The full guide
Last verified 2026-10-30
Links checked 2026-10-30 · No website to check: this channel works by word of mouth or offline
01What it is and who is there
An affiliate program pays people a share of the sales they bring, usually through a tracked link. A referral program rewards existing customers for inviting others. Both let other people's audiences work for you, and you pay only for results. Founders on X sometimes credit affiliates as beating paid ads for them, but those are self-reported results.
02Cost and what you actually pay for
You pay a commission per sale, set by you. Affiliate tracking tools cost money; check current pricing. Platforms like Stripe or your billing tool may have referral features.
03Is it right for you?
It fits products with recurring revenue and enough margin to share, and products creators can promote. It fits poorly for products with thin margins. If no one has an audience that fits you, start with outreach first.
04Before you start
- Decide the commission, duration and payout rules.
- A tracking tool and clear terms, including banned tactics.
- A page with assets: copy, screenshots and links.
- Check disclosure rules: affiliates must disclose paid relationships under advertising rules where they live.
05Step-by-step: how to distribute here
- Set up tracking and terms.
- Invite your happiest customers and relevant creators personally.
- Give affiliates assets and ideas for content.
- Pay on time.
- Review which affiliates bring paying customers and support them more.
- Ban affiliates who use spam or misleading claims.
06What to post or submit
Invite:
Hi [name], you've shared [product] before — thank you. We now pay [commission] for [duration] on every customer you refer. Here's your link and assets: [page].07Common mistakes and do-nots
- Do not allow affiliates to bid on your brand name in ads unless you choose to.
- Do not allow fake reviews or spam.
- Do not skip disclosure requirements.
08How to measure it
- Track clicks, sign-ups and paid customers per affiliate.
- Track refunds and churn from affiliate customers.
- A realistic test: three months.
09Time budget
- Before: 5 to 10 hours.
- Ongoing: 2 to 4 hours a month.
10Pair it with
- Creator and influencer deals — paid creator content.
- Agency and consultant partners — referral partners.
- In-product sharing loops — user referrals.
- Your own newsletter — recruit affiliates.
11Sources
- Founder account crediting affiliates among channels (self-reported): https://x.com/pierreeliottlal/status/2059776645121400972