Affiliate marketing has become one of the most popular ways to earn online, especially for beginners looking for long-term passive income. One of the most well-known programs in this space is the Shopify Affiliate Program.
In this honest review, you’ll learn how the Shopify affiliate program works, how much you can earn, its pros and cons, and whether it’s worth joining in 2025.
What Is the Shopify Affiliate Program?
The Shopify Affiliate Program allows you to earn a commission by referring new users to Shopify. When someone signs up for Shopify through your affiliate link and becomes a paying customer, Shopify pays you a commission.
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform used by millions of businesses worldwide to create online stores, sell products, and manage payments.
This makes Shopify a strong affiliate offer because:
- It’s a trusted brand
- It’s used globally
- Many beginners search for Shopify tutorials, reviews, and comparisons
How the Shopify Affiliate Program Works
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- You apply to join the Shopify affiliate program
- Once approved, you get a unique affiliate link
- You promote Shopify through:
- Blog posts
- YouTube videos
- Social media
- Tutorials and reviews
- When someone clicks your link and becomes a paying Shopify customer, you earn a commission
Shopify tracks referrals using cookies, so even if the user doesn’t sign up immediately, you can still get credited.
Shopify Affiliate Commission Structure
One of the biggest questions is: How much does Shopify pay affiliates?
Shopify Affiliate Commission
Shopify typically pays affiliates a commission equivalent to two months of the customer’s subscription fee.
For example:
- If a user signs up for a Basic Shopify plan, you earn around 2x the monthly plan price
- Higher plans = higher commissions
💡 This means you don’t need thousands of sales to make money — even a few referrals can generate good income.
Is the Shopify Affiliate Program Free?
Yes, the Shopify affiliate program is 100% free to join.
There is:
- No joining fee
- No monthly cost
- No requirement to already use Shopify
However, Shopify does review applications, and approval is not automatic.
Shopify Affiliate Program Requirements
To get approved, Shopify usually looks for:
- A website, blog, or active social media account
- Content related to:
- E-commerce
- Online business
- Digital marketing
- Original and helpful content (not copied)
💡 Blogs like yours that already talk about Shopify, comparisons, and reviews are perfectly positioned for approval.
Pros of the Shopify Affiliate Program
1. Trusted Global Brand
Shopify is one of the most recognized e-commerce platforms worldwide, which makes it easier to promote.
2. High Commission Potential
Earning up to two months’ subscription per referral is generous compared to many affiliate programs.
3. Long-Term Demand
People will always search for ways to start online businesses, making Shopify an evergreen offer.
4. Multiple Promotion Options
You can promote Shopify through:
- Reviews
- Tutorials
- Comparisons
- Pricing guides
- “How to start a store” articles
Cons of the Shopify Affiliate Program
1. Approval Is Not Guaranteed
Beginners without content or traffic may struggle to get approved.
2. High Competition
Many bloggers and YouTubers promote Shopify, so ranking on Google takes time.
3. No Recurring Commission
You earn a one-time commission per referral, not monthly recurring income.
Shopify Affiliate Program vs Other Affiliate Programs
Compared to many beginner affiliate programs:
- Shopify pays higher commissions
- The brand converts better
- Competition is higher, but so is earning potential
When combined with comparison posts like Pippit vs Shopify, Shopify affiliate links can perform very well because users are already in decision-making mode.
Who Should Join the Shopify Affiliate Program?
The Shopify affiliate program is ideal for:
- Bloggers writing about online business or e-commerce
- Content creators teaching dropshipping or digital products
- Beginners building authority websites
- Anyone creating comparisons, reviews, or tutorials
If your content already talks about Shopify plans, pricing, or alternatives, this program is a natural fit.
Is the Shopify Affiliate Program Worth It in 2025?
Yes — the Shopify affiliate program is worth it in 2025, especially if you focus on:
- SEO content
- Honest reviews
- Comparisons
- Beginner-friendly guides
While competition exists, Shopify’s strong reputation and high commission structure make it one of the best affiliate programs in the e-commerce niche.
Final Verdict: Shopify Affiliate Program Review (2025)
The Shopify affiliate program offers:
- ✅ High commission potential
- ✅ Trusted global brand
- ✅ Free to join
- ❌ No recurring commissions
- ❌ Competitive niche
If you’re building an affiliate blog around online business tools, Shopify deserves a place in your content strategy.