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What is a B2B SaaS Affiliate Program?

A SaaS affiliate program is a growth channel where external partners promote your software and earn a commission for every new paying customer they bring in. For B2B SaaS, it’s a cost-effective way to scale revenue without relying only on ads or outbound sales.

 

How a SaaS Affiliate Program Works

At its core, a SaaS affiliate program connects three parties:

  1. The SaaS company – provides the product, sets up the affiliate program, and pays commissions.

  2. The affiliate (partner) – promotes the product via content, communities, or marketing channels.

  3. The customer – signs up and pays for the SaaS product through the affiliate’s referral link.

Process (step by step):

  1. The SaaS company creates an affiliate program (using a platform like Reditus).

  2. Affiliates join the program and receive unique tracking links or coupon codes.

  3. Affiliates promote the SaaS through content, reviews, tutorials, or networks.

  4. When a lead converts into a paying customer, the affiliate earns a commission.

  5. The SaaS pays out recurring or one-time commissions, depending on the program.

Why SaaS Affiliate Programs Matter

  • Lower CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost): Pay only for results—commissions on actual revenue.

  • Scalable Growth: More affiliates = more reach into niches you may not reach via ads.

  • Trust & Authority: Affiliates often have existing audiences who trust their recommendations.

  • Recurring Revenue Potential: Most SaaS programs pay recurring commissions, making affiliates highly motivated to bring quality customers.

SaaS Affiliate Programs vs Referral Programs

  • Affiliate Program: External partners (bloggers, creators, consultants) promote your SaaS for commission.

  • Referral Program: Existing customers recommend your SaaS to friends or colleagues, often for discounts or perks.

👉 Tip: Many SaaS companies start with an in-app referral program and later scale with an affiliate program once product-market fit is established.

Best Practices for SaaS Affiliate Programs

  • Offer competitive commissions (recurring 20–30% is common in B2B SaaS).

  • Provide affiliates with ready-to-use assets (banners, email templates, landing pages).

  • Set clear terms (payout thresholds, attribution window, allowed channels).

  • Recruit relevant affiliates (focus on partners who already reach your ICP).

  • Track and optimize (measure conversion rates, LTV, and CAC to refine the program).

Examples of SaaS Affiliate Programs

  • Email marketing SaaS offering 30% recurring commission for every subscriber referred.

  • Analytics SaaS giving affiliates a $200 flat fee per qualified account.

  • B2B productivity tool combining affiliate commissions with in-app referrals for maximum reach.

FAQ – SaaS Affiliate Programs

Q: What is a good commission rate for SaaS affiliates?

A: Most B2B SaaS companies offer 20–30% recurring commissions, but it depends on margins and sales cycles.

Q: How do affiliates promote SaaS products effectively?

A: Common channels include blogs, LinkedIn, YouTube tutorials, comparison sites, and newsletters targeting your ICP.

Q: What’s the difference between recurring and one-time commissions?

A: Recurring pays affiliates for every subscription renewal, while one-time is a single payout on the first sale.

Q: How long should the cookie window be?

A: A 60–90 day attribution window is common in SaaS, giving affiliates credit for delayed buying cycles.

Q: Can I run both referral and affiliate programs together?

A: Yes—referrals tap into existing customers, while affiliates expand reach through external channels

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