Starting affiliate marketing: 6 steps for stores

In short: Start in six steps: check margin, set commission, set up tracking, choose a platform, win first partners, measure results. Key rule: the store pays only for sales, so profit must remain after commission.

Last updated:

The six steps

  • Check margin: how much remains per order after cost of goods, shipping, fees and returns? That is the ceiling for commission.
  • Set commission: percentage of basket or fixed amount, tiered by performance.
  • Set up tracking: link, code or both. Without clean tracking partners are paid wrongly.
  • Choose a platform: affiliate network (more reach, network fee) or own solution (more control, more effort).
  • Win first partners: ten fitting partners beat a hundred random ones.
  • Measure: check revenue, return rate and profit per partner, end weak ones, support strong ones.

Typical early mistakes

  • Commission set by gut feeling instead of margin.
  • No terms, then there is dispute over voucher sites and self-purchases.
  • Too many partners at once, with nobody to look after them.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the start take?

Concept and tracking often take a few weeks. First partner sales usually come after that. Promises on time or revenue are not credible.

Do I need a network?

No. A network brings reach and billing but costs fees. An own solution gives you more control.

Work it out with your numbers

The matching calculator runs in your browser. No sign-up, nothing is saved.

Affiliate Commission Calculator

More reach for your store, without chasing partners yourself

We build partner and traffic infrastructure for stores. You get everything in writing.

More about traffic infrastructure

Keep reading

Matching service: Affiliate marketingAffiliate Commission CalculatorWhat is affiliate marketing?Affiliate concept: what belongs in a partner programmeFinding publishers: where to discover fitting affiliate partnersAll guidesGlossary