Getting Approved: The First Hurdle

Signing up for AI affiliate programmes sounds straightforward, but many beginners get rejected — or worse, get approved but never earn because they don't understand how the programmes work. This step-by-step guide covers everything: how to find programmes, how to get approved, how to set up your tracking correctly, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost affiliates commissions.

Step 1: Understand the Types of Affiliate Programmes

Before applying anywhere, understand the landscape:

Direct programmes — Run by the company itself. You apply directly on their website. Examples: Jasper AI's affiliate programme, Notion's affiliate programme. These often have the best commission rates but can be selective about who they approve.

Network programmes — Run through affiliate networks like Impact.com, PartnerStack, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate. The network handles tracking, payments, and programme management. Many AI tools use these networks.

Two-tier programmes — You earn commissions not just on your direct referrals but also on referrals made by affiliates you recruit. Less common but can be very lucrative.

Hybrid programmes — Combine upfront commissions with recurring commissions. You might earn a larger one-time payment plus a smaller ongoing percentage.

For AI tools, most programmes are either direct or run through PartnerStack or Impact.com.

Step 2: Build Your Platform Before Applying

Most affiliate programmes require you to have an existing platform before they'll approve you. Applying with no website, no content, and no audience is the fastest way to get rejected.

Minimum viable platform for approval:

• A website or blog with at least 5–10 published articles
• Content relevant to the tool you're applying to promote
• A professional-looking site (not a free subdomain)
• An "About" page explaining who you are and what your site covers
• A privacy policy (required by most programmes)

You don't need thousands of visitors — you need to demonstrate that you have a legitimate platform and a clear plan for promoting the tool.

What to include in your application:

• Your website URL
• A brief description of your audience and how you plan to promote the tool
• Your monthly traffic (be honest — most programmes don't require large numbers)
• Your content strategy

Step 3: Apply to the Major Affiliate Networks First

Before applying to individual programmes, set up accounts on the major affiliate networks. Many AI tools use these networks, so having accounts ready speeds up the process.

PartnerStack — The most popular network for SaaS and AI tool affiliate programmes. Many of the best AI affiliate programmes (Jasper, Notion, Canva, and dozens more) are on PartnerStack. Create your account at partnerstack.com.

Impact.com — Another major network with many AI and software programmes. Slightly more enterprise-focused than PartnerStack.

ShareASale — One of the oldest and most established affiliate networks. Good selection of AI and software programmes.

CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) — Large network with a mix of physical and digital products. Some AI tools use CJ.

Setting up your network accounts:

1. Visit the network's website and click "Join as a publisher" or "Become an affiliate"
2. Complete your profile with accurate information
3. Add your payment details (bank account or PayPal)
4. Verify your website
5. Browse the marketplace for AI tool programmes to apply to

Step 4: Apply to Individual Programmes

With your platform and network accounts ready, start applying to specific programmes. Here's the process for the most important ones:

Jasper AI:

1. Visit jasper.ai/affiliates
2. Click "Apply Now"
3. Complete the application with your website URL and promotional strategy
4. Wait for approval (typically 1–3 business days)
5. Once approved, access your unique affiliate links in the dashboard

Copy.ai:

1. Visit copy.ai/affiliates or find them on PartnerStack
2. Complete the application
3. Approval is typically quick (24–48 hours)

Notion:

1. Find Notion on PartnerStack
2. Apply through the PartnerStack marketplace
3. Approval typically within a few days

Canva:

1. Visit canva.com/affiliates
2. Apply through their direct programme
3. Canva is selective — ensure your platform is well-established before applying

ChatGPT/OpenAI:

1. Visit openai.com/affiliates
2. Complete the application
3. OpenAI's programme is competitive — a strong platform helps

Step 5: Set Up Tracking Correctly

Getting approved is only half the battle. Setting up your tracking correctly ensures you actually get credited for the referrals you send.

Affiliate link basics:

• Your affiliate link contains a unique identifier (your affiliate ID) that tracks referrals back to you
• When someone clicks your link, a cookie is set in their browser
• If they purchase within the cookie window, you get credited
• Never use a competitor's affiliate link by mistake — always use your own

Link management: Use a link management tool like Pretty Links or ThirstyAffiliates to:

• Create clean, branded links (yoursite.com/recommends/jasper instead of a long tracking URL)
• Track clicks on your affiliate links
• Update links in one place if a programme changes its URL
• Organise links by programme and campaign

Testing your links: Before publishing, always test your affiliate links:

1. Click your affiliate link
2. Check that it redirects to the correct page
3. Verify that your affiliate ID appears in the URL or that a cookie is set
4. Complete a test purchase if the programme allows it (some do)

Step 6: Understand Payment Terms

Before promoting a programme heavily, understand when and how you'll be paid:

Payment threshold — Most programmes have a minimum payment threshold (typically £50–£100). You won't receive payment until your earnings exceed this amount.

Payment schedule — Most programmes pay monthly, typically 30–60 days after the end of the month in which commissions were earned. Some pay weekly.

Payment methods — Most programmes pay via PayPal, bank transfer, or cheque. Ensure your preferred payment method is supported.

Refund policy — If a customer you referred requests a refund, your commission is typically reversed. Understand the refund window for each programme.

Minimum payout — Some programmes have minimum payout amounts. If you're promoting a programme with a £100 minimum and you earn £80 in a month, you'll need to wait until you've accumulated £100 before receiving payment.

Step 7: Stay Compliant

Affiliate marketing has legal requirements you must follow:

Disclosure — You must disclose your affiliate relationships clearly and conspicuously. In the UK, the ASA requires clear disclosure. In the US, the FTC requires it. A simple statement like "This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you" is sufficient.

Honest reviews — You cannot make false claims about products you're promoting. Your reviews must be honest and accurate.

Programme terms — Each programme has its own terms of service. Read them carefully. Common restrictions include: no bidding on branded keywords in paid search, no email spam, no cookie stuffing.

Tax requirements — Affiliate income is taxable. Keep records of your earnings and report them appropriately. In the UK, you'll need to complete a self-assessment tax return if your affiliate income exceeds £1,000/year.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with no content — Build your platform first
• Using a free subdomain — Use a proper domain (yoursite.com, not yoursite.wordpress.com)
• Vague promotional strategy — Be specific about how you'll promote the tool
• Applying to too many programmes at once — Focus on 3–5 programmes initially
• Not reading the terms — Programme violations can get you banned and forfeit your earnings

Visit our Getting Started guide for the complete action plan and Top Picks for the highest-paying AI affiliate programmes to apply to first.