Best Affiliate Marketing Tools For Bloggers [2021]

Today you’re going to find new, untapped affiliate marketing tools and resources you can use to propel your online business.

And let me be straight with you.

This ain’t your grandma’s list of marketing tools.

This is a curated list of digital marketing tools that I’ve personally researched, paid for, and tested to grow my online marketing and SEO business since 2010.

In other words, these are the best marketing tools I currently use and recommend to clients who want to start a blog or profit from affiliate marketing. (And why I’m recommending them to you.)

Best Affiliate Marketing Tools List
Best Affiliate Marketing Tools

I’ve got three main criteria when it comes to selecting internet marketing tools.

  • They’ve got to save me time (and money in the long run)
  • They’ve got to be reliable (and well supported)
  • They’ve got to make my workflow easier (i.e., less friction)

Speed being most important because it creates a competitive advantage. Especially running an online business.

speed is the new online business currency

And from one affiliate marketer to another…

I’m sure you can appreciate the wise words of “King James” himself.

(This quote is definitely taken out of context, but it kinda works for affiliate marketing.)

I’m going to use all my tools, my God-given ability, and make the best life I can with it.

– LeBron James

My hope is this comprehensive tool guide becomes your “go-to” resource for the best affiliate marketing tools online.

And by using the tools listed…

You save time, have less frustration, and ultimately make more money.

On that note…

Let’s get into it!

WAIT… Before we get into it here’s my affiliate disclosure. (By this point I hope you realize this site is about affiliate marketing. So what kind of affiliate marketer would I be if I didn’t drop my affiliate links? ☺︎)

Affiliate Disclosure: Please Read Before Proceeding

I’m an affiliate marketer and I run this website with the proceeds earned as an affiliate. So some of the links to products or services on this page (or website) may include my affiliate link.  In other words, if you click a link and make a purchase I may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you).

That being said, I’m only an affiliate for products I believe in, personally use, and would recommend to friends, family, clients… and you.

So if you do use my affiliate link, “thank you.” And if you prefer not to, that’s cool.

The Best Affiliate Marketing Tools Of 2020

Best Of The Best: 25 Affiliate Marketing Tools To Start And Scale An Online Business

best-of-the-best-affiliate-marketing-tools

I’m constantly giving out tool recommendations to friends and colleagues, but if I had to start an affiliate marketing business from scratch…

…the following marketing tools are the first I would invest in to quickly grow my online business.

*Note: I don’t believe in wasteful spending. I run my digital marketing business as lean as possible in regards to operating costs and expenses.

That being said, some tools are beginner and budget friendly. And others are pro tools for affiliate marketers who don’t mind paying extra for increased performance.

The following, in my opinion, are the best 25 marketing tools to start and scale a six-figure affiliate marketing business (or any online business for that matter).

Let’s dive in.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

[lasso ref=”astra” id=”9745″ link_id=”1011258″]
[lasso ref=”brizycloud” id=”9795″ link_id=”1011259″]
[lasso ref=”canva” id=”9863″ link_id=”1011260″]
[lasso ref=”convertbox” id=”10629″ link_id=”1011261″]
[lasso ref=”deadlinefunnel” id=”10826″ link_id=”1011262″]
[lasso ref=”designrr” id=”10873″ link_id=”1011263″]
[lasso ref=”elementor” id=”10964″ link_id=”1011264″]
[lasso ref=”embedplus” id=”11355″ link_id=”1011265″]
[lasso ref=”endorsal” id=”12970″ link_id=”1011266″]
[lasso ref=”optincat” id=”13428″ link_id=”1011267″]
[lasso ref=”getresponse” id=”11012″ link_id=”1011268″]
[lasso ref=”lasso” id=”8160″ link_id=”1011269″]
[lasso ref=”linkwhisper” id=”13357″ link_id=”1011270″]
[lasso ref=”luckyorange” id=”13431″ link_id=”1011271″]
[lasso ref=”meetfox” id=”13361″ link_id=”1011272″]
[lasso ref=”nitropack” id=”13366″ link_id=”1011273″]
[lasso ref=”pcloud” id=”13368″ link_id=”1011274″]
[lasso ref=”podia” id=”13447″ link_id=”1011275″]
[lasso ref=”samcart” id=”13451″ link_id=”1011276″]
[lasso ref=”screenflow” id=”13401″ link_id=”1011277″]
[lasso ref=”socialanimal” id=”13405″ link_id=”1011278″]
[lasso ref=”thrivecart” id=”13409″ link_id=”1011279″]
[lasso ref=”videopeel” id=”13463″ link_id=”1011280″]
[lasso ref=”vidiq” id=”13479″ link_id=”1011281″]
[lasso ref=”wpx” id=”12960″ link_id=”1011282″]

Audio & Podcast Editing Software

  • Audacity: Free open-source, audio software for recording and editing.
  • Auphonic: Automatic audio post production web service.
  • BounceCast: Record, enhance, and master podcasts and video audio automatically.
  • Descript: Record, edit, mix, collaborate, and master your audio and video.
  • Garage Band: A music creation studio inside your Mac.
descript-software-review
Descript

Accounting Software For Freelancers

  • FreshBooks: Cloud-based all-in-one accounting software for freelancers.
  • QuickBooks: Accounting software for small business.
[lasso ref=”freshbooks” id=”13527″ link_id=”1011283″]

Best Chrome Extensions for Digital Marketers

Broken Link Checkers

[lasso ref=”lasso” id=”8160″ link_id=”1011205″ rel=”lasso”]
best google chrome extensions
Momentum: A focused calm.

Cloud Storage

Color Scheme Generators

  • Adobe Color: Browse thousands of color combinations.
  • Paletton: Create color combinations that work well together.
color scheme generators
Adobe Color

Competitor Analysis / Backlink Tools

  • Ahrefs: SEO Backlink checker and competitor research tool.
  • Majestic: Link intelligence tools for SEO and online marketing.
  • Moz: Link analysis and SEO software tools for better marketing.
  • Open Link Profiler: Free SEO link research tool.
  • SEMrush: Versatile competitive intelligence suite for digital marketing.
  • SEO Quake: A powerful SEO toolbox for your browser.
  • SEO Review Tools: Check the 100 most valuable backlinks sorted via Moz.
  • WebMeUp: The most accurate link checker.
backlink analysis tools
SEMrush All-in-on Marketing Toolkit

Conference Calling Services

Content Marketing Idea Tools for Bloggers

  • BuzzSumo: Find the most shared content and key influencers.
  • Twitter Search: Find popular people, hashtags, and photos for any topic.
  • Google Trends: See the latest trends, data, and visualizations.
  • Popurls: The webs most popular content on a single page.
  • Portent: Content idea generator.
content trending software
BuzzSumo: Analyze what content performs best.

Conversion Tracking Software

Copywriting Swipe Files

  • Swipe File: Swipe files curated by the top copywriters in the world.
  • Swiped: Marketing and copywriting examples.

Deadline Countdown Timers

deadline countdown timers
DeadlineFunnel: Add animated countdowns to landing pages and offers.

Documentation Software

Domain Name Registrars

  1. NameCheap: Cheap domain names with free WhoIs Guard.
  2. GoDaddy: World’s largest domain name registrar.

Domain Check Tools

wayback machine domain check tools
Google: Dec 2, 1998.

Ebook Cover Creators

  • Adazing: Free ebook cover creator.
  • Canva: Amazingly simple graphic design software.
  • Designrr: Create beautiful lead magnets without writing a single word.
  • MyEcoverMaker: 3D ebooks covers in minutes.
  • PixelStudioFx: Instantly create professional high converting eCovers.
ebook maker software
PixelStudioFx: 3D box shot example.

Ebook Maker Software (for Lead Magnets)

  • Beacon: Create professional lead magnets in minutes.
  • Designrr: Create beautiful lead magnets without writing a single word.
ebook cover creators
Beacon: Create professional lead magnets in minutes.

Email Marketing Automation Software

  • ActiveCampagn: Email marketing automation and small business CRM.
  • ConvertKit: Email marketing for professional bloggers.
  • Drip: Quick and easy email marketing automation.
  • GetResponse: Send emails, surveys, and follow-up autoresponders.
drip email marketing automation
Drip: Visual email workflows.

Facebook Live Software

  • BeLive: Engage your audience on Facebook Live.
  • Ecamm Live: Powerful Facebook Live platform for Mac.

Flowchart Software

  • Draw.io: Free online diagram and flowchart software.
  • Gliffy: Online diagram and flowchart software.
  • Google Draw: Create diagrams and flowcharts for free.

Free Fonts

Free Graphics

  • Freepik: Free vectors, photos and PSD downloads.
  • Vecteezy: Huge collection of free vector art, graphics, and wallpapers.
free graphic sites
Freepik: Free vectors, photos, icons, and PSD files.

Free Icons

  • Flaticon: Free vector icons in SVG, PSD, PNG, and EPS format.
  • IconFinder: Hosts a collection of premium and free icons.
  • IconMonstr: Free simple icons for your next project.
  • TheNounProject: Icons for everything (and now with color).

Free Stock Music

free stock music
YouTube: Free music and sound effects.

Free Stock Photos

free stock images
All The Free Stock

Free Stock Videos

  • Coverr: Beautiful free videos for your homepage.
  • Mazwai: Download free creative commons HD video clips and footage.
  • Pixabay: High-quality footage and stock videos you can use anywhere.
  • Splashbase: Search and discover free hi-res videos.
  • Pexels:  Free stock videos for your website, promo videos, and more.
  • Vimeo: Free HD stock footage for your blog or website.

FTP Software

  • Cyberduck: A FTP, Google Drive and Dropbox browser for Mac and PC.
  • FileZilla: The free FTP solution for both client and server.

GIF Sites

  • Gifbin: Best funny GIFs and animated GIFs.
  • Giphy: Your top source for the best and newest GIFs online.
  • Reaction GIFs: The best GIF reactions for making your point.
not very nice
Giphy: Now that’s not very nice ツ

Graphic Design Software

graphic design software
Canva: Simple yet robust graphic software.

Heatmap and Visitor Tracking

  • Crazy Egg: Visualize where your visitors click.
  • LuckyOrange: Dynamic heatmaps, visitor recordings, and chat.
  • Sumo: Suite of free tools used to grow your website’s traffic.
heatmap and visitor tracking software
LuckyOrange: Dynamic heatmaps.

All Pages

Image Editors

  • GIMP: Cross platform image editor for Linux, OS X and Windows.
  • Photoshop: Transform your photos into anything you can imagine.
  • Pixlr: Online photo editor including layers and effects.
  • Social Image Resizer Tool: Resize and crop your images for web use.
image editors
Pixlr: Similar to Photoshop, but free.

Image Optimizers

  • Compressor: Optimize and compress your images and photos.
  • Compress JPG & PNG: Automatically optimizes WordPress images.
  • ImageOptim: Makes images load faster by removing bloated metadata.
  • Smush.it: Image compression and optimization for WordPress.
  • Tinyjpg: Optimize JPG images with perfect balance in quality and size.
  • Tinypng: Optimize PNG images with perfect balance in quality and size.

Infographic Tools

  • Easel.ly:  Create and share visual ideas online.
  • Piktochart: Create easy infographics, reports, and presentations.
infographic tools
Piktochart

Keyword Density Checkers

  • SEO Book: Free keyword density analyzer.
  • WordCounter: Online word counter and keyword density checker.

Keyword Research Tools

best keyword research tools
KWFinder (Awesome keyword research tool)

Keyword Trackers

Landing Page Software / Funnel Builders

landing page software
ThriveThemes: Landing page builder.

Large File Transfers

  • Dropbox: Secure file sharing and storage.
  • Google Drive: Access files anywhere through secure cloud storage.
  • WeTransfer: The simplest way to send your files around the world.

Lead Capture Modal Popup Software

  • Hello Bar: Convert visitors into customers.
  • OptinMonster: Converts abandoning visitors into subscribers.
  • Sumo: Suite of tools used to grow your website traffic.
  • ThriveLeads: The ultimate list building plugin for WorPress.
lead generation modal popus software
ThriveLeads: The only list building plugin you’ll ever need.

Link Shortners

Logo Design Online

  • 99 Designs: Logos, web, graphic design and more.
  • Design Crowd: Crowdsourced logo, freelance graphic, and web design.
  • Fiverr: Logo design services from online freelance designers.
  • LogoLogo: Home of free logo downloads (AI, EPS, PSD, CDR).
  • Upwork: Hire design freelancers.

Mind Mapping Software

  • Freemind: Open-sourced mind mapping software.
  • Xmind: The most professional and popular mind mapping tool.
mind mapping software
Xmind: The Digital Marketing Field Guide outline.

Mobile Phone Emulators

  • MobileTest: Test your mobile sites and responsive web design.
  • mobiReady: Is your website mobile ready?
mobile ready emulator
mobiReady

Mockup Generators

Mockup generators
SmartMockups: The Digital Marketing Field Guide.

Online Course Platforms / Membership Software

  • NewKajabi: Easily, market, sell and deliver your online content.
  • ProductDyno: Easiest way to sell & securely deliver digital products.
  • Teachable: Create and sell your online courses.
  • Thinkific: Create, market and sell your online courses.

Outsourcing / Freelance Services

  • Fiverr: Freelance services marketplace for the lean entrepreneur.
  • OnlineJobs: Qualified and skilled Filipino virtual assistants.
  • Upwork: Hire freelancers and get freelance jobs online.

Page Speed Tools

Payment Processors

  • PayPal: Send money,  pay online, or set up a merchant account.
  • Stripe: A suite of APIs that powers commerce for businesses.

Phone Number Tracking

  • Evoice:  Small business phone numbers and virtual phone system.
  • Hosted Numbers: Virtual phone number provider.

Presentation Software

  • Google Slides: Create and edit presentations online for free.
  • Keynote: Easy to create stunning and memorable presentations.
  • PowerPoint: Slide presentation software.

Press Release Tools

  • PRWeb: Online press release distribution service.
  • PressCable: Instant publicity to your site.

Productivity Tools

  • Alfred: Productivity app for Mac OS X.
  • Brain.fm: Music to improve focus, meditation, and sleep.
  • Defonic: A fabulous ambient noise generator.
  • Desktop Tidy: Hide and manage desktop files for Mac OS X.
  • Feedly: Organize, read, and share what matters to you.
  • Google Alerts: Monitor the web for interesting content.
  • LastPass: Password manager, form filler, and password generator.
  • Momentum: Personal dashboard designed to eliminate distraction.
  • Noisli: Improve focus and boost productivity with background noise.
  • Spectacle: A simple way to become more productive on your Mac.
  • VideoSpeedController: Speed up, slow down, advance and rewind video.
productivity tools
Feedly: Manage your content interests in one place.

Project Management Tools

  • Asana:  Track your teams work and manage projects.
  • Basecamp: Project management software and online collaboration.
  • MeisterTask:  Task management for teams.
  • Trello: Infinitely flexible, Trello keeps track of everything.

Screen Annotation Apps (Real-Time)

  • Ink2Go: Write on any other application that is currently active.
screen annotation software
Ink2Go: Write on top of any screen… live.

Screen Capture Software (Image)

  • CloudApp: The video and image sharing platform for pros.
  • Jing: Add basic visual elements to all of your online conversations.
  • LightShot: Screenshot tool for Mac and Windows.
  • Skitch: Snap, mark up, and share for Mac.
  • Snagit:Amazing screen capture and recording software.
screen capture software
Snagit: The “Swill Army Knife” of digital marketing tools.

Screen Recording Software (Video)

video screen recording editing software
ScreenFlow: Screen record, edit, and export.

SERPs Rank Checker

Shopping Cart Software

  • Gumroad: Sell, music, software, books, and films directly to your audience.
  • SamCart:The easiest way to sell digital products and services online.
  • ThriveCart: A cart platform for marketers.
shopping cart software samcart
SamCart: Checkout pages for digital marketers.

Social Media Name Checkers

  • NameChk: Username, domain, and trademark search.
social media name checkers
NameChk: Helpful when selecting a brand name.

Social Media Scheduling

  • Buffer: A smarter way to share on social media.
  • MeetEdgar: Social media scheduling tools that manage itself.

Speed-Reading Apps

  • Readsy: Easy way to read large amounts of text using Spritz.
  • Spreeder: Free speed reading app.
  • Spritz: Improves focus, completion, and fluency.
speed reading apps
Spritz: Allows you to read ultra fast.

Survey Tools

Time Mangement Tools

time management tools
FocusBooster: Stay focused and get more done.

Transcription Services

  • Rev: Audio transcriptions, video captions, and translation services.
  • Scribie:  Audio and video transcription service.

Transcription Software

  • Descript: Edit recordings by editing text (transcripts in minutes).
  • Trint: Get searchable, editable transcripts in minutes.

Video Animation Software

  • Explaindio: Make amazing professional animations and doodle sketches.
  • VideoMakerFX: All in one video creator and animation software.
  • VideoScribe: Create your own whiteboard video animations.
video animation software
VideoScribe: Animation software.

Video Conference Tools

  • Appear.in: One click video conversations.
  • Skype: Video calls to friends and family.

Video Downloaders

  • GetfVid: Facebook video downloader.
  • Y2Mate: Online download videos from YouTube.

Video Editing Software

  • Camtasia: Video editor for Windows and Mac.
  • iMovie: Turn your movie into movie magic.
  • ScreenFlow:Record your screen, iOS device, then edit with ease.

Video Hosting

  • JW Player: Powerful and flexible video platform.
  • Vimeo: Upload, manage, and share your videos.
  • Wistia: Video hosting for business.
  • YouTube: Upload original content and share it with the world.

Video Recording Gear

video recording gear
My current audio and video recording setup.

Video Resizing Software

Kapwing: Resize any video to fit Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Virtual Phone Number Service

Webinar Software

Website Analytics Tools

Website Builders (CMS)

Website SEO Analyzer Tools

Whiteboard Software

  • AWW App: Online whiteboard for real-time visual collaboration.
  • Stormboard: Online brainstorming and planning.
  • Realtimeboard: Virtual whiteboard and virtual collaboration tool.
  • Web Whiteboard: The simplest way to draw and write together online.

WordPress Backup Plugins and Services

  • BackupBuddy: Allows you to restore or move WordPress to a new host.
  • VaultPress: Protection, security, and backup services for WP blogs.
website backup service for wordpress
VaultPress: Always, always, always backup your website.

WordPress Hosting

  • Bluehost: Professional web hosting with 24/7 live customer support.
  • LiquidWeb: Managed dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud servers.

WordPress Support Help

  • Upwork: Hire WordPress freelance developers.
  • WPCurve: Unlimited small fixes for WordPress 24/7.

WordPress Themes

best wordpress themes genesis framework
StudioPress: WordPress themes designed for performance.

WordPress Plugins (Top 10)

Writing Tools for Bloggers

blogging tools list
Grammarly… the Free Grammar checker.
digital marketing end