The number of people involved in affiliate marketing has seen a marked rise in recent years, with many across the globe looking to bolster their income or even go full-time with the pursuit. For those who don’t know, affiliate marketing is the process of promoting products or services in return for a commission. The aim of the game, therefore, is to get as many new and potentially loyal customers on board. Blogging can be a great way to get involved with affiliate marketing, as you have the opportunity to explain and persuade through the power of words and images. The format can be a highly persuasive way to get fans of your blog – new or old – to buy or use the product you’re sharing. Remember, however, to give truthful and honest opinions before committing to an affiliate program – people won’t look kindly on you if they feel duped! 

Top 6 Best Blogging Platforms for Affiliate Marketing 

  1. Medium – Best Platform for Professional Writing 
  2. WordPress – Best Blogging Platform for Affiliate Plugins 
  3. Google Sites – Best Platform for Quick Blogging 
  4. Blogger – Best Platform for Beginners 
  5. Wix – Best Platform for Affiliate Marketing Program 
  6. Squarespace  – Best Platform for Creative Blogging 

1. Medium – Best Platform for Professional Writing 

PRICING: Free to use 

Medium is one of the top contenders that come to mind when considering how to monetize a blog. It’s easy to use and can be a potentially lucrative to share your writing and make money from it. Where some blogging sites prohibit the inclusion of affiliate links, Medium does allow it – as long as you disclose it clearly. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • High domain authority to help your keywords get seen
  • Embedding 
  • Tags and highlights

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Well-reputed 
  • Can also join the Medium partner program 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Not a site created for sales 

2. WordPress – Best Blogging Platform for Affiliate Plugins 

PRICING: From roughly $15/month (domain name, host server etc) 

WordPress is a great platform to use as an affiliate marketer. It offers high levels of customisation and design choices, so you are free to make your blog exactly as you’ve always envisioned. In its huge database of various third-party plugins and extensions, there are a number of affiliate marketing friendly add-ons you can use for attracting and retaining affiliates. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Dedicated affiliate section in sidebar
  • Offers plugins like AffiliateWP
  • Ways to integrate with WooCommerce 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Flexible 
  • Customisable 
  • Help from community forums

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Hosting your own site can get pricey 

3. Google Sites – Best Platform for Quick Blogging 

PRICING: Free to use

Despite the ubiquity of the Google brand, many people might not know about Google Sites and its blogging opportunities. It allows for easy collaboration and also, of course, syncs directly with the rest of your google account and drive. For affiliate marketing you can apply to the Google AdSense program. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Dedicated AdSense program 
  • Google Drive sync 
  • Access to google analytics

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Quick to learn 
  • Easy to use 
  • Accessible 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • General blogging features are limited 

4. Blogger.com – Best Platform for Beginners 

PRICING: Free to use 

Blogger.com is a great choice for newbies to blogging as well as affiliate marketing. It’s incredibly to set up and maintain, but also delivers an admirable choice of design templates. It works with Google AdSense to let you start monetising immediately on creation. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Offers a range of templates and design 
  • Google AdSense integration
  • Easy migration to WordPress 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Easy of use 
  • Plenty of tutorials 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Usually denied access to premium ad networks 

5. Wix – Best Platform for Affiliate Marketing Program 

PRICING: Free version, paid plans from $16/month. 

Wix offers the chance to create professional looking blogs with a great deal of ease. They showcase extensive features and a large range of plugins, as well as great SEO opportunities for improving your page’s visibility. If you’re able to attract a substantial amount of traffic to your page, the Wix affiliate program could work very well for you. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Dedicated Wix Affiliate Program and community network 
  • E-commerce tools 
  • Optimised for mobile use 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Any website can join the program
  • Wix blogs are highly customisable 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Monthly sales target of $300

6. Squarespace – Best Platform for Creative Blogging 

PRICING: Plans from $12/month 

Squarespace is an industry leader when it comes to blogging and website creation. Its contemporary designs and sleek layouts are very popular with creative bloggers – think fashion, beauty, and travel. For those wanting to offer affiliate opportunities in these areas especially, Squarespace is a great choice. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Good SEO tools 
  • Integrates with social media channel 
  • E-commerce options 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Robust software 
  • Attractive designs 
  • Track traffic and reader analytics 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Not the cheapest option
  • Have to use the templates 

References and Links

  • https://wpwebsitetools.com/getting-a-google-site-vs-blogger-site-which-platform-is-better-faqs/ 
  • https://gowp.com/affiliate-marketing-in-wordpress/ 
  • https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-free-blogging-platforms-for-affiliate-marketing 
  • https://www.wix.com/about/affiliates/faq 
  • https://cybernews.com/best-website-builders/for-affiliate-marketing/