Earn Big with Shopify's Affiliate Program

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Shopify?
3. Shopify Affiliate Program
   • 3.1 How to Apply for the Affiliate Program
   • 3.2 Affiliate Program Requirements
   • 3.3 Review Process and Timeline
   • 3.4 Tracking Referrals and Affiliate Links
4. Commission Structure
   • 4.1 Previous Commission Structure
   • 4.2 New Commission Structure
5. Payment Process
   • 5.1 Payment Platform
   • 5.2 Frequency of Payments
6. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

If you are an affiliate marketer or someone looking to monetize your audience, Shopify's affiliate program might be of interest to you. In this article, we will delve into the details of Shopify's affiliate program, including the recent changes in their commission structure. Whether you are a seasoned affiliate or just starting out, understanding the ins and outs of the program can help you earn more and grow your brand with Shopify.

What is Shopify?

Before diving into the specifics of the affiliate program, let's briefly discuss what Shopify is. Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create online stores and sell products. It provides a user-friendly interface, customizable themes, and a range of features to help entrepreneurs succeed in the world of ecommerce.

Shopify Affiliate Program

The Shopify affiliate program is designed for entrepreneurs, educators, influencers, and content creators who inspire and teach their audience about entrepreneurship with Shopify. By joining the program, you have the opportunity to monetize your audience and earn commissions for each new Shopify merchant referral.

How to Apply for the Affiliate Program

To apply for the Shopify affiliate program, you must own and run an active website, have an established audience, and create original content such as online courses, seminars, blog posts, or videos. Additionally, having prior experience with Shopify or other ecommerce platforms is beneficial. As part of the application process, you will need to read and agree to the Shopify partner program agreements. Once submitted, your application will be carefully reviewed by the Shopify team. In most cases, applications are processed within 15 days.

Affiliate Program Requirements

To become a successful Shopify affiliate, there are certain requirements you need to meet. These include owning an active website, having an established audience, and creating original content that aligns with Shopify's entrepreneurial focus. It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the affiliate program. The Shopify team evaluates each application on an individual basis.

Review Process and Timeline

After submitting your application, the Shopify team will review it within 15 days. During this review process, they will assess your website, audience, and content to determine if you are a suitable fit for the affiliate program. It is essential to provide accurate and compelling information in your application to increase your chances of approval.

Tracking Referrals and Affiliate Links

Once accepted into the affiliate program, you will receive a unique referral link to track your referrals. Impact, the platform Shopify now uses, handles all the referral tracking and statistics. You can monitor the actions taken by your referrals, such as signing up for a free trial and converting to a paid plan. Having access to detailed tracking information allows you to gauge the effectiveness of your affiliate marketing efforts.

Commission Structure

The commission structure of the Shopify affiliate program has recently undergone a change. Let's explore the previous and new commission structures to understand the impact on your earnings.

Previous Commission Structure

Under the previous commission structure, affiliates received a 200 percent commission based on the plan the referred merchant signed up for. For example, if someone purchased the $29 per month plan, the affiliate earned $29 in one month and another $29 the following month. This meant that affiliates could effectively double their earnings for each referral.

New Commission Structure

With the new commission structure, Shopify has shifted to a one-time payment model. Affiliates now receive a flat commission of $100 whenever a referred trial user transitions to a paid Shopify plan. This change eliminates the recurring monthly commissions but offers a higher upfront payout. This new structure benefits affiliates who primarily referred merchants signing up for the basic plan, as the commission per customer has increased from around $58 to $100.

Payment Process

Understanding how payments are processed is crucial for affiliates participating in the Shopify program.

Payment Platform

All commission payments are processed through the Impact platform. Impact provides a streamlined and efficient system for tracking referrals, generating payments, and managing affiliate transactions. As an affiliate, you will have access to your payment information and detailed reports within the Impact platform.

Frequency of Payments

Under the new commission structure, affiliates receive a one-time payment of $100 for each referral that results in a paid Shopify plan. The frequency of payments depends on when your referrals convert to paid plans. Once a referral transitions to a paid plan, the commission is automatically added to your account on Impact. However, it is important to note that payment timelines may vary, and there could be delays depending on the specific circumstances.

Conclusion

The Shopify affiliate program provides an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs, educators, influencers, and content creators to earn a commission by referring new merchants to Shopify. Understanding the application process, commission structure, and payment process is essential to maximize your earnings as a Shopify affiliate. By leveraging your audience and creating engaging content, you can grow your brand and generate income through the Shopify affiliate program. Sign up now and start earning with Shopify!

Highlights

• Shopify's affiliate program has recently undergone changes in its commission structure, offering a higher upfront payout of $100 for each referral that results in a paid plan.
• Approval into the Shopify affiliate program is not guaranteed and is subject to a thorough review process, where the Shopify team evaluates your website, audience, and content.
• Affiliates can track their referrals and access detailed reports on the Impact platform, Shopify's chosen affiliate management system.
• Understanding the switch from the previous commission structure (200 percent based on the plan) to the new structure (a flat commission of $100 per referral) is vital for affiliates to optimize their earnings.
• Payments are processed through the Impact platform, and affiliates receive one-time payments of $100 for each referral that converts to a paid Shopify plan.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to be accepted into the Shopify affiliate program?
A: The review process for the affiliate program typically takes up to 15 days. The Shopify team carefully evaluates each application, considering factors such as your website, audience, and content.

Q: Are there any limitations on the number of merchants I can refer?
A: There is no maximum limit on the number of merchants you can refer to the Shopify platform. You have the opportunity to earn commissions for each new merchant referral.

Q: Can I still earn commissions for referrals who sign up for a free trial?
A: Yes, you can earn commissions even if referrals sign up for a free trial. When a referral starts a free trial through your affiliate link, it will be tracked in your Impact account. If the referral converts to a paid plan later on, you will receive the commission.

Q: How often will I receive payments for my commissions?
A: Payments for commissions are processed automatically once your referrals convert to paid Shopify plans. However, payment timelines may vary, and there could be slight delays depending on specific circumstances.