Shopify has become one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, empowering over a million businesses to create online stores. A key driver of Shopify‘s growth is its robust app ecosystem, with solutions available for everything from dropshipping automation to finances.
One category that stands out is Shopify affiliate apps – tools designed specifically to help merchants launch and manage affiliate marketing programs.
This guide will explore the value of Shopify affiliate apps and recommend 12 top options to consider across key capabilities.
Why Shopify Affiliate Apps Matter
Before diving into top apps, let‘s overview why Shopify merchants should care about affiliate marketing and related apps in the first place:
Wider Reach and Traffic
Affiliate programs allow merchants to leverage influencers, bloggers, and partner sites to promote products. This can massively expand a Shopify store‘s reach.
Cost-Effective Marketing
Affiliate partnerships only pay out when referrals convert. There‘s no upfront media costs, making it very cost-efficient.
Increased Brand Awareness
Getting products featured and recommended by affiliates boosts brand visibility and trust.
Scalability
Apps automate previously complex tasks like tracking referrals and paying affiliates. This means programs can easily scale.
Performance Tracking
Robust analytics provide deep visibility into things like top referrers, conversion rates, commission costs, and ROI.
Customization and Control
Merchants maintain control over commission rates, approval processes, promo tools, and more.
Clearly Shopify affiliate programs powered by specialized apps provide tremendous upside. But with hundreds of options on the Shopify App Store, identifying the best solutions can be challenging.
Based on capabilities, reputation, and merchant feedback – these 12 apps stand out from the pack.
12 Best Shopify Affiliate Apps
1. UpPromote
UpPromote is an all-in-one affiliate management platform enabling merchants to set up programs in minutes.
Key Features
- Intuitive dashboard to oversee the entire program
- Automated commission payments
- Bonuses and incentives to motivate affiliates
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
Benefits
- Great for beginners with set-and-forget automation
- Generous 30% recurring commission rate
Pricing
- Free Plan for core features
- Growth, Pro, and Enterprise paid plans
2. Automizely
Automizely helps Shopify stores get products in front of buyers through its traffic exchange network.
Key Features
- Free-to-post product ads on exchange
- Real-time performance tracking
- Category targeting options
Benefits
- Rapidly expands product reach and discovery
- Completely free to use
Pricing
- Free forever
3. GOAFFPRO
GOAFFPRO makes it easy to launch and manage influencer affiliate programs that drive sales.
Key Features
- Unlimited affiliates
- Automated signature tracking
- Push notifications to keep influencers engaged
Benefits
- Great for influencer partnership at scale
- Generous commission rates up to 25%
Pricing
- Free Core Plan
- Premium Plan unlocks more advanced capabilities
4. BixGrow
BixGrow empowers merchants to maximize revenue through their affiliate channel.
Key Features
- Customizable signup and email templates
- Coupon and deal capabilities
- Affiliate ranking and segmentation
Benefits
- Helps motivate affiliates via gamification
- Generous 25% commission rate
Pricing
- Free Starter Plan
- Scale and Pro plans starting at $5/month
5. ReferrLy
Referrly makes setting up an affiliate program quick and painless.
Key Features
- Automated affiliate onboarding
- Customizable landing pages
- Referral coupon code creator
Benefits
- Extremely easy launch and setup
- 100% free to use
Pricing
- Free forever
6. AfterShip Affiliates
AfterShip Affiliates provides an all-in-one affiliate management solution.
Key Features
- Automated tracking and reporting
- Fraud protection and compliance
- Customizable dashboards
Benefits
- Robust platform trusted by big brands
- Generous commission rates
Pricing
- Free Core Plan
- Pro and Custom Enterprise options
7. GATSBY
GATSBY enables merchants to easily launch brand ambassador affiliate programs.
Key Features
- Automated referral tracking and rewards
- Fraud protection
- Custom branded portals
Benefits
- Makes running brand ambassador programs simple
- Affordable monthly pricing
Pricing
- Starts at $99/month
8. ConvertOut
ConvertOut leverages AI to simplify and optimize affiliate marketing performance.
Key Features
- Automates messaging and follow-ups
- Growth tools to help affiliates
- Conversion and click tracking
Benefits
- Saves tons of time via automation
- Affordably priced
Pricing
- Free Starter plan
- Growth and Pro packages
9. ReferralCandy
Turn happy customers into brand ambassadors with ReferralCandy‘s toolset.
Key Features
- Automated referral rewards system
- Custom reward values and programs
- Social promo integration
Benefits
- Makes word-of-mouth selling easy
- 30-day free trial
Pricing
- Three paid plans based on needs
10. Social Snowball
Social Snowball helps brands incentivize referrals while protecting margins.
Key Features
- Automated rewards platform
- Referral coupon protection
- Customizable promo tools
Benefits
- Helps avoid referral code abuse
- Feature-packed free version
Pricing
- Free Core version
- Three premium packages
11. Shopify Collabs
Shopify Collabs simplifies influencer partnership management and tracking.
Key Features
- Influencer discovery capabilities
- Automated payment processing
- Collab portal customization
Benefits
- Native integration and trust
- Fair 8% platform fee
Pricing
- Free to install, 8% transaction fee
12. Humaaans Referral Program
This customizable app builds automated referral capabilities right into your store.
Key Features
- On-site signups and tracking
- Custom rewards and bonuses
- Social sharing integration
Benefits
- Turns customers into affiliates
- 14-day free trial
Pricing
- Starter Plan $9/month
- Pro plan with more features
Launching a Successful Shopify Affiliate Program
The right app provides the foundation – but crafting an effective ongoing strategy matters too. Here are some best practices to drive performance:
Recruit Relevant Affiliates
Seek out influencers,loyal customers, niche blogs and complementary brands that align with products. Offer attractive commission rates to incentivize.
Make it as Easy as Possible
Provide pre-made text links, product photos, promo codes and anything else affiliates need to confidently promote you.
Focus on Delivering Value
Don’t just push people to your site. Create content and offers so compelling that affiliates want to share it.
Track Performance Closely
Leverage app dashboards to identify and further incentivize your best performers.
Stay Compliant
Have clear terms in place and ensure claims stay truthful. Disclose affiliate relationships as required.
The Time is Now
Hopefully this guide has shown why Shopify merchants should tap into affiliate marketing and the wide range of partner apps available.
With benefits like a wider reach, improved brand perception and highly scalable – the ROI potential is tremendous.
Pick an app that aligns with your needs and start growing!
