19 Creative B2B Affiliate Marketing Examples I’ve Seen in the Wild

New Course: Learn to Launch an Affiliate Program
Author Photo: Nick
Updated on Nov 21, 2024
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Running a successful B2B software affiliate program isn't just about recruiting partners - it's about showing them exactly where they can effectively promote your solution.

This guide reveals the most effective promotion spots your partners can leverage, based on real conversion data from successful B2B software affiliate programs.

Whether you're launching a new affiliate program or optimizing an existing one, understanding these promotion opportunities will help you create better resources, training, and support for your partners. You'll also discover which channels to highlight in your affiliate onboarding and where to focus your enablement efforts.

Let's explore the 19 most effective places where your affiliates can promote your software and drive qualified leads...

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1. How-To Blog Posts

How-to blog posts are powerful for promoting B2B software because they provide real value while naturally introducing tools. For example, a post about "How to Automate Your Customer Support" can organically feature help desk software recommendations, or "How to Scale Your Email Outreach" creates perfect context for promoting email automation tools.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in how-to posts:

  • Focus on solving specific business problems
  • Include real examples of processes and workflows
  • Show screenshots of software in action
  • Add specific steps readers can follow
  • Include results and metrics when possible

2. Software Review Posts

Source: business.com

Detailed software reviews consistently drive conversions because they target readers actively evaluating solutions. These in-depth reviews help decision-makers understand features, benefits, and potential ROI while building trust through honest analysis.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in review posts:

  • Share hands-on experience with the software
  • Include pros and cons
  • Break down pricing and plans
  • Show real screenshots and examples
  • Compare with alternative solutions

3. Product Comparison Pages

Source: business.com

Comparison pages perform exceptionally well because they attract readers who are already deep in the decision-making process. These comprehensive comparisons help potential buyers evaluate different solutions while positioning affiliate products effectively against competitors.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in comparison pages:

  • Create detailed feature comparison tables
  • Analyze pricing structures
  • Highlight unique selling points
  • Include use case scenarios
  • Offer implementation insights

4. Industry Podcasts

Source: Spotify

Business podcasts provide an excellent platform for naturally discussing and recommending software solutions. Decision-makers often listen to industry podcasts while commuting or exercising, making them receptive to learning about new tools that could improve their operations.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in podcasts:

  • Share detailed experiences with the software
  • Include links in show notes
  • Create dedicated resource pages
  • Mention special offers for listeners
  • Follow up with implementation guides

5. LinkedIn Articles

Source: LinkedIn.com

LinkedIn articles reach business professionals directly on their preferred professional platform. These long-form posts allow for detailed exploration of business challenges and solutions, creating natural opportunities for software recommendations.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in LinkedIn articles:

  • Focus on industry-specific challenges
  • Share real implementation stories
  • Include performance metrics
  • Tag relevant decision-makers
  • Engage with comments meaningfully

6. Email Newsletters

Source: Exitfive newsletter

Regular newsletters build trust with subscribers who actively opt-in to receive recommendations. This direct line of communication creates opportunities for sharing software solutions in context with industry insights and trends.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in newsletters:

  • Create themed software roundups
  • Share exclusive trial offers
  • Include mini case studies
  • Highlight problem-solving features
  • Add personal insights and tips

7. YouTube Tutorials

Source: Youtube

Video content excels at demonstrating software capabilities and practical applications. Tutorials attract viewers actively seeking solutions, making them perfect for contextual software recommendations.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in video content:

  • Create solution-focused tutorials
  • Show real-world applications
  • Include timestamps for features
  • Add links in video descriptions
  • Create playlists by use case

8. Professional Webinars

Webinars allow for in-depth exploration of business challenges and solutions. They create perfect opportunities to demonstrate software capabilities while building authority and trust.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in webinars:

  • Focus on solving specific challenges
  • Demonstrate actual software usage
  • Include Q&A sessions
  • Offer exclusive webinar deals
  • Provide resource packages

9. Case Study Content

Source: Predicable revenue

Case studies demonstrate real-world success with specific software solutions. They work particularly well because they show concrete results and implementation details.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in case studies:

  • Include specific metrics and ROI
  • Detail implementation steps
  • Show before/after scenarios
  • Add client testimonials
  • Provide actionable takeaways

10. Resource Pages

Resource pages serve as comprehensive guides to recommended tools and solutions. They attract decision-makers actively seeking trusted recommendations for their tech stack.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links on resource pages:

  • Organize tools by category
  • Include personal experiences
  • Update recommendations regularly
  • Add implementation tips
  • Highlight integration capabilities

11. Online Courses

Source: Coursera

Online courses provide extended opportunities to demonstrate software value. Students actively seek tools to implement what they're learning, making course materials perfect for contextual recommendations.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in courses:

  • Include practical software exercises
  • Create implementation modules
  • Provide tool comparison guides
  • Share workflow templates
  • Offer student discounts

12. Professional Forum Responses

Source: Google

Industry forums attract professionals seeking specific solutions to their challenges. Thoughtful, detailed responses that include relevant software recommendations can be highly effective. Most forums go against sharing affiliate links, so be sure to double check the terms of service to be sure.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in forum responses:

  • Address specific questions comprehensively
  • Share personal implementation experiences
  • Include relevant screenshots
  • Offer follow-up assistance
  • Link to detailed resources

13. Integration Guides

Integration guides help companies connect different tools in their tech stack. They provide natural opportunities to recommend complementary software solutions.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in integration guides:

  • Detail step-by-step processes
  • Show common use cases
  • Include troubleshooting tips
  • Demonstrate workflow automation
  • Highlight efficiency gains

14. Industry Conference Presentations

Conference presentations reach engaged audiences actively seeking solutions. They provide opportunities to demonstrate software capabilities to decision-makers.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in presentations:

  • Share real implementation stories
  • Include ROI calculations
  • Provide detailed slide decks
  • Create resource pages
  • Offer conference-specific deals

15. Expert Roundups

Expert roundups leverage multiple perspectives to provide comprehensive software recommendations. They work well because they combine various authority voices.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in roundups:

  • Focus on specific use cases
  • Include diverse perspectives
  • Add implementation advice
  • Share success metrics
  • Provide comparative insights

16. Professional Social Media

Source: LinkedIn

The above isn’t an actual affiliate post on LinkedIn but an example of social post promoting a b2b SaaS they love!

Strategic social media content can drive significant affiliate conversions when focused on business challenges and solutions. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are particularly effective for B2B software promotion.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in social posts:

  • Share quick wins and tips
  • Create carousel tutorials
  • Post success stories
  • Engage with relevant discussions
  • Use platform-specific formats

17. Virtual Summits

Virtual summits provide opportunities to showcase software solutions through presentations, workshops, and panels. These events attract engaged audiences actively seeking business solutions.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in virtual summits:

  • Create dedicated solution demos
  • Share implementation workshops
  • Include downloadable resources
  • Offer summit-exclusive trials
  • Provide follow-up materials

18. Downloadable Templates

Source: https://www.discovercrm.com/crm-rfp-guide-and-template.html

Templates that incorporate software functionality attract users looking for ready-made solutions. These resources provide practical value while demonstrating software capabilities.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in templates:

  • Create workflow templates
  • Include setup instructions
  • Add automation guides
  • Provide customization tips
  • Share best practices

19. Industry Benchmark Reports

Benchmark reports help companies understand market standards and identify improvement opportunities. They create natural contexts for software recommendations.

Here are some tips for including affiliate links in benchmark reports:

  • Include tool adoption rates
  • Share performance metrics
  • Add solution comparisons
  • Highlight success factors
  • Provide implementation guides

Conclusion

Success in B2B software affiliate marketing comes from providing genuine value in places where decision-makers actively seek solutions. Focus on creating helpful, authentic content that naturally incorporates software recommendations rather than forcing promotional content.

PRO TIP: Track which promotion methods generate the highest-quality leads, not just the most clicks. This helps focus efforts on the most profitable channels for your specific niche.

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Nick Cotter

Nick Cotter

Founder & CEO
Growann

With over 7 years navigating the intricate realms of marketing, and specifically B2B partner marketing, Nick has forged collaborations with top-tier tech brands, prominent agencies, and some of the industry's foremost B2B publishers and content creators. His deep immersion in both marketing landscapes showcases a trajectory of expertise and innovation. Identifying a significant void in specialized resources, he founded Growann.The aspiration? Deliver unparalleled insights and guidance, carving out a dedicated space where the broader marketing and B2B partner marketing communities can flourish.