# Starting Affiliate Marketing: 6 Steps for Stores | RevenueWorks > How to start an affiliate programme: check margin, set commission, tracking, network or own solution, win partners, measure. Source: https://revenueworks.ai/guides/affiliate-marketing-getting-started Language: en --- [RevenueWorks](https://revenueworks.ai/)/[Guides](https://revenueworks.ai/guides)/Starting affiliate marketing: 6 steps for stores # 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: 2026-11-10 ## 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](https://revenueworks.ai/tools/affiliate-provisions-rechner) ## More reach for your store, without chasing partners yourself We build partner and traffic infrastructure for stores. You get everything in writing. 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