20+ Best SMS Affiliate Programs and Networks [2024]

in this day and age, we mostly communicate with each other through messaging applications. However, there is still a huge need for SMS services online and offline, which provide a way for businesses to connect with their customers through automation and other methods.

There are also various businesses that provide SMS services for businesses and individuals to give some attention to their text messaging needs. Whenever a customer signs up for a website and you need to send them SMS notifications, having it online SMS service can really help you. Besides that, you can even purchase VoIP numbers and have your online SMS number for your own individual brand or activities online.

Since this niche is growing bigger and bigger, we've decided to tackle SMS affiliate programs and networks in this article, talk about how you can choose one, what they offer, how you can promote them successfully, and what are the tips and tricks for driving even more traffic to them. So without further ado, let's get right into it.

What are SMS Affiliate Programs and How Do They Work

SMS affiliate programs are services that provide text messaging solutions to businesses and individuals. Affiliates can help by promoting such offers to their own audience and receiving a Commission in return. Since there are various types of businesses and services available, the Commission rate can be different as well.

As an affiliate, you can interest your audience by letting them know which service is the best, what service provides you with the highest value for the money they are paying, etc. Just by reviewing such services, you can get a lot of money because people looking for an SMS service will end up trying out a bunch of them eventually.

What Types of Products Can You Promote

It might actually be super confusing for you to know what you're supposed to promote in such programs. Here's a list of products and services available in SMS affiliate programs and networks to sell.

• SMS Marketing Platforms: These platforms provide businesses with tools to create, send, and manage SMS marketing campaigns, enabling targeted customer outreach. They typically offer subscription-based plans with different features and message quotas.
• SMS Gateway Providers: SMS gateway providers offer APIs or interfaces that allow businesses to integrate SMS functionality into their applications or systems. Affiliates can promote these providers who often offer both subscription-based plans and pay-as-you-go options.
• Bulk SMS Services: Bulk SMS services allow businesses to send mass text messages to a large number of recipients simultaneously. These services usually come in prepaid or subscription-based models, offering different pricing tiers based on message volume.
• SMS Reseller Programs: SMS reseller programs enable individuals or businesses to resell SMS services under their own brand. Affiliates can promote these programs, which often provide white-label solutions and revenue-sharing options.
• SMS Lead Generation Tools: SMS lead generation tools assist businesses in capturing and managing leads through SMS campaigns. These tools may offer features like customizable lead capture forms, automated responses, and lead tracking. They typically come in subscription-based plans.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Services: 2FA services provide an extra layer of security by sending verification codes via SMS for user authentication. Affiliates can promote these services, which often have subscription-based pricing models.
• SMS Surveys and Feedback Solutions: SMS survey and feedback solutions enable businesses to collect customer feedback and conduct surveys through text messages. These services usually offer subscription-based plans with features like survey templates and analytics.
• SMS Appointment Reminder Systems: These systems help businesses automate appointment reminders and notifications via SMS. Affiliates can promote these services, which often come in subscription-based models with options for customization and scheduling.
• SMS API Providers: SMS API providers offer developers access to SMS-related APIs for integrating SMS functionality into their applications or services. These providers may offer subscription-based plans or charge based on API usage.
• SMS Short Code Services: SMS short code services provide businesses with dedicated shortcodes for running SMS marketing campaigns, conducting voting or polling, and more. Affiliates can promote these services, which often involve one-time setup fees and ongoing usage charges.

Payment Models in SMS Affiliate Programs

There are various payment models available in SMS affiliate programs depending on the type of service. As you know, there are both subscription-based services and services with one-time payment offers. Therefore, there are different ways you can get paid for them as well.

Revenue Share

The revenue share model refers to affiliates getting a percentage of the order value from their referral purchases. In this case, when a referral purchases a subscription or product with a one-time purchase, the affiliate will be receiving a recurring or one-time commission. This percentage will depend on the value of the product, the service, etc. Remember the higher the average order value, the higher your chances of making more money. If the order values are low, even if the Commission rate is high, you will still be making less money.

Cost per Lead (CPL)

The cost-per-lead model refers to affiliates getting a fixed payment for every lead they redirect to the website. This lead can meet a potential customer that doesn't necessarily have to purchase a product but show the sign that they've become a potential future customer. In this model, the product value does not matter, and you will simply be given a rate specified from the beginning for every lead. So make sure you review the affiliate terms and conditions to see what action exactly users have to complete.

Cost per Sale (CPS)

The cost-per-sale model refers to a flat rate you will be paid based on every successful purchase user makes on the affiliate program. The difference between the revenue share model and this model is that in this model you will only be given a flat amount regardless of the purchase value. So check out the value of these services and make sure that the rate they're offering you is fair enough. This payment model is mostly available in programs with only one type of product or service.

What to Consider When Choosing an SMS Affiliate Program

Choosing the best affiliate program in the SMS niche requires a careful evaluation of various factors that can impact your success. By looking at commission rates, product quality, and market demand, you can gain insights into which programs are most likely to deliver a high return on investment. This can help you prioritize your efforts and focus on programs that are worth your time and effort, ultimately improving your chances of success.

Your Familiarity with the Products

It's important not to promote products you're not familiar with. You should have some experience with the product or a similar one. If you're not familiar with it, you can research it online or through videos. Promoting an unknown product can lead to a loss of trust with your audience, which is detrimental as an affiliate. It's crucial to avoid this by only promoting products you have knowledge of and can confidently endorse.

Commission Rate

When selecting an affiliate program, the Commission rate is an important factor to consider. However, a higher commission rate does not always equate to higher earnings. The average order value of a program is also significant, especially when it comes to revenue-sharing models. For instance, if the average order value is $10, a 90% Commission rate would not result in substantial earnings. Conversely, if the average order value is $1,000 and the Commission rate is only 10%, the earnings would still be $100. Therefore, while selecting a program, it is essential to consider both the Commission rate and the average order value to ensure maximum profitability.

Brand Recognition

When choosing a brand to work with, it is important to consider its credibility and reputation. Promoting a brand with bad reviews or a poor reputation could reflect poorly on you, and result in dissatisfied customers. To evaluate a brand's credibility, search for unbiased reviews on websites and forums like Quora or Reddit. Additionally, ask peers on affiliate forums about their personal experiences with specific affiliate programs. By considering all reviews, you can make an informed decision about whether to work with a particular brand.

Cookie Duration

In affiliate marketing, the cookie duration is a crucial factor for promoting an offer. A cookie is a small file that tracks a visitor's activity on a website. The cookie duration refers to the time when the program tracks the user's activity on the website. During this period, any purchases made by the visitor will be credited to the affiliate, even if it's not their first visit. For instance, if a program's cookie duration is 30 days and a user visits the website twice, with a 20-day gap, any purchase made by the user on the second visit will earn the affiliate a commission.

A longer cookie duration increases the chances of earning a commission. Most affiliate programs have a cookie duration of 30 days, but it can be longer, like a year or a lifetime. However, some programs have shorter cookie durations, such as a week or even one day.

It's important to note that even with a longer cookie duration, it's still essential to provide value to the visitors. A cookie duration alone won't guarantee success in affiliate marketing. Therefore, affiliates need to focus on delivering quality content and promoting products that align with their audience's interests to achieve long-term success.

Payment Frequency

Most affiliate programs pay their commissions on a monthly basis, which is ideal for those who rely on affiliate marketing to make a living. However, some programs pay every two, three, or even six months due to policies regarding customer product returns. Before joining such programs, it is important to consider the payment frequency and whether it aligns with your financial goals. Waiting months for payment can be frustrating and detrimental to cash flow. It's also important to note that some programs may have a minimum payout threshold, meaning you won't receive any commission until you reach a certain amount. Before joining any affiliate program, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to fully understand the payment policies and any other relevant details.

Minimum Payout

In order to receive payment from affiliate programs, you may be required to reach a certain balance before they pay you. This is known as the minimum payout threshold and varies depending on the program. Nowadays, most programs require you to earn at least $50 before you can cash out your earnings. However, there are some programs that do not have a minimum payout threshold requirement, allowing you to cash out your earnings at any time. It is important to consider this requirement when choosing an affiliate program to ensure that it meets your needs and payment expectations.

Affiliate Trackers

Affiliate trackers are software tools provided by affiliate programs to give you data and statistics about the performance of your visitors. If the program is working on a network, an affiliate tracker is automatically available for you on your dashboard, where you can access information about visitors' clicks, signups, commissions, sales, bonuses, and more. These trackers are beneficial as they help you gain insight into your marketing and fine-tune your campaigns for better performance. By analyzing the data and metrics provided by the trackers, you can optimize your affiliate marketing strategies to increase your earnings. Using affiliate trackers is an essential part of managing a successful affiliate marketing campaign.

Marketing Assets and Resources

Affiliate programs nowadays offer a variety of assets and resources, such as logos, banner ads, text links, pre-written content, visuals, imagery, icons, and even ready-made landing pages and websites. These resources can help both the affiliate and the program make more money. While most programs offer these resources, some don't provide any or only provide a link. If resources are important to you, consider opting for a program that offers a wide range of imagery and content to make your job easier. This is especially important for programs that are very visual about their products, where affiliates may not have access to product images. In such cases, it would be logical for programs to provide product photos.

Some affiliate programs may also offer product samples for affiliates to test and review. This can be beneficial to affiliates as it allows them to provide more authentic and valuable feedback to their audience. Additionally, some programs may offer exclusive discounts or promotions to their affiliates, which can be used to incentivize their audience to purchase products. It's important for affiliates to explore and take advantage of these resources and opportunities to maximize their earnings potential.

Affiliate Support

If you're starting as an affiliate, it's important to have support available. Affiliate support should be accessible through chat or email, and most programs listed here have great support. You can also check with your peers on an affiliate forum to confirm the level of support. Some programs offer dedicated affiliate managers who will send you regular emails and tips on how to increase your earnings. You may receive newsletters about new opportunities and products to promote, including promotions and seasonal event notifications.

It is important to note that affiliate support can vary greatly between programs. Some offer extensive resources, while others might offer only limited support. Therefore, it's important to research the program and understand the level of support it offers before signing up. Additionally, it's important to be proactive in seeking support when you need it. Once you've joined a program, reach out to the affiliate support team with any questions or concerns you might have. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to maximize your earnings as an affiliate and achieve success in the program.

Application Process Time

Don't waste your time waiting for an affiliate program to assess your application, especially if you're eager to get started immediately. Instead, consider affiliate programs with shorter application processing times. Some programs take weeks to review your application, while others give you access to their affiliate area right away. Before filling out any forms, make sure to check the processing time to avoid getting disappointed

Performance-based Bonuses

Most affiliate programs offer rewards and bonuses to their top affiliates who bring in a lot of sales. These bonuses can come in the form of increased commissions or big bonuses when you hit a certain sales milestone. We've highlighted which affiliate programs on our list offer these kinds of performance-based bonuses, so if you're interested in earning more money, make sure to check out these programs. It's a great way to get recognized for your hard work and dedication as an affiliate marketer!

Promotions and Discount Codes

.To incentivize your audience and boost your affiliate marketing efforts, it's important to offer promotions and discount codes. One way to do this is to choose affiliate programs that allow you to create your own custom discount code. Many programs offer this feature and can even assist you in creating the code. Some programs may offer a general discount code for affiliates during seasonal events or promotions. However, not all programs have clear policies on discount codes, so it's important to research and filter out those that don't fit your needs. Keep in mind that offering promotions and discount codes is a great way to attract new customers and retain existing ones, ultimately leading to increased revenue for both you and the merchant.

Top Traffic Sources for SMS Offers

Now that you know what SMS affiliate programs are and how you can choose the best one, let's dive into the top traffic sources for these offers.

Website Content

The first and most important traffic source for these offers has got to be the website And block content you write. Remember that this content does not necessarily have to be on your own domain or hosting, and you can simply use a platform like medium.com to achieve the same results.

On your website about SMS affiliate programs, you can put any other type of content that would interest an audience interested in tech, the Internet, and digital services. This way, you might even be able to get more traffic to your affiliate offers related to SMS, because people would have already tried your website in a couple of other niches. However, if you're just starting out, we recommend you start out small and then grow big gradually, but not all at the same time. So even though you can check out some other lucrative offers in other niches that are close to SMS offers, such as digital marketing tools, You should start out small and grow out to those offers as well.

So the first type of SMS offer content you need to put on is product review articles and list articles that include a small short review of each product in the category. For example, “Best SMS marketing platforms” is a category, and it includes various programs. This is a great opportunity for you to list the links to The programs you're affiliated with in one article. Plus, you can have a standalone review for each of those products, where you share your in-depth opinions and reviews along with screenshots, pictures, honest personal experiences, etc.

The age has passed when people shared the same type of content that they found on the main business's website and actually got impressions. Nowadays, you need to put some more effort into it and make your reviews more intuitive and honest for your audience. Readers are interested in what you can offer to them, and not just what the programs are, because that is already available everywhere else.

The last type of article you can place on your website is guides and knowledge bases related to teaching people how to use these SMS platforms. So make sure you make your website filled with information that is useful for your audience so they will stick around.

Another benefit to having a website is that you get to use lead magnets which are pop-ups that ask users for their e-mail in exchange for a free resource in their inbox. Whenever you want to share the latest deals and offers, you can use this method to share the deals directly on their e-mail.

Plus, you can put all of these deals on your website as popups or in the form of a pre-landing page That is the first thing users see and they can catch it while it's active. So as mentioned before, you don't need to have a website for these offers, but having one is definitely beneficial in many aspects.

Forums and Communities

If you know any forums and communities that are interested in such offers, such as Reddit or other group chats, you can definitely share links to your website and an article where you write about these services in question. Just make sure that you don't expand those links, and you never link directly to the program itself.

Paid Ads

Paid ads are great for some quick traffic. Depending on where you want your traffic exactly, Google, Instagram, TikTok, or wherever else, you should go on and check out some ad spy tools that give you analytics and insights into what other competitors and affiliates are doing, so without spending a single penny, you get to learn whatever they learned for free or cheap.

While placing ads on these platforms, make sure you use the right creatives, which can be creatives provided by the affiliate program itself. Usually, you can even ask the program for custom designs of their banner ads so that you know that are going to convert users for you. So make sure that the program you're affiliated with will help you with such creatives.

Tips to Promote SMS Affiliate Offers Successfully

Now that you know where exactly to promote such offers, let's check out some tips and tricks that can help you become more successful in the niche.

Keyword Targeting

First and foremost, make sure you target the right keywords. You can do keyword research on platforms like Ubersuggest, SEMrush, Google Trends, etc. However, the best way to find keywords is to understand how long-tail keywords work. You could target generalized keywords that decrease the chances of you ending up on the first page of search results. Or you can target long tail keywords that narrow down the products to the exact search queries of users with commercial intent, hoping to purchase a product or try out a product in that category they're searching for. So for example, instead of writing for the keyword “Best SMS services”, try to write for “best online SMS verification service in the USA”. This keyword narrows down the audience to the very last detail about them. This way, the audience knows that your content was written for them.

Just for the sake of understanding what kind of keywords you can target in the SMS niche, here are a couple of examples of long-tail keywords in this field.

1. Best SMS marketing services for small businesses
2. Affordable SMS gateway providers for startups
3. Top SMS marketing platforms for e-commerce websites
4. Comparison of SMS software for event promotion
5. Reliable SMS campaign tools for non-profit organizations
6. Effective SMS marketing solutions for local restaurants
7. SMS marketing services for real estate agents
8. Advanced SMS automation software for businesses
9. SMS broadcast services for political campaigns
10. SMS analytics tools for measuring campaign success

Also, remember that you need to use these keywords evenly throughout your texts. This is because even the best content might not get any attention if they do not incorporate the right keywords for search engine optimization throughout their texts. The best way to incorporate your keywords is to put them in the SEO titles, place them in the alt description of your images, throughout your texts, etc. Plus, you need to make sure that you do not spam those keywords and that you use them evenly, because that way it can have a reverse effect.

Write Great Product Reviews

When it comes to promoting products, it's important to write an effective review that can convince people to click on the link you're sharing with them. To do so, there are a few guidelines you should follow to earn your audience's trust.

Firstly, ensure that your content is unique. People don't want to read the same information they can find on the manufacturer's website. Instead, share your own experience or expert opinions. If you don't have experience with the product you're promoting, research as much as you can from different sources. This will help you produce honest and unique reviews.

Secondly, provide both the good and bad aspects of the product so that your audience can compare it with other similar products. While some features may be obvious, it's important to emphasize what can help people make informed decisions.

Thirdly, incorporating pictures and videos can be helpful in supporting your content and adding more value to the product you're promoting. If you choose to make videos, use your own footage instead of stock footage to give a more personalized experience.

Lastly, be transparent that you have tried the product and are promoting it. Honesty is key, so make sure your audience knows you're not concealing anything. Also, include links to your affiliate website in your reviews on social media and beneath every product in your review article.

To further improve your product reviews, consider using the product yourself for a longer period of time. This will provide you with more insights into the product's performance and any potential issues that may arise over time.

Additionally, try to write your reviews in a conversational tone and include relatable stories to make them more engaging. Remember to always focus on the benefits the product can offer to your audience, and how it can solve their problems or address their needs.

Conclusion

SMS affiliate programs are great if you have an audience that is interested in online messaging services. Besides this, you might find other interesting tech-related affiliate programs in our affiliate programs and affiliate network directories. So make sure you find the best deals and offers, prepare the right content, and use the tips mentioned here to quickly get started with affiliate marketing in this niche.