First Steps: 6 FREE Marketing Ideas For Your New Affiliate Program

Quick answer: You can promote a new affiliate program for free by adding a header/footer link, posting on social media, updating your email signature, adding a blurb to transactional emails, emailing existing customers, and listing your program in affiliate directories. Each takes a few minutes and requires no budget.

How do I add an affiliate program link to my website?

#1 — Add a header or footer link

Add a simple “Join Our Affiliate Program,” “Earn Money With Us,” or “Affiliate Program” link to your site’s header or footer navigation. This is the most-seen placement across ecommerce and SaaS sites because it’s visible on every page without disrupting the user experience.

How to do it by platform:

• WordPress: Appearance → Menus → add a custom link to your affiliate signup URL
• Shopify: Online Store → Navigation → select Footer or Header menu → Add menu item
• Wix: Site Menu editor → Add Item → Link to your affiliate page

How do I announce a new affiliate program on social media?

#2 — Post and pin on social media

Announce the launch across every platform you’re active on — Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Write a short post explaining the commission structure and how to join, then pin it to the top of your profile so new visitors see it first, not just your followers at the moment you posted.

Where else should I mention my affiliate program?

#3 — Add it to your email signature

This is one of the most overlooked channels. Every email you send — support replies, sales outreach, internal correspondence — is a free impression. Add a one-line mention with a link, e.g.:

“Did you know we have an affiliate program? Earn commissions by referring others — [join here].”

#4 – Transactional Email Templates

These are automated emails you likely already have going out to new customers. This email might be something like a welcome notice they receive when they join. Or, the receipt email they get when they place an order. Basically, any communication being made with customers, it’s free and easy to include a quick marketing blurb (with link) about your affiliate program.

Essentially we’re saying something like..

“Thanks for your order! By the way, we offer 20% commissions if you refer friends to us — [learn more].”

It’s easy to throw your affiliate program into a section of all transactional emails, maybe near the bottom close to your signature.

#5 – Contact Existing Customers

Send out a newsletter to your existing customers. This is a great way to let people already familiar with your products and services know they can earn money with you with your new affiliate program. Let them know it’s easy to refer friends and family.

You know us, you know our products. Now you can earn 20% commissions for everyone you refer to us!

Where can I list my affiliate program for free?

#6 — Submit to affiliate program directories

All iDevAffiliate customers get a free page/listing in our directory. You can submit your affiliate program to our affiliate directory right from your iDevAffiliate administrative dashboard. Fill out the form, including things like your affiliate program category, commission information, product details, etc.

In addition to the directory we offer with iDevAffiliate, you can find several other affiliate directory websites through Google and ChatGPT search. I encourage you to join as many as possible.

In Summary

Launching your new affiliate program requires some minimal marketing of the affiliate program itself. These are some fantastic ideas I’ve compiled myself over the years that have helped many customers get their affiliate program off the ground. They are designed to be quick and easy to do, and FREE!

FAQ

Does it cost anything to promote a new affiliate program? No — all six tactics above are free and typically take just a few minutes each to implement.

What’s the fastest way to get affiliates for a brand-new program? Start with channels where you already have an audience: your email signature, transactional emails, and existing customer list tend to convert fastest since those people already trust your brand.

Do I need a big budget to recruit affiliates? No. These organic, zero-cost channels are often enough to get initial traction before investing in paid affiliate recruitment or influencer outreach.