Affiliate Programs I Actually Use (and Why They’re Not All Gold Mines)

I’ve spent plenty of late nights poking around different affiliate programs, convinced maybe this one would finally move the needle. After running blogs about outdoor gear, travel tips, and digital tools, I’ve signed up for everything from the big names to quirky niche networks. Spoiler: not all that glitters is gold. The passive income dream is real… but so is the tedium.

Here’s what actually worked, what totally flopped, and what I pay attention to when picking new partners these days. Not all affiliate programs are gold mines, but if you find a fit for your niche and workflow, a few might just keep the coffee fund alive.

Why I’ve Tried Different Programs

My main blogs cover outdoor adventures, budget travel, and digital productivity. Each comes with its own type of reader and wildly different buying habits. I started out leaning hard on Amazon because, honestly, it covers everything (plus, who doesn’t impulse-buy something at 2 am?). But as I kept writing, it became clear: outdoor readers want specialty gear, travelers are shopping for unique experiences, and productivity folks are hunting for specific tools. That meant more programs to test, always chasing a higher payout, better support, and, frankly, something that felt worth the effort.

What I really wanted: something simple, rewarding, and without endless hoops or weird restrictions.

Programs I’ve Actually Used (and Why I Picked Them)

Amazon Associates:

The “starter kit” for affiliate marketers. It covers nearly any product imaginable, has a low payout threshold, and pays (relatively) quickly. As far as plug-and-play affiliate options go, this is the reliable old Honda. It may not be flashy, but it starts every time. Some months, a random book sale out-earns all my gear links. Amazon is weird that way.

AvantLink:

I stumbled on AvantLink when I realized all my favorite outdoor brands (Backcountry, REI, Moosejaw) lived here. Their niche focus and solid support seemed like the perfect fit for my gear reviews and adventure posts. Some brands offer great materials, and you feel like you’re at the “cool kid’s table”, even if your commissions still depend on fickle shoppers.

Wealthy Affiliate:

Joined for the training and recurring commission angle. The audience overlaps with anyone hustling online, and the platform brings community vibes and “stickier” subscription payouts. If your readers are even remotely interested in building online income streams, it’s a natural fit.

Commission Junction (CJ):

Travel blogging brought me here. Big-ticket trips, African safaris, guided expeditions, I had visions of a single sale covering a year’s worth of coffee beans. Reality? Crickets. My account spends more time dormant than active, and my inbox is a graveyard of “reactivate or else” emails. High-ticket doesn’t always mean high reward.

Impact:

Supposed to be a gold mine for new brands, but for me, onboarding felt like trying to book a dentist at 4:59 on a Friday. All friction, no payoff.

ShareASale:

An early experiment for general lifestyle brands. Their dashboard is decent, but my results never took off. I used it before hunting down more niche options.

Awin:

Heard it was great for travel and fintech, so I signed up, only to wrestle with account inactivity and the admin slog of reapplying and re-verifying. Consistency? Not so much.

Hits: Programs That Actually Worked for Me

• Amazon: Not exciting, but it’s reliable. Commissions come in almost every month, even if the amounts are small. The sheer breadth of products means I can link naturally to what I’m already talking about, and every so often, someone buys a random luxury item. (Thanks, “Frequently Bought Together.”)
• Wealthy Affiliate: Solid recurring commissions if your audience matches, and a supportive platform vibe. The “evergreen” side of affiliate income.
• AvantLink: Niche brands like REI and Backcountry offer good support, which helps a lot when you’re targeting outdoor enthusiasts. Results vary, but the potential’s there with the right audience.

Misses: Where Things Fell Flat

• Commission Junction (CJ): All the potential in the world, but not a single sale, just a lot of emails about my “dormant” status. If Amazon is the reliable friend who always shows up, CJ is the one who promises big, then ghosts you.
• Awin & ShareASale: Tons of brands, but more admin than actual earnings. More time spent reactivating accounts than earning commissions.
• Impact: Great stories on the forums, but my reality was all onboarding friction, no results. Sometimes the “next big thing” is just another headache.

What I Look For Now

After all this, my checklist is short and practical:

• Decent payout rates: If it’s pennies on five-dollar widgets, I’m out.
• Fast, simple dashboard: No scavenger hunts for links or stats.
• Relevant products/services: The closer the fit, the less I have to sound like a sales robot.
• Responsive support: If I wanted to chat with a robot, I’d ask ChatGPT for blog title ideas.
• No weird deactivation rules: Let me lurk in peace if I’m not making sales this month.

Would I Try New Programs Again?

Absolutely, if the fit is right. Better tools, a brand that genuinely matches my content, or higher commissions? Sure, I’ll try it. But I’m a lot less likely to chase shiny objects these days. The best advice: stick with what actually works, and don’t stress about missing out if something feels like a slog. The best results always come from matching what you use, know, and trust with what your readers actually want.

Wrapping Up

Affiliate programs are everywhere, but only a few are truly worth your time. My experience? You end up with a couple of reliable earners, a bunch of misses, and some useful lessons about what your readers really care about.

Did you try a program that made you rich or drove you up the wall? Share your war stories below. I’m always looking for new gold mines (or at least a good laugh).