November 16, 2024
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy something through the links on this page (at no extra cost).
The standard way to make money in affiliate marketing is through sales commissions. For instance, I promote various business and marketing tools on my site. A click on one of my affiliate links, followed by a sale, will result in a commission for me.
Successful affiliate marketers earning thousands per month rely on sales commissions. However, affiliates can earn money much quicker by generating merchant leads. Therefore, this post will review the best pay-per-lead affiliate programs for beginners and content creators (bloggers, YouTubers, and social media marketers).
What Is a Pay-Per-Lead Affiliate Program?
A pay-per-lead (PPL) affiliate program compensates an affiliate for getting prospects and new users. PPL is also known as a cost-per-lead (CPL). Pay-per-lead programs commonly require a user to:
- Sign up for a free trial
- Submit contact info, e.g., name, home address, email, etc.
- Subscribe to an email newsletter
- Create an account
- Register for a webinar or event
- Download or install an app
- Request a demo, e.g., a software or product demo
- Order a bank card, e.g., a debit or credit card
- Book/schedule a meeting, appointment, or visit
- Request a quote, e.g., a life or rental insurance quote
- Deposit or transfer funds
- Complete a survey, poll, or form
Pay-per-lead programs are attractive because they set a low bar. For example, getting someone to sign up for something is more straightforward than getting that individual to purchase. Domestika pays $2 per new account, Square $5 per new user, and Semrush $10 per trial.
Pay-per-lead programs can be helpful during slow periods and commission droughts (slumps happen to the best of us). However, because actions or objectives are less demanding than sales, PPL programs typically pay low commission rates, such as $0.01 per lead. Also, focusing exclusively on pay-per-lead programs will not likely make you thousands of dollars monthly.
The best pay-per-lead niches include software, B2B, dating, and financial companies. Merchants in those niches experience high ROI and customer lifetime value (CLV) through cost-per-lead user acquisition.
Best Pay-Per-Lead Affiliate Programs
First, I won’t waste your time with an incomplete list of fewer than 20 programs or questionable merchants like SunPower and ClickFunnels. Instead, my list includes high-paying and reputable merchants in profitable affiliate marketing niches. These programs are also available on established affiliate networks like ShareASale, FlexOffers, and Impact, ensuring you get paid for promotional activities.
Semrush
Semrush is a powerful and versatile SEO, advertising, social media, and content marketing platform for online marketers. It features keyword, link building, market analysis, PPC, content, and video advertising research tools.
Semrush’s affiliate program is on Impact. It pays $0.01 per registration, $10 per trial, and $200 per sale. The program has a generous cookie duration of 120 days and a payout minimum of $10.
Tidio
Tidio is an all-in-one customer service app that improves customer support and helps generate more sales. Its live chat widget makes your business available 24/7, while AI-powered chatbots engage your customers in real time.
Tidio’s affiliate program is on CJ Affiliate. It pays a $5 commission and offers a 30-day cookie period. Tido also has a program on Impact, paying a 30% recurring commission with no pay-per-lead component.
Trinet (fka Zenefits)
Trinet is a cloud-based HR software platform that helps businesses manage their human resources services. It offers payroll, benefits administration, compliance, hiring, onboarding, and employee performance management tools.
Trinet’s affiliate program is on Impact. It pays $10 to $25 per new prospect and has a 30-day referral period. After one conversion, affiliates receive commissions via bank account or PayPal.
ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps you improve your grammar, style, and clarity. It can identify over 250 writing errors, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and offers suggestions for improvement. ProWritingAid is available as a free online tool or premium subscription and is an excellent Grammarly alternative.
ProWritingAid’s affiliate program has a two-tier commission structure: $0.25 per lead and $20 per sale. ShareASale hosts the program, which has a 30-day referral window. Commissions are sent to affiliates’ bank accounts.
Square
Square is a financial services and digital payments company. In addition to point-of-sale systems, Square offers various other financial and business services. These include solutions for payroll, customer engagement, marketing, online sales, and business analytics. The company also operates Cash App, a popular mobile payment service that allows individuals to send, spend, save, and invest money.
Square’s affiliate program offers $5 per signup and up to $233 for a merchant’s first retail transaction. Affiliates get a 45-day conversion period and can apply to the program on Impact.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks provides cloud-based accounting solutions for small businesses and freelancers. The platform offers invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, project management features, and reporting and analytics tools to help companies manage their finances effectively.
FreshBooks’s affiliate program pays $10 per lead and $55 per sale. It runs on ShareASale, offers a generous 120-day conversion window, and frequently ranks in the network’s top 100.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is an accounting software package developed and marketed by Intuit. It’s primarily designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering on-premises accounting applications and cloud-based versions.
QuickBooks’ affiliate program pays slightly less than FreshBooks, at $5 per lead, but offers $55 for each sale. It allows 30 days to convert, and you can join the program on CJ Affiliate.
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Atlassian
Atlassian develops products for software developers and project managers. It’s best known for its issue-tracking application, Jira, and its team collaboration and wiki product, Confluence. The company was founded in Australia.
Atlassian’s affiliate program runs on Impact. It pays $5 for new user submissions and $15 for verified users and has a 30-day cookie period. The program might be challenging to join with a 2% acceptance rate.
Verizon Business
Verizon Business offers internet, mobile, and other solutions for businesses of all sizes. Its products and services include networking, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, VOIP, mobility, data storage, and managed hosting.
The Verizon Business affiliate program runs on CJ Affiliate, paying $5 per lead and up to $75 per sale with a 45-day cookie period. It’s an excellent program for those creating B2B content.
Amazon Associates
Amazon is one of the world’s largest online retailers. It offers diverse products, including books, electronics, clothing, home goods, consumer electronics, kitchenware, apparel, and more.
Instead of commissions on product sales, affiliates earn fixed commissions (“bounties”) for actions customers take on specific offers, such as activating a free trial or signing up for a program. Popular bounty programs include Audible Plus, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Wedding Registry, Amazon Baby Registry, and Amazon Prime.
Affiliates can earn up to $15 per lead for conversions occurring within 24 hours. Amazon’s payout threshold is $10, and commissions are deposited into bank accounts.
Promoting Amazon Music is another option. The program is available on Impact and pays $1.50 to $7 per free trial. Affiliates get a 30-day cookie duration.
Audible, owned by Amazon, also has an affiliate program on Impact. The program pays $15 per free trial and gives marketers a 30-day referral period.
YNAB
You Need A Budget (YNAB) is personal budgeting software that helps users manage their finances. It operates on the principle that every dollar should be “given a job,” meaning that a person should allocate all their income to specific expenses, savings goals, or debt payments.
YNAB pays $6 per free trial, supported by a 30-day conversion window. The affiliate program runs on Impact and has a 13% acceptance rate.
Acorns
Acorns makes investing accessible to everyone. Users can invest small amounts of money into a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other investments. Investment objectives include retirement, college tuition, sustainability (ESG), and bitcoin. Banking products are also available.
Impact and FlexOffers host Acorn’s affiliate program, paying up to $50 after the user makes their first deposit.
Empower (fka Personal Capital)
Empower is wealth management for the modern age. Its online platform combines digital technology with highly personalized service to transform financial lives through advice, people, and technology.
Empower’s affiliate program is available on Impact and FlexOffers. It pays $100 per lead and is easier to join on FlexOffers. The program has a 30-day referral window.
National Debt Relief
National Debt Relief helps people with high debt levels negotiate lower payoffs with their creditors, allowing them to resolve their debts for less than they owe.
National Debt Relief’s affiliate program pays $27.50 per qualified lead and 12% on sub-affiliate commissions. It has a 60-day referral window, and you can join it on ShareASale.
Chime
Chime provides fee-free mobile banking services through its digital platform. As a neobank, It doesn’t operate physical branches but delivers all banking services online.
Chime’s affiliate program pays $10 per new user but is hampered by a 1-day referral period. Nevertheless, the program is a robust performer on CJ Affiliate and comes with various marketing materials.
CIT Bank
CIT Bank operates primarily online without physical branch networks. It offers a range of banking products, including savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and home mortgage loans.
CIT Bank’s affiliate program is on CJ Affiliate and FlexOffers. Depending on the product, it pays $35 to $100 per signup. The program has a 30-day conversion period and high earnings per click (EPC) in the hundreds.
Hiscox
Hiscox specializes in providing customized insurance solutions for small businesses. Its small business insurance policies are tailored to meet each company’s unique needs, considering factors such as the industry, size, location, and specific risks associated with the business.
CJ Affiliate offers Hiscox’s affiliate program. It pays $30 per lead and has a 45-day conversion window.
More great reads:
- 39 High-Paying Affiliate Programs
- 34 Best Recurring Affiliate Programs
- 25 Best Gaming Affiliate Programs
- 17 Ways to Monetize a Facebook Group
Simply Business
Simply Business makes small business insurance simple and accessible. The company’s robust digital marketplace allows SMB owners to find and buy the insurance they need online, matching them with coverage from multiple top carriers.
Simply Business’ affiliate program pays $30 per quote request and offers a 30-day cookie duration. Apply to the program on CJ Affiliate.
Allianz Worldwide Care
Allianz Care is one of the world’s leading international health insurance providers. Its health and protection solutions are particularly suited to the high net-worth expatriate audience living, working, or studying abroad and HR managers of international companies or governmental organizations.
Allianz Care’s affiliate program is on CJ Affiliate. The program pays $10 per quote, form submission, or callback and $30 for sales. The cookie period is 30 days.
Domestika
Domestika is an online learning community that focuses on creative fields. Originating from Spain and growing internationally, it offers various courses in illustration, design, photography, and more.
Domestika pays affiliates $2 per lead and 40% per sale. The affiliate program features a 30-day cookie window and a 16% acceptance rate. You can apply to the program on Impact.
EliteSingles
EliteSingles is an innovative matchmaking service designed for sophisticated and ambitious professionals of all ages seeking satisfying relationships. Its focus on systematic, science-based matching sets it apart from most competitors.
The EliteSingles marketing program runs on FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate. The program offers a 45-day cookie and pays $7 per lead.
Match
Match redefines how single people meet, flirt, date, and fall in love through online dating. Match allows users to create a profile, search for potential matches, and communicate with other members through direct messages and chats.
Match’s affiliate program is also on CJ Affiliate. Marketers can earn £3 per new user and get a 30-day cookie window. OurTime, owned by Match, has a program offering the same terms.
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Byte
Byte is a teledentistry company that provides aligner products and programs for at-home use to straighten teeth faster and more affordably than traditional braces. It’s a top-rated solution for individuals seeking a speedy, cost-effective dental alignment program.
Byte’s affiliate program is hosted on ShareASale and is frequently a top performer. It pays a high commission of $45 per lead, supported by a 30-day referral window.
1-800Accountant
1-800Accountant provides accounting services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and independent contractors. The company offers services such as bookkeeping, tax planning, and tax preparation, among others, and seeks to make these services more accessible by leveraging technology.
1-800Accountant’s affiliate program is on ShareASale. It pays $1 per lead with a 120-day cookie. The payout threshold is $50; the program usually has a high EPC in the hundreds.
Opera Desktop
Opera is a free and open-source web browser developed by Opera Software. It is based on the Chromium web browser but has several unique features, including a built-in ad blocker, a free VPN, and a battery-saving mode. Opera is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Opera’s commission rate is $0.10 for each browser installation. The affiliate program runs on CJ Affiliate and has a 45-day referral period.
Wayfair Professional
Wayfair Professional is a separate arm of the Wayfair brand whose objective is to provide business and trade customers with a one-stop shop for turning their business spaces from good to great.
Marketers earn $1 per lead and 5% per sale from Wayfair Professional’s affiliate program. You get a 14-day conversion window when you join the CJ Affiliate program.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com customers can choose and listen to over 425,000 premium audiobooks from curated and recommended booklists. Additionally, VIP members get monthly deals, sales, and extra listening hours. Listening to popular books on the go has never been faster, easier, or more enjoyable.
Audiobooks.com’s affiliate program pays $4.50 for free trials with a 45-day referral period. You can apply to the program on CJ Affiliate or in-house using PostAffiliatePro.
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Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a rewards platform where users can earn points (called “Swag Bucks” or SB) to complete various tasks online. These tasks include taking surveys, watching videos, shopping through affiliate links, searching the web, and playing games. Users can then redeem their accumulated SB for gift cards to popular retailers, cash back via PayPal, or other prizes.
Swagbucks’ affiliate program is available on Impact and CJ Affiliate. The commission rate is up to $3, and both affiliate networks offer a 30-day referral period.
IPSY
Ipsy is a popular monthly beauty subscription service that delivers subscribers personalized assortments of beauty products. Members receive a curated selection of sample-sized or full-sized makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items in a themed makeup bag each month. The service uses a beauty quiz to tailor product selections to individual preferences and needs.
IPSY’s affiliate program is available on Impact. It pays $10 per new subscriber with a 7-day conversion window.
Start Earning
Some bloggers dismiss pay-per-lead programs that pay less than $5. However, that’s a nonsensical and amateurish point of view. For instance, does it make sense only to promote programs that pay over $25 but hardly (or never) convert or promote programs that pay less but convert regularly?
Seasoned affiliate marketers understand the nature of pay-per-lead programs, which pay low commission rates for low-friction cost-per-action activities such as email submissions and free trial signups. So, while affiliates can’t expect to make fortunes with pay-per-lead programs, a well-rounded marketing strategy targets merchants that frequently convert, regardless of how much they pay. That’s the approach I use to make thousands in commissions annually.
Start by reviewing high-potential and high-paying PPL affiliate programs in your niche. Impact undoubtedly has the most PPL offerings of the top affiliate networks. ShareASale and FlexOffers also provide robust selections.
| Affiliate Network | # Pay-Per-Lead Programs |
| Impact | 852 |
| ShareASale | 318 |
| FlexOffers | 62 |
Some pay-per-lead programs have two commission tiers for leads that become customers, enabling affiliates to earn twice as much. For instance, a company might pay $7 per signup and $45 if the new user becomes a customer.
Partner with merchants and promote top-rated goods to generate commissions. Promote cost-per-lead affiliate programs like others by publishing high-quality, unique content about products and services through blogs, YouTube videos, social media, email marketing, etc. Also, adding calls to action, like “create a free account” or “request a free quote,” can guide users to act.
