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In this article
One‑sentence takeaway: Installing a tracking app, setting commission rules, and inviting your first partners can get a Shopify affiliate program live in under an hour.
Last reviewed: 6 May 2025
Too many spreadsheets, coupon leaks, and missed payouts? Follow this playbook to launch a performance‑based affiliate channel that scales without ballooning ad spend.
Table of Contents
- Why Shopify Affiliate Marketing Still Works
- Prerequisites Before You Start
- Step‑by‑Step Setup
- Choosing the Right App
- Launch Checklist
- FAQ
- Next Steps
Why Shopify Affiliate Marketing Still Works
Affiliate revenue accounts for up to 15–30 % of sales for high‑growth DTC brands. Rising ad costs make pay‑for‑performance partnerships more attractive than ever.
Key advantages
- CAC control – pay only for conversions, not clicks.
- Built‑in trust – leverage creators your audience already follows.
- First‑party data – rely on Shopify order data, not third‑party cookies.
Prerequisites Before You Start
Before you flip the switch, confirm you have these four building blocks in place:
1. Profit‑margin clarity – Know your average profit per order so commissions never send you into the red.
2. Irresistible commission – Choose a percent‑of‑sale or flat‑fee reward large enough to excite partners yet small enough to protect margin.
3. A Shopify‑compatible tracking app – This is the nerve center that issues links and codes, attributes orders, and triggers payouts automatically.
4. A plug‑and‑play media kit – Logos, lifestyle photos, product shots, and a 50‑word brand blurb let affiliates promote you from day one.
Step‑by‑Step Setup
1 · Install a Tracking App
- In Shopify Admin → Apps → Shopify App Store, search “affiliate marketing”.
- Filter by 4.5★+ rating.
- Click Add app, approve permissions, and open the app dashboard.
- ReferralCandy is a great option because it allows you run both referral and affiliate programs simultaneusly.
- ReferralCandy is a great option because it allows you run both referral and affiliate programs simultaneusly.
2 · Configure Program Rules
- Commission: E.g., 10 % of net sales or $15 per first‑time customer.
- Cookie/Attribution window: 30–90 days.
- SKU exclusions: Remove low‑margin products.
3 · Create Trackable Assets
Give every new affiliate three share‑ready assets:
Referral links: Perfect for blog posts, YouTube descriptions, and email banners. Each link carries UTM parameters so the app tracks the sale instantly.
Discount codes: Ideal for TikTok videos, Instagram Stories, and newsletters. Shoppers enter the code at checkout and the order is auto‑credited to the creator.
QR codes: Great for package inserts or in‑store signage. Scans redirect through the referral link and log the conversion automatically.
4 · Recruit Affiliates
- Invite past customers via post‑purchase email.
- DM niche creators already posting your category.
- List program on public affiliate marketplaces.
5 · Launch & Announce
- Send welcome email with links, codes, payout terms.
- Add “Affiliates” link to footer navigation.
- Share launch on social channels + newsletter.
6 · Monitor & Optimise
- Review dashboard weekly: clicks, sales, top earners.
- Increase commission tiers for high performers.
- Tweak creatives for low‑conversion partners.
Choosing the Right App
elow are four popular affiliate‑tracking apps, their ideal fit, and starting prices:
- ReferralCandy: All‑in‑one referrals + affiliates. Stand‑out: post‑checkout auto‑signup. Starts at $59/mo.
- Refersion: Built for scaling influencer teams. Stand‑out: advanced commission tiers. Starts at $99/mo.
- UpPromote: Best budget start. Stand‑out: built‑in affiliate marketplace. Starts at $29.99/mo.
- BixGrow: Great for lean startups. Stand‑out: fraud filters at a low cost. Starts at $7.99/mo.
Prices and ratings are from the Shopify App Store, April 2025.
Launch Checklist
- Installed affiliate app
- Defined commission & cookie window
- Uploaded brand assets to portal
- Tested link & code tracking
- Created signup page & onboarding email
- Announced program to customers & influencers
Print this page or screenshot it before launch.
FAQ
How long does setup take?
Less than an hour once you’ve chosen an app.
Do I need Shopify Plus?
No. Basic plans work fine. Enterprise features (API commission scripts) shine on Plus.
Can I pay affiliates in store credit?
Yes. Most apps let you choose cash, gift cards, or custom rewards.
What about tax paperwork?
Collect W‑9/1099 (US) or local equivalents. Some apps (ReferralCandy, Refersion) automate the process.
Next Steps
Launching an affiliate program on Shopify is simpler than ever. Pick an app, set a compelling commission, and invite your first partners today. Your next 10–30 % revenue lift could be one tracking link away.