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How to Start a Shopify Affiliate Program in 2025

Table of Contents

About Shopify

Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform that provides individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises with the tools necessary to sell products online. Since its launch in 2006, Shopify has empowered retailers across 175 countries, facilitating substantial global sales.

In the most recent financial year, Shopify reported revenues of $4.8 billion, reflecting its significant growth and the value it offers to merchants worldwide.

According to BuiltWith, there are currently over 5.6 million live websites using Shopify, with approximately 2% of these sites ranking among the top million in terms of global traffic. 

In the ecommerce market, Shopify holds a prominent position as the world’s second-largest ecommerce technology platform among the top one million traffic-generating sites. 

Given Shopify’s extensive reach and robust platform, promoting it to an audience interested in online entrepreneurship and ecommerce can be highly effective.

Now, let’s explore how you can get started with Shopify’s affiliate program.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based strategy where selected partners—known as affiliates—promote your store and products to their audience in exchange for a commission on sales generated through their efforts.

These partners can range from influencers and bloggers to publications and industry experts. They will use unique referral links to drive traffic to your website, allowing you to track their performance.

Each time a customer makes a purchase via an affiliate’s referral link, the affiliate earns a commission—a win-win scenario for both parties.

While affiliate marketing is a powerful tool for growing your business, it’s not necessarily the right fit for every brand. Since offering commissions cuts into your profit margins, it may not be suitable for businesses with tight budgets or thin margins, especially when starting out.

However, if your business can afford the investment, affiliate marketing can significantly boost traffic and sales while fostering a network of partners who are motivated to help your brand succeed.

How Does the Shopify Affiliate Program Work?

How to Register for Shopify’s Affiliate Program

Joining Shopify’s Affiliate Program is a straightforward process that allows marketers, influencers, educators, and content creators to earn commissions by promoting Shopify. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Visit the Shopify Affiliate Page: Navigate to Shopify’s Affiliate Program page.
  2. Sign Up: Click on the “Apply Now” button and fill out the application form with your personal details, website information, and marketing strategies.
  3. Submit Your Application: After completing the form, submit your application for review.
  4. Wait for Approval: Shopify typically reviews applications within 5 business days. Once approved, you’ll receive access to your affiliate dashboard and unique referral links.

What Are the Shopify Affiliate Program Commission Rates

One-Time Referral Bonuses:

  • Standard Rate: Affiliates earn $150 per successful referral from countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and select European nations.

Regional Adjustments:

  • Brazil: $10 per referral
  • India and Latin America: $25 per referral

Shopify Plus/Partner Program:

  • Recurring Commissions: Earn 20% of the merchant’s monthly subscription fee. For example, a Basic Plan at $58/month yields approximately $11.60/month in recurring commissions.
  • POS Pro Referrals: Receive a $500 one-time bonus plus 20% of net profit for 24 months.

What Cookie Duration Does Shopify Offer

Shopify provides a 30-day cookie duration, ensuring affiliates earn commissions if users sign up within this window after clicking their referral link.

That means once someone clicks your referral link, you’ll earn your $150 commission provided they sign up for a 14-day Shopify free trial within those 30 days.

Which Payment Methods Can Shopify Affiliates Choose

Unlike some affiliate programs that offer multiple payout options, Shopify exclusively uses PayPal for commission payments.

If you don’t have a PayPal account or prefer not to use the platform, this could be a limitation. No bank transfers, debit/credit card payments, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards are available.

However, if you’re comfortable with PayPal, here are Shopify’s payment terms:

  • Payout Schedule:
    • Earnings from the 1st to the 15th of the month are paid five business days after the 15th.
    • Earnings from the 16th to the end of the month are paid five business days after the last day of the month.
  • Minimum Threshold: Shopify holds commission payments until you accumulate at least $25. Given the standard bounty rate of $150 per referral, this threshold is easily met.

If you face any issues or have questions regarding payouts, you can reach out to your dedicated affiliate manager, who will assist you in resolving any payment-related concerns.

Steps to Set Up Your Shopify Affiliate Program

  1. Apply to the Program: Complete and submit your application as outlined above.
  2. Access Your Dashboard: Once approved, log in to your affiliate dashboard to track referrals, view earnings, and access marketing resources.
  3. Generate Referral Links: Use the dashboard to create customized referral links for your audience.
  4. Promote Shopify: Share your referral links through blogs, social media, email campaigns, or YouTube videos.
  5. Track Performance: Monitor your referrals and earnings through the dashboard analytics.

Pros & Cons of the Shopify Affiliate Program

Pros:

  • High Commission Rates: Competitive payouts, especially for referrals from high-value regions.
  • Recurring Income: The 20% recurring commission from subscription fees provides a steady income stream.
  • Trusted Brand: Shopify’s reputation makes it easier to convert referrals.
  • Marketing Resources: Affiliates gain access to exclusive tools and resources to boost their promotional efforts.

Cons:

  • Regional Disparities: Lower commissions for referrals from regions like Brazil and Latin America.
  • PayPal-Only Payouts: Limited to one payment method, which may not suit everyone.
  • Verification Delays: Commissions can take up to two months to be verified and paid.