Email remains the highest-ROI channel in most stacks, which is why email marketing SaaS tends to be a dependable earner for affiliates. Tools are sticky (recurring usage), migrations are infrequent (retention), and trial-to-paid journeys can be nudged with the right onboarding content. The question isn’t “Which program pays the highest headline rate?”—it’s which program your audience is most likely to try, adopt, and keep, maximizing your realized earnings per click (EPC). This guide ranks the best email marketing affiliate programs in 2025 by real-world outcomes: conversion friction, retention/LTV fit, audience alignment, and compliance flexibility.
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You’ll get a comparison matrix, persona-based recommendations, deep dives for eight major programs, an EPC model you can reuse, and playbooks to launch campaigns this week.
Note: Specific rates, cookie windows, and payout cadences can change. Always confirm current terms in your affiliate dashboards before you publish numbers.
TL;DR Verdict
- Best for creators/newsletters: ConvertKit
- Best for SMB automation: ActiveCampaign
- Best free-to-paid ramp: MailerLite and Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
- Best for agencies & lead gen: GetResponse
- Best legacy/associations & events: Constant Contact
- Best broad-awareness pick for beginners: Mailchimp
- Best “classic” alternative with loyal user base: AWeber
Use these as starting positions. Your true winner depends on who’s reading your content and what job they’re trying to complete.
Our Methodology (Skim-Friendly)
We evaluated each program against five practical criteria and scored them internally (0–5) to create a short, punchy stack rank:
- Payout Potential – Commission model quality (bounty/recurring/hybrid) and realistic earning power for typical audiences.
- Conversion Friction – Trial experience, onboarding clarity, and plan structure that encourages adoption vs. stalls it.
- Retention/LTV Fit – Features that keep users long term (automation depth, deliverability, reporting, integrations).
- Compliance Flexibility – Clarity on allowed traffic, paid search guidelines, coupon language, and affiliate-friendly policies.
- Persona Fit – How naturally the product fits common audiences (creators, SMBs, agencies, nonprofits).
We then mapped content angles proven to convert: comparison pages, quickstart checklists, migration guides, and email sequence templates.
Side-by-Side Comparison – Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs (Snapshot for 2025)
| Program | Commission Model* | Cookie & Attribution* | Trial Type | Best For | Not Ideal For |
| Mailchimp | Hybrid style common; verify in dashboard | Standard cookie; typical trial/plan attribution | Free tier → paid | Beginners, general SMB | Power users needing deep automation |
| Brevo (Sendinblue) | Often recurring-friendly tiers; verify | Standard cookie; trial-to-paid credit | Generous free plan | Budget-conscious SMB, transactional email | Complex multi-brand automation |
| ActiveCampaign | Often recurring/higher LTV; verify | Standard cookie | Trial/POC | SMB automation, CRM-ish workflows | Hobby newsletters |
| ConvertKit | Creator-centric; recurring common; verify | Standard cookie | Free tier → paid | Creators, newsletters, solo makers | Complex CRM needs |
| GetResponse | Hybrid; strong funnel tools; verify | Standard cookie | Trial | Agencies, webinar funnels, lead gen | Minimalist newsletter use |
| AWeber | Classic model; verify | Standard cookie | Free tier → paid | Bloggers, long-time users | Heavy automation/CRM needs |
| MailerLite | Recurring-friendly; verify | Standard cookie | Free tier → paid | Beginners, creators on a budget | Enterprise complexity |
| Constant Contact | Hybrid; verify | Standard cookie | Trial | Nonprofits, associations, event-driven orgs | Power automation users |
*We’re not listing specific rates or cookie windows here—check your live dashboards for current details before publishing numbers.
How to Choose (Quick Quiz)
Who are you helping?
- Creators/newsletters → ConvertKit, MailerLite
- SMBs needing automations/CRM touches → ActiveCampaign, GetResponse
- Budget-driven beginners → MailerLite, Brevo
- Nonprofits/associations/events → Constant Contact
- General beginners with broad name recognition → Mailchimp
What’s their first win?
- Launch a newsletter over the weekend → ConvertKit, MailerLite
- Build a simple automation (welcome/abandoned cart) → ActiveCampaign, GetResponse
- Send their first campaign cheaply → Brevo, MailerLite
- Roll out an event/invite flow → Constant Contact
What migration friction will they hit?
- Templates & forms → show a migration checklist
- Domain auth & deliverability → publish a one-page DKIM/SPF guide
- List hygiene → create a list cleaning/consent mini-guide
Program Deep Dives (Why Each Wins in 2025)
Each section follows a consistent template so readers can compare apples-to-apples. Add your own screenshots, case snippets, and links to your individual brand hubs.
Mailchimp — The Broad-Awareness On-Ramp
Why it wins: Massive name recognition, intuitive UI, and a clear free-to-paid path make Mailchimp a safe recommendation for beginners who just need to send campaigns and basic automations.
Best for: First newsletter, small stores, general SMBs.
Why it converts: Familiarity + fast time-to-sending; templates and integrations everywhere.
Retention drivers: Built-in forms/landing pages, baseline automation, growing ecommerce features.
Promo angles that work:
- “Start a newsletter in a weekend” (checklist)
- “Mailchimp vs [X]: which is best for beginners?” (verdict box at the top)
- “How to authenticate your domain (SPF/DKIM) in 10 minutes” (deliverability win)
Compliance watchouts: Don’t overpromise deliverability; follow email consent rules.
Linking: Route to your Mailchimp hub, plus deliverability and comparison posts.
Also Read – Best Hosting & Cloud Platform Affiliate Programs
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) — Value & Transactional Power
Why it wins: Competitive pricing and transactional email capabilities make Brevo compelling for budget-conscious SMBs and dev-curious teams that want marketing + transactional under one roof.
Best for: Budget SMBs, SaaS with both transactional and marketing needs.
Why it converts: Free tier reduces friction; solid automations without intimidation.
Retention drivers: Transactional email, SMS options, decent templating and segmentation.
Promo angles that work:
- “Budget email stack: launch and send today”
- “Transactional + marketing in one: set up order confirmations + a welcome series”
- “Brevo vs [X] for budget growth”
Compliance watchouts: Be clear about opt-in and transactional vs marketing streams.
Linking: To Brevo hub, list hygiene guide, and a transactional setup tutorial.
ActiveCampaign — Automation Depth for SMBs (Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs)
Why it wins: Automations, tagging, conditional logic, and CRM-ish features enable sophisticated customer journeys that keep businesses sticky.
Best for: SMBs ready to move beyond “blast emails,” agencies, and course sellers.
Why it converts: Trial users quickly feel the power of automation templates; CRM-lite tooling helps bridge sales and marketing.
Retention drivers: Deep automation library, split actions, site tracking, and goal tracking.
Promo angles that work:
- “Build a 7-email welcome → pitch sequence in 30 minutes”
- “ActiveCampaign vs [X]: automation depth compared”
- “From lead to sale: simple pipeline + email”
Compliance watchouts: Explain consent and tracking clearly; avoid exaggerated ROI claims.
Linking: To the ActiveCampaign hub, automation blueprints, and a CRM pipeline tutorial.
ConvertKit — Creator-Centric & Newsletter-First
Why it wins: Built for creators—clean UI, tag-based segmentation, smart forms, and an ecosystem centered on subscriptions and audience growth.
Best for: Creators, newsletter operators, solo makers, writers, YouTubers.
Why it converts: Free tier + creator language + templates that match real use cases.
Retention drivers: Visual automations, paid newsletters, creator-friendly integrations.
Promo angles that work:
- “Newsletter in a weekend: templates + sequences”
- “ConvertKit vs [X] for creators: deliverability & simplicity”
- “Turn readers into paid subscribers (setup in under an hour)”
Compliance watchouts: Don’t promise growth guarantees; emphasize consistent publishing.
Linking: To ConvertKit hub, welcome sequence template, paid newsletter guide.
GetResponse — Funnels, Webinars, and Lead Gen
Why it wins: A “do more in one place” approach: email + funnels + webinars + landing pages. Agencies and advanced marketers like the breadth.
Best for: Agencies, B2B lead gen, coaches who run webinars.
Why it converts: Prospects can launch full campaigns (LP → webinar → emails) without duct tape.
Retention drivers: Webinar hosting, automation, funnel builder, decent reporting.
Promo angles that work:
- “Run your first webinar funnel this week (templates included)”
- “GetResponse vs [X]: one-stop campaigns vs tool stacks”
- “Lead magnet → nurture → booking call: 3-day setup”
Compliance watchouts: Clarify webinar replay policies and email consent.
Linking: To GetResponse hub, webinar funnel tutorial, lead magnet templates.
AWeber — A Veteran with Loyal Users (Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs)
Why it wins: Long history, reliable deliverability, and simplicity appeal to bloggers and small businesses who value straightforward lists and broadcasts.
Best for: Bloggers, long-time newsletter users, simple automations.
Why it converts: Trust + easy setup; many tutorials and community examples exist.
Retention drivers: Solid deliverability, template library, basic automations, simple pricing.
Promo angles that work:
- “Launch your first newsletter (no overwhelm)”
- “AWeber vs [X] for classic newsletters”
- “List hygiene and engagement wins in 20 minutes”
Compliance watchouts: Be crystal-clear on consent and re-permissioning dormant lists.
Linking: To AWeber hub, list hygiene guide, subject line swipe file.
Must See – Best AI Writing & Content Tool Affiliate Programs
MailerLite — Simple, Affordable, Surprisingly Capable
Why it wins: A low-friction free tier with an editor people love. Many creators begin here and graduate later—making it a perfect entry point for budget-sensitive audiences.
Best for: Beginners, creators on a budget, simple automations.
Why it converts: The UI encourages publishing quickly; pricing eases “should I try this?” decisions.
Retention drivers: Intuitive editor, landing pages, basic automation, decent deliverability.
Promo angles that work:
- “Your first 500 subscribers on a budget (step-by-step)”
- “MailerLite vs [X]: where simplicity wins”
- “Set up a welcome series and a monthly newsletter in 30 minutes”
Compliance watchouts: Help readers authenticate domains and avoid image-heavy templates.
Linking: To MailerLite hub, beginner onboarding guide, welcome sequence templates.
Constant Contact — Associations, Nonprofits, Events
Why it wins: Event tools and templates for nonprofits and associations are a big draw, plus a support model that works well for less technical teams.
Best for: Nonprofits, associations, events, local organizations.
Why it converts: Clear “event + email” use cases and approachable UX.
Retention drivers: Event registration, basic automations, templated campaigns, support.
Promo angles that work:
- “Run your event invite + reminders + follow-up in one weekend”
- “Constant Contact vs [X] for nonprofits and clubs”
- “Year-round outreach calendar: holidays, fundraisers, volunteer drives”
Compliance watchouts: Ensure nonprofit senders respect donor privacy and consent rules.
Linking: To Constant Contact hub, event campaign templates, nonprofit outreach calendar.
Check Out – Best SEO Tools Affiliate Programs
EPC Reality Check (Model Before You Pick)
“Highest commission” is irrelevant if your traffic doesn’t convert. Use this simple EPC spreadsheet for each program:
Inputs (per month)
- Sessions to the page
- CTR to program (page → click)
- Click → trial/start rate
- Trial → paid (0–30, 31–60, 61–90 days)
- Average commission model (based on your dashboard)
Outputs
- Total revenue
- EPC = revenue ÷ clicks
- Time-to-revenue curve (stack the 0–30/31–60/61–90 cohorts)
Example (illustrative numbers—replace with your data):
- 10,000 sessions → 8% CTR = 800 clicks
- Click → trial 35% = 280 trials
- Trial → paid 20% (0–60 days) = 56 paid
- Revenue = 56 × [your commission model]
- EPC = revenue ÷ 800
Three levers that move EPC fast:
- Above-the-fold Quick Verdict (“Best for creators → ConvertKit… Best for SMB automation → ActiveCampaign…”)
- Lead magnet fit (e.g., Welcome Series Kit for creators; Lead Gen Funnel Kit for SMB)
- Post-click onboarding emails (3–4 messages that turn trials into an immediate win)
Related – Best Project Management & Productivity Affiliate Programs
Playbooks by Persona (Reusable Blueprints)
A) Creator/Newsletter Playbook
Content to publish:
- “Newsletter in a Weekend” (with template pack)
- “Subject Line Swipe File: 50 Proven Hooks”
- “From Free to Paid: How to launch subscriptions”
Lead magnet: Welcome Series Kit (5 emails, prompts, cadence).
Post-click nurture (4 emails):
- Day 0: “Import your list + send your first welcome” (video demo)
- Day 2: “Launch your lead magnet page” (template link)
- Day 5: “Publish your first weekly newsletter” (outline + checklist)
- Day 9: “Add one automation (birthday, new subscriber tag)”
Programs to feature: ConvertKit, MailerLite, and Mailchimp (as a broad option).
B) SMB/Local Playbook
Content to publish:
- “First 500 subscribers using bookings & receipts”
- “3 automations that drive repeat visits” (birthday, win-back, review request)
- “Local promo calendar: 12 months of campaigns”
Lead magnet: Local Promo Calendar + Coupon Flow.
Post-click nurture (4 emails):
- Day 0: “Connect sign-ups from your site/booking tool”
- Day 3: “Create a 3-email welcome series”
- Day 6: “Run your first promo with a deadline timer”
- Day 10: “Segment and resend to non-openers”
Programs to feature: ActiveCampaign, Brevo, MailerLite.
C) Agency/Consultant Playbook
Content to publish:
- “Migrate clients without deliverability dips”
- “Reporting clients understand (and approve)”
- “90-day onboarding roadmap for new retainers”
Lead magnet: Client Onboarding Checklist + Reporting Template.
Post-click nurture (4 emails):
- Day 0: “Set up domain auth + baseline report”
- Day 2: “Build a welcome + nurture automation”
- Day 5: “Implement a re-engagement campaign”
- Day 8: “Quarterly review deck template”
Programs to feature: GetResponse, ActiveCampaign, (Mailchimp for brand recognition).
Must See – Best CRM & Sales Affiliate Programs
Top “Best Of” Sub-Lists (Internal Anchors You Can Spin Out Later)
- Best for Beginners: MailerLite, Mailchimp
- Best Budget/Free-to-Paid: Brevo, MailerLite
- Best Automation & CRM-ish Workflows: ActiveCampaign, GetResponse
- Best for Creators/Newsletters: ConvertKit
- Best for Events/Associations: Constant Contact
Turn each into a short internal section with 2–3 lines and a CTA to the corresponding deep dive.
Compliance & Ethics (Don’t Skip)
- Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly—above the first link in articles and at the top of video descriptions.
- Avoid guarantees. Share examples and frameworks, not “you will 10×” claims.
- Respect consent & regional laws. Use opt-in, easy unsubscribe, and clear privacy notices in your templates.
- Check program terms for paid ads, coupon usage, brand terms, and email language.
- Be honest about migrations. Provide clear steps and acknowledge potential pitfalls (domain auth, list hygiene, template differences).
FAQs for Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs
What’s better: one-time bounty or recurring?
It depends on your traffic and the tool’s retention. Recurring can outperform bounties when your audience sticks for months; a one-time bounty can win when adoption spikes quickly. Model both with your data.
Which program approves fastest?
It varies by application quality. Publish 2–3 relevant posts first, include audience metrics, outline your promotion plan, and note your compliance approach.
Do I need paid ads to win in email SaaS?
No. SEO + YouTube + a tight email sequence can drive consistent clicks. Ads help once you understand your EPC and have a payback window.
Can I promote multiple tools without confusing readers?
Yes—if you route by persona and job-to-be-done. Use a quick chooser at the top and send people to the right deep dive.
How do I migrate readers without churn?
Ship a simple migration series: domain auth → import + tagging → template rebuild → first send. Include a list-cleaning step and a “warm-up” send.
Conclusion & Next Steps for Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs
There isn’t a single “highest paying” email affiliate program for everyone. The winner is the one that fits your audience’s job, converts with low friction, and sticks. As a rule of thumb:
- Creators & newsletters: start with ConvertKit and MailerLite.
- SMB automation & light CRM: lead with ActiveCampaign and GetResponse.
- Budget or transactional needs: bring Brevo into the conversation.
- Events/nonprofits: include Constant Contact.
- Broad beginner traffic: Mailchimp is a safe on-ramp.
Ship this plan this week:
- Publish this roundup with a sticky comparison table and a Quick Verdict box.
- Create two persona playbooks (Creators, SMB) with template lead magnets.
- Write a 3–4 email onboarding sequence that turns trials into a first win within 48 hours.
- Build your EPC spreadsheet, plug in real numbers, and tune your CTAs and lead magnets weekly.
Do that, and your “Best Email Marketing Affiliate Programs in 2025” page won’t just rank—it’ll route each reader to the program they’ll actually adopt, maximizing your EPC and turning this roundup into a durable revenue hub.
