If you want to launch a B2B affiliate marketing program in 2025, here's how to do it based on thousands of successful affiliate programs powered by Rewardful, the affiliate tracking software.
There’s much more to it than just setting up the tools you need and waiting for the referrals to roll in. Think strategic partnerships, compelling offers, and robust affiliate program management.
This guide is a comprehensive look at how to build a B2B affiliate marketing program that stands out and attracts affiliate marketers.
Plus we'll share some winning B2B affiliate marketing examples to show you what's possible.
Is an Affiliate Program Even Right for B2B?
Most likely, the answer is yes.
Did you know that affiliate marketing is responsible for 16% of all internet orders in the U.S.
B2B affiliate marketing has proven effective strategy for lowering customer acquisition costs (CAC) across various industries, like health and wellness, SaaS, AI, and financial services.
However, it's important to note that there's no one-size-fits-all template for success in this arena.
So before diving in, assess whether an affiliate program aligns with your business model, goals, and budget. Consider factors like your product’s nature, target market, and the length of your sales cycle.
Your product should have a clear value proposition and a well-defined target audience.
Once you tick all the boxes and truly understand what you are offering and asking, you can proceed with setting up a referral program that provides value to both affiliates and your potential customers.
What Sets Successful B2B Affiliate Programs Apart?
We’ve seen companies like Pallyy achieve 22% MRR growth. Uplifting even reached $700k in sales with its B2B affiliate marketing program.
And we could go on for a while (but you might just want to read our case studies instead).
While this sounds promising, it didn’t happen magically.
Certain business affiliate programs stand out, leaving others in the shadows.
We’ve seen that the distinction between a successful B2B affiliate marketing strategy and an average one often boils down to a few key factors:
1. There’s a Strong Strategic Alignment with Business Goals and Resources
Successful B2B programs have a clear alignment with the company's broader business objectives and resources.
They are not standalone operations; instead, they're integrated seamlessly into the overall marketing and sales strategy, complementing and enhancing the company's goals.
To add, companies are willing to invest time and resources in it.
Rewardful’s pricing certainly doesn’t break the bank, and our affiliate marketing course is totally free, but you will need to put the hours in.
2. They Choose Quality Over Quantity in Affiliate Selection
Top-performing partner programs prioritize the recruitment of high-quality affiliates over a large pool of partners.
These metrics from our own research give you some more insight into that.
3. Decisions Are Made Quickly and Confidently Thanks to Data
Successful programs don’t sleep on their data.
They leverage internal analytics and competitive analysis to inform their strategies.
They monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and insights from data to refine affiliate tactics and optimize affiliate campaigns.
This also enables them to act faster than others.
4. There’s an innovative and adaptable approach
Not all affiliate programs need to look alike.
The most successful ones aren’t afraid to experiment with new promotional strategies, target audiences, commission structures, or affiliate incentives.
Moreover, they stay adaptable, and ready to pivot based on performance data, affiliate feedback, and evolving market trends.
5. Affiliate relationships and support come first
Your affiliate partners are not just puppets in your marketing game.
People are people, even in the B2B context. Your affiliate partners are real humans trying to earn a living and learn new skills.
Beyond just transactional interactions, successful B2B programs are designed to build mutually beneficial referral partnerships.
They provide continuous support, training, and marketing assets to ensure their affiliates are well-equipped to succeed.
6. They prioritize effective communication and engagement
Regular, clear communication is a hallmark of successful affiliate partnerships.
The best programs out there don't wait for their affiliates to reach out with questions – they make sure their affiliates are always up to speed and are constantly keeping them engaged.
Whether it's sharing product updates, market insights, creative assets, or promotional strategies, they are transparent and hey, even fun to keep up with.
7. Investing in the right technology is a must
Using the right affiliate software, like Rewardful, can make a significant difference.
These B2B programs benefit from robust tracking capabilities, seamless integrations, and user-friendly dashboards, making affiliate program management more efficient and effective.
Having one go-to tool for all things affiliate marketing helps brands stay on top of things and not waste time.
8. They invest in focused and skilled management
Your affiliate marketing program’s success strongly depends on the presence of a knowledgeable affiliate manager.
These dedicated affiliate managers handle the day-to-day operations and bring strategic insight and leadership to the program, driving its growth and success.
They’re the heart of the community and give that human touch to it. Cherish them.
9. There’s a Long-Term Vision
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: affiliate marketing isn’t a quick fix.
Successful B2B affiliate programs are designed with a long-term vision. They are scalable, and capable of growing and evolving as the company and market dynamics change.
Building Your Affiliate Program From the Ground Up: Steps for Success
Don't worry, this is not some generic step-by-step guide on setting up an affiliate program.
Yes, we’ll walk you through the steps, but we’ll mainly focus on how you'll nail them.
Identifying Your Ideal Affiliates
Success in affiliate marketing heavily relies on choosing the right affiliate partners.
Ideal affiliates for business scenarios are often B2B influencers, niche content creators, business buyers, affiliate networks, and platforms that cater to your target industry.
Here’s where to find them:
- Forums and groups: be an active participant in niche forums and LinkedIn or Facebook groups. Look for active contributors with solid online presence who get attention and have respect in your industry. Don't ignore less popular social media platforms, Reddit and Instagram can also be goldmines for this.
- B2B event networking: connect with speakers and attendees at industry events, not necessarily with vast networks.
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator: leverage this tool for precision in identifying B2B marketers and potential affiliates with a strong professional network and access to a wider audience.
- Current customers: When it comes to building a robust B2B affiliate marketing program, one of the most underutilized is your current customer base. Existing clients are not just sources of revenue; they can also become powerful advocates for your brand through their participation in affiliate programs.
Crafting a Truly Compelling Offer
Does it frustrate you when you read a job offer that boasts a ‘competitive salary’ but then doesn't give you numbers?
Yeah, affiliates feel the same.
They are not looking for an affiliate program that matches the rest, they want one that stands out.
Now, you don't need to give unreasonably high commission rates, but research what potential partners are expecting and try to be on or above that.
You should also be offering other things, such as:
- Exclusive access: give affiliates early access to new products or services, making their promotion unique. Or give them a premium subscription if they sign up as affiliates.
- Engaging landing pages: develop a dedicated, engaging landing page on your website specifically for your affiliate program. Don’t hide your program somewhere in the footer.
- Personalized outreach: reach out to potential affiliates with personalized communication, such as video messages or collaborative content opportunities.
Build Strong Relationships with Affiliates
Nurturing relationships with your affiliates is critical. It goes beyond sending information their way. Here’s how to make this a success:
- Affiliate advisory board: form a board with top-performing affiliates to gather feedback and foster a sense of community.
- Affiliate co-creation of products: involve top-performing affiliates in the co-creation or beta testing of new products. Their insights can improve your offerings and give them a deeper connection to your brand.
- Affiliate mentorship programs: pair new affiliates with experienced ones in a mentorship program, fostering skill development and more in-depth engagement within your affiliate community.
Integrating Your Affiliate Program with Your Existing Marketing and Sales Strategy
An affiliate program is not a side mission.
A successful B2B affiliate program should align with your broader marketing and sales objectives, so they all complement each other.
This alignment also ensures consistency in messaging.
Let’s look at some key integration tactics:
- Harmonize goals: align your affiliate program with your marketing objectives, such as focusing rewards around lead generation if that's a priority.
- Sales funnel alignment: tailor your affiliate program to fit into your sales funnel stages, providing affiliates with appropriate content and tools.
- Consistent brand messaging: ensure that affiliates are equipped with content that reflects your brand's voice and values.
Cultivating In-House Expertise for B2B Affiliate Marketing
So, who’s going to be spearheading the affiliate venture?
B2B affiliate marketing requires dedicated attention and expertise.
Running a successful affiliate program isn’t something you do on the side, so don’t just put it on the plate of a digital marketer who already has full-time responsibilities.
Instead, appoint someone who can dedicate more time and love to it.
If that’s someone who's already part of the team but who isn't trained in it yet, train them.
Here's how you can ensure your team is well-equipped for the task:
Encourage Learning and Training Programs
Make sure you cover the fundamentals of affiliate marketing, the specifics of B2B environments, and the nuances of your particular industry. From that point on, they can dive deeper and specialize further. A great starting point is our very own (free!) course.
Apart from the nuts and bolts of affiliate marketing, make sure they are also trained in relationship building, have a solid set of analytical skills and are up to speed with legal and compliance matters.
Make Sure Roles and Responsibilities Are Understood
Clearly define the roles and responsibilities within your affiliate marketing team.
From affiliate recruitment and relationship management to analytics and reporting – ensure that each team member understands their role in the program's success.
Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration in Promotional Efforts
Encourage your affiliate marketing team to collaborate with other departments such as sales, marketing, and customer service.
This integrated approach ensures a cohesive strategy and a consistent brand message across all channels.
Empower Your Team with the Right Tools
Equip your team with the right tools and affiliate marketing software to manage and track the program efficiently.
Familiarize them with the software’s features, reporting tools, and automation capabilities through the affiliate dashboard.
Providing thorough training on how to navigate the dashboard is essential for maximizing effectiveness.
Successful B2B Affiliate Marketing Program Examples
If you're looking for some inspiration for your B2B affiliate program, as promised, here are some of the most successful affiliate program examples powered by Rewardful.
Adalo
Adalo is a no-code platform that helps users to create apps without needing to write actual code. They offer a 20% recurring commission for the first 12 months of a customer's subscription.
- Commission: 20%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 60 days
Hunter
Hunter lets you find professional email addresses in seconds and connect with the people that matter for your business. They offer a 30% recurring commission for the first 12 months of their subscription.
- Commission: 30%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 30 days
beehiiv
beehiiv is a newsletter platform that offers one of the most lucrative affiliate programs in the industry. Affiliates can earn a remarkable 50% commission on all referred revenue for the first year.
- Commission: up to 60%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 60 days
Join beehiiv affiliate program
Taplio
Taplio is a tool designed to help users grow their LinkedIn presence. Affiliates earn 30% of all the payments made by customers you referred for 12 months.
- Commission: 30%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
HeyGen
HeyGen specializes in AI-powered video creation, allowing users to produce high-quality videos effortlessly. They offer a 20% commission for the first 12 months of a new Creator or Team paid subscription.
- Commission: 20%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 60 days
Synthesia
Synthesia is an AI video creation platform that enables users to generate videos using AI avatars. Their affiliate program offers 25% commission on all Starter and Creator plan payments.
- Commission: 25%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 60 days
Join Synthesia affiliate program
Koala AI
Koala AI provides KoalaWriter and KoalaChat, the best AI writer and chatbot. They offer a 30% lifetime recurring commission on all sales.
- Commission: 30%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 60 days
Join Koala AI affiliate program
Baremetrics
Baremetrics offers analytics and insights for subscription-based businesses. Refer customers to Baremetrics and get 20% recurring commissions every month. Plus, customers you refer will get 50% off their first month.
- Commission: 20%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 60 days
Join Baremetrics affiliate program
Uplisting
Uplisting is a property management software designed for short-term rental businesses. They provide affiliates with 30% commission on all payments within the first 12 months for paying customers you refer.
- Commission: 30%
- Recurring vs. one-time: Recurring
- Cookie duration: 30 days
Join Uplisting affiliate program
Set Yourself Up for Success with Rewardful
Choosing the right marketing tools is just a part of the puzzle, but it’s a big one.
If you’d like a tailored walkthrough and onboarding experience, schedule a free demo call with our team.
We’ve built the perfect platform for SaaS brands that really want to grow big through B2B affiliate marketing.
Check out Rewardful pricing and get started today.
FAQs - Strategies to Build a Profitable B2B Affiliate Program
1. How Do You Launch a Successful B2B Affiliate Marketing Program?
To build a successful affiliate marketing program for B2B, consider focusing on the following points:
- Find affiliates that match your B2B product language (quality over quantity)
- Make affiliate program a long-term business commitment
- Support your affiliates with updated resources and build a personalized relationship
- Don’t be afraid to try new campaign tactics, commission structures, and affiliate incentives
Learn more about affiliate marketing for B2B businesses in our affiliate marketing course.
2. How Do You Recruit the Right Affiliates for a B2B Affiliate Program?
Here are some tips for finding the ideal affiliates for a B2B affiliate program:
- Create a dedicated section on your website to promote your affiliate program
- Reach out to the industry influencers
- Analyze the affiliates of your competitors and match their offers
- Boost your affiliate marketing campaign with paid ads
Learn more in this How To Effectively Recruite Affiliate guide.
3. Rewardful vs. Tapfiliate - Which Is Best for a B2B Affiliate Program?
If you’re looking for an affiliate management tool designed around B2B SaaS businesses, Rewardful is your best choice.
With Rewardful, you can easily customize commission structure (e.g., based on the lifetime value or recurring revenue), segment affiliates (e.g., based on your product or target groups), and more.
Furthermore, Rewardful has higher reviews (on platforms like G2 and Capterra) and is more cost-friendly than Tapfiliate (the plan starts at $49 vs. $119 monthly). And with Rewardful’s transparent pricing plans, you’ll always know what you’re paying for.
Check out the details of Rewardful and Tapfiliate comparisons here.
