment method like PayPal to enable simple, one-click commission payouts, and you’re ready to launch.

Creating essential marketing assets for your affiliates

To set your affiliates up for success, you need to give them the right promotional tools.

Providing high-quality marketing materials makes it easier for them to sell and ensures they represent your brand professionally and consistently.

Stop leaving them guessing what to post. A central resource hub is the key to empowering them.

This is easier than it sounds; with our Media Gallery feature, you can create a one-stop shop for all your brand assets right within the UpPromote dashboard.

australian affiliate program guide

Affiliates can then easily view, download, or copy anything they need.

australian affiliate program guide

Here’s what you should include to create a powerful resource center:

  • Logos and Brand Guidelines: Provide your official logos and a simple guide on how to use them to maintain brand consistency.
  • High-Quality Photos: If you sell apparel, include lifestyle photos of models wearing your clothes.
  • Engaging Videos: Short video clips are perfect for social media.
  • Ready-to-Use Copy: Make promotion effortless by writing sample social media captions, email templates, and ad copy that affiliates can quickly adapt.
  • Branded Banners: Design a set of professional, eye-catching banners in various standard sizes that they can use on their blogs and websites.

By centralizing these materials in our Media Gallery, you give your affiliates direct access to everything they need to promote you effectively.

It’s a simple step that leads to better representation and more sales.

Recruiting and managing Australian affiliates

Your program is now live, but an affiliate program is nothing without great affiliates.

Now, the real work begins: finding, recruiting, and building strong relationships with partners who will become true ambassadors for your brand.

This section covers how to grow your team and keep them motivated for the long run.

Where to find and recruit quality Australian affiliates

Finding the right partners is the key to a successful affiliate program. Let’s go from the easiest way to the most advanced option.

Instead of waiting for them to find you, you need to recruit them actively. Your best and most authentic promoters are hiding in plain sight: your customers.

They already use and love your products, making their customer referrals powerful and genuine.

An easy way to bring them on board is to send a post-purchase email inviting them to join your program. Or you can start with a simple widget on your page to remind your customers of the great deal.

australian affiliate program guide

But why stop there?

Manually searching for partners is time-consuming.

Instead of spending hours looking for influencers, let them come to you. We built the UpPromote Marketplace to solve this exact problem.

australian affiliate program guide

Here, you put your brand directly in front of thousands of experienced affiliates who are actively searching for new products to promote.

Still, to build a thriving Australian affiliate program, you need to find local partners who genuinely connect with your audience.

The best (but most difficult) way to do this is by strategically using social media and tapping into local online communities.

Start your search on platforms where your ideal customers hang out. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are visual goldmines for finding creators who can bring your brand to life.

Here’s how to pinpoint the perfect Australian affiliates online:

  • Master the Hashtag Hunt: If you sell eco-friendly yoga mats, search for hashtags like #yogamelbourne, #byronbayyoga, or #aussiesmallbusiness. This helps you find creators with a targeted, local following.

australian affiliate program guide

  • Leverage Location Tagging: Search for content tagged in specific Australian cities or hotspots relevant to your brand. A Sydney-based swimwear brand, for example, should look at influencers posting from Bondi Beach or Manly to find authentic beach-loving ambassadors.
  • Explore Niche Communities: Search for Australian-focused Facebook groups or Reddit communities related to your industry. For instance, if you sell high-end coffee beans, join groups like “Australian Coffee Snobs” or “Melbourne Coffee Lovers” to find passionate individuals who would make credible affiliates.
  • Analyze Your Competitors: See which Australian influencers and bloggers are promoting brands similar to yours. Their audience is already interested in your niche, making them prime candidates for a new partnership.

By focusing your efforts on these local online spaces, you’ll uncover authentic, passionate advocates who can drive real growth for your Australian affiliate program.

The onboarding and communication strategy

Getting an affiliate approved is just the start of your partnership.

A great onboarding experience makes your partners feel valued and gives them the confidence to start selling immediately.

Your first step is a powerful automated welcome email. This isn’t just a “hello”—it’s their launchpad.

This email should instantly congratulate them and provide their unique affiliate link and coupon code.

australian affiliate program guide

Crucially, it must direct them to your media gallery, packed with ready-to-use marketing materials.

With UpPromote, we automate this entire welcome sequence, so every new affiliate gets a five-star experience without you lifting a finger.

But don’t stop there. Consistent communication is what turns a good affiliate into a great one.

You need to:

  • Keep Them in the Loop: Send out a monthly newsletter with exciting updates. Are you launching a new product line? Tell them first. Running a holiday sale? Give them a heads-up and some promotional ideas.
  • Share Success Stories: Feature a top-performing affiliate and share their strategies. This creates a sense of community and provides actionable inspiration for everyone else.
  • Provide Fresh Content: If you run a fitness apparel brand, send them new workout-themed photos or videos they can share. This keeps their content fresh and your brand top-of-mind.

Next, empower them with data.

Give them access to their own affiliate dashboard where they can track their clicks, referrals, and commissions in real time.

australian affiliate program guide

Seeing their efforts translate into earnings is the ultimate motivator.

Motivating and retaining your affiliates

Just like any team, your affiliates will perform best when they feel motivated and appreciated.

Think beyond their standard commission; you can ignite their drive by offering performance-based bonuses to celebrate your top partners.

With UpPromote, we make this simple.

You can easily set up automated bonus tiers to reward milestones.

For instance, you could offer a special product pack once an affiliate drives 20 sales, or a $100 cash bonus when they hit 100 sales.

australian affiliate program guide

It’s a direct and powerful way to incentivize growth.

Here are a few ways to keep your affiliates engaged:

  • Spark Friendly Competition:

Run a month-long contest where the affiliate with the highest sales volume wins a major prize, like a new laptop or a weekend getaway.

Our platform allows you to track performance effortlessly, so you can display a leaderboard to gamify the experience and encourage everyone to push harder.

  • Recognize Top Performers:

Public recognition is a powerful, cost-free motivator.

Feature your “Affiliate of the Month” on your brand’s Instagram page or give them a prominent shoutout in your newsletter. It builds their credibility while showing your appreciation.

Ultimately, the foundation of a strong partnership is trust.

The most crucial element is paying your affiliates accurately and on time, every single time. This reliability fosters a healthy, long-term relationship and ensures your partners feel valued.

Measuring success and scaling up your Australia affiliate program

Data is your roadmap to success, and acting on it is key.

The best insights often come directly from your partners. They’re on the front lines, so why not ask what they need?

A quick survey can reveal if they prefer lifestyle product photos over studio shots or if a new banner ad would boost their promotions.

You can also let the numbers tell the story.

australian affiliate program guide

You can start running A/B tests with your commission settings. For example, you could test two commission structures for a new product line:

  • Higher: Receives a 20% commission.
  • Starter: Gets a 15% commission plus a $5 bonus for each sale.

After a month, our platform will clearly show which structure motivated affiliates more effectively and delivered a better return.

australian affiliate program guide

It’s also smart to keep your program vibrant by periodically removing inactive affiliates.

If someone hasn’t generated a single click in six months, it’s okay to part ways. This frees you up to focus on the partners who are actively driving growth.

Once your program is a well-oiled machine, you can confidently scale up.

With a proven track record, you can approach major publishers or top-tier blogs in your niche. They are far more likely to partner with an established, successful program.

Our platform also simplifies managing different types of partnerships.

You can track influencer collaborations using unique discount codes right alongside your traditional affiliates, keeping all your performance marketing in one place.

australian affiliate program guide

Finally, never stop recruiting. Growth is an ongoing process.

Always be on the lookout for emerging creators and brand ambassadors who can introduce your brand to new audiences.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an Australian creator looking to monetize your content or a merchant ready to grow your sales, affiliate marketing offers a powerful path to success.

For affiliates, the key is to partner with brands that align with your audience, turning genuine recommendations into a steady income stream.

For merchants, it’s about building a team of passionate advocates who can authentically promote your products.

By leveraging the right strategies and tools like UpPromote, you can build, manage, and scale a thriving affiliate program.

This creates a true win-win scenario, driving significant growth for brands while rewarding the creators who help make it happen.

The opportunities in the Australian market are immense & now is the time to seize them.

FAQs

1. What are some popular affiliate programs in Australia?

Australia hosts affiliate programs across diverse niches such as retail (Myer, Catch, The Iconic), travel (Qantas, Booking.com Australia), finance (CommBank, ANZ), and wellness. Global affiliate networks like Commission Factory, Rakuten, and Awin also have a strong presence in the Australian market.

2. Do Australian affiliate programs pay in AUD or USD?

Most Australian-based programs pay in AUD (often via bank transfer or PayPal), but if the merchant uses an international platform like CJ Affiliate or Impact, payments may be in USD.

3. Can Australian merchants recruit international affiliates?

Yes. With affiliate apps and networks, merchants can recruit affiliates globally. However, they must ensure products/services are suitable for international buyers (e.g., shipping availability, pricing, and tax considerations).

4. Are there tax considerations for affiliate payouts in Australia?

Yes. Merchants must comply with ATO guidelines, especially regarding GST if affiliates are Australian residents. Affiliates may need to provide an ABN (Australian Business Number).

5. Why should Australian merchants use affiliate software or apps?

Affiliate software or apps help automate tracking, reporting, commission payouts, and recruitment of affiliates. They reduce manual work, ensure accurate tracking, and allow merchants to manage affiliate campaigns effectively.

6. Can I recruit affiliates based in Australia only?

Yes, merchants can target local Australian affiliates for region-specific campaigns. However, many programs also allow international affiliates to promote products that ship to or serve the Australian market.

7. Do Australian Affiliate Programs support GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

Yes. Some affiliate platforms and software have GST-compliant invoicing and reporting, which is essential for Australian merchants to manage tax obligations properly.

8. Which affiliate platforms are popular in Australia?

Popular affiliate platforms include Commission FactoryPartnerizeImpactAwin, and global SaaS solutions like UpPromote or Refersion that support Australian merchants.

9. How much commission should merchants in Australia offer affiliates?

Commission rates vary by industry but typically range from 5% to 30% for retail products. High-ticket services like finance, SaaS, or travel often offer flat-fee commissions.

10. Can Australian merchants run affiliate programs without a network?

Yes. Many merchants use standalone affiliate software/apps integrated into Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom websites. This gives more control over recruitment, branding, and payout schedules.

Ellie Tran

Ellie Tran, a seasoned SEO content writer with three years of experience in the eCommerce world. Being a part of the UpPromote team, Ellie wants to assist Shopify merchants in achieving success through useful content & actionable insights. Ellie's commitment to learning never stops; she's always eager to gain more knowledge about SEO and content marketing to create valuable content for users. When she's not working on content, Ellie enjoys baking and exploring new places.