Are you looking to get into affiliate marketing but don't know where to start or what's available and how to set up your own program? Here we've compiled a list of the top ten free affiliate marketing platforms for apps that are both easy to use and effective at generating leads through their platform. We'll also give some insight on how they work so you can decide if one of these is right for you.
If you're already familiar with affiliate marketing then this should be straightforward - just go find some products you'd like to promote and make sure they're relevant to your audience. If not, however, here's all you need to know about creating your first campaign...
There are two ways of doing this: either by uploading a file (for Android) or using Google Play Store APIs (for iOS). The former option means you will have access to multiple markets including Amazon, Clickbank, Shareasale etc., whereas the latter allows you to target specific markets such as AppBrain, SlideDB, InMobi etc. Here's a quick overview of each method.
Uploading a File
To upload files onto your website you simply need to log into your account and click "Add another item" under the Affiliate section. From here you can add any number of items to your site - including apps - which you can link back to your affiliate page. You won't actually see them until they're live though, so once you finish adding them to your site you'll want to test them before linking them. This is easily done via testing tools such as OptimizePress and WP-Testing. Once you've tested everything properly, you can copy over the URLs (which will look something like <a href="'">App Name</a>), paste them into your blog posts or wherever else you wish to place them.
Google Play Store API
For those who prefer to stick with the official channels, the second way involves using Google Play Store APIs. To begin with, you must register an application ID. It sounds complicated but isn't actually very difficult, you just need to complete a few simple steps to obtain one. After registering you'll receive a unique client id and secret key, which you can use whenever you wish to interact with the Google Play Services API. Note that although this process seems more complex than the previous option, it does offer greater flexibility when it comes to targeting particular markets. For instance, instead of being limited to just one market, you can choose between several different ones depending on your requirements.
Once you've got your client id and secret key in hand you can now build your campaigns. Simply select the type of product you would like to advertise and enter its name. Next you'll need to input the URL of your landing page along with the parameters required by the service (such as country code, currency value etc.). Finally, you'll need to specify whether you'd like to show ads based on keywords or user behavior. There are other settings too, such as how much time users spend within your ad before you start showing results.
After entering all this information, you can preview your campaign, approve it and finally launch it. As soon as your new advert launches you'll be able to track its performance across various metrics. This includes things like CPC, CTR and CPA. Once you've collected enough data you can edit your campaign further, modify certain elements and rerun it again.
Note: Although this approach might seem daunting at first glance, it really shouldn't take long to learn. Just remember to keep reading tutorials and guides online to help you understand every single little detail.
Yes, indeed. While Apple doesn't allow third party affiliates, Google has provided a robust system since 2015. So far, it's been a success story for many people. However, because Google only supports Android devices, it's probably worth considering the other options mentioned above if you're planning to work with iPhones.
This depends entirely upon your needs. Some people may require a lot less traffic while others may need thousands of downloads per day. If you fall into the later category, then pay attention to the following factors:
- How big is the marketplace? Is it saturated with similar products? Or is it a niche market with lots of potential customers?
- What kind of conversion rate do you expect? Will your visitors buy anything or will they just read articles?
- Which countries are targeted? Do you think you could reach them better with local advertisements?
The answers to these questions will determine which of these platforms suits your needs. Also bear in mind that some services provide additional benefits such as tracking analytics reports or even A/B testing capabilities. These features come in handy if you plan to monetise your traffic.
No, unfortunately. Apps aren't designed to generate revenue for anyone except the developer(s). Unless you're willing to invest tens of thousands of dollars into developing your own app, you'll never earn money from promoting someone else’s product. But hey, maybe you have a brilliant idea for a game or app that generates millions of downloads? Then why not turn that into a full blown business opportunity rather than trying to squeeze a few pennies out of advertising?
Finally, if you're still interested in setting up your own affiliate marketing program, check out our article on how to become an affiliate marketer. And if you're keen on learning a bit more about building websites, please visit our tips for beginners guide.
1. Mobirise
Mobirise is an all-in-one web design tool with a built-in, automated affiliate system which allows users to earn money by promoting other products within its software suite. The company has been around since 2008 and works closely with major brands like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Apple, Sony, Samsung, HP, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Amazon and many others.
The best part about this program is that you do not need any technical knowledge to make good money using it. In fact, even complete beginners will be able to generate revenue from promoting Mobirise’s products.
When signing up as an Affiliate, you have multiple options including different payment plans (monthly, quarterly and annually), various commission rates (from 5% - 100%) and flexible payout methods (PayPal, check/bank transfer or credit card). You can choose between two types of campaigns: standard and premium.
Standard Campaign – This campaign includes three levels of affiliates based on monthly performance. If someone signs up via your link, you receive 30%, 60% or 90% depending on his or her level. If he or she makes another purchase during the month, you receive only half of the original amount.
Premium Campaign – This campaign pays commissions based on the number of people who sign up through your links. It doesn’t matter whether those people actually buy anything, just that they click on your link once during the entire month. Even if they never buy anything, you still earn $5 per referral.
In order to promote Mobir
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money online and with so many different products available on the internet today, how can you choose which ones are worth your time?
The answer lies within our roundup of the top five free and paid Android and iOS apps that offer affiliate links. We’ve compiled this list based on their popularity among users who have downloaded them from Google Play or Apple App Store, as well as reviews by other users. If you want to be able to earn some extra cash while promoting these great applications, then you need to know where they’re located so you can add them to your website (or blog) as soon as possible.
Not only will adding affiliate links help you promote any application you like, but it also gives you a chance to sell related items such as e-books, guides, and courses. You could even use it to generate more traffic to your site. This way, if anyone clicks through to purchase something else, you get paid too. So what better place than the digital marketplaces right?
Yes, affiliate marketing is completely legal and widely accepted across all industries. The key thing here is transparency – always disclose when you're making money off someone else's product. And before we go any further, let me say that not every company running an affiliate program provides full disclosure. If you suspect shady practices, don't participate at all.
However, there are plenty of reputable companies out there, including those listed below, offering legitimate affiliate programs. Just keep in mind that affiliates must follow certain guidelines set forth by the platform provider. For example, Amazon affiliates should adhere to its policies regarding privacy and data security, whereas PayPal requires affiliates to sign up for a merchant account prior to earning commissions.
But whatever type of affiliate program you join, remember to read the fine print carefully. Some providers may require you to pay upfront for advertising services, which means you'll end up paying twice for each click. Others might charge additional fees after you've earned enough commission, or impose limits on your earnings capacity. It pays to check out each individual offer thoroughly before signing up.
There are two main types of affiliate links:
1. Clickable URL - A unique web address provided directly by the publisher. When visitors click on this link, they land on either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store page for the specific app. Note that publishers often change the URLs over time, so double check before linking to anything.
2. Banner - These aren't necessarily permanent, unlike clickable links. Instead, banner ads appear on websites that host content related to the app itself. Publishers usually display banners near the bottom of articles or posts about the app, but you can also find them embedded into third party sites.
You absolutely can. Most of the above platforms allow developers to customize the HTML code for their ad units, allowing you to include affiliate links in the same format you'd normally see on your website. However, since this isn't technically part of the marketplace, it won't show up in search results, so you should avoid using this method unless you really want to control everything about it yourself.
Instead, you should opt for the clickable URL option. Since you already have access to the app's official landing pages, why not just embed an affiliate link right next to it? That way, whenever someone purchases from your referral, you'll receive credit automatically. There's no limit to how much you can earn either. The maximum payout depends on the terms of service imposed by the particular program you signed up for.
You might notice that some of the apps featured here provide both options: a clickable link alongside a banner. In case you wanted to stick with the latter, note that you can still insert your affiliate link wherever appropriate. Simply replace "banner" with "clickable" in the text editor.
It varies depending on whether you're promoting an Android or iPhone/iPad app. Let's take a look at each category separately.
Android Apps
For Android apps, the easiest way to obtain an affiliate link is to visit the developer's website. From there, scroll down past the About section and click Get Started Now. Once you reach the payment details screen, enter your email address, select Pay Later, and click Submit. Within minutes, you'll receive an email confirming your order, along with instructions on how to redeem your voucher code.
Once you open the voucher code, you'll see a short URL you can copy and paste anywhere you wish. Or, simply share it via social media, email, or post it on your website. Keep in mind that vouchers expire after 30 days, so act quickly if you plan to use yours immediately.
iPhone/iPod Touch Apps
For iPhone/iPod touch apps, you'll first need to register your device and agree to the iTunes Terms & Conditions. Then, head to the Developer Center page and locate the Build Your Own Tab. Here, you'll find a QR Code Generator tool that lets you easily scan any barcode found inside the app. Next, input the URL you copied earlier and hit Download. Afterward, wait until your phone receives the message confirming successful installation. Finally, you can now view and manage your affiliate links from the Manage Affiliates menu.
Note that if you purchased the app directly from the iTunes store instead of downloading it from another source, you'll be redirected to the relevant webpage once you log in to your account.
App Install Affiliate Programs
Some of the biggest names in the game—including Shopify, HubSpot, WordPress, and Squarespace—offer affiliate programs specifically designed for installing new apps onto your devices. To learn more about these opportunities, take a gander at the following resources:
Shopify
WordPress
Hubspot
Squarespace
These programs come with slightly different rules, however, so be sure to review all of them closely. Also, keep in mind that you can only claim commissions earned from installs made during a specified period of time, typically 90 days.
In addition to these platforms, you can also try other methods for generating income. If you prefer to rely less on referrals, perhaps consider creating your own ebook around your favorite software, selling it as an affiliate product, or partnering with others who specialize in writing similar content. Even YouTube videos can work wonders if done correctly.
Ultimately, affiliate marketing is incredibly flexible because you can pick and choose from dozens of different channels, ranging from social networks to offline venues like shopping malls. With proper research, you can turn almost any niche into a profitable venture. But before you start spending time trying to figure out how to monetize your passion project, you should probably focus on building a solid foundation for success first.
What kind of affiliate marketing tips would you give budding entrepreneurs looking to build their business? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
If you're looking to get started with affiliate marketing and want to make money from your Android or iPhone applications then we've got some great news for you - there are plenty of ways that you can generate revenue without having to spend any cash on advertising yourself.
One such way is by becoming an affiliate marketer who promotes other people's products through their application stores. Affiliate marketing has been around since the days of the Internet but now due to the popularity of smartphones, tablets and Google Play / Apple App Store downloads, this form of internet marketing is experiencing something of a revival.
So how does one go about getting involved in affiliate marketing as far as promoting apps goes? Is it hard work? Can anyone really earn good money doing it? We'll show you below what kind of opportunities exist, along with the pros and cons of each type of offer.
Before being able to promote another company's product via its own app store, you will need to first sign up to become an affiliate. The process generally involves filling out forms and sending them off to the companies concerned. It may also involve paying a small fee (often between $10-20) depending upon the nature of the business. Once approved, you should receive access to your account which allows you to set up all of the promotional links required. You might even have the option to choose your commission rate if you wish.
Once you've signed up, you'll want to find an application that interests you and then look at where they sell it. If it's available on the iOS platform, you could try using iTunes' affiliate tool to promote it, although many developers don't take advantage of these services because they prefer to focus more on Android users. That said, if you decide to use iTunes' service, just remember that in order to get paid commissions, you must have a minimum number of sales within 30 days of signing up. In addition, you won't see anything until after 90 days so make sure that you plan ahead before taking part.
The most popular app store platforms today include both Google Play and Apple's App Store. These two giants dominate the world of online purchases and therefore, it makes sense for businesses to target customers based on their favorite operating system. For example, if you run a games website, you would naturally want to concentrate your efforts on the Android marketplace. Similarly, if you develop software, you'd probably opt to target Android devices rather than Windows Phone 8 handsets.
As mentioned above, once you've found an app that you think is going to be successful, you will need to register for an affiliate link. This will allow you to place ads promoting the particular app on various websites.
You can either find the URL for the page manually or use a search engine like Google AdWords to find it. Either way, you will then simply copy and paste the relevant code into your ad box. Alternatively, you could always pay someone else to write the script for you.
Many affiliates are happy to help others learn about the different types of marketing methods available, especially when it comes to generating income from web traffic. There are tons of resources out there that teach you everything from how to build landing pages to how to drive targeted traffic. You don't necessarily have to do much to begin making money once you understand exactly how things work.
Affiliate marketing isn't only limited to those who are prepared to shell out hundreds of dollars every month. As long as you know how to produce content that will appeal to potential buyers, you too can benefit from joining the ranks of paid marketers. Here are three simple steps you can follow to get started:
1. Choose a niche.
This doesn't mean picking a topic that you love passionately, instead pick a subject matter that interests you enough to give you regular updates on developments. A few examples of niches to consider include health & fitness, technology, gaming, finance, cars, travel etc.
2. Make your site attractive.
It's vital that you design your blog carefully and keep it updated regularly. Include images, videos, infographics, polls, quizzes, reviews etc. Remember to add social sharing buttons to encourage visitors to share articles across multiple networks. People tend to trust sites that provide quality information and advice over ones that merely push products.
3. Write original content.
Don't plagiarize existing material written by authors in related fields. Instead, craft your posts with unique angles and interesting insights. Try to come up with fresh ideas that aren't already covered elsewhere. Always stay true to your audience, whether they are men, women, children or teens. Don't forget to check for grammar errors and punctuation mistakes.
4. Promote your site.
There are lots of options here including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr etc. However, the key point remains that you shouldn't spam your followers. Instead, aim for quality engagement. Ask questions and let your readers engage back. Encourage everyone to leave comments whenever possible and respond promptly.
5. Get listed in directories.
It's important to join directory submission forums in your chosen field and submit your site there if applicable. Don't worry about submitting your site to numerous places though, as the effort is worth it in the end.
6. Use email campaigns.
Email marketing is still very powerful and effective. Just like traditional marketing, emails contain hyperlinks allowing interested parties to visit your website directly. Many experts recommend not spending more than 20% of your budget on email marketing however, as the average click-through rates are low.
7. Create a newsletter.
A newsletter is essentially a series of messages sent out periodically. They can be used to highlight new releases, upcoming events, special promotions etc. Send them out to subscribers and ask them to forward them onto friends and colleagues. Your goal is to convince people to subscribe and read future newsletters.
8. Take part in contests.
Contests are a fantastic method of driving traffic to your site as well as engaging fans and encouraging them to buy stuff. All you need to do is enter competitions and win prizes. Some examples of contests you could participate in include blogging, video creation, photo editing, writing, drawing etc.
9. Start selling digital goods.
Digital goods refer to items that cannot easily be reproduced like eBooks, music, movies and TV shows. Sellers often advertise their wares on Amazon and eBay. Be careful though, as there are strict rules about copyright infringement and counterfeiting.
11. Join affiliate programs.
To succeed, you're going to need to actively seek out partnerships with brands. Most reputable ones will welcome you with open arms. There are dozens of affiliate programs out there and the trick is finding ones that fit your needs. Some of the most common ones include Amazon, Clickbank, Shareasale, Commission Junction, LinkShare, PayPerClick, VigLink and CPAJobs.
12. Offer premium content.
Offering exclusive content to those who purchase certain products gives you leverage over those who don't. For instance, if you were developing a WordPress theme, you could charge extra for advanced features. Or perhaps you have a guidebook that explains how to install plugins correctly. By offering this sort of thing to customers, you will gain credibility amongst other bloggers and writers.
13. Build relationships.
Build strong connections with influencers in your industry. Invite them to guest post on your blog and send them press releases whenever you launch new projects. Show them respect and listen to their feedback. When they feel valued, they are likely to return the favor.
14. Host giveaways.
Hosting giveaways is a proven technique for increasing brand awareness and improving conversion rates. Give away high value merchandise like iPads, laptops, clothing, electronics etc. To increase conversions further, consider hosting giveaway competitions. One winner receives the prize while the rest receive vouchers redeemable against the same item.
15. Run surveys.
Surveys are a useful way to gauge customer opinions regarding your offerings. Conduct them frequently and analyze results for trends. Find out what people expect in terms of pricing, functionality, design etc. Then adjust accordingly.
16. Become an expert.
Become an authority figure in your field and you will attract new clients automatically. If you have experience working with specific applications or technologies, why wouldn't you want to share that knowledge with others? Consider setting up a course on Udemy or Skillshare to demonstrate your expertise.
17. Brand yourself.
Your name alone generates interest. Add your logo to everything you produce and you will instantly appear professional.
18. Learn SEO techniques.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to the strategies employed to improve visibility in organic searches. Search engines employ algorithms that rank websites based on how relevant they are to keywords typed into search bars. Therefore, optimizing your site means ensuring that it appears higher up the rankings than competitors.
19. Focus on your image.
People judge books by their covers. So do websites. Spend time creating a visually appealing domain name and logo. Also ensure that your site looks clean, clear and easy to navigate.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.