How to Find Affiliate Programs 

Affiliate marketing sounds great in theory – promote products, earn commissions, repeat. But finding the right programs? That’s where things can get a little tricky. With thousands of affiliate offers floating around, not all of them are created equal. Some are legit and worth your time. Others? Not so much.

Whether you’re a total beginner or already dabbling in the space, knowing where (and how) to look makes a huge difference. It’s not just about signing up for the biggest brand or the flashiest offer – it’s about alignment. Audience, payout model, product type, and trust factor all come into play.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some people thrive with niche platforms. Others do better through large affiliate networks. And then there are those who go straight to the source – pitching brands directly.

So where do you begin? How do you avoid the noise and focus on what works? Let’s break it down step by step.

What Are Affiliate Programs?

Affiliate programs are partnerships between a company and a marketer – usually an individual or small business – where you (the affiliate) promote the company’s product or service and earn a commission for every action you generate. That action could be a sale, a sign-up, a deposit, a click… depending on the program.

In iGaming, these programs are everywhere. Online casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, esports platforms – most of them run affiliate programs. You bring in a new player, they place a deposit or bet, and you earn a cut. It’s performance-based marketing at its core. The more valuable the player, the more you typically earn.

What makes affiliate programs appealing is the low barrier to entry and the ability to scale. No need to build your own product or deal with customer support – you just focus on traffic and conversions.

Bottom line: it’s a win-win setup. Brands get more users, and you get paid for driving results.

Ways to Find Profitable Affiliate Offers

Finding affiliate programs isn’t hard – finding good ones, though? That takes a little more digging. There’s no magic link or one-size-fits-all platform that hands out high-converting offers on a silver platter. You’ve got to know where to look – and what to look for.

Some people stick to big affiliate networks. Others swear by going straight to niche brands. And then there’s the DIY route – hunting down opportunities, cold-emailing companies, or stalking affiliate threads in forums. Different methods work for different people. What matters most is understanding your niche, your audience, and the kind of offers that fit both.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on the numbers: commission structure, conversion rates, cookie duration, and payout schedule. A flashy offer doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t convert or pay out once every full moon.

In the next few sections, we’ll break down five practical ways to find affiliate offers that are worth your time – from networks to directories and even forums where affiliates spill the good stuff. Whether you’re just starting out or figuring out how to find affiliate links that convert, this is where things get real. Take what works, ignore the noise, and test as you go.

1. Explore Affiliate Networks

Affiliate networks are a great place to start – or level up. Think of them as marketplaces where you can browse hundreds of offers across different industries, without having to hunt brands down one by one. You sign up once, and you get access to a bunch of programs, ready to go.

Some networks specialize in specific niches, while others cater to a wide global mix. Whether you’re targeting Tier-1 markets like the US, UK, or Australia, or going after Tier-2 regions with rising potential, networks usually have offers to match.

Take G.Partners, for example – it’s an international affiliate network that focuses heavily on iGaming and gives you access to brands designed for different geos. That’s especially useful if you’re juggling traffic sources from around the world.

Networks won’t do the work for you, but they do make it easier to find legit, well-paying programs – without chasing down contacts or worrying about sketchy terms.

2. Research Niche-Specific Brands

🔍 Identify Your Niche	If you already know your niche – stick with it. That’s where niche-specific affiliate programs shine. These are brands that may not show up on big networks but offer higher commissions, better support, or more tailored promo tools for your audience.
🎯 Focus on Relevant Niches	Let’s say you’re in iGaming, crypto, or online education – plenty of companies run in-house affiliate programs and are actively looking for partners who get their space. These brands often care more about quality traffic than huge volumes, which can work in your favor if you’ve got a loyal audience.
🌐 Check Brand Websites	Start by checking the websites of products you already use or promote. Scroll to the bottom – if they have an affiliate program, it’s usually linked in the footer.

And if not? Don’t be shy about reaching out. Some of the best deals aren’t advertised publicly.

3. Contact Companies Directly

Not all affiliate programs are out in the open. Some brands run private or invite-only partnerships – and the only way in is to ask. Reaching out directly shows you’re serious and often puts you on the radar for better deals, custom terms, or early access to new offers.

Start with brands you already know or trust. If you’re already sending them traffic organically, that’s a great opening line. Mention your audience, your channels, and how you plan to promote – nothing fancy, just honest and clear.

This approach isn’t instant, and not every company replies. But the ones that do? They’re usually far more engaged with their affiliates, which can mean better communication, faster payouts, and more room to grow together.

4. Use Affiliate Program Directories

🔍 Explore Directories	If you’re not sure where to start – or just want to compare options quickly – affiliate directories can save you hours. These are websites that list hundreds (sometimes thousands) of affiliate programs, sorted by category, payout model, or niche.
📋 Find Diverse Offers	You’ll find everything from big-name brands to small, niche offers that don’t show up on networks. Some directories even include reviews, commission breakdowns, and traffic recommendations – super helpful if you’re still figuring out what fits.
🚀 Use as a Launchpad	It’s not a magic bullet (you’ll still need to do your homework), but directories are a great way to see what’s out there without having to search every brand one by one. Think of them as a launchpad, not the final destination.
🕒 Choose Updated Platforms	Look for platforms that are regularly updated – outdated listings waste time and lead to dead ends. And as always, double-check the actual program before signing up.

5. Explore Affiliate Communities and Forums

Sometimes the best affiliate tips come from other affiliates – not landing pages. That’s where communities and forums come in. Reddit threads, Telegram groups, Discord servers, private Facebook groups, niche Slack channels… there’s a whole underground of marketers sharing what’s working right now, including exactly where to find affiliate links that are worth testing.

These spaces can be goldmines for discovering hidden offers, getting honest feedback on networks, and learning which verticals are hot (or dying). People drop case studies, screenshots, rants – it’s unfiltered, which makes it valuable.

You won’t always get clear answers (and you’ll need to sift through the noise), but staying plugged into these circles gives you a feel for how fast things change. And sometimes, a random comment leads to your next best-converting offer.

Just remember: contribute, don’t just lurk. Share what’s working for you too – that’s how you build trust and stay in the loop.

Evaluating Affiliate Programs

Not every affiliate program is worth your time – even if it looks shiny on the surface. High commissions mean nothing if the offer doesn’t convert or the payout terms are vague. Before jumping in, take a closer look.

Check the essentials:

• Commission structure (rev share, CPA, hybrid?).
• Payment terms and frequency.
• Conversion rates (if available).
• Tracking and reporting tools.
• Reputation – both of the program and the brand behind it.

A little research upfront saves a lot of frustration later. And if you’re working with CPA models, the evaluation process can be even more specific.

Want a deeper breakdown? Head over to our full guide: How to Choose a Profitable CPA Network – it covers red flags, key metrics, and how to spot a good deal from a mile away.

Benefits of Joining Affiliate Programs on G.Partners

Joining G.Partners means stepping into a system that’s built for affiliates – not just built to look good. With over five years on the market and more than $50 million paid out to partners, it’s a platform that’s proven it can deliver.

Here’s what sets it apart:

Benefit 🌟	Details 📋
💸 Flexible payout models	CPA up to xxxxx xxxxxxxx xx xx xxx, all customizable based on your performance and traffic type.
🛠️ Built-in tools	From domain parking to link rotators and rental apps, you’ve got everything in one place.
📊 Real-time dashboard	Track your performance with full transparency and no delays.
🤝 Reliable support	A personal manager + full accounting guidance = fewer headaches, faster growth.
⛰️ Long-term stability	This isn’t a one-campaign setup – it’s a platform for building a scalable income.

What’s especially useful is how G.Partners balances structure with flexibility. Whether you’re just starting out or already managing multiple traffic sources, you get a framework that adapts to your strategy – not the other way around.

Still unsure if affiliate marketing is worth your time? We broke down the full picture in this post: Benefits of Affiliate Marketing. Spoiler: it’s worth a look.