Often, new affiliate marketing beginners believe that they can make huge amounts of money with very little effort, but of course, it's never the case. You keep working until you find the "this is it" product, and when you find it, you keep promoting, promoting, and promoting some more. Not exactly a passive income, is it?
A little more sustainable approach would be to promote subscription-based services. You'll receive ongoing commissions each time someone reviews their membership down the road. And this way, you'll also build a long-term relationship with the seller too. Interested? Then let's find out more about it.
Why Are Subscription-Based Programs Good For Affiliates?
Subscription = recurring income, that's right. But when you actually do a little math (but don’t worry, it’s easy!) you'll realize there are more benefits to you.
Predictable Paychecks
One of the cool things about subscription services is that people usually stick around for a while. This means you can get a good idea of how much you'll earn each month.
For example, if 50 people sign up for a $20/month service in January and you get a 10% commission, you'll earn $100 that month. If no one cancels, you'll still get that $100 in February, March, and so on. It's like setting up a little money machine!
Bigger Bucks Over Time
Say someone subscribes to a magazine box for $15/month. If your commission is 15%, you make $2.25 every month.
In a year, you’d earn $27 from just that one person. Compare that to promoting a one-time $15 book where you might earn a one-time $2.25 commission. With subscriptions, you earn more in the long run!
Did You Know?
- Market Growth: The global subscription market is expected to grow to $473 billion by 2025.
- Consumer Adoption: Over 54% of online shoppers are members of subscription box services.
- Average Spending: The average monthly spend on subscription services by consumers in the U.S. is around $237.
- Digital Streaming Dominance: Over 70% of American adults subscribe to at least one streaming service.
- Music Streaming Services: More than 60% of global internet users use a music streaming service.
More Chances for Bonuses
Many subscription companies love to reward their best affiliates with bonuses.
For example, if you get 200 people to sign up, the company might give you an extra $500. Plus, since people are paying every month, companies might have more money to share with their affiliates.
People Love Subscriptions
It’s true, isn't it? Many of us love getting a new box of goodies or accessing new online content every month. It’s like giving yourself a little gift over and over. Because of this, it might be easier to get people to sign up, and that means more money for you.
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Subscription-Based Affiliate Programs
#1. Beauty and Personal Care Boxes
The beauty industry is HUGE. People adore trying new products, and the element of surprise in each box makes subscribers stay for months. More subscribers = more commission for you.
Birchbox: A monthly subscription box filled with beauty product samples.
- Affiliate Program: Birchbox affiliates often earn a fixed amount for each new subscriber they refer. They may also receive bonuses for reaching certain milestones or during promotional periods.
Ipsy: Another beauty subscription service, offering monthly bags of makeup and beauty products tailored to user preferences.
- Affiliate Program: Ipsy's Glam Bag ambassadors usually receive a commission on the sales they generate, sometimes in the form of cash, at other times in the form of store credit or free products.
#2. Food and Snack Boxes
Food and Snack Boxes
Food is a universal love. As more folks look for convenience in cooking, promoting a service that delivers fresh ingredients right to their door can mean big bucks for you!
HelloFresh: Delivers weekly recipes and fresh ingredients straight to customers' doors.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates can earn a set commission for each sale made through their link. Additionally, they might be given personalized discount codes to offer their followers, enhancing the appeal.
Blue Apron: Another meal kit delivery service, providing original recipes and the ingredients to make them.
- Affiliate Program: Similar to HelloFresh, Blue Apron affiliates earn a commission for each new customer they refer. They may also get special promotional materials and discount codes to share.
Did You Know?
- Software as a Service (SaaS) Growth: The SaaS market is projected to reach $157 billion by 2022.
- Churn Rate: The average churn rate for subscription businesses is about 5.6%.
- Renewal Rates: Approximately 75% of subscribers opt to renew their subscriptions annually.
- Mobile Subscription Apps: Revenue from mobile app subscriptions grew by 32% year over year as of 2021.
- Customer Acquisition: Acquiring a new subscriber can cost up to five times more than retaining an existing one.
Book Boxes
#3. Book Boxes
Book lovers are always hunting for their next read. Offering them a curated selection means they're likely to stick around, ensuring you a consistent commission.
Book of the Month: A subscription box for book lovers, sending them a new, carefully curated book each month.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates earn a fixed commission for every new member they bring in. They might also be given exclusive promotions or deals to offer potential subscribers.
OwlCrate: Aimed at fans of young adult fiction, this box contains a new release book and themed goodies.
- Affiliate Program: Similar to Book of the Month, OwlCrate offers its affiliates a commission for every new subscription. They also often provide sneak peeks or early access info to high-performing affiliates.
#4. Pet Care Boxes
Pet Care Boxes
People love spoiling their pets! And because pets will always need treats and toys, this is a consistent and fun niche to tap into.
BarkBox: Monthly surprises for dogs, including toys, treats, and chews.
- Affiliate Program: BarkBox affiliates earn a set amount for every new subscriber. They might also receive free boxes for promotional purposes.
MeowBox: A similar concept to BarkBox but catered to cats.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates earn a commission for every sale. They may also be given exclusive promo codes or sneak previews of upcoming boxes to share with their audience.
#5. Clothing and Fashion Boxes
Fashion changes like the wind. By promoting a service that provides personalized fashion choices, you're offering value and trendiness, making it attractive to potential subscribers.
Stitch Fix: A personalized styling service. Users receive a selection of clothes based on their style profile, keep what they like, and return the rest.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates typically earn a commission for every new customer they refer. Special promotional offers and bonuses may be provided to boost referrals.
Trunk Club (by Nordstrom): A similar personal styling service where stylists select clothing items based on the user's preference.
- Affiliate Program: Trunk Club affiliates often earn a percentage commission on the sales they generate. They might also receive promotional discounts and early access to sales.
#6. Fitness and Health Boxes
Fitness and Health Boxes
Fitness is a growing trend. As people look for motivation to stay active, getting fresh workout gear can be the nudge they need, and that means more sign-ups through you.
Fabletics: A subscription service offering trendy workout clothing. Members receive new athletic wear monthly.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates earn a commission for each sale made through their referral. They might also get exclusive promotions or early access to new product launches.
Gymshark: While not a subscription box, Gymshark has a popular affiliate program for its fitness apparel.
- Affiliate Program: Gymshark affiliates can earn a commission on sales. They often receive promotional materials, sneak peeks, and unique discount codes to offer their followers.
#7. Gaming and Geek Boxes
The geek culture is passionate. From gaming to comics, fans love collecting merchandise. Offer them exclusive collectibles, and you've got a winning niche!
Loot Crate: A monthly mystery crate filled with pop culture collectibles, apparel, and gear.
- Affiliate Program: Loot Crate offers affiliates a set commission for each new subscriber. Periodically, they might also provide bonuses for top-performing affiliates or during special promotions.
Geek Fuel: Another subscription box for geeks, providing toys, collectibles, and exclusive t-shirts.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates earn a commission on each sale, with opportunities for bonuses during promotional events or campaigns.
Did You Know?
- Preference for Customization: 28% of subscribers say that a personalized experience is a key reason for staying with a subscription service.
- Email Marketing Effectiveness: Email marketing is responsible for 30% of all subscription service sign-ups.
- Gaming Subscriptions: Over 41% of gamers globally subscribe to at least one gaming subscription service.
- Subscription Box Popularity: There has been a 100% year-over-year growth in subscription box services since 2011.
- E-commerce Subscriptions: 15% of online shoppers have signed up for one or more subscriptions to receive products on a recurring basis.
#8. Art and Craft Boxes
Artists and hobbyists are always keen on trying new supplies. A monthly box of creative goodies can have a loyal following, ensuring steady earnings for you.
SketchBox: Monthly box filled with high-quality art supplies.
- Affiliate Program: SketchBox affiliates typically earn a set amount or a percentage for every new subscriber. Sometimes, they are also given sample boxes to review and promote.
Cratejoy's The Adults & Crafts Crate: A monthly craft box providing materials for a new craft project.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates can earn a commission on each sale. They might also be given discount codes to promote special deals during holiday seasons or events.
#9. Music and Entertainment Services
Music and Entertainment Services
Everyone loves music! A service that offers ad-free listening will always have takers. Plus, music is universal, broadening your potential subscriber base.
Spotify Premium: Ad-free music streaming service with a vast library of songs.
- Affiliate Program: While Spotify itself doesn't have a traditional affiliate program, related products, and merchandise often do. Affiliates can earn through referrals for premium sign-ups via promotional platforms.
Audible (by Amazon): A subscription service for audiobooks.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates earn a commission for each new member sign-up or audiobook sale. Amazon Associates provides various promotional materials and banners to aid in marketing.
#10. Software and Online Tools
In our tech-savvy world, tools for creativity are always in demand. Offering top-notch software tools can attract professionals and hobbyists alike, upping your affiliate game.
Adobe Creative Cloud: A collection of software tools for graphic design, video editing, and more.
- Affiliate Program: Affiliates can earn a commission for each sale or new subscriber. Adobe also provides promotional materials, banners, and sometimes special offers to help boost sales.
Grammarly: An online writing assistant tool that checks for grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Affiliate Program: Grammarly offers a fixed amount for every new free registration and a higher commission for premium plan purchases. They also provide a range of banners and text links for promotion.
Did You Know?
- Annual Subscription Models: Over 40% of revenue of media and publication subscriptions comes from annual subscriptions.
- Health and Wellness Subscriptions: The health and wellness subscription market has seen a growth rate of 30% in the past few years.
- Enterprise Adoption of SaaS: More than 38% of companies are running almost entirely on SaaS.
- Subscription Trial Conversions: Free trials with a credit card lead to a subscription rate of over 60% on average.
- Millennials and Subscriptions: Millennials are currently the biggest demographic in the subscription market, with over 90% subscribed to at least one service.
Shining Bright with Subscription-Based Affiliate Marketing
#1. Choose What You Love
Why? Talking about things we love comes naturally. Your excitement shines through, making your posts and recommendations way more convincing!
Example: Imagine you're a huge fan of gourmet coffee. When you come across a subscription box that delivers freshly roasted coffee beans from around the world every month, your joy knows no bounds.
Sharing this with your followers isn't just promoting; it's like chatting with friends about your latest coffee discovery. Your morning brew posts and genuine excitement make it easier for your followers to click that sign-up link.
#2. Get to Know the Details
Why? When you know the ins and outs of a subscription, you're better equipped to share its benefits. Plus, it builds trust. People appreciate honest insights, especially from someone who's tried the product themselves.
Example: Let's say you've decided to promote "GreenThumb," a monthly plant subscription box. Before pushing it out to your followers, you get a box for yourself. By planting the seeds, watching them grow, and experiencing the joys (and maybe challenges!) of the process, you gather real stories and tips to share.
Your posts aren’t just generic promotions; they’re helpful nuggets like, "The basil in this month’s GreenThumb box is super easy to grow on a sunny windowsill!"
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#3. Exclusive Deals are a Win-Win
Why? Everyone loves feeling special. By offering exclusive deals, you’re giving your followers extra value, making them more likely to take the leap.
Example: You’re promoting “PageTurner,” a monthly book box subscription. You work out a deal with the company to offer your followers a 10% discount for their first three months.
When you share this with your followers, you don't just promote PageTurner but you are gifting them a special treat: "Hey bookworms! Grab your PageTurner box for 10% off. Limited time only, just for you!"
#4. Keep it Fresh with Updates
Why? Subscription services are like TV series – there’s always something new in the next episode. Sharing these updates keeps your content fresh and your followers engaged.
Example: You’re an affiliate for “FitBox,” a monthly workout gear subscription. Every month, FitBox introduces new color themes for their gear.
Instead of just saying, "Sign up for FitBox," you can tease the new themes: "Can't wait for next month's FitBox! I heard it's going to be all about electric blues and cool grays. Who's excited?"
#5. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Why? Seeing is believing! By giving your followers a visual glimpse of what they can expect, you're making the subscription service more tangible and enticing.
Example: Suppose you're promoting "GlamBox," a makeup subscription service. Instead of just talking about it, you decide to film a fun video where you try on the makeup products from the latest box.
As you play with the vibrant lip gloss or show how smudge-proof the eyeliner is, your followers can see the quality and allure of the products in real time. It's almost like inviting them to a makeup playdate!
#6. Connect with Fellow Affiliates
Why? Together, everyone achieves more. By connecting with others promoting the same or similar services, you can exchange ideas, learn new strategies, and even collaborate!
Example: You've been promoting "BakeBliss," a monthly dessert ingredient subscription box. By joining a group of BakeBliss affiliates, you meet Jane, who's had great success by creating themed dessert nights.
With her tips, you start your themed nights, like "Chocolate Lovers Evening," making your promotions even more engaging. And as a fun twist, you and Jane team up for a dual live stream, doubling the fun (and possibly the sign-ups!).
#7. Keep Track of Your Progress
Why? Looking back helps you see what works and what doesn't. By understanding your progress, you can refine your approach, be proud of successes, and adjust tactics.
Example: After promoting "FitTunes," a monthly curated workout playlist subscription, you decide to review your posts from the last three months. You notice that posts, where you shared personal workout videos with FitTunes tracks in the background, got way more engagement.
Knowing this, you decide to incorporate more of such videos in your upcoming posts, letting the tunes and your moves do the talking!
#8. Stay in Touch
Why? Being in the loop means you always have the latest info to share. Plus, companies often give updates and special offers that can be super handy in your promotions.
Example: You're a proud promoter of "PetPal," a monthly toy and treat subscription for furry friends. One day, you get an email from PetPal announcing a limited-time box featuring rare gourmet treats.
Since you're in the know, you quickly share this with your followers, adding a touch of urgency: "Hey pet lovers! Just heard that PetPal is sending out gourmet treats next month. Grab yours before they run out!"
There we go! Using relatable examples brings the world of affiliate marketing for subscription services to life. And always remember, it's all about sharing the excitement and connecting with people. Happy promoting!
I’ve been trying to make regular money through affiliate programs where people subscribe for ongoing services. These programs are great because you can earn again and again from one sale. But the problem is, many people unsubscribe after only 1-2 months. This makes it hard to earn consistently. I need to find programs that keep people interested for a longer time or figure out how to make them stay subscribed longer.
Hi Kamil, thanks for your comment. Yes it can happen to anyone. Whether they keep the subscription or not is each user’s choice as you may already know. But like you say, it’s hard to find programs that are value for money considering the current climate. We wish you all the best, if you need any help don’t hesitate to get back to us.