How to Get an Affiliate Link: Step by Step, With 10 Real Examples

Quick Answer: To get an affiliate link, join an affiliate program (directly through a brand's website or via a network such as Impact or PartnerStack), wait for approval, then log into the program's dashboard and generate a unique tracking URL for the product or service you want to promote. Some programs approve you automatically within minutes, while others review applications manually and one of the ten programs below says it takes about a week.

Summary in short

• An affiliate link is a unique URL containing your ID that lets a program track clicks, sign-ups, and sales back to you
• You can apply through in-house dashboards, affiliate networks (Impact, PartnerStack), or affiliate software portals (Rewardful, FirstPromoter, Dub)
• Some programs approve instantly; others review each application manually
• Approval speed, cookie length, and minimum payout differ per program, so check each before you apply
• Always disclose affiliate links clearly to your audience and follow the rules of each program
• Affiliate dashboards typically show clicks and commissions, so you can see what works
• Program terms change, so confirm the details on the program's official page before you apply

What Is an Affiliate Link and How Does It Work

An affiliate link is a standard web URL with a unique identifier appended to it, usually a query parameter like ?ref=yourID or a path such as /via/yourID. When a visitor clicks that link, the program records the click, sets a tracking cookie, and attributes any resulting purchase or sign-up to your account.

Here is what happens behind the scenes:

1. A visitor clicks your link
2. The program's server logs the click and sets a cookie on the visitor's browser
3. If the visitor completes a qualifying action (purchase, trial sign-up, subscription) within the cookie window, the commission is credited to your account
4. You receive payment once you reach the program's payout rules, which may include a minimum threshold

Cookie duration matters. A 90-day cookie (AWeber, Figma, Envato Elements and Databox all list 90 days) gives you far more time to earn a commission than Amazon's standard 24-hour window, which extends to 89 days only if the product was added to the cart in that session. Always check cookie length before choosing which programs to prioritize.

How to Get an Affiliate Link: The Core Steps

Getting your first affiliate link follows the same basic flow across almost every program. Here is the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose a program that fits your content. Pick products or services your audience already uses or asks about. Relevance drives conversions far more reliably than commission rate alone.

Step 2: Find the program's application page. Many brands have a dedicated affiliate or partners page. Alternatively, search the brand name plus "affiliate program" or look them up on a network like Impact or PartnerStack.

Step 3: Submit your application. You will typically provide your website URL or social profiles, and a brief description of how you plan to promote the product.

Step 4: Wait for approval. Approval is either automatic or manual. See the table below for what each of the ten programs states.

Step 5: Log into the dashboard and generate your link. Once approved, look for a "Get Link," "Create Link," or "Promote" section of the dashboard. Pick the product or page you want to link to, then copy the generated URL, which will already contain your unique ID.

Step 6: Place the link in your content and disclose it. Paste the link into your blog post, video description, newsletter, or social bio. Add a clear disclosure that the link is an affiliate link.

Step 7: Monitor performance. Check your dashboard regularly for clicks, conversions, and pending commissions.

Where to Apply: 10 Real Affiliate Programs Compared

The table below covers ten programs, where to apply, the platform each one uses, and what each program publishes about commission, cookie, approval and minimum payout. "Not published" means the brand does not state it.

Network vs. in-house vs. software portal, what is the difference?

• Affiliate networks (Impact, PartnerStack) host multiple brands in one dashboard. One login can give access to many programs, and link generation is standardized.
• In-house dashboards (Amazon Associates, ClickFunnels, AWeber) are run directly by the brand. You log into their own portal to generate links.
• Affiliate software portals (Rewardful, FirstPromoter, Dub) are tools that brands plug into their own site. Each brand gets its own portal, but the interface is similar across brands using the same software.

How to Create an Affiliate Link for Amazon Associates

Amazon describes its program as open to bloggers, publishers and content creators with a qualifying website or mobile app, and says it will review your application and approve it if you meet the qualifying criteria (Amazon Associates). Amazon's own steps are to sign up, recommend products, and earn commissions.

Here is the general process:

1. Go to affiliate-program.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account
2. Submit your website or app details and describe your content
3. Add tax and payment information
4. Once approved, use the product linking tools in Associates Central to find the product you want to promote
5. Generate the link, which contains your Associates tag
6. Copy the link and paste it into your content

Rules worth knowing:

• Your site must be publicly available and contain original content, according to Amazon's Program Policies
• Amazon's policies require you to identify your account with an Associates tag parameter in your links
• Amazon runs separate programs per country, each with its own commission rates and eligibility requirements, so you need to apply for each marketplace you want to use (Program Policies)
• Social media creators with an established following can look at the separate Amazon Influencer Program (Amazon Associates)
• The Operating Agreement says a statement such as "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases" must appear clearly and prominently on your site (Operating Agreement)

Amazon's US commission rates run from 0% to 10% depending on the product category. Check the current rate table on the official page before you plan around a specific rate.

Do You Need a Website to Get Affiliate Links

Not always. Amazon's main program asks for a qualifying website or mobile app, but it points social creators to a separate Influencer Program. Other programs set their own requirements, and many accept social profiles or newsletters, so read the application form before you assume you need a site.

Where a website still helps:

• Programs with stricter content requirements, such as Amazon's requirement for a public site with original content
• SEO-driven content where long-form articles drive sustained organic traffic
• Building a resource page or "toolkit" page that collects multiple affiliate links

Where social channels or newsletters can work:

• Video descriptions on tutorial and review videos
• Newsletter round-ups with embedded links
• "Link in bio" pages pointing to affiliate offers

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Affiliate Programs

It depends on the program. Among the ten programs above, Decktopus (Rewardful) approves within minutes, Databox (FirstPromoter) approves immediately, Pixelcut (Dub) approves instantly, and ElevenLabs (PartnerStack) approves automatically. Descript reviews applications manually and says it takes about a week. Amazon Associates, Figma, ClickFunnels, AWeber and Envato Elements use manual review and do not publish a timeframe.

Factors that can help a manual application:

• A professional-looking website or social profile with recent, relevant content
• Clear traffic or audience information in your application
• A specific, honest description of how you plan to promote the product

What Is the Difference Between Affiliate Links and Referral Links

Affiliate links and referral links work the same way technically: both use a unique URL to track who sent a visitor. They usually serve different purposes and audiences.

• Affiliate links are typically issued to content creators, publishers, and marketers who promote a product to an external audience, usually in exchange for a commission
• Referral links are typically issued to existing customers who share the product with friends, often earning a discount, credit, or a smaller reward

Some companies use the terms interchangeably. The key distinction is intent: affiliate programs are built for publishers promoting to many audiences, while referral programs are built for word-of-mouth among existing users. Descript's terms, for example, say that affiliate and customer referral rewards cannot be combined on one link.

Can You Use Affiliate Links on Social Media and YouTube

Often yes, but each program sets its own rules, so check the terms before you post.

Platform-specific notes:

• YouTube: Paste affiliate links in the video description. The FTC's guidance says a disclosure in a video should be in the video itself and not just in the description (FTC).
• Instagram and TikTok: Direct linking in posts is limited on these platforms. A "link in bio" page that holds your affiliate links is a common workaround.
• X and Facebook: Check each program's terms, since some programs restrict direct linking on certain platforms.
• Newsletters: Check the program's terms before adding affiliate links to email. Amazon, for example, allows Special Links in emails and direct messages only if the recipients opted in (Program Policies).

How Much Money Can You Actually Make With Affiliate Links

Earnings vary enormously based on niche, audience size, traffic quality, and commission structure, and there is no reliable average for individual affiliates.

Commission structures of the ten programs above (from each program's published terms):

• Amazon Associates: up to 10% depending on category, with some categories at 0%
• ClickFunnels: 30% recurring on referred accounts that stay active
• AWeber: 30% to 50% recurring for life, depending on how many new paid accounts you refer in a trailing 12 months
• ElevenLabs: 22% recurring for the first 12 months of each referred subscription
• Databox: 20% recurring for the first 12 months
• Pixelcut: 30% recurring for the first 12 months
• Decktopus: 50% per qualifying purchase
• Descript: $25 flat per new Creator or Pro subscriber
• Figma: one-time fees, up to $54 per new paying customer
• Envato Elements: up to $80 per month for the first 3 months, or up to $500 on annual plans

Choose recurring programs if: you want income that can continue month after month. Focus on recurring-commission programs such as ClickFunnels or AWeber, where a referred account that stays active keeps paying you. If you want breadth, Amazon Associates covers a huge catalogue but pays lower percentages by category.

Earnings disclaimer: these are program rates, not income promises. Your results depend on your audience, content, and the program's terms, and many affiliates earn little or nothing.

What Happens If You Share Affiliate Links Without Disclosing Them

Failing to disclose affiliate links is a compliance risk that can damage your reputation and get you removed from programs. Disclosure rules vary by country, but the principle is consistent: audiences should know when a link may earn you a commission. The FTC's influencer guidance says disclosures must be placed so they are hard to miss, in simple and clear language, and that you should not assume a platform's built-in tool is enough (FTC).

Best practice for disclosure:

• Add a short, plain-language statement near the top of any page, video description, or newsletter that contains affiliate links (for example: "This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.")
• Disclose in the video itself, not only in the description
• Follow each program's specific disclosure requirements. Amazon Associates, for example, requires its own statement

This is general information, not legal advice. Check the rules that apply in your country.

Why Was My Affiliate Application Rejected

Programs rarely explain a rejection, but a few issues are common.

Common reasons:

• Thin or inactive content: Programs want to see a real, active presence. Amazon, for example, requires a public site with original content.
• Irrelevant niche: If your content has no connection to the product, reviewers may decline the application.
• Private or incomplete website: A site that requires a login, is under construction, or has placeholder content is unlikely to be approved.
• Incomplete application: Vague promotional descriptions or missing profile links can reduce your chances.
• Geographic or account rules: Amazon runs separate programs per country, and some programs require you to be 18 or older (Descript, ElevenLabs and Pixelcut state this).

Fix: Publish relevant, original content before applying to a manual-review program, then reapply with specific details about your audience and how you plan to promote the product.

How to Track Clicks and Commissions on Your Affiliate Links

Affiliate programs typically include a dashboard where you can see clicks and commissions. Check what your specific program shows before you rely on it.

What dashboards typically show:

• Clicks on your links
• Sign-ups or sales
• Pending and confirmed commissions

Some programs also let you tag links for different placements, which helps you compare where clicks come from. If you manage links across many programs, a link management tool can consolidate your reporting, but check each program's terms before using third-party shorteners.

Short Links vs. Long Affiliate URLs: Which Should You Use

Long affiliate URLs work fine and are sometimes required: Amazon's policies, for example, require an Associates tag parameter in your links. Short links improve readability and are easier to share verbally, but they can hide the destination from your audience.

Practical guidance:

• In blog posts and newsletters, either format works
• In video descriptions and social posts, a shorter link looks cleaner
• Never use a shortener that strips your affiliate ID, and always test the final URL to confirm your ID is still there
• Check program terms before using third-party shorteners, because some programs restrict them

Best Affiliate Programs for Beginners With No Audience

For beginners, programs with automatic approval are the most accessible entry points, because you can get a link the same day.

Automatic-approval programs from the table:

• Decktopus (Rewardful, approval within minutes), 50% per sale, good for presentation content
• Databox (FirstPromoter, immediate approval), 20% recurring for 12 months, suits marketing and analytics audiences
• Pixelcut (Dub, instant approval, $20 minimum payout), 30% recurring for 12 months, works for design and social media creators
• ElevenLabs (PartnerStack, automatic), 22% recurring for 12 months, relevant for audio and content creation niches

Once you have consistent traffic or an engaged audience, manual-review programs such as Amazon Associates, Figma, and AWeber become more realistic targets.

Can You Use Multiple Affiliate Links for the Same Product

Yes, in many cases. Using different links or tags for different placements (blog post, email, video description) lets you see which channel converts best, if the program supports it. Check your dashboard to see what your program allows.

One edge case to avoid: Do not link to the same product through two competing affiliate programs on the same page. It creates confusion about which commission applies and may violate one or both programs' terms.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay to join an affiliate program?

Usually not. Most affiliate programs are free to join, and a program that charges an upfront fee to become an affiliate deserves extra scrutiny.

How do I find my affiliate link after I am approved?

Log into the program's dashboard (Associates Central for Amazon, your PartnerStack or Impact account for network programs, or the brand's Rewardful, FirstPromoter or Dub portal). Look for a "Links," "Promote," or "Get Link" section and generate a URL for the product or page you want to promote.

Can I use affiliate links in a free blog or newsletter?

Often yes, but check both the program's terms and the platform's own rules, because either can restrict affiliate links.

What is a cookie window and why does it matter?

A cookie window is the period after a click during which a qualifying purchase still earns you a commission. AWeber, Figma, Envato Elements and Databox list 90 days; Decktopus and Pixelcut list 60; ClickFunnels lists 45; Descript lists 30; Amazon's standard window is 24 hours (89 days if the product was added to the cart). ElevenLabs does not publish its cookie length. Longer windows give you more time to earn from a single click.

How do I get an affiliate link for a product that does not have a public affiliate program?

Contact the company directly and ask whether they run a private or partner arrangement. If the product is sold on Amazon, you can link to it through Amazon Associates instead.

Is affiliate marketing still growing?

Income depends on your traffic, niche and the program terms, and no income is guaranteed.

Conclusion

Getting an affiliate link is straightforward once you know where to apply and what each platform expects. The core workflow is to find the program, apply, get approved, generate your unique link, place it in relevant content, disclose it, and track performance. It is the same whether you join Amazon Associates or a niche software program.

Actionable next steps:

1. Choose two or three programs from the table above that match your content niche
2. Apply to at least one automatic-approval program (Decktopus, Databox, Pixelcut or ElevenLabs) to get your first link quickly
3. Publish or update a piece of content that promotes that product, with a clear disclosure statement
4. Check your dashboard after a couple of weeks to see which placements generate clicks
5. Once you have some traction, apply to a manual-review program with a long cookie window and recurring commissions (AWeber or ClickFunnels are options)

Program terms, rates and approval rules change, so always confirm the current terms on the program's official page before you apply. Commission rates are not a guarantee of income.