If you’re diving into affiliate marketing, you’ll quickly notice that not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some merchants run their own independent programs, while others are part of larger networks that manage everything in one place.
Awin is one of those networks—and it’s a big one. In fact, it’s one of the largest affiliate marketing platforms in the world, connecting bloggers, creators, and online entrepreneurs with thousands of companies across nearly every niche you can think of.
Let’s break down what makes Awin useful—and the few things you’ll want to watch out for. If you’re curious, you can check out Awin here while we break it down.
What is Awin?
Awin is an affiliate marketing network. That means instead of signing up for each company’s program individually, you apply once to Awin and then browse through their huge catalog of merchants.
From there, you can:
- Apply to the specific programs that fit your niche (for example, travel bloggers might apply to Booking.com, while finance bloggers might apply to budgeting apps)
- Get your affiliate links
- Promote them on your site, social media, or email list
- Earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase (or, in some cases, just signs up for a free trial)
👉 If you want to peek inside Awin’s marketplace, you can sign up here (affiliate link).
Keeps it friendly and transparent.
Think of it like a giant shopping mall of affiliate opportunities—except you’re the one earning a cut when people check out.
Why Awin is Useful for Side Hustlers
- Massive variety of merchants. Whether you’re building a niche site about travel, finance, lifestyle, or even B2B services, you’ll likely find relevant partners.
- Pay-per-lead options. Not every program requires a full sale—some will pay you simply for generating signups. That’s huge if you’re just getting started.
- Credibility. Awin has been around for years and works with many big-name brands. This isn’t a fly-by-night operation.
- All-in-one affiliate platform. Instead of juggling multiple dashboards and payout systems, you manage everything inside Awin.
If that sounds like the kind of tool you need in your side hustle toolkit, you can sign up for Awin here (affiliate link).
🧭 Scout’s Tip: Start with one program in your niche rather than applying to dozens at once. It keeps things simple and lets you see results faster.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
- 60-Day Commission Rule. Here’s the catch: Awin requires you to earn at least one commission within 60 days of joining. That can feel intimidating, but it’s really just their way of making sure affiliates are active. (Tip: You can always start with an easy-win program to lock in your account.)
- Merchant approvals vary. Some programs auto-approve affiliates, while others have stricter requirements. Don’t be discouraged if you get declined—just apply to a few others.
- Affiliate commission rates differ. Some merchants are generous, while others… not so much. Always check the terms before committing your time.
Scout’s Tip 🧭
Don’t treat Awin like a buffet where you grab one of everything. Instead, focus on finding programs that align naturally with your niche and audience. And if you’re nervous about that 60-day rule, apply to one of the free-trial or low-cost programs right away to secure your account before building out bigger, long-term content.
Scout’s Safety Net Picks
If you’re eyeing that first commission to activate your Awin account, consider these low-barrier options:
- 📝Look for CPL / Trial Programs
These require minimal effort from readers to convert—grab sign-ups, not purchases. They’re much easier to convert than high-dollar sales.
(Find them via Awin’s program filters—CPL or lead-based options.) - 🛒Promote Recognized Consumer Brands
Use Awin’s EPC filter to find brands with proven performance. Less approval resistance + strong brand trust = easy wins. - ✈️Tap into Travel Offers (e.g., Booking.com)
While their payout terms (around 60 days post-month of booking take longer, they often convert more reliably if your audience is actively planning trips.
These strategies help secure that essential first commission—so you stay on Awin’s platform and can keep building from there.
That way, you’ve secured your spot in Awin’s network and can keep exploring at your own pace — Scout approved ✅.
Scout’s Easy-Win Picks for Activating Your Awin Account
Need a fast lane to that first commission so your Awin account stays active? Try these low-barrier options:
- 🛠️App Tools with Generous Free Trials
Promote affiliate-friendly SaaS tools like AppsFlyer (30‑day trial + 50% off), Adjust (60‑day trial + 30% off), or Singular (90‑day trial + 10% off).- A single confirmed trial signup can secure your account activation faster than a full sale.
- ⚡Zapier (via Tech Partner Directory)
If your content covers productivity, remote work, or automation, Zapier’s 14‑day free trial is a great, universally appealing option. - 🛒Recognizable Retail & Travel Brands
Look for programs featuring brands like AliExpress, HigherDose, or Burton Snowboards. Their brand trust and potential for impulse buys make them solid auto‑approval and conversion candidates.
👉 You can sign up for Awin here (affiliate link) to explore these programs for yourself.
Verdict
✅ Tool, not scam.
Awin is one of the best affiliate networks out there for bloggers and content creators who want access to a wide variety of merchants without juggling a dozen different affiliate dashboards.
Whether you’re building your first niche site or scaling your content empire, Awin gives you access to programs that can match your hustle.
If you’re serious about affiliate marketing, Awin is worth adding to your toolkit.
Scout’s Verdict: ✅ Trusted, useful, and worth a spot in your toolkit.
Not ready to dive in yet? Check out my Amazon Associates Review for another beginner-friendly option.
Awin affiliate marketing network is a one-stop shop for a vast catalogue of merchants. It is like a giant shopping mall of affiliate opportunities. Awin gives you access to programs that can match your niche.
However, the 60-day commission rule that requires affiliates to earn at least one commission may discourage new clients from joining the Awin affiliate program.
Thanks, Nosa! I like your description of Awin as a “giant shopping mall” — that’s a great way to put it. And yes, the 60-day commission requirement can definitely feel like a hurdle for beginners, but I’ve found it can also motivate people to really focus on getting their first conversion early. Appreciate you sharing your perspective!
Hey Kris, thanks for the post…
when you talk about the 60day rule for awin – what happens if you don’t achieve it -do you get kicked out with no option to reapply or can you reapply but have to change all your links – same as amazons 90 day rule….
A lot of the easy win merchants wouldn’t be a fit with my site, so would you suggest waiting until i have a sizable audience before applying to awin or any affilaite program…
and i am really not understanding why merchants are going through awin – especially if we have to apply to each one after getting accepted by awin…
does it cost to join awin or is that free, how d othey make their money – d othey take a small percentage on any affiliate fees i get…
Hey Phil, great questions — thanks for diving in!
On the 60-day rule: if you don’t earn that first commission, Awin does remove your account. The links stop working, so you’d need to reapply and grab new ones. It’s a bit like Amazon’s 90-day rule, yes.
As for timing your application: if your site is brand new and you’re not sure about fit, it might make sense to build up a little audience first. But if you’ve already got some relevant content, applying early can be a motivator to get traffic flowing.
On why merchants use Awin: Awin gives them a centralized platform, reporting tools, and fraud protection. Affiliates still apply to individual programs, but merchants don’t have to manage thousands of affiliates one by one outside of a network.
And costs: it’s free for affiliates. Awin makes money by charging merchants a fee or a small cut of the commissions, not from your side.
Hope that clears things up! Thanks again for sparking such a solid discussion.