On paper, running an affiliate program sounds easy. You just have to
- offer a link,
- pay a commission,
- Watch the sales take off.
But if you’ve tried it, you know it’s not that easy. Maybe you’re not getting enough signups, your affiliates aren’t promoting enough, or you’re simply not seeing the results you hoped for.
The truth is that this is the case with some software companies crushes it with affiliate marketing. They have developed programs that attract the right partners, generate consistent revenue, and actually grow their business.
So what are they doing differently?
In this post we will look at that 7 successful software affiliate programs – and explain exactly what makes it work. You’ll get practical lessons you can apply whether you:
- Running a program that needs a boost
- Are you planning to introduce one, or
- Looking for quality software programs to promote.
Let’s get started!
What are the benefits of affiliate programs for software brands?
Acquiring new customers is more expensive than ever. Ads take up a large portion of your budget and building a full sales team isn’t always realistic, especially for growing software companies. That’s why more and more of them are turning to affiliate programs to grow faster, spend less and reach more people.
Here are the benefits of affiliate programs for software companies:
You only pay when someone delivers a real result
With traditional ads, you pay whether you make a sale or not. The advantage of affiliate programs is that you only pay when someone actually refers you a customer. This means your marketing spend is tied directly to performance, not just traffic or impressions.
You reach people you wouldn’t find on your own
Affiliates often have a niche audience that already trusts them, such as blog readers, YouTube subscribers, and newsletter followers. When they promote your software, they open the door to communities that might otherwise never have experienced your brand.
You gain trust from day one
People are more likely to try a tool if someone they already follow recommends it. This personal connection creates instant credibility in a way that branded ads simply cannot replicate.
You can grow without expanding your team
You don’t need to hire additional sales reps to reach more customers. As more partners join your program, your reach will naturally expand without increasing your payroll or overhead costs.
It works particularly well for subscription-based products
Many affiliates prefer promoting software because of the recurring commissions. And for businesses, it means that a referral can lead to a stable income month after month, which is a win-win for both parties.
7 successful software affiliate programs
The best way to build or improve your affiliate program? Look at what’s already working. Below are seven software companies that have developed affiliate programs. Affiliates actually want to promote programs that increase sales, reward loyalty, and make growth seem easy.
We explain to each individual what they offer, how they support their partners, what you can take away, and whether you are running a program or planning to start one.
1. Kit
Kit, formerly ConvertKitwas developed specifically for creative people. Whether you’re a coach running a paid newsletter, a course creator launching your next program, or a solo blogger trying to convert traffic into income, Kit is here to help without feeling like you have to hire a technical team.
It offers creators automation, clean landing pages, easy-to-use email sequences, and the flexibility to grow your list and make money without losing your mind.
Key Features
- Commission type: 50% recurring commission every month for up to 12 months. This means that if someone signs up for a paid plan using your link, you will earn as long as they stay subscribed.
- Cookie duration: 60 days, so you’ll still get credit even if someone signs up weeks later.
- Withdrawal method: Monthly PayPal payments. No fuss, no crazy thresholds.
- Registration process: Open and beginner-friendly. You don’t need a large following, just a relevant audience and clear content.
What you can learn
Kit’s affiliate program is a great example of how targeting your offer to your audience can lead to natural conversions. When you’re promoting a tool that’s clearly designed for the people you serve, like trainers, authors, creators, it doesn’t feel like selling. It feels like you’re helping.
2. Systems.io
Systems.io is an all-in-one platform that helps entrepreneurs build and run their online business without needing five different tools. You can create landing pages, send marketing emails, build sales funnels, launch online courses, accept payments, and even run your own affiliate program, all from one dashboard.
It’s especially helpful for people who are just starting out and want to turn their knowledge into income, but don’t have the time or budget for a complicated tech tool.
Key Features
- Commission type: 60% lifetime commission for every paying customer you refer.
- Cookie duration: Lifetime cookie so you continue to earn even if someone signs up weeks or months later.
- Withdrawal process: Monthly payouts via PayPal with a minimum amount of $30.
- Registration process: Open to anyone with a Systeme.io account (including free users). No approval process required.
What you can learn
Systeme.io is proof that convenience sells. People don’t just look for features; You’re looking for less complexity. By offering everything from email to course hosting under one roof, the product makes it easier for new developers to get started, which in turn makes it easier to recruit partners.
3. AWeber
AWeber has been working in email marketing for over two decades. Unlike newer tools that rely on flashy add-ons, AWeber focuses on what small businesses actually depend on: deliverability, list management, and reliable automation that just works.
It’s particularly popular with consultants, service providers and local businesses, people who need a robust way to stay in touch with customers without having to delve into complex setups.
Key Features
- Commission type: Tiered recurring commissions based on performance over a 12-month period.
- 30% for 0-99 new paid accounts
- 40% for 100-499 new paid accounts
- 50% for over 500 new paid accounts
- Cookie duration: A 365 day cookie This allows affiliates to earn money long after the first click, which is ideal for long-form and evergreen content.
- Withdrawal process: Monthly payments via PayPal with a low minimum amount.
- Registration process: Open to everyone. Sign up quickly and easily through AWeber’s official Advocates portal.
What you can learn
For affiliate program managers, AWeber is a great example to build simple but motivating incentives. There are no overcomplications, just recurring rewards, clear milestones and low payout hurdles. The tiered commission structure (30% to 50%) encourages affiliates to move forward knowing there is a next level to reach.
4. Click Up.
ClickUp is a fully customizable productivity system designed for people who love structure. From agile development teams to content creators building Notion-style templates, ClickUp offers powerful flexibility: tasks, documents, schedules, goals and whiteboards. All are tailored to the way you work.
This flexibility is what makes it such a strong affiliate offer. If your target audience includes systems-focused developers, agency owners, or remote teams obsessed with workflow hacks, promoting ClickUp is like giving them the toolbox they’ve been looking for.
Key Features
- Commission type: Earn up to $25 per new workspace activated via your link.
- Cookie duration: The 30 day cookie term means you will still receive credit even if someone signs up within a month.
- Withdrawal process: Monthly payout via PayPal after reaching a minimum payout threshold of $20.
- Registration process: Open to anyone with an online presence such as blogs, social media or YouTube channels. The application review is uncomplicated.
What you can learn
ClickUp’s program proves that a flat commission can still produce results when the product solves a clear, immediate need. A one-time payout of $20 to $25 may seem modest compared to recurring models, but it works for productivity tools where users often make a decision within a day or two.
5. SEMrush
Semrush is a tool for marketers. From comprehensive SEO audits and competitor tracking to PPC insights and content planning, it’s designed for people who look at digital marketing like a strategy and not just a checklist.
This is why it is particularly attractive for affiliates in the areas of SEO, blogging and agencies.
Key Features
- Commission type:
- $10 for each new test registration
- $50 – $200 for each new paid subscription
- Small rewards for free signups
- Cookie duration: 120-day cookie window, giving partners enough time to earn credit
- Withdrawal process:
- Paid through the Impact Network, minimum $10
- Payment processing takes place approximately 30 days after the end of the month
- Registration process: Hosted through Impact and requires a website, blog, or social account with consistent traffic or engagement
What you can learn
Don’t be afraid of big incentives if your product has great value. SEMrush knows that its ideal customer won’t convert overnight. That’s why it offers affiliates comprehensive support, including custom landing pages, dedicated managers, and pre-built creatives. This allows them to focus on education-based content like tutorials, product comparisons, and case studies that actually convert.
6. Grammar
Grammatically is practically a safety net for writing. Whether someone is polishing up a client email, submitting a college essay, or publishing a blog post, Grammarly steps in to capture what they missed and make their writing sharper, clearer, and more professional.
This is an important reason why the affiliate program works so well. Partners are not introducing a brand new concept; They point people to something they’ve probably heard of or maybe even used.
Key Features
- Commission type: Earn $0.20 per free signup and up to $30 per premium sale.
- Cookie duration: A 90-day cookie window gives affiliates enough time to collect credit for conversions.
- Withdrawal process: Monthly PayPal payouts with no minimum, ensuring affiliates get paid no matter how small the amount.
- Registration process: Open to everyone. The application is quick and approval is usually quick.
What you can learn
Grammarly’s program proves this Brand awareness can make up half of your sales. People already trust the tool and know what it can do. So when an affiliate shares a Grammarly link, they remind someone of a tool they probably already need. The 90 day cookie also gives affiliates time to earn.
7. Teachable
Teachable helps developers turn their knowledge into courses, coaching offerings, and digital products they can actually sell. It is not a platform for free knowledge sharing, but for people who want to build a real business based on their expertise.
From payments and landing pages to content delivery and upsells, Teachable takes care of the backend so creators can focus on what they do best.
Key Features
- Commission type: 30% recurring commission for the first year on each recommended paid subscription.
- Cookie duration: The 30-day cookie window ensures that partners receive credit even if signups occur within a month.
- Withdrawal process: Monthly PayPal payouts are typically sent on the 1st of each month after a 30 day hold period. Partners must be approved through Teachable’s Impact Managed application.
- Registration process: Managed by Impact. Applications will be reviewed and approved if traffic and content quality meet Teachable’s standards.
What you can learn
Teachable’s affiliate program shows how a Clear creator focus and recurring revenue model can turn occasional promoters into long-term partners. By offering recurring commissions of up to 30%, it gives affiliates a real incentive to invest time in content that works over time, such as course comparisons, platform reviews or tutorials.
How drift kings media Helps You Build a Powerful Program
When you take a closer look at how these successful software affiliate programs work, it comes down to structure, smart tools, and communication. Right there Easy partner shines.
It was developed for WordPress. drift kings media gives you everything you need to run your own powerful affiliate program without relying on expensive third-party platforms or complicated setups.
You can adjust individual commission structuresfrom lump sums to recurring payouts. Your partners get their own dashboard where they can track clicks, conversions and revenue in real time. You can easily generate Affiliate links or custom coupon codes and send out Onboarding emailsUpdates or rewards directly from your website.
In short, drift kings media helps you do what the top brands do – just faster, easier and completely under your control.
Try drift kings media today to create a smarter and more effective affiliate program.
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