10 best niches for affiliate marketing to make a profit in 2024

Earning commissions by promoting other companies’ products and services might sound easy on paper, but it takes careful planning and research to succeed. One of the most important steps is picking a profitable niche that fits your strengths.

This article will explore the top 10 most profitable niches for affiliate marketing and popular affiliate programs within each niche to kickstart your journey. Plus, we’ll cover key factors to consider when choosing the best niche.

Top 10 affiliate marketing niches

One of the biggest misconceptions about affiliate marketing is that targeting multiple niches will bring more sales because you have more products to offer.

In reality, focusing on a specific niche works best because it allows you to better connect with your audience, build trust, and stand out as an expert.

Struggling to pick the right niche? Let’s explore the most profitable options and their popular affiliate marketing programs to help you make an informed decision.

1. Software and SaaS (Software as a service)

The software and SaaS niche is expanding quickly as more people and businesses rely on online tools for managing projects and businesses.

There is a huge variety of products in this niche, ranging from web hosting and eCommerce platforms to CRM systems. This means affiliate marketers can decide which ones to promote based on their interests or profit potential.

For example, Tooltester and SoftwareHow promote website builders and software tools through review articles.

Since these products often charge at a premium and are subscription-based, you can earn higher commissions and a steady income.

Popular niche keywords

• “CRM” ‒ 198K monthly search volume
• “SaaS” ‒ 136K monthly search volume
• “cybersecurity” ‒ 119K monthly search volume
• “website builder” ‒ 87K monthly search volume

These keywords are relatively evergreen, showing a consistent search volume over the past five years on Google Trends. Certain keywords, like “CRM,” often drop at the end of the year due to the holidays, so consider focusing on other keywords during that period.

Top affiliate programs

• Hostinger Affiliate Program (web hosting and website building solutions).  Earn at least 40% on every sale of web hosting or website builder plan.
• Canva Affiliate Program (graphic design tool). Receive 20-80% commission per plan signup.
• HubSpot Affiliate Program (CRM, marketing, and sales software). Get a 30% recurring commission for up to 12 months on every sale.

Tips to get started

• Create how-to guides and tutorials to help users understand how to use the software you’re promoting or solve common problems, especially for technical or complex tools.
• Case studies and success stories are great content formats for highlighting the return on investment (ROI) and specific use cases.
• Repurpose your blog posts into LinkedIn articles and email newsletters to expand your reach.
• Build your brand authority by answering questions on forums like Quora and Reddit.

2. Personal finance and investment

Another lucrative affiliate marketing niche to consider is personal finance and investment.

People are always looking for ways to manage their money, save for the future, or grow their wealth, so investment products and wealth management solutions are always in high demand.

Credit cards, loans, mortgages, and insurance are among the most common financial services affiliates promote. Investment platforms are also known to partner with affiliates to attract new clients.

Affiliate marketers earn commissions when someone they refer takes a specific action, like applying for a credit card, signing up for an investment platform, or getting a loan. Some programs pay a one-time fee for each referral, while others offer recurring commissions as long as the person uses the financial service.

Need inspiration? Check out Investopedia and NerdWalle – two popular websites that make money off affiliate marketing in the financial services industry.

Popular niche keywords

• “student loans” ‒ 267K monthly search volume
• “interest rates” ‒ 225K monthly search volume
• “personal loans” ‒ 223K monthly search volume
• “mortgage” ‒ 133K monthly search volume

Keywords in this niche are mostly evergreen since people are always interested in managing their money and investments. But remember that major economic events and stock market changes can shake up search trends.

Monitor government policy updates, tax season, new investment trends, and seasonal changes for ranking opportunities. For example, personal finance topics often peak around the New Year when people set financial goals and again during the back-to-school season as families start planning expenses.

Top affiliate programs

• American Express Affiliate Program (credit cards). Earn up to $200 per approved credit card application.
• SoFi Referral Program (loans, insurance, and investment accounts). You can make up to $1,000 by referring one of SoFi’s investment products.
• Wise Affiliate Program (money transfers, accounts, and debit cards). Encourage new users to complete a cross-currency transaction and earn £10 for personal and £50 for business accounts.

Tips to get started

• Share your own financial experiences with your audience or include case studies that demonstrate how others have benefitted from the financial services you’re promoting.
• Do your research to avoid giving the wrong advice, which can significantly hurt your business and authority.
• Lists, success stories, and videos are popular content formats to attract an audience in this niche, as they allow you to simplify complex topics and offer actionable insights.

3. Health and wellness

Health and wellness is one of the most popular evergreen niches, meaning it stays relevant and profitable all year round and doesn’t depend on trends. There’s always demand for products and services that help improve physical and mental well-being.

Products in this niche include supplements, vitamins, fitness apparel, and workout equipment. As for services, personal training programs, meal planning guides, and mental wellness apps are especially popular and often offered through subscription models.

MindBodyGreen and Verywell Fit are great examples of websites that successfully promote health and wellness affiliate products. They create informative content that addresses their audience’s needs while adding product recommendations, reviews, and affiliate links in articles to generate revenue.

Popular niche keywords

• “intermittent fasting” ‒ 345K monthly search volume
• “keto diet” ‒ 228K monthly search volume
• “physical therapy” ‒ 163K monthly search volume
• “weight loss” ‒ 131K monthly search volume

Keywords related to health and wellness have been extremely popular over the past few years, though they do see seasonal shifts and spikes around certain events.

For example, at the beginning of the year, keywords like “fitness plans,” “weight loss,” “healthy eating,” and “mental wellness” tend to peak as people set new health goals. During cold and flu season, searches for indoor fitness routines and natural remedies often get a boost.

Top affiliate programs

• MyProtein Affiliate Program (supplements). Earn up to 8% commission on sales.
• Noom Affiliate Program (weight loss program). Each trial signup through your affiliate link earns you a $10-15 commission.
• Fabletics Affiliate Program (fitness apparel). Get a $15 commission on new VIP memberships.

Tips to get started

• Focus on niche expertise to make your brand stand out and attract a dedicated audience. Having personal experience or a relevant certification can help strengthen your authority in the sector.
• Health topics are highly visual, so consider using infographics, step-by-step videos, and high-quality images to make complex information more accessible and engaging.
• Encourage readers to share their experiences. This is a great way to get user-generated content and foster a community around your brand.

4. Online education and eLearning

If you have experience teaching or creating educational content, this affiliate niche is perfect for you. You can easily promote online courses, learning platforms, and educational tools, using your expertise to build trust with people looking to learn.

Professionals in different fields can also thrive by sharing their knowledge and promoting courses or platforms that align with their expertise.

Even if you’re not an educator, you can tie the eLearning products you promote to your own life journey and success stories. Showcase how they can benefit people who have the same life experiences and struggles as you.

Life coaching, career development, and self-improvement courses are examples of how you can position these products to appeal to your audience.

ShoutMeLoud, for example, creates guides on building an online presence. They promote affiliate products like SEO and marketing tools that are relevant to their audience’s needs.

Popular niche keywords

• “LMS” ‒ 123K monthly search volume
• “online courses” ‒ 16K monthly search volume
• “online tutoring” ‒ 9.4K monthly search volume
• “virtual classroom” ‒ 2.6K monthly search volume

Academic calendars and school breaks play a big role in search trends for keywords in this niche. To reach students and educators, aim for relevant keywords between August and September and at the start of the year.

Meanwhile, keywords around upskilling usually pick up in January when people set new career goals.

Keep an eye on events that may restrict in-person learning, as they can create ranking opportunities for online learning content.

Top affiliate programs

• Udemy Affiliate Program (online courses). Earn 10-20% commission on course sales.
• Coursera Affiliate Program (online courses). The eLearning platform offers 15-45% commission on course, specialization, certificate, and subscription sales.
• Teachable Affiliate Program (e-learning platform). Receive up to 30% recurring commission for every new subscriber.

Tips to get started

• Only partner with trusted brands to maintain your reputation and credibility.
• If you’ve taken a course, share your experience. Authentic success stories resonate more with your audience and can boost your conversions.
• Consider creating video lectures, how-tos, infographics, and interactive quizzes, as these content formats perform best in this niche.
• Offer downloadable materials like eBooks and worksheets to add value to your courses.

5. Travel

Here’s another evergreen affiliate marketing niche to consider – travel. Whether it’s for vacation or work, there’s always a market demand for new experiences to explore. That’s why tour packages, adventure activities, and excursions are always popular in this niche.

You can also dive into sub-niches like flight and hotel bookings or travel insurance, which tend to be high-paying. On the other hand, travel gear and accessories tend to be quick, impulse purchases, which can give you more regular sales.

A great example is TravelFreak, a successful affiliate site that promotes a wide range of travel products. It even has subcategories for various continents, which opens up opportunities to partner with global brands and make the most of this broad niche.

Popular niche keywords

• “vacation packages” ‒ 35K monthly search volume
• “travel tips” ‒ 11K monthly search volume
• “family vacation” ‒ 9.9K monthly search volume
• “travel deals” ‒ 9.5K monthly search volume

Travel keyword searches often surge around long weekends, holiday seasons, and year-end. Try focusing on these times to improve your chances of ranking well. Plus, pay close attention to trending holiday destinations and travel restrictions that could impact search volumes.

Top affiliate programs

• Booking.com Affiliate Program (accommodation bookings). Receive a 25-40% commission, depending on the destination country and completed reservations.
• Expedia Affiliate Program (flights and hotels). Earn up to 6% commission on bookings.
• World Nomads Affiliate Program (travel insurance). The commission rate is up to 10% for each referred insurance sale.

Tips to get started

• Tailor your content to peak times, like summer vacations or long holidays, to attract more visitors and boost conversions.
• Create destination guides, packing lists, or travel tips for specific types of travelers, whether it’s backpackers, luxury travelers, or digital nomads.
• Stunning visuals greatly influence people’s buying decisions in this niche. If you’ve got photos or videos from your trips, definitely showcase them on your website.
• Budget breakdowns, comparisons, video content, and personal stories perform best in this sector.

6. Beauty and skincare

Who doesn’t want to look their best? Clearly many people agree, as the beauty and skincare industry is expected to generate $188 billion worldwide. With products that cater to all ages, genders, and skin types, this niche offers tons of potential for new and experienced affiliates to succeed.

Skincare, haircare, and makeup are the most popular products to promote, but beauty subscription boxes have also been gaining traction lately. These boxes offer great value for money, allowing brands to attract new customers.

Into The Gloss earns money by including affiliate links in product reviews, skincare routines, and beauty tips. This beauty blog stands out by sharing personal stories from women of all backgrounds, adding an authentic touch.

While commission rates in this niche tend to be smaller, the products are in such high demand that affiliates can benefit from the sheer sales volume. Not to mention, everyday beauty essentials are always on people’s shopping lists.

For high-ticket opportunities, online skincare and makeup consultations are a growing trend. Affiliates can highlight their benefits to their audience, creating demands for these kinds of services.

Popular niche keywords

• “sunscreen” ‒ 86K monthly search volume
• “acne treatment” ‒ 34K monthly search volume
• “skincare routine” ‒ 27K monthly search volume
• “hair care” ‒ 7.2K monthly search volume

Just like in health and wellness, keywords in beauty and skincare shift with the seasons. For example, searches for “sunscreen” usually spike around May and June as people get ready for summer.

Beauty trends, new product launches, and seasonal changes also influence what people search for.

Top affiliate programs

• Sephora Affiliate Program (makeup, skincare, and beauty tools). You can make a 5-10% commission on sales.
• Ulta Beauty Affiliate Program (skincare, haircare, and makeup). It offers a 2% flat commission on sales.
• Fenty Beauty Affiliate Program (makeup). Earn up to 4% commission per sale.

Tips to get started

• If you don’t have a social media presence, create an account on at least one platform before launching your affiliate business. Visual platforms like TikTok and Instagram are great for beauty content and can help you reach more people and increase sales.
• Product reviews, before-and-after transformations, and routine guides are popular content formats to incorporate into your marketing strategy.
• Demonstrations, ingredient analysis, and routine guides work well for establishing authority and influencing purchase decisions.

7. Tech gadgets and electronics

People want the newest and fastest gadgets. So, there’s a constant demand for tech products, whether it’s a new smartphone, smartwatch, or smart home device.]

These products usually come with higher price tags, which means bigger commissions per sale. This makes tech gadgets one of the most profitable affiliate marketing niches.

Since there’s a wide range of price points, you can cater to people with different budgets – offering both affordable and premium options.

TechRadar and Wirecutter are great examples of websites profiting from this niche. They work with online retailers to promote everything from everyday gadgets to more specialized tech for hobbies and work.

Popular niche keywords

• “drones” ‒ 109K monthly search volume
• “laptops” ‒ 98K monthly search volume
• “wireless earbuds” ‒ 70K monthly search volume
• “bluetooth speakers” ‒ 25K monthly search volume

Keyword trends in tech gadgets and electronics can be a bit harder to predict than other niches. They usually shift around big tech events, product releases, and shopping seasons instead of following a yearly pattern. Try focusing your keywords around these periods for a better chance at ranking.

Top affiliate programs

• B&H Photo Video Affiliate Program (cameras, drones, and other tech). Offers a 2% base commission on sales, with the chance to earn up to 8% based on performance.
• Amazon Associates Program (tech products). Earn 1-20% commission on sales based on the product category.
• Newegg Affiliate Program (computers and accessories). Receive 15-20% commission on sales, depending on your chosen platform.

Tips to get started

• Create unboxing videos with reviews and how-to guides to demonstrate how the product you’re promoting works and its ROI.
• Share your content on YouTube and Instagram ‒ these platforms are perfect for showcasing product demonstrations.
• Cover product launches, updates, and rumors to attract tech enthusiasts and build a following.

8. Home improvement and DIY

This lucrative niche targets homeowners looking to renovate, decorate, and improve their homes. People constantly look for ways to improve their living spaces, making this a booming niche for affiliate marketers.

You can tap into this market by recommending home improvement tools, DIY kits, and building materials. There are also great opportunities to promote services like online design consultations and DIY tutorials.

For inspiration, check out The Spruce and This Old House. Both websites stand out for their diverse content and expert contributors, helping them cater to varying audiences with helpful, quality content.

Popular niche keywords

• “power tools” ‒ 19K monthly search volume
• “kitchen remodeling” 13K monthly search volume
• “home renovation” ‒ 10K monthly search volume
• “flooring installation” ‒ 8.9K monthly search volume

Keywords in this niche usually pick up when people are gearing up for home improvement projects, like spring and summer. You’ll also see more searches for home decor, lighting, and seasonal DIY ideas as the holidays approach.

Big sales events like Black Friday can also drive interest. Otherwise, you can expect steady search volumes year-round.

Top affiliate programs

• Home Depot Affiliate Program (home improvement products). Most of their products offer a 2% commission, with certain home decor items paying 8%.
• Lowe’s Affiliate Program (hardware and tools). Offers up to 2% commission on sales.
• Wayfair Affiliate Program (furniture and decor). Earn 5-7% commission on sales.

Tips to get started

• Making how-to guides on simple repairs, decorating ideas, and DIY projects is a great way to appeal to home improvement enthusiasts.
• Try offering budget-friendly options to make your content accessible to people with different budgets.
• Consider using DIY project inspiration and idea galleries to motivate readers to start their own projects and buy kits from you.
• Create content that answers common questions or troubleshooting issues to build authority and rank for long-tail keywords.

9. Pet care

If you’re passionate about pets or have firsthand experience caring for animals, this is the perfect affiliate niche for you. You have the opportunity to help fellow animal lovers care for their furry friends while earning from your affiliate marketing efforts.

Many people treat their pets like family and want the best for them, so there’s a huge opportunity to make serious income by promoting pet food, grooming tools, supplements, toys, and accessories. High-ticket items like pet insurance and care subscriptions are also in high demand for the same reasons.

You can include affiliate links in content like pet training tips and product reviews, which is exactly how Canine Journal thrives in this niche. Or, to make your brand stand out, you could focus on a specific sub-niche, like The Dog Bakery does with pet food.

Popular niche keywords

• “pet insurance” ‒ 214K monthly search volume
• “cat litter” ‒ 56K monthly search volume
• “dog grooming” ‒ 45K monthly search volume
• “pet supplies” ‒ 42K monthly search volume

Pet owners are always searching for the best products and services for their furry friends, so keywords in this niche tend to stay pretty steady.

Around the holidays, especially Christmas, searches for pet gifts, winter pet care, and pet boarding usually increase. Back-to-school season also boosts searches for extra pet care, like “dog walkers” and “pet daycare.”

Top affiliate programs

• Chewy Affiliate Program (pet food and products). Earn up to 4% commission on both new and existing customer orders.
• Petco Affiliate Program (pet products and services). Receive 2-8% commission on sales.
• Ollie Affiliate Program (fresh pet food). Offers a whooping $60 commission per sale.

Tips to get started

• If you have a pet, featuring them in your content will help you connect with your audience on a personal level.
• Create content related to seasonal needs and trends to accommodate changing concerns.
• Invest in high-quality infographics and visual guides to make information easy to understand and shareable across various platforms.

10. Sustainable and eco-friendly products

According to our latest eCommerce statistics, one in three online shoppers prioritizes sustainable brands. So, there’s plenty of opportunity to succeed in this profitable affiliate marketing niche.

Popular products you can market include reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags, clothing made from organic or recycled materials, and biodegradable or compostable items.

Tech-savvy affiliates can also explore the tech side of this niche by promoting green energy solutions like solar panels and eco-friendly home appliances.

Since it’s a broad niche, we recommend focusing on a specific sub-niche to better target environmentally conscious consumers with certain priorities.

The Good Trade, for example, covers sustainability as a lifestyle, offering tips and product recommendations to help readers reduce their carbon footprint. On the other hand, Sustainably Chic focuses on the beauty and fashion sub-niche, catering to sustainable fashion enthusiasts.

Popular niche keywords

• “sustainable fashion” ‒ 10K monthly search volume
• “reusable bags” ‒ 4.8K monthly search volume
• “sustainable packaging” ‒ 4K monthly search volume
• “organic skincare” ‒ 2.2K monthly search volume

Most keywords in the sustainability sector have search volumes under 10k, but their high intent and engagement make them well worth pursuing. These keywords are also usually evergreen, as environmental awareness continues to grow.

Try leveraging people’s New Year resolutions and the holiday season, when many look for eco-friendly gift options, to drive traffic with these keywords.

Top affiliate programs

• EarthHero Affiliate Program (eco-friendly products). The brand offers a 3-8% commission on sales and donates 1% to sustainability initiatives through 1% for the Planet.
• Thrive Market Affiliate Program (sustainable groceries and products). Receive $5-40 per annual subscription.
• Blueland Affiliate Program (zero-waste cleaning products). Earn a 5% commission on sales, plus possible bonuses during sale periods.

Tips to get started

• Help readers take practical steps toward sustainability with tutorials and how-to guides. Highlight other benefits, like cost savings and health benefits, to motivate them to make the switch.
• Share personal sustainability journeys or challenges to inspire your audience and create a relatable connection.
• Design interactive content like quizzes and carbon footprint calculators to engage people and provide personalized insights.
• Try running challenges on Instagram or TikTok to encourage your followers to participate and share, building a community around sustainable practices.

How to choose the best niche for your affiliate marketing website

Still can’t decide which affiliate niche suits you best? Here are some pointers to narrow down your choices.

Go with what you love

With the right marketing strategy, anyone can succeed in any niche. However, fine-tuning your marketing efforts is a marathon, not a sprint. Ask yourself: do you see yourself creating content and promoting products in this niche for the next few years?

If you choose a niche you’re passionate about, affiliate marketing will feel less like work. Plus, your enthusiasm will show in your recommendations. When people can sense that your interest is genuine, they’re more likely to trust your advice.

Check for market demand

Building on the previous tip, it’s important to make sure there’s enough interest in your niche. Even if you’re excited about a niche, it won’t get you far if no one wants to buy the products you’re promoting.

You can use tools like Google Trends to see if people are actively searching for products or services in your niche. This will help you figure out which products are profitable, spot sub-niches worth focusing on, and keep up with current trends.

For example, we used Google Trends’ Explore feature to compare popular topics in the pet care niche, such as pet food, pet clinics, and pet grooming. It’s a great tool for checking how popular these keywords are over time and seeing which regions are interested in them.

Consider profit potential and competition

Some niches pay better than others. Usually, more expensive products like tech gadgets or financial services offer bigger commissions.

That said, small-ticket items can generate steady sales if there’s enough demand. The key is to find a niche that balances your passion with good earning potential.

Keeping an eye on your competition is also important. If a niche is oversaturated, it can be harder to stand out, especially when you’re just starting out. Try looking for niches with less competition or focus on a unique angle or sub-niche to get the odds in your favor.

Think long-term

Focusing on trending topics can be tempting, but they can quickly lose steam. To keep your affiliate business going strong, it’s better to choose evergreen niches that will stay relevant for the long run.

One way to check if a niche has longevity is by checking how many products are available. With more diverse products, you have more options to promote and create content for, keeping things fresh and interesting.

Conclusion

Choosing the right affiliate marketing niche is a big step toward building a successful, long-lasting business.

Whether you’re into tech gadgets, pet care, or eco-friendly products, the key is to find a niche that excites you as an affiliate marketer and has strong market demand to tap into.

Let’s recap the ten most profitable affiliate marketing niches we covered:

• Software and SaaS
• Personal finance and investment
• Health and wellness
• Online education and eLearning
• Travel
• Beauty and skincare
• Tech gadgets and electronics
• Home improvement and DIY
• Pet care
• Sustainable and eco-friendly products

Once you’ve found the right niche to focus on, move on to the next step: build an affiliate marketing website. Our handy guide will help you kick-start your online business in no time!

Best niches for affiliate marketing FAQ