Shopify Affiliate Program Review: Is It Worth Joining?

With the Shopify Affiliate Program, you can earn up to $150 for each successful referral, paid directly to your PayPal or bank account. If you’re a content creator, blogger, or influencer, this is your chance to monetize your audience while helping them build successful online stores.

Shopify Affiliate Program Overview

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What Is The Shopify Affiliate Program?

There are two ways to earn:

1. Shopify Plan Referrals – You earn when someone signs up for an eligible Shopify plan.
2. Shopify POS Pro Referrals – You can earn up to $150 for each eligible POS Pro referral.

The program is free to join. All you need is a website or social media platform, and you can start sharing your referral links. The more people you refer, the more you earn.

Shopify provides resources to help you succeed. You’ll get access to a library of tools, ready-made content, and performance insights to track your progress.

How Does the Shopify Affiliate Program Work?

When you join the Shopify Affiliate Program, your main goal is to get people to sign up for Shopify using your unique referral link. Let me break down how tracking works to ensure you understand every detail and how it impacts your earnings.

1. Getting Your Unique Affiliate Link

Once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link. This link is your personal connection to the Shopify Affiliate Program, and it’s how you’ll earn your commissions. Every time you share your link with your audience, Shopify will track those referrals back to you.

Referrals are tracked through this link using Impact, a trusted third-party affiliate tracking platform. Impact handles everything: it tracks your clicks, sign-ups, and conversions.

Payments are also processed through Impact. You’ll need to have a minimum balance of $10 USD before you can withdraw your earnings. Once you reach that threshold, you can get paid through direct deposit or PayPal—whatever works best for you.

2. Cookie Duration: What It Means for You

Next, you’ll need to understand how long Shopify tracks your referrals using cookies. When someone clicks on your unique affiliate link, a cookie is placed in their browser. Think of it like a digital tracker that follows them around while they’re on Shopify.

• How long does it last? Shopify’s tracking cookies last 30 days. This means that if someone clicks on your link today but they sign up for Shopify within the next 30 days, you’ll still get credit for the referral. It doesn’t matter if they return later to complete the sign-up process as long as it’s within that 30-day window. 
• Why does this matter? This extended tracking period gives your audience plenty of time to think about their decision. Some may browse Shopify, explore options, and return later to sign up. You don’t lose a commission because they didn’t sign up immediately.

So, don’t worry if your referral doesn’t sign up right away—you still get paid as long as they do it within those 30 days.

3. Web, Mobile Web, and App Tracking

Shopify tracks your referrals across different devices. This is important because you don’t have to worry about whether someone is on their computer, phone, or using the Shopify app—you’ll get credit no matter what.

This cross-device tracking system makes it super easy for you to reach your audience on any platform.

4. Deeplinks: Getting More Specific with Your Referrals

A deeplink is a special type of referral link that directs people to a specific page on Shopify. Instead of sending them to the homepage, a deeplink can take them directly to a page that is more relevant to what you’re promoting.

For example:

• If you’re promoting a specific Shopify plan, you can create a deeplink that takes users straight to the pricing page or comparison chart.
• If you want to highlight a particular feature, like the Shopify POS Pro, you can create a deeplink that leads directly to that product page.

Shopify allows you to manually add parameters to the end of your URLs to create these deep links using two-digit country codes according to ISO 3166 standards. This helps you direct customers to the correct country or region-specific experience.

5. Multiple Conversions: Earning More from One User

Shopify also allows you to track multiple conversions from the same person. If a user clicks on your referral link and makes multiple purchases or signs up for different services, each eligible conversion can be tracked and attributed to your affiliate account.

This gives you more opportunities to earn from the same user rather than just getting paid for their first sign-up.

6. Other Metrics You Can Track

Through the Impact platform, Shopify gives you real-time data and reports on how your referral links are performing. You can track:

• Clicks: Track the number of times your referral links are clicked.
• Sign-ups: Monitor how many users sign up for Shopify using your referral links.
• Conversions: See how many of those sign-ups convert into paid plans, which are eligible for commission.
• Commission Earned: View the total commissions you have earned from your referrals.
• Performance Metrics: Analyze the performance of your referral links, including conversion rates and other key metrics.

All these metrics help you understand what’s working and what isn’t, so you can adjust your strategy to drive more successful referrals and commissions.

How Much Can You Make From the Shopify Affiliate Program?

Your earnings as a Shopify Affiliate largely depend on the number of successful referrals you make and the types of plans those merchants choose. Here’s how it works:

If you refer someone who signs up for Shopify’s POS Pro plan, you can earn up to $150 USD, depending on the merchant’s location. This is in addition to commissions for store plans, meaning you can earn from both.

Let’s take a closer look at how your earnings might play out based on different levels of traffic and conversions. We’ll use the Basic Shopify plan (which earns $150) for this example.

Assumptions:

• Commission for Basic Shopify plan: $150 USD
• Conversion rate: Generally, conversion rates for affiliate marketing can range from 1% to 5%, depending on how well you target your audience and the type of content you create.

Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings depending on different traffic levels and conversion rates:

What Influences Your Earnings?

1. Traffic Volume

The number of visitors you drive to your referral links plays a huge role. The more clicks, the higher the chances of conversion. But don’t worry—quality matters more than quantity. If you can target the right audience, even lower traffic can result in higher earnings.

2. Conversion Rate

Your conversion rate shows how well your audience is responding to your referrals. A higher conversion rate means more people are signing up for Shopify after clicking your link. Several factors can influence this, including the quality of your content and the trust your audience places in you.

3. Promotion Channels

Where you promote Shopify matters. The platform or medium you choose will determine how effectively you can reach potential customers. For example, social media, blogs, or email marketing all offer unique benefits.

4. Size of Your Audience

The size of your audience directly impacts your potential earnings. However, engagement matters more than sheer numbers. Even if your audience is smaller, if they are highly engaged and trust your recommendations, you can earn more.

5. Merchant Location

The location of the merchants you refer impacts your earnings. Referrals from high-paying countries like the United States, Canada, or Germany will result in higher commissions than referrals from countries with lower payout rates. To see exactly how much you can earn from different regions, be sure to check the affiliate earning by merchant location table on Shopify’s official page.

Who Should Join the Shopify Affiliate Program?

1. Content Creators and Influencers

Join the Shopify Affiliate Program if you create content around business, entrepreneurship, or e-commerce. If you’re a blogger, YouTuber, Instagram influencer, or podcaster, you can easily promote Shopify in your content and earn commissions when your followers sign up through your link.

2. Online Educators and Course Creators

If you teach courses or run workshops focused on entrepreneurship or e-commerce, Shopify can be a great addition to your content. You can recommend Shopify to your students as a trusted tool for building online businesses.

3. Bloggers or Website Owners Focused on E-commerce

If you write about e-commerce or have a website dedicated to product reviews, Shopify fits perfectly with your content. You can create detailed posts, tutorials, and guides, directing readers to sign up for Shopify through your referral link.

4. Entrepreneurs and Business Coaches

As a business coach or entrepreneur, you probably have clients who need an e-commerce solution. Shopify is a great option to recommend, and you can earn a commission for every successful referral.

5. Social Media Marketers and Digital Marketers

If you’re a digital marketer or social media strategist, promoting Shopify to your clients makes perfect sense. Shopify’s platform is often a key part of your marketing strategies, and recommending it to others can earn you commissions.

6. E-commerce Enthusiasts

If you have a passion for e-commerce and love helping others succeed in the space, the Shopify Affiliate Program is a great fit. You don’t have to be a big influencer—if you’re genuinely excited about e-commerce, you can make money promoting Shopify.

Pros & Cons of Shopify Affiliate Program

Join the Shopify Affiliate Program!

Earn up to $150 for every successful referral. Sign up today and start monetizing your audience!

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Products to Promote as a Shopify Affiliate

As a Shopify affiliate, you earn commissions when someone signs up for certain Shopify plans through your referral link. However, not all plans are eligible for commission.

Here’s a breakdown of which plans qualify for commission earnings:

• Shopify Starter, Shopify Lite, Shopify Plus: Not eligible for commission. These plans do not earn affiliate commissions.
• Basic Shopify, Shopify, Advanced Shopify: Eligible for commission. Commissions are earned based on the merchant’s location, with full-price plan referrals being eligible for commission, as specified in the contract terms in Impact.
• Shopify POS Pro: Eligible for commission. If a referred merchant subscribes to a full-price POS Pro plan for at least one retail location, you can earn commission based on the merchant’s location. Terms are detailed in your contract through Impact.

So, promote Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify plans to your audience, as they are eligible for commissions based on the merchant’s location. These plans are ideal for businesses at various stages of growth, from startups to large-scale operations.

Additionally, Shopify POS Pro is another great option to promote, especially for businesses with physical retail locations, as you can earn commissions when merchants sign up for a full-price POS Pro plan for at least one retail location.

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The HostAdvice Web Hosting Affiliate Program lets you earn commission up to $200 by promoting a trusted source for hosting reviews and insights. Our program can help you monetize your content.

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How to Join the Shopify Affiliate Program?

Joining the Shopify Affiliate Program is a simple and free process. To get started, you’ll need to follow a few easy steps to apply and get approved.

Rules and Requirements to Join

Before you apply to the Shopify Affiliate Program, it’s important to understand the rules and requirements to ensure that you meet the criteria.

You need to meet the following rules and requirements:

• Active Website: You must own and run an active website.
• Established Audience: You should have an established audience that you can reach.
• Original Content: You need to create original content, such as online courses, blog posts, videos, or guides.
• Experience: You should have experience with commerce, entrepreneurship, Shopify, or other ecommerce platforms.
• Terms Agreement: You must read and agree to the Shopify Affiliate Marketing Program Terms.

Additionally, users in regions with signup restrictions cannot register as new Shopify affiliates. Make sure to check if there are any regional restrictions that might affect your eligibility.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the Shopify Affiliate Program Page

To begin, visit the Shopify Affiliate Program page. Once there, click on the Apply Now button to start the application process.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

On the next page, you’ll be asked to sign up with Impact, the third-party platform used to track your affiliate links.

• Sign Up: Click the Sign Up button, and you will be prompted to enter your details. You will also be asked to select your country by clicking the flag icon and choosing your location.

Step 3: Accept Shopify’s Terms and Conditions

Once you’ve entered your details, you’ll be directed to the Shopify Affiliate Marketing Program Terms. Make sure to read them thoroughly. After reading, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Accept to confirm that you understand and agree to the terms.

Step 4: Create Your Impact Account

Now that you’ve accepted the terms, you’ll need to sign up and create an account with Impact. Enter your name, email, and a password to create your account. If you already have an Impact account, simply log in with your credentials.

Step 5: Verification Code

Once you’ve created your account, you will receive a verification code via email. Enter the code in the verification box and click Verify to confirm your email.

Step 6: Choose Your Business Category

Next, you’ll need to select a business category that best describes your interaction with your audience. This will help Shopify understand how you engage with your audience and will ensure you are matched with appropriate campaigns. Some categories include:

• Social Influencer
• Content/Reviews
• Email/Newsletter
• Deal/Coupons

Pick the category that best fits and click Continue.

Step 7: Add Your Promotion Methods

Now, you’ll be asked how you plan to promote Shopify. You can choose all that apply, such as:

• Website
• Social Media
• Email/Newsletter
• Mobile App

Add your website or other platforms where you’ll promote Shopify and click Continue.

Step 8: Enter Your Business Details

On the next page, you will need to provide some additional details about your business:

• Are you an individual or a company?
• Enter your address and other contact details.

After filling in the information, click Continue to proceed.

Step 9: Submit Your Application

Finally, review all the information you’ve provided. Once everything is correct, click Submit to submit your application.

Once your application is submitted, Shopify will review your details. During this review, they’ll check:

• Your website content (does it align with Shopify’s goals?).
• The engagement of your audience (are they likely to convert into Shopify merchants?).
• Your experience with e-commerce and relevant platforms.

If your application meets Shopify’s requirements, you’ll be approved and granted access to your affiliate dashboard, where you can start promoting Shopify and tracking your referrals.

How to Get Approved

Shopify’s Affiliate Program is selective and follows a structured application and review process. Shopify focuses on ensuring that affiliates align with their brand values and have the ability to promote their platform effectively. So, not every application is approved, and several factors influence whether you’ll be accepted.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

The approval process typically takes 3 to 5 business days, but it can vary depending on the volume of applications Shopify is handling. In some cases, it may take longer.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email confirming your acceptance and providing further instructions to get started. If your application is denied, you’ll receive an email with the reason for denial.

However, Shopify doesn’t always provide detailed feedback, so if you’re denied, you can try again after improving your website, audience engagement, or content.

How Payment Works: Payout Rules Explained

You have the option to receive payments on a bi-weekly basis or whenever your balance reaches a certain amount. This gives you flexibility depending on how quickly you want to access your earnings.

Example: If you choose to receive payments bi-weekly, you’ll get paid every two weeks regardless of how much money is in your account. If you choose to withdraw when your balance hits a specific amount (e.g., $100), then you’ll only receive payment once you’ve accumulated that amount.

How to Promote Shopify Affiliate Program?

You have a variety of powerful methods at your disposal to promote Shopify and earn commissions. Here’s how you should approach promoting Shopify effectively and strategically:

1. Focus on Organic Traffic (SEO)

First and foremost, optimize your website or blog to attract organic traffic. Target keywords like “best e-commerce platforms” or “how to start an online store” to ensure your content ranks high in search engines.

2. Utilize Paid Advertising (PPC)

If you’re looking to speed up the process, paid advertising like Google Ads and Facebook Ads is a must. Target keywords related to Shopify, e-commerce, or small business solutions to ensure you’re showing up in front of the right audience.

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a goldmine for affiliate marketing, and you need to harness its power. Whether you’re using Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok, you should share personal stories, tutorials, or success cases showcasing how Shopify helped businesses succeed. Social platforms thrive on visual content, so make sure to create engaging posts that highlight Shopify’s benefits.

4. Master Email Marketing

You need to build and nurture an email list. Email marketing remains one of the most direct ways to reach your audience. Statistics show that email marketing is incredibly effective. The average click-through rate (CTR) for email marketing is 3.25%, meaning that a significant portion of your audience will engage with the content you send them.

And according to a 2024 report, 52% of consumers have made a purchase directly from an email in the past 12 months. This highlights how email marketing can directly drive sales and conversions.

What’s even more impressive is the return on investment (ROI) for email marketing. Marketers can expect to make $36 for every $1 spent on email marketing.

So, use your email campaigns to highlight how Shopify can help their business, driving them to your affiliate link.

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5. Invest in Content Marketing (Blogging, YouTube, and Podcasts)

Start creating content specifically around e-commerce and Shopify. If you run a blog or YouTube channel, focus on educational content like setting up an online store with Shopify, how to optimize Shopify for better sales, or Shopify success stories. 83% of marketers say content marketing is the most effective method for demand generation.

The more value you provide, the higher the likelihood that your audience will trust your affiliate links.

Does Shopify Provide Resources for Affiliates?

Yes, Shopify does provide helpful resources, and you should take full advantage of them. Once you join the program, you’ll gain access to a library of creative assets, ready-made educational content, and performance insights via the Impact dashboard.

These resources will support you in creating compelling content that will resonate with your audience and increase your chances of conversion.

Shopify Affiliate Program Alternatives

If you’re exploring affiliate programs similar to Shopify’s, here are three noteworthy alternatives that offer comparable products and competitive commission structures:

1. HostAdvice Web Hosting Affiliate Program

Commission Rate: Earn up to $200 per sale, depending on the hosting provider promoted and the referral’s purchase.

Products Offered: Promote a wide range of hosting providers through HostAdvice’s expert reviews, comparisons, and industry insights.

Benefits:

• High Commissions: Earn significant commissions for each sale.
• Global Reach: HostAdvice gives you access to a global audience, making it easy to promote web hosting services worldwide.
• Start Easy: Perfect for beginners, as it helps you get familiar with affiliate marketing while promoting trusted hosting solutions.

If you’re interested in promoting hosting solutions and want the opportunity to earn high commissions with a trusted brand, sign up for the HostAdvice Affiliate Program today and start earning.

2. Wix Affiliate Program

Commission Rate: $100 flat commission per Premium package purchase

Cookie Duration: 30 days

Products Offered: Website builder, e-commerce solutions

Benefits:

• Well-known brand with high consumer trust
• First-click attribution model
• Easy-to-use affiliate dashboard with creative materials
• No upper limit on commissions

3. Squarespace Affiliate Program

Commission Rate: $100 to $200 per new subscription

Cookie Duration: 45 days

Products Offered: Website builder, e-commerce platform

Benefits:

• Competitive commission rates
• Longer cookie duration than industry standard
• Regular updates on new features and promotions
• No cap on the number of referrals

Each of these alternatives offers unique advantages for affiliates in the website building and e-commerce space. BigCommerce stands out with its high commission rates and long cookie duration, Wix offers a flat rate commission on a popular platform, while Squarespace provides a balance of competitive rates and a moderate cookie duration.

Conclusion

The Shopify Affiliate Program is a lucrative opportunity for anyone looking to earn commissions by promoting a powerful e-commerce platform. With the right strategies—whether you’re driving organic traffic through SEO, engaging your audience on social media, or using email campaigns—you can turn your efforts into real income.

Shopify provides you with all the resources you need to succeed, from tracking tools to pre-made marketing materials.

If you’re ready to take advantage of this opportunity, don’t wait any longer—sign up today and start earning by referring new Shopify users.

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Further Reading – Useful Resources

• What is Affiliate Marketing?
• Affiliate marketing Without a Website
• Effective Strategies for Affiliate Marketing
• Tips On How Fast Can You Make Money with Affiliate Marketing
• Highest Paying Affiliate Programs: How to Maximize Your Earnings
• How to Start an Affiliate Program: Ultimate Guide