Founded by Sam Walton in Arkansas in 1962, Walmart has grown to become a global powerhouse. With nearly 12,000 stores worldwide Walmart, no stranger to innovation and expansion, introduced its affiliate program in an effort to remain competitive in the digital landscape. The Walmart Affiliate Program is a revenue sharing program where affiliates can earn commission on sales referred from their website to Walmart.com. But, the question remains, is it worth it?
How the Program Works
The Walmart Affiliate Program operates like any other affiliate marketing program. Once you’re accepted as an affiliate, you’re given access to various Walmart product ads and links to place on your website. When a visitor clicks the link from your site and makes a purchase on Walmart.com, you earn a commission.
The amount of commission earned varies based on the category of product purchased. Commissions can range from 1% to 4%, with higher rates for certain categories. Most notably, Walmart’s groceries earn a high 4% commission rate, which can be lucrative due to the frequency of grocery purchases.
The Pros of Walmart Affiliate Program
With Walmart being a well-established household brand globally, trust, and familiarity play sizable roles in customer’s buying decisions, so you’ll hardly need to convince your website visitors to trust Walmart.
Another advantage is the wide range of products available. Walmart’s extensive inventory means you can find suitable products to promote regardless of your niche. Plus, the generous 3-day cookie duration gives you the potential to earn commission even if a customer makes a purchase a few days after visiting your site.
Note that unlike other affiliate programs, Walmart offers affiliates a chance to earn commissions on all purchases made by referrals, not just the item that led the visitor to Walmart.com.
The Cons of Walmart Affiliate Program
While there are many positives, the Walmart Affiliate Program also has its downsides.
The commission rates are rather low compared to other retail affiliate programs. The base commission rate starts at only 1%, which is significantly lower than the industry standard. It may be difficult for affiliates to generate substantial income unless they drive a considerable volume of traffic or focus on promoting higher commission categories such as groceries.
Another potential drawback is the limits on international purchases. Walmart’s affiliate program only supports purchases made in the U.S. This means if your website attracts a worldwide audience, you could potentially miss out on commissions from purchases made outside the U.S.
Is The Walmart Affiliate Program Worth It?
Your success with the Walmart Affiliate Program, like any other, depends on numerous factors including traffic volume, purchase frequency, and your marketing skills. It also depends if your audience aligns with Walmart’s typical customer.
However, with Walmart’s strong branding and extensive product range there is potential to generate a decent income, especially if your website is geared towards products with a higher commission or you can drive high volumes of traffic to Walmart.com. Yet, the lower commission rates and focus on U.S customers could restrict earnings for some affiliates.
Conclusion
The Walmart’s Affiliate program is packed with both opportunities and challenges. You may take advantage of the broad audience recognition, a large array of distinct product categories, and a potentially high volume of sales due to the trust for the brand. However, it would be best if you were prepared to deal with lower-than-average commission rates. It can be worthwhile for established affiliates who already boast a significant following, and their content aligns with Walmart products. Lastly, understanding your audience and their purchasing habits will help you determine whether it’s worthwhile or not.
FAQs about Walmart’s Affiliate Program
1. How can I become a Walmart affiliate?
To become an affiliate, you’ll need to apply on the official Walmart Affiliate program website. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you can start promoting products on your site.
2. How much can I earn as an affiliate?
Your earnings will depend on the volume of traffic you can direct to Walmart.com and the type of products targeted. Generally, the commissions range between 1% – 4%.
3. Does Walmart provide support and resources for affiliates?
Yes, Walmart provides a range of promotional materials, including banners and links. They also provide a dedicated affiliate support team who can provide assistance when needed.
4. Do I need to be in the U.S to become an affiliate?
No, you don’t have to be physically present in the U.S. However, do note that the affiliate program only supports purchases made in the U.S.
5. What’s the cookie duration for Walmart’s Affiliate program?
The cookie duration in Walmart’s program is 3 days, meaning you’ll earn commission on any qualifying purchases made within 3 days of a user clicking your link.