# Channels Affiliate

> When the user wants to plan, implement, or optimize affiliate marketing strategy. Also use when the user mentions "affiliate marketing," "affiliate program strategy," "CPS model," "affiliate recruitment," or "commission structure."

- Skill: `tools-only/channels-affiliate` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add tools-only/channels-affiliate`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/channels-affiliate/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Marketing & Growth
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/channels-affiliate

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# Channels: Affiliate

Guides affiliate marketing strategy for AI/SaaS products. Affiliate marketing uses a CPS (Cost Per Sale) model—pay only when sales occur. ROI typically 5:1 to 10:1; CAC 40%–50% lower than paid ads.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Check for product marketing context first:** If `.claude/product-marketing-context.md` or `.cursor/product-marketing-context.md` exists, read it for product, audience, and positioning.

Identify:
1. **Product type**: SaaS, AI tool, subscription
2. **Commission model**: Pay-per-sale, pay-per-lead, pay-per-click
3. **Target affiliates**: Content creators, publishers, coupon sites

## Commission Models

| Model | Use | Typical Rate |
|-------|-----|--------------|
| **Pay-per-sale** | Most common; pay on conversion | 10%–20% |
| **Pay-per-lead** | Lead gen (signup, form fill) | $5–50/lead |
| **Pay-per-click** | Rare; risk of abuse | $0.01–10.50/click |

For SaaS: Prefer pay-per-sale or pay-per-lead. Recurring commissions for subscriptions.

## Key Terms

| Term | Definition |
|------|------------|
| **Cookie duration** | Attribution window (typically 30–90 days) |
| **Recurring commission** | Ongoing % from subscription renewals |
| **Sub-affiliate** | Affiliates who recruit other affiliates |
| **Attribution** | Linking sale to correct affiliate |

## Promotion Channels

- **Content creators**: Bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, social influencers
- **Publishers**: Media, niche sites, email newsletters
- **Coupon/cashback**: Price-sensitive users
- **Communities**: Facebook Groups, Discord, Reddit, forums
- **Existing customers**: Word-of-mouth via referral rewards

## Setup Options

| Approach | Use |
|----------|-----|
| **Self-build** | Typeform, Google Forms; quick, low budget |
| **Third-party** | Rewardful, Tolt, Tapfiliate (recommended for AI/SaaS) |

## Best Practices

- **rel=sponsored**: Tag affiliate links per Google guidelines
- **Transparent disclosure**: Disclose affiliate relationships
- **Recruit authentic affiliates**: Align with brand; avoid low-quality networks
- **Diversify partners**: Multiple affiliates reduce risk
- **SEO for affiliate content**: Affiliate content drives organic traffic

## Output Format

- **Commission model** recommendation
- **Channel** strategy
- **Recruitment** approach
- **Tool** selection
- **Checklist** for launch

## Related Skills

- **pages-affiliate-program**: Landing page for affiliate signup
- **channels-influencer**: Often paired; influencers can be affiliates
- **channels-referral**: User-driven referral vs. affiliate-driven
- **channels-directories**: Directory submission complements affiliate; both drive backlinks and traffic
- **channels-community-forum**: Communities (Discord, Reddit, forums) as affiliate recruitment channel