ChatGPT answers, unedited

If your priority is getting started without a big audience or a lengthy approval process, I’d look first at Awin.

• Awin — Its publisher signup is relatively straightforward: you provide your promotional website/social profile and describe how you’ll promote advertisers. Awin also says some individual advertisers use automatic approval, so you can find programs that don't require separate manual vetting. There is a $5 refundable signup deposit. Awin Partner Success Center Awin Awin
• Amazon Associates — Familiar and useful for a writer doing product-focused content, but it isn't completely frictionless. Amazon reviews your sites/content and requires at least three qualifying sales within your first 180 days; it also says websites generally need substantial original content. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates
• impact.com — Worth adding once you have a basic site or social presence. Its Marketplace application requires at least one verified media property, and impact says applications are reviewed within 72 hours. Impact Help

For a brand-new freelance writer, I'd start with Awin and look specifically for auto-approve advertisers, rather than trying to get into premium programs immediately. You can build a few genuinely useful articles first, then use that portfolio to qualify for more selective programs.

success.awin.com

If you tell me what you write about (tech, travel, personal finance, beauty, home, etc.), I can also point you toward the beginner-friendly affiliate programs within that niche.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promos, I’d look for networks that let you prove yourself with content rather than requiring a big audience, traffic screenshots, or an affiliate manager interview. A few beginner-friendly options: Shopify AffTank

Good first networks to try

• clickbank.com — Probably the easiest entry point. It’s focused heavily on digital products (courses, software, ebooks, etc.) and is known for having a low-friction signup process. It can work well for writers because you can create review articles, tutorials, comparisons, and “best tools for X” content. Shopify AffTank

• Best fit: bloggers, newsletter writers, SEO writers
• Watch out for: some offers are low quality, so be selective
• awin.com — A large network with many consumer brands. It’s a good option if you write about shopping, lifestyle, travel, fashion, finance, or products. Awin generally has a relatively accessible signup process, though individual merchants can have their own approval rules. Shopify

• Best fit: product roundups and niche blogs
• Watch out for: some advertiser programs will still review you separately
• impact.com — Useful if you want to promote software, SaaS tools, creator products, or recognizable brands. The network itself is approachable, but some individual brands are selective. Shopify AffTank

• Best fit: tech writers, B2B writers, marketing writers
• Watch out for: premium brands may want proof of audience
• affiliate-program.amazon.com — Not a traditional network, but very beginner-friendly because almost any niche writer can naturally mention products. Commissions are usually lower, but conversion can be easier because readers already know Amazon. AffTank

• Best fit: reviews, gift guides, “best X under $Y” articles
• cj.com — A major network with many established brands. It’s worth joining eventually, but some advertisers may be more selective than the easiest beginner options. Shopify AffTank

• Best fit: writers with a growing portfolio and some traffic

If I were starting as a freelance writer, I’d probably do this:

1. Pick one writing niche (examples: SaaS tools, home products, personal finance tools, fitness gear, travel).
2. Publish 5–10 strong pieces that naturally include buyer intent:

• “X vs Y”
• “Best X for beginners”
• “How to use X”
• “X alternatives”
• Start with ClickBank + Amazon Associates + Awin to learn what converts.
• After you have traffic and a few commissions, apply to more selective programs.

One thing to avoid: joining a dozen networks immediately. The hard part is usually not getting accepted — it’s finding products that fit your readers and creating content that earns trust.

If you tell me your writing niche (tech, finance, health, travel, AI, parenting, etc.) and whether you already have a blog/newsletter/portfolio, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 options.

If you’re a new freelance writer with little or no affiliate history, I’d start with ClickBank if your priority is minimal vetting, and Awin if you want a more mainstream network with physical products and established brands.

My beginner ranking

1. ClickBank — easiest entry

• Very low barrier to getting an account and browsing offers.
• Particularly useful for digital products, courses, and information products.
• The downside is that offer quality varies considerably, so you need to vet products carefully before attaching your reputation to them. AffiliateJob Shopify
• Awin — best general-purpose choice

• Good fit for a writer doing product reviews, buying guides, lifestyle content, etc.
• It has a huge advertiser base, including the merchants formerly associated with ShareASale. Awin Awin
• There is still an application/compliance check, so I wouldn't call it "no vetting." A small refundable joining deposit may also apply depending on the signup flow/region. Awin
• Impact — worth joining once you have a little portfolio

• Excellent if you're writing about SaaS, tech, online services, or recognizable consumer brands.
• The catch is that individual advertisers can approve or reject you, so getting into the network doesn't automatically mean access to every program.
• PartnerStack — especially good for B2B/SaaS writing

• It explicitly welcomes different types of partners, but it does review your network application.
• They ask for things such as your website, business description, audience, promotional channels, and traffic. PartnerStack
• I'd consider it after you've got a basic website/portfolio rather than as your very first application.

What I'd do in your position

Don't wait until you have thousands of readers. Build a simple writer/affiliate site with 5–10 genuinely useful articles, an About page, and a clear affiliate disclosure. Then apply to Awin + Impact, while using ClickBank for easier-to-enter offers.

One important distinction: network approval ≠ approval for every advertiser. A network can accept you while individual brands still review your application.

And don't overlook Amazon Associates if you're writing product-focused articles. Amazon isn't exactly "no vetting": it reviews your sites and requires at least 3 qualifying sales within the first 180 days after signup; it also expects substantial original content. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what topics you write about (e.g. tech, travel, finance, health, productivity, fashion), I can narrow this down to 2–3 networks where a brand-new writer has the best shot.

If you’re a freelance writer with a small or brand-new audience, I’d start with Awin.

• Awin — probably the best all-around starting point. It has a large range of merchants and is generally more accessible to newer publishers than highly selective networks. Awin also accepts publishers with a website or social presence. Shopify AffBuddy
• ClickBank — easiest if you want minimal vetting. It’s particularly geared toward digital products, courses, and software. The tradeoff is that you need to be much more selective about which products you promote. AffiliateJob The Affiliate Digest
• Amazon Associates — worth considering if your writing naturally involves product recommendations or buying guides. Amazon does require original, publicly available content and evaluates your application, so it isn't quite as frictionless as ClickBank. Amazon Associates
• Impact — a good second step once you've got some published work and can point to an audience. The network itself is accessible, but individual brands can be selective. Shopify AffBuddy

What I'd do in your position

Start with Awin + one or two direct affiliate programs relevant to your writing niche. Don't apply to 15 networks at once.

If you have essentially zero traffic and only a handful of articles, ClickBank is the lowest-friction experiment. If you've already got a decent portfolio/site, Awin is the better long-term starting point.

One important distinction: network approval doesn't mean approval for every merchant inside the network. Individual advertisers can impose their own requirements. AffBuddy

If you tell me what topics you write about (e.g. tech, finance, travel, fitness, software, home, business), I can give you 3–5 beginner-friendly networks/programs that fit that niche specifically.

If you’re a new freelance writer with little or no traffic, I’d start with ClickBank if your priority is getting approved easily. It doesn’t require the same kind of publisher vetting as many mainstream networks, and it has a large marketplace of digital products. Shopify Daily Intel Service

That said, I’d rank your options like this:

1. ClickBank — easiest entry; particularly suited to digital products, courses, and software. The downside is that offer quality varies, so be selective about what you associate your writing with. Shopify AffiliateJob
2. Awin — a better long-term choice for a content writer. It has a broad range of retail and service advertisers, and its application process is relatively straightforward, although it does involve verification and a refundable deposit. Awin Awin Help Center
3. CJ Affiliate — worth applying to once you have a small portfolio/site. It can approve newer publishers, but the application is more involved. I am Mr.Feng
4. Impact — excellent brands and technology, but I'd consider it a second step rather than your first application if you have no audience yet. Partnerships Experience Academy

My recommendation for you: start with Awin + ClickBank, but focus your actual writing around a specific niche rather than throwing affiliate links into generic articles. A small site with, say, 10–15 genuinely useful articles in one niche will make you look much more credible to individual merchants.

One important distinction: getting accepted to a network doesn't automatically mean you're approved for every advertiser inside it. Individual merchants can still review and reject your application. favly.com

If you tell me what kind of freelance writing you do (tech, finance, travel, health, SaaS, lifestyle, etc.), I can suggest 3–5 beginner-friendly affiliate programs that actually fit your writing niche.

If you're a freelance writer just starting affiliate marketing, I'd start with Awin.

Why Awin:

• Relatively low barrier to entry; you can apply with a website or social profile. Shopify
• It gives you access to a large range of merchants, so you can find programs that fit whatever topics you already write about.
• It’s a better long-term starting point than jumping straight into restrictive CPA networks.
• Note: ShareASale was migrated into Awin in 2025, so old advice telling you to start with ShareASale is outdated. AffBuddy

My beginner shortlist

1. Awin — best overall for a new content writer.
2. ClickBank — easiest if you want minimal vetting and are comfortable promoting digital/info products. Current guides describe signup as essentially instant. AffiliateJob
3. Impact — good once you want recognizable brands and SaaS offers, although individual merchants can still approve/reject you.
4. PartnerStack — particularly interesting if your writing is about software, business, marketing, or B2B. It does review your network application, though, so I'd put it slightly later. PartnerStack

I wouldn't make Amazon Associates your first choice solely because it's easy. Amazon requires three qualifying sales within your first 180 days and reviews the quality/originality of your content, so it's better when you already have some content and traffic. Amazon Associates

For your particular situation: if you tell me what you write about (e.g. tech, travel, finance, beauty, productivity, parenting) and whether you have a website/newsletter/social following yet, I can narrow this down to 2–3 networks and suggest the kinds of offers I'd target.

If you’re brand-new and mainly writing content, I’d start with Awin.

• Awin — probably the best general-purpose starting point. It accepts websites, newsletters, social channels, and other content formats, and has a large advertiser directory. There is some vetting, including identity/content checks, but it’s not aimed only at established publishers. Awin Awin Help Center
• Impact — another good choice if you write about software, SaaS, creator tools, or consumer brands. The network itself can be approachable, although individual merchants decide whether to approve you.
• ClickBank — the lowest-friction option if you specifically want digital products/info products. The tradeoff is that offer quality varies considerably, so I’d be more selective about what you promote.
• Amazon Associates — useful for product-review/comparison writing, but it isn't quite as frictionless as it looks: Amazon currently requires 3 qualifying sales within 180 days and expects substantial original content; it says roughly 10 posts is a good rule of thumb. Amazon Associates

My pick for you: Awin → Impact → Amazon, rather than applying to 10 networks at once.

One important distinction: getting accepted to a network doesn't necessarily mean you're automatically approved for every advertiser inside it. Awin, for example, says individual advertisers can set their own acceptance criteria. Awin Partner Success Center

If you tell me what you write about (tech, travel, finance, AI tools, beauty, etc.), I can give you 3–5 beginner-friendly programs where your writing would have a realistic chance of getting approved.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promos, I’d look for networks that value content quality and niche fit more than a big traffic history. The easiest path is usually not the highest-paying network; it’s one where you can get approved, learn what converts, and build a track record. AffTank

My shortlist:

1. ClickBank — easiest starting point

Best if you write about:

• Personal development
• Health/wellness (be careful with claims)
• Software/tools
• Courses and digital products

Why it’s beginner-friendly:

• Very low barrier to entry
• Huge marketplace of offers
• You can start without an established audience Shopify

Downside:

• Quality varies a lot. You’ll need to be selective because some products are much better than others.

2. Awin — good for writers with a blog or newsletter

Best if you write:

• Travel
• Fashion
• Home
• Finance
• Software
• Lifestyle

Why it’s a good fit:

• Many established brands
• Better match for editorial-style content than “quick sale” offers
• Generally approachable for newer publishers Shopify AffBuddy

3. Impact.com — good if you write about tools/SaaS

Best for:

• Productivity apps
• Marketing tools
• Creator tools
• Business software

It has many recognizable brands, but individual programs inside the network may have their own approval rules. Shopify

4. Amazon Associates — easiest for product reviews

Good for:

• Buying guides
• “Best X for Y” articles
• Gear reviews

The commission rates are often lower, but conversion can be easier because readers already trust Amazon. AffTank

What I’d avoid at the very beginning

I wouldn’t start with heavily managed CPA networks that focus on paid traffic and lead generation. They often care about your traffic sources, campaign history, and compliance experience. AffTank

A practical beginner setup for a freelance writer:

1. Pick one niche you can write 20–50 useful articles about.
2. Join one easy network (ClickBank or Awin are reasonable starting points).
3. Create content that naturally supports affiliate links: - Reviews
4. Comparisons
5. Tutorials
6. “Best tools for…” lists
7. Add clear affiliate disclosures and avoid exaggerated claims.

If you’re mainly a freelance writer creating articles for clients (rather than building your own site/newsletter), I’d lean toward Awin + Impact + direct affiliate programs from brands in your clients’ niches. If you’re building your own blog from scratch, I’d start with ClickBank or Amazon while you grow traffic.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, I’d prioritize easy approval + lots of relevant products/services + a good fit for content marketing. You don’t need to chase the highest commissions immediately; you need a network where you can publish, test, and build a track record.

Here are the ones I’d try first:

1. ClickBank — easiest entry point

Best for: bloggers, newsletter writers, SEO writers, content creators

• Usually one of the lowest-friction places to start.
• Strong for digital products: courses, software, ebooks, online tools.
• Commissions can be much higher than retail affiliate programs.
• The downside: quality varies a lot, so you need to vet products carefully before recommending them. Shopify The Affiliate Digest

Good if you write:

• personal development
• fitness/wellness
• online business
• software tutorials
• education content

2. Awin (including many former ShareASale merchants)

Best for: writers who want legitimate brands and lots of niches

• Large marketplace of advertisers.
• Good fit for review articles, comparison posts, gift guides, and niche blogs.
• Approval is generally approachable, though individual advertisers decide whether to accept you. Shopify Affiliate Education for Beginners

Good if you write about:

• consumer products
• travel
• fashion
• home
• finance tools
• software

3. Impact.com

Best for: writers covering SaaS, creator tools, business products

• More polished platform with recognizable brands.
• Some programs are selective, but many are accessible if your niche and audience match. Shopify

Great topics:

• AI tools
• productivity apps
• marketing software
• freelancing tools
• website services

4. Amazon Associates

Best for: product-focused writers

• Very easy for readers to trust because they already shop there.
• Great for "best X," reviews, buying guides, and gift articles.
• The tradeoff is usually lower commission rates than digital products. The Affiliate Digest

5. Direct affiliate programs from companies you already write about

Often overlooked. Many SaaS companies, hosting companies, newsletter platforms, and creator tools run their own programs and may be easier to join than premium networks.

For a freelance writer, I’d probably start with:

1. Awin → build a catalog of reputable brands
2. Impact → target higher-value software/services
3. ClickBank → test higher-commission digital offers
4. Amazon → add easy product links where relevant

A few things that improve approval odds even as a beginner:

• Have a simple portfolio site or published clips.
• Describe your traffic source clearly (“SEO articles,” “newsletter,” “LinkedIn audience,” etc.).
• Apply to programs that match your writing niche instead of requesting random merchants.
• Avoid saying “I’m new and want to make money”; position yourself as a content publisher building useful resources.

If you tell me what you write about (AI, finance, travel, health, B2B, lifestyle, etc.) and whether you have a website/newsletter yet, I can suggest the networks and affiliate programs that fit your situation.

If you’re a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing without much traffic or an established site, I’d start with ClickBank.

• ClickBank — probably the lowest-friction starting point. It has a large marketplace of digital products and is commonly cited as having no website requirement for joining. Daily Intel Service Shopify
• Awin — a good second choice if you want more mainstream brands and physical products. It’s more publisher-oriented than ClickBank, and current comparisons rate it as relatively easy for beginners. AffBuddy
• Impact — worth joining once you have a little portfolio/audience. It has lots of recognizable brands, but individual merchants can impose their own approval requirements, so getting into the network doesn't automatically mean getting every program. impact.com
• Amazon Associates — attractive for a writer because you can naturally recommend products in articles, but it isn't quite as frictionless: Amazon requires your site URL during registration and requires qualifying sales within 180 days after applying. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with ClickBank + Awin, rather than applying to a dozen networks. Build 5–10 genuinely useful articles around one niche, then apply directly to individual programs that fit those articles.

One important distinction: network approval ≠ approval for every offer inside the network. Some merchants may still manually review you.

If you tell me what topics you write about (e.g. personal finance, software, travel, health, home, AI, careers), I can suggest 3–5 beginner-friendly affiliate programs that fit a freelance writer specifically, including which ones are easiest to get approved for.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, I’d avoid the big, highly curated CPA networks at first and start where content publishers are welcome. You want a network that lets you learn, test offers, and build a track record. AffTank

My shortlist:

1. Awin — best overall starting point

• Good fit for: bloggers, niche writers, newsletters, content sites
• Why try it: lots of merchants across categories like fashion, software, travel, finance, and home
• Vetting: generally manageable for a real publisher with a website or audience
• Watch out: individual brands inside the network may still reject you

Awin is often a better “career” starting point than ultra-open marketplaces because you can build relationships with recognizable brands. Shopify

2. Impact.com — good if you write about software/tools

• Good fit for: SaaS reviews, productivity tools, creator tools, business content
• Pros: modern platform, many quality brands
• Cons: some merchants are selective even if joining the platform is straightforward Shopify

3. ClickBank — easiest entry

• Good fit for: writers comfortable reviewing courses, ebooks, software, and digital products
• Pros: low barrier to entry and lots of offers
• Cons: quality varies widely, so you need to be selective to protect your reputation Daily Intel Service

4. Amazon Associates — useful for product writers

• Good fit for: buying guides, comparisons, “best X” articles
• Pros: readers already trust Amazon
• Cons: commissions are usually lower than many niche programs AffTank

5. Direct affiliate programs (often underrated)

For a freelance writer, these can actually outperform networks. Look for programs from companies in your niche:

• writing software
• SEO tools
• hosting companies
• business tools
• online courses
• creator products

A company’s own affiliate program can sometimes have better commissions and simpler approval than a large network.

What I’d do in your position

1. Pick one writing niche (examples: personal finance, productivity, AI tools, travel, home, fitness).
2. Publish 5–10 strong articles that naturally include recommendations.
3. Apply to: - Awin
4. Impact
5. Amazon (if relevant)
6. 3–5 direct programs in your niche
7. Avoid promoting random high-commission products just because they pay more.

Affiliate managers care more about whether you look like a genuine publisher than whether you already have huge traffic. A clean site, clear niche, and useful articles can be enough to get started. affiliateeducationforbeginners.com

If you tell me your writing niche (e.g., tech, travel, finance, health, AI, parenting), I can suggest the easiest networks and affiliate programs for that specific audience.

If you're a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing and don't yet have much traffic or a big audience, I'd start with Awin.

• Awin — best overall starting point. It accepts publishers including bloggers, content creators, and social-media publishers, and you can apply with a website or another digital channel. There is still a compliance review, but it's considerably more approachable than networks focused on established publishers. Awin Shopify
• ClickBank — easiest if you want minimal vetting. It's more of a marketplace for digital products, and access is comparatively straightforward. The tradeoff is that you'll need to vet individual offers carefully because product quality varies. AffiliateJob
• Amazon Associates — good for product-focused writing, but not my first choice for a brand-new site. Amazon currently gives you 180 days to generate three qualifying sales before evaluating the application, so you don't want to apply too early. Amazon Associates
• Impact — worth applying to once you have some published work. The network is accessible to newer creators, but individual brands can be selective about who they approve. Easy Monitize

For you specifically: I'd do Awin → publish 5–10 genuinely useful articles → apply to individual merchants that fit your niche → add Amazon/Impact later.

One important tip: don't choose based solely on "easy approval." The easiest programs can have mediocre products or terms. As a writer, your advantage is trust + useful content, so pick offers that naturally belong inside articles you would have written anyway.

awin.com · clickbank.com · affiliate-program.amazon.com

If you tell me what topics you write about (e.g. tech, travel, personal finance, beauty, B2B), I can narrow this down to 3 beginner-friendly networks/programs with the best fit and earning potential.

If you’re a freelance writer with little or no affiliate track record, I’d start with ClickBank.

• ClickBank — probably the lowest-friction option. You can create an affiliate account and browse its marketplace without first building a big audience or passing the kind of publisher review you’ll encounter at some premium networks. ClickBank Support ClickBank Support
• Awin — a better choice if your writing is focused on mainstream brands, retail, travel, software, etc. It’s beginner-accessible, but it does perform identity/content checks and requires a small refundable deposit, so it isn't as frictionless as ClickBank. Awin Help Center Awin
• PartnerStack — worth considering if you write about B2B/SaaS. Its own affiliate program says anyone can apply, although individual programs in its marketplace can have their own requirements. PartnerStack

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with ClickBank + one direct affiliate program relevant to your writing niche. Don't chase the highest commission initially. Pick products you can genuinely write useful reviews, comparisons, tutorials, or problem-solving articles about.

One caveat: easy network acceptance doesn't mean every merchant accepts everyone. ClickBank sellers can require individual affiliate approval for their products. ClickBank Support

If you tell me what you write about (e.g. tech, personal finance, fitness, travel, home, AI/SaaS), I can suggest 3–5 beginner-friendly programs that fit that niche, rather than sending you toward generic ClickBank offers.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promos, I’d prioritize networks that let you prove yourself with content rather than ones that expect a big audience upfront. A few good starting points:

1. ClickBank — easiest entry point

• Good for: blog posts, newsletters, SEO articles, niche sites, digital products
• Vetting: generally light; you can create an account and browse offers without the kind of publisher scrutiny some premium networks use. Shopify The Affiliate Digest
• Pros: - Huge catalog of ebooks, courses, software, and online services
• Often higher commissions than physical product programs
• Beginner-friendly dashboard
• Cons: - Offer quality varies a lot, so you need to be selective
• Some niches (especially health/finance) require careful compliance

2. Awin — best “professional writer” option

• Good for: lifestyle, travel, fashion, home, SaaS, ecommerce content
• Awin has many merchants and is designed for publishers ranging from small creators to larger sites. Shopify
• Pros: - More brand-name advertisers than many beginner marketplaces
• Good fit if you’re building a blog or content portfolio
• Cons: - Individual merchants still decide whether to approve you

3. Impact.com — good second step

• Good for: SaaS reviews, tools, creator products, business software
• The network itself is accessible, but individual brands vary widely in how selective they are. Shopify
• Pros: - Lots of reputable companies
• Better fit for writers who create “best tools,” comparisons, and tutorials
• Cons: - Some premium programs want traffic proof

4. Amazon Associates — easiest for product-writing practice

• Good for: buying guides, reviews, gift guides, “best X for Y” articles
• Pros: - Readers already trust Amazon
• Easy to understand
• Cons: - Commissions are usually lower than many digital/SaaS programs
• You need to meet Amazon’s qualifying requirements after joining. AffTank

My suggested beginner stack for a freelance writer:

1. Start with ClickBank to learn the mechanics (links, tracking, conversions).
2. Join Awin for more credible brands and long-term writing opportunities.
3. Add Impact once you have a few published pieces and traffic examples.
4. Apply directly to SaaS affiliate programs in niches you already write about.

A tip that helps approval: don’t describe yourself as “new to affiliate marketing.” Describe yourself as a freelance content writer/publisher creating educational articles, reviews, and buyer guides, and show a portfolio URL or a few published samples if you have them. Networks care more about whether you look like a real publisher than whether you’re already making money. AffTank

If you tell me your writing niche (tech, finance, health, travel, AI, parenting, etc.) and whether you have a website/newsletter yet, I can narrow this to the best 3–5 programs for you.

If you're a freelance writer just starting affiliate marketing, I'd prioritize low-friction networks where you can get approved without already having a huge audience.

My first pick: Awin

Awin is probably the one I'd try first. It accepts publishers with websites or other content channels such as newsletters and social platforms, and it explicitly says prior affiliate-marketing experience isn't required. Awin Awin

One caveat: Awin does perform compliance checks, so it isn't literally instant approval. Its current documentation says publishers go through identity/content checks and there's a small refundable signup deposit. Awin Help Center Awin

awin.com

Other beginner-friendly options

• ClickBank — worth considering if you're comfortable promoting digital products, courses, and information products. It tends to have much less network-level friction than traditional affiliate networks.
• Impact — good if you're writing about software, creator tools, SaaS, or online services. The network itself is accessible, although individual brands can still approve/reject you.
• Amazon Associates — familiar and easy to understand, but I'd not make it your only network. Amazon requires at least 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days and reviews the content of your sites/channels. Amazon Associates

What I'd do in your position

I'd start with Awin + one direct affiliate program relevant to your writing niche rather than signing up for 10 networks.

The trick to getting accepted isn't having tons of traffic. Have a small but credible portfolio ready: 5–10 genuinely useful articles, an About/contact page, and a clear explanation of how you'll promote products through editorial content. That makes you look like a writer who happens to use affiliate links rather than someone building a thin affiliate site.

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, travel, finance, beauty, home, AI, etc.), I can suggest 3–5 specific beginner-friendly affiliate programs with decent commissions that fit your niche.

If you’re a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing, I’d start with Awin—especially if you already have a small blog, portfolio site, newsletter, or social profile.

awin.com

My beginner-friendly ranking

• Awin — best overall starting point. Awin says prior affiliate experience isn’t required, and its platform has a large advertiser directory. You still need to pass its onboarding checks, and individual merchants decide whether to approve you. Awin Awin Partner Success Center
• ClickBank — easiest if you want minimal gatekeeping. It’s particularly useful for digital products, although you’ll want to be selective because offer quality varies considerably. Current industry guides consistently identify it as one of the lowest-friction options for beginners. Daily Intel Service The Affiliate Digest
• Amazon Associates — excellent for a writer doing product-focused content. It has an enormous product catalog and is straightforward conceptually, but Amazon does review applications and has qualifying requirements, so I wouldn't call it the least-vetting option. Amazon Associates
• Impact — worth trying once you have some published content. It gives access to recognizable brands, but individual brand/program approval can still be selective.

What I'd do in your position

Sign up for Awin + Amazon Associates first, then publish 5–10 genuinely useful articles that naturally lend themselves to affiliate links—e.g. product comparisons, "best X for Y," software reviews, or buying guides.

When applying, don't describe yourself as "a beginner with no traffic." Instead, give advertisers something concrete:

Freelance writer creating editorial reviews, comparisons, and educational content for [your niche]. I promote products through original long-form articles and intend to build a search-driven audience around [topics].

That makes you look like a content publisher, which is exactly what merchants looking for editorial affiliates want.

One important distinction: getting into the network isn't the same as getting accepted by every advertiser inside it. Awin itself can approve you while individual brands still review your application. Awin

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, travel, finance, beauty, AI, etc.) and whether you have a website yet, I can give you 3–5 specific beginner-friendly programs worth applying to, rather than just networks.

If you’re a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing, I’d prioritize networks where you can get approved with a real but small content presence rather than trying to look bigger than you are.

My picks

1. awin.com — best all-around starting point

• Broad mix of retail, software, travel, and niche brands.
• Awin says its publisher application is straightforward and typically reviewed within about two working days; there’s a $5 refundable security deposit. Awin
• Individual advertisers still decide whether to accept you, so network approval doesn't guarantee every program.
• Best if: you write product reviews, buying guides, lifestyle content, etc.
• clickbank.com — lowest barrier

• Particularly easy to enter because it's a marketplace for digital products.
• Current affiliate-industry comparisons describe signup as essentially instant, without the sort of network-level vetting you'll encounter elsewhere. AffiliateJob AffTank
• Downside: offer quality varies considerably, so you'll need to be selective.
• partnerstack.com — interesting if you write about software

• Focuses heavily on B2B/SaaS products, which can be a much better fit for a writer producing tutorials, software comparisons, or business content.
• Approval is more realistic for beginners than some premium networks, although individual companies can still screen partners. Peaklly
• affiliate-program.amazon.com — simplest if you write about physical products

• Huge catalog and familiar purchasing experience.
• The important catch is that Amazon requires qualifying sales within 180 days of application, so I'd apply once you've got some actual content capable of generating clicks. AffTank

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd start with Awin + Amazon, then add PartnerStack if your writing niche is software/business. I wouldn't spend much time chasing the networks with the heaviest approval processes yet.

Also, don't worry about having thousands of visitors. A much stronger beginner application is:

"I'm a freelance writer creating [type of content] for [audience]. My traffic strategy is primarily organic search and [newsletter/social/etc.]. I'm currently building my content library and intend to promote products through detailed reviews and comparison articles."

Have 3–5 genuinely useful pieces published first, a basic About page, and an affiliate disclosure. That makes you look like a real publisher rather than someone who just wants affiliate links. Awin specifically recommends completing your publisher profile and clearly describing your promotional properties. Awin Partner Success Center

One caution: don't choose a network solely because it has "no vetting." Easy approval can also mean weaker offer quality. Your real advantage as a writer is producing trustworthy content around products people are already searching for.

If you tell me what you write about (tech, finance, travel, health, B2B, lifestyle, etc.), I can narrow this to 3–5 specific beginner-friendly programs that fit your niche.

If you’re a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing, I’d try ClickBank first if your priority is getting accepted with minimal friction. It’s particularly beginner-friendly because you can sign up without having an established website or traffic history, then browse its marketplace. Systeme.io Daily Intel Service

My shortlist:

• ClickBank — easiest starting point. Good for digital products, courses, software, and information products. The downside is that quality varies considerably, so be selective about what you recommend. Daily Intel Service AffiliateJob
• Awin — better if you have a blog/portfolio site. Awin says prior affiliate experience isn't required, although it does review applicants and requires a small refundable deposit. Awin Awin Help Center
• CJ Affiliate — good second step. Lots of established brands and merchants, with approval requirements varying by individual advertiser. AffTank
• Amazon Associates — excellent for product-focused writing. It's easy to understand and has an enormous product catalog, but Amazon requires you to provide a qualifying site/property and has performance requirements after joining. Amazon Associates Amazon Associates

What I'd do in your position

Start with ClickBank + one network carrying mainstream brands. As a writer, I'd actually prioritize programs that fit naturally into articles—software you use, books, productivity tools, hosting, business services, etc.—rather than chasing the highest commission.

And don't try to make yourself look more established than you are on applications. A simple description like “freelance writer creating educational content in [niche], currently building an audience through [site/newsletter/LinkedIn/etc.]” is much safer than claiming traffic or campaigns you don't have.

If you tell me what kind of writing you do (tech, finance, health, travel, business, lifestyle, etc.) and whether you already have a website/newsletter, I can narrow this to 3–5 networks/programs that are particularly realistic for you.

If you’re a brand-new freelance writer without much traffic yet, I’d start with Awin.

• Awin — probably the best all-around starting point. It has a large range of advertisers, and some merchants use automatic approval. Awin itself does review publishers, though, so it isn't truly “no vetting.” Awin Awin
• ClickBank — worth considering if you write about digital products, courses, software, or online-business topics. It has historically been much lighter on publisher approval, but you need to be selective about the offers because quality varies.
• Amazon Associates — very beginner-friendly in terms of getting started, especially if your writing is product-focused. The catch is that Amazon requires 3 qualifying sales within 180 days after applying, or the application can be withdrawn. Amazon Associates
• Impact — good once you have a portfolio/site, particularly for SaaS and recognizable consumer brands, but individual advertisers can still approve or reject you. AffBuddy

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Awin + one direct affiliate program relevant to your writing niche, rather than signing up for ten networks.

And don't worry about having huge traffic. For your application, have a simple site/portfolio with 5–10 genuinely useful articles, a clear niche, an About page, and an explanation of how you'll promote products. That makes you look like a real publisher rather than someone applying just to collect affiliate links.

One important distinction: network approval ≠ approval for every merchant. Even after Awin accepts you, individual advertisers can review your application separately. Awin

If you tell me what subjects you write about (tech, finance, travel, home, fitness, etc.), I can suggest 3–5 beginner-friendly affiliate programs that fit your writing specifically.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, I’d look for networks that value content quality and niche fit more than a big audience. A few beginner-friendly options:

1. Awin — probably my first pick

• Good fit for bloggers, niche writers, and content publishers.
• Offers many merchants across categories like software, retail, travel, and lifestyle.
• You still apply to individual merchants, so approval varies, but the network itself is approachable for newer publishers. Shopify Affiliate Education for Beginners

Best if you write: product comparisons, buying guides, niche newsletters, lifestyle content.

2. Impact.com

• Strong choice if you want to promote SaaS tools, apps, creator tools, or recognizable brands.
• The platform is accessible to newer affiliates, though some individual brands are selective. AffBuddy Shopify

Best if you write: software reviews, tutorials, “best tools for X” articles.

3. ClickBank

• One of the lower-friction options because it focuses heavily on digital products.
• Useful if you write about education, courses, self-improvement, marketing, or niche information products.
• Quality varies a lot, so be selective about what you promote. AffTank The Affiliate Digest

4. Amazon Associates

• Very beginner-friendly conceptually because readers already trust Amazon.
• Good for product-driven writing: reviews, gift guides, gear roundups.
• Keep in mind Amazon reviews your site/content and has qualifying requirements after signup. Amazon Associates

5. CJ Affiliate

• A long-running network with many recognizable advertisers.
• A bit less “instant beginner mode” because some advertisers are selective, but it’s worth joining once you have a few strong pieces published. AffTank

My suggested beginner path as a freelance writer:

1. Pick one niche (examples: remote work tools, personal finance apps, fitness gear, travel, home office).
2. Publish 5–10 genuinely useful articles first.
3. Join: - Awin for broad merchant options
4. Impact for software/tools
5. Amazon Associates for physical products
6. Avoid chasing the highest commission offers early; the easiest sales usually come from products that naturally fit what your readers already want.

A simple rule: if you can write a useful article without the affiliate link (“Here’s how to choose the right X”), you’re much more likely to build trust and earn.

If you’re a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing, I’d start with Awin.

• Awin — probably the best all-around first network. It has a broad range of merchants and is generally considered relatively beginner-friendly. ShareASale was folded into Awin, so you should apply through Awin rather than looking for ShareASale separately. Shopify AffBuddy
• ClickBank — easiest if your goal is simply to get approved quickly. It has a marketplace of digital products and relatively little entry friction, but you’ll need to be more selective about which offers you promote. Shopify AffiliateJob
• Impact — worth applying to once you have a few solid articles or a small audience. The network itself is accessible to newcomers, although individual brands can still reject you. Shopify
• PartnerStack — especially good if you write about SaaS, business software, productivity, or tech. It isn't as frictionless: PartnerStack says network applications are reviewed and can take up to five business days. PartnerStack

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Awin + 2–3 direct affiliate programs relevant to your writing niche. Don't wait until you have significant traffic. Have a simple portfolio/site with several genuinely useful articles, then apply with a very specific promotion plan.

One important distinction: "easy approval" doesn't mean every merchant inside a network will approve you. Network acceptance and individual-program acceptance are separate decisions. AffTank

If you're writing product reviews/comparisons, Amazon Associates is another obvious starting point, although Amazon requires at least 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days and reviews your content/site. Amazon Associates

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, travel, finance, beauty, B2B, etc.), I can narrow this down to the 2–3 networks/programs most likely to work for your niche.

If you’re a freelance writer just starting out, I’d try Awin first. It’s a legitimate major network, relatively beginner-friendly, and gives you access to lots of individual advertisers rather than making you pitch yourself to one company at a time. Current guidance says Awin accepts applicants with either a website or social handle and has relatively simple signup requirements. Shopify Jotform

A few good options:

• Awin — best overall starting point if you write about consumer products, lifestyle, travel, business, etc. Individual advertisers still decide whether to approve you, so expect some variation.
• Impact — good if your writing is focused on software/SaaS, business, creators, or tech. The network is accessible to newer affiliates, although individual brands can be selective. Shopify AffTank
• ClickBank — probably the least intimidating signup. It doesn't require a website and has lots of digital-product offers, but you'll need to be selective because offer quality varies considerably. Daily Intel Service Shopify
• CJ Affiliate — worthwhile once you have some published work or a defined niche. It's a major network, but individual advertisers can be considerably more selective. Jotform

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Awin + Impact, rather than signing up for ten networks. Build a small portfolio of genuinely useful articles—reviews, comparisons, tutorials, "best X for Y" pieces—and apply to advertisers that closely match your subject area.

One important distinction: easy network approval doesn't mean automatic approval for every advertiser inside it. That's actually useful: you can start with accessible brands and build a track record before approaching more selective programs.

If you tell me what subjects you write about (e.g. personal finance, tech, travel, home, B2B, health, etc.) and whether you have a website/newsletter/social following yet, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 networks/programs I'd apply to first.

For a freelance writer who’s just starting, I’d try Awin first.

Why:

• It explicitly supports beginners and says you don’t need prior affiliate-marketing experience. www.awin.comwww.awin.comwww.awin.com
• You can promote through a website, social accounts, newsletters, and other digital content, so you don't necessarily need a big established site. www.awin.com
• There are a large number of advertisers, giving you plenty of opportunities to find products that fit your writing niche. www.awin.comwww.awin.comwww.awin.com
• The catch: Awin does have a compliance review and requires a small refundable deposit when joining, so it isn't completely hands-off. www.awin.comwww.awin.comwww.awin.com

Another good option: impact.com. Its creator marketplace asks for basic information and at least one verified media property, with applications generally reviewed within 72 hours. help.impact.com

For your situation, I'd rank them:

1. Awin — best overall starting point for a content writer.
2. impact.com — especially good for SaaS/software and creator-oriented brands.
3. Amazon Associates — extremely broad product selection, though commissions can be relatively low.

One important distinction: getting accepted by the network doesn't necessarily mean you're automatically accepted by every advertiser inside it. Individual merchants can still approve/reject your application. Awin explicitly uses that advertiser-level approval process. success.awin.com

If you tell me what kind of writing you do (tech, finance, travel, lifestyle, B2B, etc.) and whether you already have a website/newsletter, I can narrow this to 3–5 beginner-friendly networks/programs that fit your niche.

If you’re a freelance writer just starting out, I’d try Awin first.

Why:

• Beginner-friendly: Awin accepts publishers using either a website or social presence, and its network has a large range of advertisers. www.shopify.com
• Good fit for writers: You can look for brands relevant to the subjects you already write about—software, finance, travel, home, fashion, business, etc.
• Less intimidating than CPA networks: You generally aren't expected to demonstrate a history of paid advertising or substantial conversion volume just to get started.
• Lots of individual programs: Getting into the network doesn't necessarily mean every advertiser accepts you, but many individual merchants have relatively accessible requirements. affbuddy.comwww.shopify.com

Two other options I'd consider

ClickBank — probably the easiest if your priority is “let me get an affiliate account and start experimenting.” It doesn't require a website and has a large digital-product marketplace. The downside is that you'll need to be selective about product quality; some offers are much more credible than others. www.shopify.comdailyintelservice.com

Impact — a good second step if you're writing about software, business, creator tools, ecommerce, etc. The network itself is accessible to newer affiliates, although individual brands can be considerably more selective. affbuddy.comwww.shopify.com

My suggested progression:
Awin → Impact → more selective networks/programs once you have some published affiliate content and traffic.

One important distinction: don't optimize solely for the network that's easiest to get into. As a writer, you're better off finding 2–5 products/services you can genuinely write useful articles about. A small amount of highly relevant traffic can be more valuable than hundreds of random affiliate links.

If you tell me what subjects you write about (e.g. tech, finance, travel, parenting, business), I can suggest 5 beginner-friendly affiliate programs with decent commissions that fit that niche.

If you’re a freelance writer just starting affiliate marketing, I’d start with ClickBank.

• ClickBank: Probably the lowest-friction starting point. It doesn’t require a website or established traffic just to get started, and you can browse offers immediately. It’s particularly strong for digital products, courses, and software. Daily Intel Service Shopify
• Awin: A better choice if you want to write about mainstream products, retail, travel, fashion, etc. Approval is generally accessible, although individual advertisers can have their own requirements. Awin Awin Help Center
• Impact: Worth trying once you have a few published articles and a clear niche. The network is accessible to newer affiliates, but individual brands can be selective. Shopify
• CJ Affiliate: I'd put this slightly later. It's useful for bigger brands, but tends to make more sense once you have some content and traffic to show. AffTank

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with ClickBank, but don't promote random high-commission offers just because they're easy to join. As a writer, your advantage is content that genuinely helps someone make a purchasing decision.

For example, instead of "10 ways to make money online," write something like:

"Best invoicing software for freelance writers: X vs. Y"

Then find a relevant affiliate program and disclose the relationship clearly.

Once you've published ~5–10 genuinely useful pieces around one niche, I'd apply to Awin and Impact. That gives you a much stronger application than simply saying you're a beginner.

One important distinction: easy network approval doesn't mean every advertiser inside the network will approve you. The merchant/program can impose its own rules and traffic requirements. AffiliateJob

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, personal finance, travel, SaaS, home products, etc.), I can point you toward the 2–3 easiest affiliate programs that actually fit your writing niche, rather than generic beginner networks.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, I’d prioritize easy entry + products that fit naturally into articles rather than chasing the highest commission rates. A few networks that are generally beginner-friendly:

My suggested path for a freelance writer:

1. Start with ClickBank or Awin to learn the mechanics (tracking links, disclosures, conversions). www.shopify.com
2. Pick one writing niche where affiliate links feel natural:
   • software/tools
   • home office
   • personal finance tools
   • travel gear
   • hobbies
   • education/courses
3. Create “commercial intent” articles, not just informational ones:
   • “X vs Y”
   • “Best X for beginners”
   • “X alternatives”
   • “Is X worth it?”
4. Add a few stronger networks after you have examples of your work.

One caution: the easiest networks to join often have the most low-quality offers, especially in digital products. Vet the product yourself—your reputation as a writer is worth more than a quick commission.

If you’re mainly planning to publish on your own blog, Medium/Substack, client sites, or social media/newsletters, the best starting network changes a bit.

If you’re a freelance writer starting from scratch, I’d try awin.com first.

• Awin: Probably the best fit for a beginner content writer. It accepts websites as well as social platforms, newsletters, and other digital content, and there’s no requirement for prior affiliate-marketing experience. There is a $1 refundable deposit, and Awin says applications go through compliance checks. Awin Awin Help Center
• clickbank.com: Easiest if you want minimal gatekeeping. It doesn't require a website to browse its marketplace, though you'll want to be selective about products because quality varies. Shopify
• impact.com: Worth joining once you have a small portfolio/site. Getting onto the network is relatively accessible, but individual brands can still reject your application, so it's not quite as frictionless. AffBuddy
• affiliate-program.amazon.com: Very beginner-friendly for product-review/content writing, but there's an important catch: Amazon requires 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days and reviews your content/sites. Amazon Associates

One important 2026 update: don't bother applying to ShareASale as a new publisher. The platform shut down in October 2025 and its advertisers were migrated to Awin. AffBuddy

My pick for you: Start with Awin + Amazon, then add Impact when you have some published affiliate-style articles to show advertisers.

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, travel, personal finance, beauty, SaaS, etc.), I can narrow this down to the 2–3 networks/programs most likely to accept you and have worthwhile commissions.

If you’re a freelance writer starting from zero, I’d try ClickBank first.

Why:

• Low barrier to entry: current 2026 sources consistently describe ClickBank as one of the easiest networks for beginners, with no established website or traffic history required. dailyintelservice.comwww.shopify.com
• Lots of offers: it’s particularly strong for digital products, courses, software, and information products—categories that can work well with review/comparison articles.
• You can learn the mechanics—tracking links, conversions, EPCs, disclosures, etc.—without first having to convince a network that you're an established publisher.

What I'd try after that

1. Awin — probably my next choice if you're writing about consumer brands, travel, retail, fashion, home, etc. Awin says prior affiliate experience isn't required, although individual advertisers can impose their own approval requirements. www.awin.com

2. Impact — worth adding once you have a small portfolio/site. It gives you access to recognizable brands and is particularly useful for SaaS and online-business content, though individual brands may still vet you. dailyintelservice.comwww.shopify.com

3. Amazon Associates — attractive for a writer doing product reviews, but I wouldn't call it the least-vetting option. Amazon currently requires 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and its review process looks for substantial original content; social profiles generally need a substantive organic following. affiliate-program.amazon.com

My pick for your situation:
ClickBank → Awin → Impact, rather than immediately applying to a bunch of selective networks.

One important distinction: getting accepted to a network doesn't necessarily mean you're accepted by every advertiser inside it. Merchant-level approval can still range from automatic to manual.

If you tell me what you write about (e.g. tech, personal finance, travel, SaaS, careers, health, home), I can point you toward the 2–3 beginner-friendly networks/programs with the best fit and commissions for that niche.

If you’re a freelance writer starting from zero, I’d try ClickBank first.

• ClickBank — probably the lowest-friction starting point. You can create an affiliate account and browse its marketplace without needing an established audience or website, according to ClickBank’s own getting-started documentation. support.clickbank.com ClickBank
• Awin — my second choice if you already have a blog, newsletter, or social profile. It accepts publishers beyond traditional websites, including social media and newsletters, but does run applicants through compliance checks and has a $1 refundable verification deposit. www.awin.com Awin
• Impact — worth applying to once you have some published writing/content. The network itself is relatively accessible, but individual brands decide whether to approve you, so you can still encounter rejection. www.shopify.com impact.com

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with ClickBank, but don't just grab the highest-commission offer. As a writer, pick a product that fits a topic you can genuinely write useful content around—e.g. software, productivity, career development, personal finance education, or a hobby niche.

Then publish 3–5 genuinely useful pieces that naturally lead into the affiliate product. Once you've got that portfolio, apply to Awin/Impact and individual programs. That gives you something credible to put in applications rather than saying you're brand new.

One caution: Amazon Associates isn't as frictionless as it sounds. Amazon requires at least three qualifying sales within the first 180 days and reviews your content/site; it also says sites should generally have substantial original content. affiliate-program.amazon.com

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, finance, travel, health, SaaS, etc.), I can suggest 5–10 beginner-friendly affiliate programs that actually fit a freelance writer rather than generic affiliate offers.

If you’re a brand-new freelance writer, I’d start with Awin or ClickBank, depending on what you write about.

My picks

1. Awin — best overall
   • Beginner-friendly application process.
   • Broad mix of retail, travel, software, and lifestyle advertisers.
   • Current 2026 guides describe approval as relatively easy, with a small refundable deposit. www.shopify.com
   • Particularly good if you have—or are building—a blog, niche website, or established social profile.

2. ClickBank — easiest if you have little/no audience
   • One of the lower-friction options: current guides report that it doesn't require a website to get started.
   • Large marketplace, particularly strong in digital products, courses, and information products. www.shopify.com
   • Caveat: the quality of offers varies considerably, so I'd be selective about what you recommend to readers.

3. Impact.com — worth joining once you have some content
   • Good selection of recognizable brands and SaaS companies.
   • The network itself can be accessible to newer creators, but individual advertisers can still reject you. impact.com
   • I'd put this slightly behind Awin for your first application.

One I'd not make your first choice

Amazon Associates sounds perfect for writers, but it has a catch: after joining, you need at least 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and Amazon reviews your site/content. Amazon says a good rule of thumb is around 10 original posts. affiliate-program.amazon.com

For a freelance writer specifically, I'd do this:
Awin → Impact → ClickBank, then add individual programs relevant to your writing niche. Don't apply to 20 networks at once; get one account working and build a few genuinely useful affiliate articles first.

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, finance, travel, health, home, AI, etc.), I can point you toward the 3–5 easiest affiliate programs in that niche that are realistic for a beginner.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, I’d focus on networks that care more about having a real content platform and a clear niche than having huge traffic numbers. The easiest path is usually to start with a network, build a few relationships, then move into higher-paying programs. afftank.com

Good beginner-friendly options:

1. Awin — probably my first pick for a new writer

• Large marketplace with many merchants.
• Good fit if you write blog posts, newsletters, reviews, or niche guides.
• Approval is generally less intimidating than some premium networks, though individual merchants still decide whether to accept you. affbuddy.com

Best for: lifestyle, fashion, home, travel, finance, software, and product-focused writing.

2. ClickBank — easiest if you write about digital products

• Historically beginner-friendly because many offers are open to new affiliates.
• Lots of ebooks, courses, and online tools.
• Quality varies a lot, so be selective.

Best for: personal development, marketing, fitness, education niches.

3. Amazon Associates — easiest for product writers

• Great if your writing naturally includes product recommendations.
• Lower commissions than many programs, but Amazon’s brand trust can make conversions easier.

Best for: reviews, buying guides, “best X for Y” articles.

4. Impact.com — worth joining early

• More polished brands and software companies.
• The network signup itself is not the hardest part, but individual brands may review applications. Impact asks partners to provide information about their promotional properties and verify media properties. help.impact.com

Best for: SaaS reviews, newsletters, professional audiences, creator-style content.

5. FlexOffers — another beginner option

• Broad merchant catalog.
• Useful when you want to test different niches quickly. affbuddy.com

For a freelance writer specifically, I’d avoid applying everywhere immediately. A simple approach:

1. Pick one writing niche (examples: productivity tools, outdoor gear, personal finance apps, parenting products).
2. Publish 5–10 strong pieces that show your style and audience fit.
3. Create an affiliate disclosure page and a short “about” page.
4. Apply to 2–3 networks, then apply to individual merchants inside them.

A writer with no audience but good niche content can often get accepted faster than someone with a vague “I’ll promote products on social media” application. afftank.com

If your writing is mainly blog SEO articles, email newsletters, or client content for other businesses, the best network choice changes a bit.

If you're a freelance writer starting affiliate marketing, Impact would be my first choice—but with one caveat: you still need at least one verified media property (such as a website or social profile) to enter its marketplace. Impact says applications are reviewed within 72 hours, and it has a “Pre-qualified” filter for brands that automatically approve eligible partners. help.impact.com

My shortlist:

1. Impact — Best overall for a writer. Good selection of SaaS, creator, ecommerce, and consumer brands. The network itself isn't especially intimidating; the individual brands decide whether to accept you. help.impact.com
2. Awin — Probably the best alternative if you want lots of merchants. Current beginner-oriented guides describe its application process as relatively easy, with a small refundable deposit. affbuddy.comwww.shopify.com
3. ClickBank — Worth considering if you're writing about digital products, courses, or software. It's notably low-friction, although the quality of individual offers varies considerably. affbuddy.comwww.shopify.com
4. Amazon Associates — Easy conceptually and enormous product selection, but don't assume it's completely hands-off: Amazon currently requires 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and it expects substantial original content. affiliate-program.amazon.com

For your situation, I'd start with Impact + Awin, rather than applying to a bunch of CPA networks that advertise “instant approval.” Then pick 2–5 products you can genuinely write useful content about.

One practical tip: don't describe yourself as “brand new” in applications. Instead, accurately describe your writing niche, where you'll publish, what kind of readers you're targeting, and the type of content you'll produce. That's much more useful to a merchant evaluating you.

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, finance, travel, home, health, SaaS, etc.), I can suggest the 3–5 easiest affiliate programs for that niche with decent commissions.

If you're a freelance writer starting from scratch, I’d try Awin first.

• Awin — best overall starting point. Awin accepts publishers without requiring prior affiliate-marketing experience, and it explicitly supports websites, newsletters, and social platforms. There is a small $1 verification deposit, refunded after your first sale. www.awin.com
• impact.com — good second choice, particularly if you write about software, business, marketing, travel, or consumer brands. The catch is that individual advertisers decide whether to accept you, so getting into the network doesn't mean automatic approval everywhere. affbuddy.com
• ClickBank — lowest-friction option if you're comfortable promoting digital products. It's much less selective, but you'll want to be choosy about merchants/products because quality varies.
• Amazon Associates is worth considering if you write product-focused articles, but I wouldn't call it the easiest long-term starting point: Amazon requires at least 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and reviews your content/sites. www.awin.comaffiliate-program.amazon.com

One important 2026 update: don't bother looking for a new ShareASale account. ShareASale was shut down in October 2025 and its advertisers/publishers were moved to Awin. affbuddy.com

What I'd do in your position

Awin → apply to 5–10 relevant merchants → start publishing genuinely useful articles → add Impact once you have some content.

And don't worry about having huge traffic initially. Your application is much stronger if you can show a real, focused writing portfolio/site, an About page, and an obvious audience/niche than if you simply claim you're going to generate traffic.

If you tell me what you write about (e.g. tech, finance, travel, health, SaaS, lifestyle), I can suggest 5–10 beginner-friendly affiliate programs that fit that niche.

If you're a freelance writer starting from scratch, I’d try Amazon Associates first, then branch into a broader network once you have some content and traffic.

My beginner-friendly picks

1. Amazon Associates — easiest starting point
   • You don't need an established affiliate business.
   • Amazon reviews your application after you generate 3 qualifying sales within 180 days, rather than requiring heavy pre-approval. affiliate-program.amazon.com
   • Amazon says it looks for original, useful content; its current guidance suggests having roughly 10 substantive posts before applying.
   • Great fit for a writer doing product roundups, reviews, "best X" articles, buying guides, etc.

2. Impact.com — best second step
   • You can join its marketplace as a publisher/creator, but you need at least one verified media property. Impact says marketplace applications are reviewed within 72 hours. help.impact.com
   • The advantage is access to lots of individual brands rather than being limited to Amazon.
   • Individual brands can impose their own eligibility requirements, so acceptance isn't automatic. help.impact.com

3. Awin — worth trying once you have a site
   • Awin's signup itself is fairly straightforward, but it currently performs identity and content checks before admitting publishers. help.awin.com
   • Individual advertisers also decide whether to accept you, so it's less "sign up and immediately promote anything" than Amazon.

For your situation, I'd do:
10-ish useful articles → Amazon Associates → publish a few affiliate articles → apply to Impact → add Awin.

One important distinction: "network accepts beginners" doesn't mean every advertiser on the network does. A brand may still reject a new publisher even after the network accepts you.

If you tell me what you write about (tech, travel, finance, home, software, etc.), I can point you toward 3–5 beginner-friendly affiliate programs that fit your niche and aren't dependent on having a big audience.

If you're a freelance writer with little or no affiliate track record, I’d start with PartnerStack if your writing niche is SaaS/B2B, or Amazon Associates if you write consumer/product content.

My picks for a beginner

1. PartnerStack — best for SaaS
   • Its network application is relatively lightweight: PartnerStack says it asks for about 8–10 pieces of information, rather than the much longer applications some networks use. support.partnerstack.com
   • Good fit for writers covering software, productivity, marketing, AI, business, hosting, etc.
   • Caveat: individual programs can still approve/reject you separately.

2. Amazon Associates — easiest practical starting point for product writing
   • Huge selection of products and a straightforward application.
   • There is an important catch: Amazon reviews you after you generate at least 3 qualifying sales within your first 180 days, and it expects original, publicly available content. affiliate-program.amazon.com
   • So it's accessible, but you don't want to sign up and then leave the account dormant.

3. Impact — worth trying once you have a small portfolio
   • It's not especially "zero-vetting": Impact requires at least one verified media property before you can enter its Brands Marketplace. help.impact.comwww.shopify.com
   • Once you're established, though, there are lots of recognizable brands and software programs.

I'd not make Awin/CJ your first priority if your sole objective is minimizing approval friction. Experiences vary considerably by applicant and advertiser, and getting into a network doesn't automatically mean every merchant will approve you. www.shopify.com

For a freelance writer specifically, I'd do this: create a simple portfolio/site with 5–10 genuinely useful articles in one niche, then apply to PartnerStack + Amazon (or another network appropriate to your niche). Even a small portfolio makes you look much more legitimate than an empty affiliate profile.

Also, make sure affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed in your content; the FTC expects disclosures to be clear and conspicuous. arxiv.org

If you tell me what you write about (e.g. tech, finance, travel, health, home, B2B), I can suggest 5–10 beginner-friendly programs that actually fit your niche.

If you’re a brand-new freelance writer, I’d start with ClickBank if your priority is getting approved without a lot of vetting. It’s been around for years, has no signup fee, and is generally regarded as beginner-friendly. www.techradar.com

A few good options:

1. ClickBank — easiest starting point
   • Broad selection of digital products.
   • Generally straightforward signup.
   • Often higher commissions than retail affiliate programs.
   • Downside: product quality varies, so you need to vet offers carefully. www.techradar.com

2. Amazon Associates — best for ordinary product writing
   • Particularly useful if you write reviews, buying guides, comparisons, or “best X” articles.
   • Huge product selection and strong consumer trust.
   • The application process is relatively painless, although Amazon has specific program requirements you need to follow. www.techradar.com

3. PartnerStack — good if you write about software/SaaS
   • Worth considering if your writing is about business tools, AI, marketing, productivity, hosting, etc.
   • It does have an approval process: PartnerStack says you provide roughly 8–10 pieces of information, including a functioning website/business presence, and applications are reviewed by its network team. support.partnerstack.com
   • So I wouldn't call it no-vetting, but it's reasonable once you have a basic portfolio/site.

I'd skip CJ and Awin initially if your main concern is avoiding approval friction. CJ can evaluate your website/content before letting you in, while Awin currently performs identity and content checks before network admission. www.techradar.com

My pick for you: start with Amazon + ClickBank, then add a SaaS-oriented network such as PartnerStack once you've got a small portfolio and some published content.

One important distinction: network approval doesn't necessarily mean automatic approval for every merchant/program inside the network. Individual advertisers can still reject you.

If you tell me what topics you write about (tech, finance, travel, AI, health, home, etc.), I can narrow this down to 3–5 beginner-friendly programs that actually fit your writing niche.

If you're a freelance writer starting from zero, Awin is probably the network I'd try first.

Why:

• No prior affiliate experience is required. Awin explicitly accepts content creators, bloggers, editorial sites, influencers, and other publishers. www.awin.com
• You don't necessarily need a website—Awin says social accounts, newsletters, and other digital platforms can qualify. www.awin.com
• There is still a review, so it isn't completely "no vetting." Awin verifies applicants and conducts compliance checks. help.awin.com
• Once you're accepted into Awin, you apply separately to individual advertiser programs, and some retailers use auto-approval. www.awin.com
• There's a $5 refundable deposit for the standard signup, so it's not literally free of friction. www.awin.com

Awin publisher signup

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Awin + a handful of specific brands related to the topics you already write about, rather than joining 10 networks at once.

For example, if you write about:

• Software/AI: look for SaaS programs
• Personal finance: fintech/financial education programs
• Travel: hotels, luggage, travel services
• Home/lifestyle: retailers and DTC brands
• Tech: software, accessories, electronics

I'd put Amazon Associates second if your writing involves product reviews/listicles. It's extremely accessible, although the economics and program rules aren't necessarily as attractive as some direct brand programs.

One important distinction: getting accepted by a network doesn't mean you'll automatically get accepted by every advertiser inside it. That's where having a credible-looking writing portfolio, a clear niche, and a description of exactly how you'll promote products makes a big difference.

If you tell me what topics you plan to write about (e.g. AI tools, travel, fitness, personal finance, tech), I can give you 3–5 beginner-friendly affiliate programs with decent commissions that fit that niche.

If you’re just starting as a freelance writer, I’d try Awin first.

Why:

• It explicitly supports beginners, including publishers/content creators. www.awin.com
• Some advertiser programs offer automatic approval, so you can start promoting without waiting for each merchant to manually review you. success.awin.com
• There’s a large selection of advertisers, and you can apply to programs that fit your writing niche. success.awin.com

My beginner shortlist

Amazon Associates is particularly useful if you're writing product roundups or reviews. It gives creators access to millions of products, but there's an important catch: after applying, you need 3 qualifying sales within 180 days before Amazon evaluates the application. affiliate-program.amazon.com

For your situation, I'd probably do Awin + Amazon, rather than signing up for ten networks at once. Build a small portfolio of genuinely useful articles first, then add higher-paying SaaS programs as you find products that naturally fit your writing.

One other important point: don't choose offers solely because they're easy to get approved for. The advertiser/product needs to be a natural fit for your article and audience—otherwise you'll have affiliate links but very few conversions.

For a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, I’d look for networks that are open to publishers without a big audience, have lots of beginner-friendly programs, and don’t require a long approval process.

Here are some good starting points:

My suggested path for a new freelance writer:

1. Start with ShareASale or Amazon Associates
   • Good for learning how affiliate links, disclosures, clicks, and conversions work.
   • Easier if you’re writing articles, newsletters, or niche blog content.

2. Add Impact.com once you have a clear niche
   • Better earning potential with software and services.
   • Good match for writers covering tools, productivity, marketing, finance, careers, or small business.

3. Look for direct affiliate programs from companies you already write about
   • Many SaaS companies pay recurring commissions and accept small creators.

A few niches that tend to work well for freelance writers:

• AI/software tools
• Personal finance (with careful accuracy)
• Career and education
• Marketing tools
• Home improvement
• Travel gear
• Fitness equipment (avoid unsupported health claims)

A realistic beginner setup:

• Pick one niche
• Create 5–10 useful pieces of content (reviews, comparisons, tutorials)
• Apply to 5–10 relevant programs
• Focus on helping readers choose, not just inserting links

One caution: avoid networks or “affiliate programs” that promise easy money, require you to buy a starter package, or emphasize recruiting other affiliates over selling real products.

If you tell me what topics you usually write about (tech, lifestyle, finance, etc.) and whether you have a blog/newsletter/audience yet, I can narrow this down to the best 3–5 programs for you.

For a freelance writer starting from scratch, I’d try Awin first.

Why:

• Beginner-friendly entry: Awin accepts publishers using a website, blog, social account, newsletter, or other digital platform; it doesn’t require an established high-traffic site. www.awin.com
• Broad merchant selection: useful if you write across lifestyle, tech, travel, home, finance, etc. www.shopify.com
• Low initial friction: there’s a small refundable deposit, and Awin does perform compliance checks, so it isn't completely automatic. help.awin.com

Awin publisher signup

My beginner shortlist

1. Awin — best overall starting point
Good if you're writing articles, reviews, buying guides, or niche content and want lots of advertisers to choose from.

2. ClickBank — easiest if you're writing about digital products
It's particularly accessible to newcomers and doesn't require a traditional website to start browsing offers. The downside is that offer quality varies considerably, so you'll need to be selective. www.shopify.com

3. Impact — worth joining after you have a little portfolio/content
It has strong SaaS and consumer brands, but individual advertisers can be considerably more selective even if getting onto the network itself isn't difficult. affbuddy.com

One important distinction: getting accepted by the network doesn't necessarily mean you're accepted by every advertiser inside it. You'll often apply separately to individual programs.

If you're primarily going to make money through written articles/SEO, I'd start with Awin + a handful of direct affiliate programs relevant to your writing niche, rather than signing up for 10 networks at once.

If you tell me what you write about (e.g. tech, personal finance, travel, health, SaaS, lifestyle), I can suggest the easiest beginner-friendly programs in that niche.

If you're just starting out as a freelance writer, it's often easier to join affiliate networks that don't require an established audience or significant sales history. Here are some beginner-friendly options:

1. Impact
   • You apply to the network once, then separately to individual brands.
   • Many brands accept newer publishers if your content is relevant.
   • Good if you write about software, business, travel, or consumer products.

2. CJ Affiliate
   • One of the largest affiliate networks.
   • The network itself is fairly accessible, though each advertiser sets its own approval criteria.
   • Plenty of beginner-friendly merchants alongside more selective ones.

3. Awin
   • Large global network with thousands of merchants.
   • Generally approachable for new affiliates who have a legitimate website or blog.
   • Strong in retail, finance, travel, and software.

4. ShareASale
   • Well known for accepting smaller publishers.
   • Offers thousands of merchants across many niches.
   • A solid starting point for content-focused affiliates.

5. PartnerStack
   • Excellent if you're writing about SaaS, AI tools, productivity software, or B2B services.
   • Many software companies actively recruit content creators.

6. Amazon Associates
   • Very easy to get started.
   • Huge product catalog and high conversion rates because people already trust Amazon.
   • Commission rates are generally lower than specialized programs.

Even easier: direct affiliate programs

Many companies run their own affiliate programs without requiring a network. For example, software companies, web hosts, newsletter platforms, and AI tools often accept smaller creators if your content fits their audience.

Tips to improve your approval odds

Before applying, make sure you have:

• A simple website or portfolio with 5–10 quality articles.
• An About page and Contact page.
• Clear disclosure that you'll use affiliate links.
• A niche (even if it's broad, like freelance writing, AI tools, personal finance, or productivity).

Best choice if you're a freelance writer

If your goal is writing reviews, tutorials, and resource lists:

• PartnerStack for software and SaaS.
• Impact for access to many well-known brands.
• Amazon Associates for physical products you mention in articles.
• ShareASale for a wide mix of merchants with relatively approachable approval processes.

A good strategy is to start with Amazon Associates plus one major network (such as ShareASale or Impact), then add direct affiliate programs from products you genuinely use and recommend. This keeps your application process simple while giving you a broad range of products to write about.

If you're just starting out as a freelance writer and don't yet have a large audience or established affiliate income, it's usually best to begin with networks that have straightforward applications and plenty of beginner-friendly merchants.

Here are some of the best options:

My top recommendations

1. Amazon Associates

• Easiest place to start.
• Works well if you write buying guides or product roundups.
• Low commission rates, but very high conversion because people trust Amazon.

Good if you're writing:

• Home office
• Books
• Tech
• Kitchen
• Outdoor gear

2. ShareASale
One of the best first affiliate networks.

Pros:

• Thousands of merchants
• Many accept small publishers
• Easy dashboard
• Good mix of physical and digital products

Great for freelance writers in:

• Lifestyle
• Parenting
• Business
• Education
• Home
• Fashion

3. Impact
Excellent if you write about software.

You'll find programs for:

• Website builders
• Email marketing
• AI tools
• Productivity apps
• VPNs
• Online education

Many companies approve newer creators if your site looks professional and your content matches their niche.

4. PartnerStack
Fantastic for writers covering:

• SaaS
• AI
• Marketing
• Freelancing
• Entrepreneurship

Many software companies pay recurring commissions, so one referral can generate income over multiple months.

5. Awin
Good once you have:

• A blog
• Portfolio website
• Newsletter
• Medium publication
• LinkedIn audience

They host thousands of recognizable consumer brands.

Networks I'd wait on

These aren't impossible to join, but they often expect a more established publisher or review applications more carefully:

• CJ Affiliate
• Rakuten Advertising
• FlexOffers (depends on the advertiser)
• Individual enterprise SaaS programs with strict traffic requirements

Increase your approval chances

Even as a beginner, you'll have a much better success rate if you have:

• 10–20 high-quality articles published.
• An About page with your background.
• A Privacy Policy and Contact page.
• A niche focus (rather than writing about everything).
• Your own domain instead of only social media.

A strong beginner stack

If I were starting today as a freelance writer, I'd apply in this order:

1. Amazon Associates
2. ShareASale
3. Impact
4. PartnerStack
5. Individual direct affiliate programs from companies you already write about

This combination gives you access to physical products, software, and recurring-commission programs while keeping application hurdles relatively low.

One additional tip: if your goal is to earn meaningful affiliate income, specializing in a niche—such as AI tools, personal finance, productivity software, web hosting, or outdoor gear—usually outperforms promoting a wide variety of unrelated products. Merchants are also more likely to approve applications from publishers with a clear, relevant focus.

If you're just starting out as a freelance writer and don't yet have a large audience, it's worth focusing on affiliate networks that either have light approval requirements or allow you to apply to individual programs after joining. Here are some of the most beginner-friendly options:

1. Amazon Associates
   • Very easy to join in most countries.
   • Huge catalog of products.
   • Good for blogs, reviews, and resource pages.
   • Keep in mind you'll need to generate qualifying sales within the initial evaluation period to remain in the program.

2. Impact
   • The network itself is relatively straightforward to join.
   • Individual brands decide whether to approve you.
   • Many SaaS companies, business tools, and writing-related products use Impact.

3. CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
   • Network approval is generally accessible.
   • Some advertisers accept newer publishers, while others prefer established sites.
   • Good long-term option as your portfolio grows.

4. Awin
   • Accepts many newer publishers, though some advertisers have stricter requirements.
   • Strong selection of retail, finance, travel, and software offers.

5. PartnerStack
   • Excellent if you write about business software, AI tools, marketing, or productivity.
   • Many B2B SaaS companies welcome content creators with niche expertise rather than massive traffic.

6. ShareASale
   • Large marketplace with thousands of merchants.
   • Approval standards vary by merchant, and many are open to smaller publishers.

If you don't have a website yet

Some affiliate programs allow creators who primarily use:

• Medium
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Newsletters
• Social media

However, having even a simple website with:

• an About page,
• a Privacy Policy,
• a few high-quality articles, and
• a contact page

can noticeably improve your approval chances.

For freelance writers specifically

Since you're a writer, consider promoting products you actually use:

• AI writing tools
• Grammar software
• Email marketing platforms
• Web hosting
• SEO tools
• Freelance marketplaces
• Online courses

These often pay much higher commissions than physical products—sometimes recurring monthly commissions instead of one-time payouts.

A practical way to start

Instead of applying to 20 programs immediately:

1. Publish 5–10 useful articles in one niche (for example, freelance writing, AI tools, or blogging).
2. Join Amazon Associates plus one larger network such as Impact or PartnerStack.
3. Apply to 5–10 relevant affiliate programs that match your content.
4. Keep writing helpful content rather than focusing on promotional posts alone.

That combination gives you a better chance of building sustainable affiliate income while avoiding the stricter vetting common with premium programs.

If you're just starting out as a freelance writer and don't yet have much traffic or a large audience, there are several affiliate networks that are relatively beginner-friendly.

Here are some of the best options:

A few practical tips that improve your chances of acceptance:

• Have a simple portfolio website or blog with at least 5–10 quality articles.
• Clearly explain how you'll promote products (SEO articles, newsletters, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Apply to merchants that match your niche instead of applying to dozens at once.
• Avoid applying before your site has any original content—many merchants reject empty or "coming soon" sites.

If you're a freelance writer, software and creator tools often convert well because you can naturally recommend products you actually use. Examples include:

• Writing and editing tools
• AI software
• Web hosting
• Email marketing platforms
• Graphic design tools
• Online course platforms

These tend to pay much higher commissions than physical products.

If I were starting from scratch today with a new writing website, I'd prioritize:

1. Amazon Associates for easy product recommendations.
2. ShareASale for a broad range of beginner-friendly merchants.
3. Impact for access to well-known software brands.
4. PartnerStack if writing about business, marketing, or productivity tools.

That combination gives you plenty of opportunities while you build traffic and experience, without relying on networks known for stricter vetting.

If you’re a freelance writer just starting with affiliate promotions, you’ll usually have the easiest time with networks that let you apply with a basic website, blog, newsletter, or content plan rather than requiring a large audience or proven sales history.

Here are some beginner-friendly options:

A practical beginner path:

1. Start with Amazon Associates if you write consumer content (books, tools, gear, home products, hobbies). It’s easy to understand and helps you learn affiliate basics.
2. Add ShareASale/Awin or Impact once you have a niche and some sample articles. These often have better commissions than Amazon.
3. Consider SaaS affiliate programs if your writing is about freelancing, marketing, productivity, AI tools, websites, or business software—commissions can be much higher.

A few things that improve approval odds even as a beginner:

• Have a simple website or portfolio page with 5–10 quality articles.
• Use a professional email address tied to your site if possible.
• Describe your traffic plan honestly (SEO, newsletter, social media, client audience, etc.).
• Apply to specific merchant programs rather than dozens randomly.

For a freelance writer, I’d generally prioritize Impact + ShareASale/Awin + a few direct SaaS programs over joining every big network, because your advantage is creating persuasive content—not just sending traffic.