Khaledreguiegue
New member
As a SaaS founder, building an affiliate program can be one of your most powerful channels for scalable, performance-driven growth. But it’s not just about posting a program and hoping affiliates show up. You need to strategically recruit and enable the right partners.
Here’s a clear, actionable roadmap to do exactly that:
Step 1: Build a Foundation That Attracts Affiliates
Before you even start recruiting, make sure your program is worth promoting. Affiliates are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them.
High Commission & Recurring Payouts: SaaS affiliates expect recurring commissions. A common model is20–30% monthly recurring revenuefor the life of the customer. This incentivizes them to bring in quality, long-term users.
Generative Cookie Window: Use at least a60–90 day cookie. This means if a user clicks an affiliate link and converts within that time, the affiliate gets credit.
Resources & Support: Provide:
Banners, logos, email swipes, and landing page copy.
A dedicated affiliate manager (even if it’s just you for now).
Real-time reporting and reliable monthly payouts.
Step 2: Identify the Right Type of Affiliates
Not all affiliates are the same. Focus on these high-potential groups
Step 3: Use the Right Tools & Platforms
Leverage tools to manage and recruit affiliates efficiently
Affiliate Management Software:
PartnerStack(great for B2B SaaS)
GoAffPro(good for early-stage)
Impact.comorShareASale(larger networks)
Recruitment Platforms:
Anstrex Native(to see who’s promoting competitors — your hottest lead source)
VendorBible,Affiliate.com,Stacked(affiliate directories)
Step 4: Proactive Outreach & Recruitment
Don’t wait — go get them.
Use Anstrex to Spy on Competitors
This is a pro move. Look up your competitors in Anstrex. See which publishers are running native ads for them — these are active, high-intent affiliates already promoting solutions in your space. Reach out to them directly.
Personalized Cold Outreach
Example email:
Subject: Partnership opportunity with [Your SaaS]?
Hi [Name],
I saw your review of [Competitor’s Tool] on [their blog/site] — great breakdown.
We recently launched [Your SaaS] to help [solve a specific problem] in a better/different way, and I thought it might resonate with your audience.
We offer alifetime recurring commissionof [X]% and provide all the creatives and tracking you’d need. Would you be open to exploring a partnership?
Best,
[Your Name]
List Your Program in Affiliate Directories
Get in front of affiliates who are actively looking for new programs.
Step 5: Onboard & Activate Your Affiliates
Recruitment is only the start. Activation is key.
Welcome Sequence: Send a personalized email with top-performing promo materials.
Offer Support: Schedule quick onboarding calls with serious affiliates.
Create a Community: Use a private Slack or Discord to share wins, tips, and updates.
Run Contests & Bonuses: Motivate with extra payouts for top performers.
What to Avoid:
Setting vague or low commissions— be competitive and clear.
Using weak tracking or delaying payments— destroys trust.
Neglecting communication— engaged affiliates perform better.
Final Takeaway:
Your goal is to make it easy and profitable for the right affiliates to promote you. Start by building a compelling program, then use tools likeAnstrexto find affiliates already active in your space. Personalize your outreach, support them deeply, and watch your affiliate channel become a growth engine.
Here’s a clear, actionable roadmap to do exactly that:
Step 1: Build a Foundation That Attracts Affiliates
Before you even start recruiting, make sure your program is worth promoting. Affiliates are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them.
High Commission & Recurring Payouts: SaaS affiliates expect recurring commissions. A common model is20–30% monthly recurring revenuefor the life of the customer. This incentivizes them to bring in quality, long-term users.
Generative Cookie Window: Use at least a60–90 day cookie. This means if a user clicks an affiliate link and converts within that time, the affiliate gets credit.
Resources & Support: Provide:
Banners, logos, email swipes, and landing page copy.
A dedicated affiliate manager (even if it’s just you for now).
Real-time reporting and reliable monthly payouts.
Step 2: Identify the Right Type of Affiliates
Not all affiliates are the same. Focus on these high-potential groups
Step 3: Use the Right Tools & Platforms
Leverage tools to manage and recruit affiliates efficiently
Affiliate Management Software:
PartnerStack(great for B2B SaaS)
GoAffPro(good for early-stage)
Impact.comorShareASale(larger networks)
Recruitment Platforms:
Anstrex Native(to see who’s promoting competitors — your hottest lead source)
VendorBible,Affiliate.com,Stacked(affiliate directories)
Step 4: Proactive Outreach & Recruitment
Don’t wait — go get them.
Use Anstrex to Spy on Competitors
This is a pro move. Look up your competitors in Anstrex. See which publishers are running native ads for them — these are active, high-intent affiliates already promoting solutions in your space. Reach out to them directly.
Personalized Cold Outreach
Example email:
Subject: Partnership opportunity with [Your SaaS]?
Hi [Name],
I saw your review of [Competitor’s Tool] on [their blog/site] — great breakdown.
We recently launched [Your SaaS] to help [solve a specific problem] in a better/different way, and I thought it might resonate with your audience.
We offer alifetime recurring commissionof [X]% and provide all the creatives and tracking you’d need. Would you be open to exploring a partnership?
Best,
[Your Name]
List Your Program in Affiliate Directories
Get in front of affiliates who are actively looking for new programs.
Step 5: Onboard & Activate Your Affiliates
Recruitment is only the start. Activation is key.
Welcome Sequence: Send a personalized email with top-performing promo materials.
Offer Support: Schedule quick onboarding calls with serious affiliates.
Create a Community: Use a private Slack or Discord to share wins, tips, and updates.
Run Contests & Bonuses: Motivate with extra payouts for top performers.
What to Avoid:
Setting vague or low commissions— be competitive and clear.
Using weak tracking or delaying payments— destroys trust.
Neglecting communication— engaged affiliates perform better.
Final Takeaway:
Your goal is to make it easy and profitable for the right affiliates to promote you. Start by building a compelling program, then use tools likeAnstrexto find affiliates already active in your space. Personalize your outreach, support them deeply, and watch your affiliate channel become a growth engine.