The software industry is booming. According to Statista, global software revenue is projected to surpass $800 billion by 2026.
This presents a massive opportunity for affiliate marketers. Software products generally offer high ticket commissions, making this an extremely lucrative niche to promote affiliate offers in.
Let’s dive in!
Why Promote Software Affiliate Programs?
Here are some of the main reasons why software affiliate programs can be highly profitable:
- Recurring commissions – Many software companies pay affiliates monthly residual commissions for the lifetime of a referred customer. You continue earning as long as they remain active.
- High ticket offers – Software products generally range from $50 to thousands of dollars per sale, allowing you to earn substantial commissions per referral.
- Evergreen niche – Software is not a passing trend. The industry continues rapid growth year after year making this an evergreen affiliate market.
- High payout rates – Software affiliate commissions range from 20% to 85%, much higher than most physical products.
- Relevant products – As a blogger or content creator, recommending useful software tools and apps complements your content nicely.
In summary, between recurring commissions, high ticket offers, and generous payout rates, software is one of the most lucrative digital affiliate marketing niches available right now.
18 Top Software Affiliate Programs to Join
Now let’s explore 18 of the best software affiliate programs that you can join and promote:
1. Avast
Avast offers industry-leading cybersecurity software used by over 400 million people globally. Their affiliate program pays up to 35% commission on sales of their antivirus software, VPN, and other security tools.
- Commission: Up to 35%
- Cookie Duration: 60 days
- Offer: Security software
2. Norton
Norton Security provides top-rated antivirus and malware protection software for individuals and businesses. Affiliates earn up to 20% commission promoting their security products.
- Commission: Up to 20%
- Cookie Duration: 60 days
- Offer: Antivirus software
3. Adobe
Adobe offers industry-leading creative software tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more. Affiliates can earn up to 85% commission on their cloud subscription referrals.
- Commission: Up to 85%
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Offer: Creative software
4. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the #1 accounting software for small businesses. Affiliates can earn up to $50 per sale referred by promoting their accounting and invoicing tools.
- Commission: Up to $50 per sale
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Offer: Accounting software
5. AWeber
AWeber offers easy-to-use email marketing software to help businesses grow their lists. Affiliates earn 30% lifetime commissions.
- Commission: 30% lifetime
- Cookie Duration: 365 days
- Offer: Email marketing software
Sign Up for AWeber Affiliate Program
6. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign provides email marketing, sales CRM, marketing automation and more to over 150,000 businesses globally. Affiliates earn 30% lifetime commissions.
- Commission: 30% lifetime
- Cookie Duration: 365 days
- Offer: Marketing automation software
Join ActiveCampaign Affiliate Program
7. SEMrush
SEMrush offers SEO, content marketing, PPC and social media tools to help businesses boost their online visibility. Affiliates can earn 40% recurring commissions.
- Commission: 40% recurring
- Cookie Duration: 365 days
- Offer: SEO and marketing tools
Sign Up for SEMrush Affiliate Program
8. Teachable
Teachable provides an online course creation platform to help experts sell their knowledge. Affiliates can earn up to 75% commission on course subscriptions.
- Commission: Up to 75% on subscriptions
- Cookie Duration: 180 days
- Offer: Online course platform
Join Teachable Affiliate Program
9. Cloudways
Cloudways offers managed cloud hosting solutions optimized for WordPress, Magento, and other platforms. Affiliates earn up to $150 lifetime value per referral.
- Commission: Up to $150 lifetime value
- Cookie Duration: 180 days
- Offer: Cloud hosting platform
10. OptinMonster
OptinMonster provides popups, forms, and other conversion tools to help grow leads and sales. Affiliates can earn up to 40% commission.
- Commission: Up to 40%
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Offer: Lead generation software
Become an OptinMonster Affiliate
11. Thrive Themes
Thrive Themes offers conversion-focused WordPress plugins, themes, and tools. Affiliates earn 30% commission on sales.
- Commission: 30%
- Cookie Duration: 120 days
- Offer: WordPress plugins & themes
Sign Up for Thrive Themes Affiliate Program
12. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks enables creators to launch membership sites, courses, and other content. Affiliates earn 20% commission on subscriptions.
- Commission: 20%
- Cookie Duration: 365 days
- Offer: Membership site software
Become a Mighty Networks Affiliate
13. MemberPress
MemberPress is a popular WordPress membership plugin used by over 30,000 sites globally. Affiliates earn 30% recurring commissions.
- Commission: 30% recurring
- Cookie Duration: 180 days
- Offer: Membership plugin for WordPress
Join MemberPress Affiliate Program
14. WP Engine
WP Engine offers managed WordPress hosting optimized for speed and security. Affiliates can earn up to $200 per sale referred.
- Commission: Up to $200 per sale
- Cookie Duration: 180 days
- Offer: WordPress hosting
Sign Up for WP Engine Affiliate Program
15. SiteGround
SiteGround provides fast, secure web hosting for WordPress, websites, and more. Their program offers up to $350 per sale to affiliates.
- Commission: Up to $350 per sale
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Offer: Web hosting
Join SiteGround Affiliate Program
16. Bluehost
Bluehost offers web hosting, domains, and WordPress tools. Affiliates earn $65 per signup plus tiered recurring commissions.
- Commission: $65 per signup + tiered recurring
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Offer: Web hosting
17. SiteBuilder
SiteBuilder provides an easy drag and drop website builder for small businesses and online stores. Affiliates earn 25% commission on plans purchased.
- Commission: 25%
- Cookie Duration: 60 days
- Offer: Website builder
Sign Up for SiteBuilder Affiliate Program
18. ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels offers website builders, landing page editors, sales funnels and more for online businesses. Affiliates can earn up to 40% recurring commissions.
- Commission: Up to 40% recurring
- Cookie Duration: 90 days
- Offer: Website builder & marketing tools
Become a ClickFunnels Affiliate
Strategies to Maximize Software Affiliate Earnings
Here are some proven tips to earn higher commissions promoting software affiliate offers:
- Promote high ticket offers over $100 to maximize earnings per referral.
- Prioritize recurring commission affiliate programs for steady long-term income.
- Create in-depth written reviews, demos, and tutorial videos to boost conversions.
- Highlight limited-time discounts, free trials, and bundle offers to incentivize signups.
- Use email marketing and retargeting to earn commissions from returning visitors.
- Write evergreen comparison posts and “best software” articles that stand the test of time.
- Document software integrations, add-ons, and complementary tools to encourage higher customer spend.
- Take advantage of new product launches and seasonal promotions to capitalize on spikes in interest.
Comparison of Top Software Affiliate Programs
Here is a comparison of some of the leading software affiliate platforms:
| Program | Commission | Cookie Duration | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton | Up to 20% | 60 days | Antivirus software |
| Adobe | Up to 85% | 30 days | Creative software |
| QuickBooks | Up to $50 per sale | 30 days | Accounting software |
| AWeber | 30% lifetime | 365 days | Email marketing software |
| Teachable | Up to 75% on subscriptions | 180 days | Online course platform |
This table summarizes key points like commission rates, cookie durations and types of offers across top performing software affiliate programs.
Final Thoughts
The software industry presents massive opportunities for affiliate marketers right now. Between high ticket offers, recurring commissions, and generous cookie durations, products in this niche can deliver exceptionally high lifetime value.
I recommend assessing your audience and website niche first, and then selectively joining a few software affiliate programs that are the best fit.
Focus on providing value through informative content and software recommendations relevant to your readers. This will ensure higher conversion rates and commissions in the long run.
Software Affiliate Marketing FAQs
What are software affiliate programs?
Software affiliate programs pay commissions for promoting software products, SaaS services, digital tools and more. You earn when you refer new customers.
What commissions do software affiliates earn?
Typical commissions range from 20-85% per sale. Many programs also pay monthly recurring commissions for ongoing customer value.
What software verticals pay the highest commissions?
Web hosting, website builders, email services, eLearning platforms and SEO/marketing tools tend to pay the highest recurring commissions.
Do you need a website to promote these affiliate offers?
You can share affiliate links on forums, YouTube etc. But a website focused on software reviews will help you scale up.
What are some top software affiliate programs?
Some leading programs are Norton, Avast, Adobe, QuickBooks, AWeber, Teachable, Thrive Themes, SEMrush, OptinMonster and ActiveCampaign among others.
How often are software affiliate commissions paid out?
Most programs issue monthly affiliate payments after you pass the minimum threshold. Some pay instantly upon referral.
What’s the average cookie duration for software programs?
The average is 30-90 days. But many offer lengthy 180 day, 1 year or even lifetime cookies which is excellent as an affiliate.
