How to Start Affiliate Marketing in the Philippines (2025 Beginner’s Guide)

In 2025, more Filipinos than ever are turning to affiliate marketing in the Philippines as a legit way to earn money online. With no need for huge capital, you can start from home, set your own schedule, and slowly build a steady stream of income.

Thanks to the growth of e-commerce and social media, promoting products and earning commissions has never been easier. Platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Amazon give Pinoys the chance to earn just by sharing links and recommending products they already use and love. Whether you’re a student, an employee looking for a side hustle, or a full-time freelancer, affiliate marketing is a beginner-friendly path to online income in the Philippines.

Steps to Start Affiliate Marketing

🛒 What is Affiliate Marketing & How It Works

At its core, affiliate marketing is an online business model where you promote another company’s products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique link. Instead of handling stocks, shipping, or customer service, your main role is connecting people to products they already want or need.

Think of it like being a digital sales agent — but instead of knocking on doors or making cold calls, you share links through your blog, YouTube channel, Facebook page, or even TikTok videos. Every time someone clicks your link and completes a purchase, you get a cut of the sale.

How It Works in Practice

1. Join an Affiliate Program – Sign up with Shopee, Lazada, Involve Asia, or global networks like Amazon Associates. They’ll give you an account and tracking tools.

2. Get Your Unique Link – Each product you promote has a special affiliate link with your ID embedded. This ensures sales are tracked back to you.

3. Share & Promote – Place the link in your blog, YouTube description, or social media posts. For example, a beauty vlogger can review skincare products and drop her Shopee affiliate link in the caption.

4. Earn Commissions – When someone buys through your link, you earn a percentage of the sale. Rates vary depending on the program and product type.

Popular Affiliate Platforms for Filipinos

• Involve Asia – A regional network that connects Pinoys to Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Agoda, and even Grab. Commission rates range widely (2–15%), depending on the product.

• Shopee Affiliate Program – Perfect for beginners since Shopee is a household name in the Philippines. You can promote everyday essentials, gadgets, and fashion items.

• Lazada Affiliate Program – Offers access to Lazada’s massive catalog; great for niches like appliances, tech, and beauty.

• Amazon Associates (APAC/Global) – Better if your audience is international or if you want to focus on niche products not always available locally.

Why This Model Works for Beginners

• No Big Capital Needed: You don’t need ₱50,000 or more to start. Often, the only investment is your time and internet connection.

• Flexible Promotion Channels: You choose where to promote — blog, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok — whatever platform fits your audience best.

• Scalable Income: Start small (earning a few pesos per sale), but with consistency, those sales can snowball into steady passive income.

💡 Example Scenario: Imagine you’re into cooking. You start a simple TikTok account reviewing kitchen tools. Every time you review a ₱1,000 air fryer from Lazada and ten people buy using your link, you could earn 5–10% commission. That’s ₱500–₱1,000 from a single video — without stocking or delivering anything yourself.

Why Affiliate Marketing is Ideal for Pinoys

Filipinos have always been resourceful when it comes to earning extra income. From sari-sari stores to online selling, we know how to spot opportunities. That’s why affiliate marketing in the Philippines is such a good fit — it’s affordable, flexible, and realistic even for beginners.

✅ Low Startup Costs

You don’t need a big budget to get started. Unlike franchising or opening a physical store, affiliate marketing only requires a stable internet connection and a device. Some start by posting links on Facebook, while others launch a free blog or TikTok account. The low barrier to entry makes it perfect for students, stay-at-home parents, or employees looking for a side hustle.

✅ Work From Anywhere, Anytime

Affiliate marketing is 100% online, so you’re not tied to one location. Whether you’re in Metro Manila, Cebu, or Bukidnon, you can work as long as you have Wi-Fi. Many Pinoys even do affiliate marketing as an additional income stream while working abroad. The flexibility allows you to work on your content after office hours or during weekends.

✅ Passive Income Potential

Once you publish content with affiliate links, it can continue generating income long after you’ve created it. A blog post reviewing budget smartphones in the Philippines could earn you commissions for months or even years, as long as it stays relevant in Google searches. This is why affiliate marketing is often called a “build once, earn many times” model.

✅ Filipino-Friendly Platforms

Local programs like Shopee Affiliates and Lazada Affiliates make it easier than ever for Filipinos to join. These platforms pay through local banks or e-wallets like GCash, so you don’t have to worry about complicated payout systems.

✅ Proven Success Stories

There are already Filipino content creators who earn thousands of pesos monthly through affiliate marketing. For example, YouTubers reviewing gadgets often earn from affiliate links in their video descriptions. Bloggers writing about travel gear or skincare also generate steady side income through Lazada or Shopee. These stories show that it’s not just theory — it really works if you put in the effort.

💡 Practical Insight: The biggest reason affiliate marketing works so well for Pinoys is trust. Friends, family, and even strangers online value authentic recommendations. If you’re honest in your reviews and promote products you believe in, people are more likely to click your link — and that trust becomes your income.

🔎 Step 1 – Choose Your Niche

The first step in how to start affiliate marketing is deciding what niche you want to focus on. A niche is simply a topic or category you’ll create content about — like tech, beauty, food, travel, or fitness. Picking the right niche is crucial because it helps you attract the right audience and makes your content more focused.

🎯 How to Pick the Right Niche

1. Follow Your Passion or Knowledge – Choose a niche you’re genuinely interested in. If you love makeup, review skincare products. If you’re into gaming, share gear recommendations. This makes content creation easier because you’re talking about something you enjoy.

2. Check the Market Demand – Use free tools like Google Trends or check active Facebook groups to see if people are searching or talking about your chosen topic. For example, “budget smartphones Philippines 2025” is a hot search because Pinoys are always on the lookout for sulit gadgets.

3. Consider Your Budget & Resources – Some niches may require you to buy products for reviews (like tech gadgets), while others can be done with less expense (like lifestyle, productivity, or food hacks). Start with something sustainable for your situation.

📌 Examples of Strong Niches for Pinoy Affiliates

• Tech & Gadgets: Smartphones, laptops, affordable accessories.

• Beauty & Skincare: Makeup tutorials, skincare routines, Korean products.

• Food & Kitchen: Coffee makers, cookware, air fryers.

• Fitness & Health: Supplements, home workout gear, healthy recipes.

• Parenting & Lifestyle: Baby products, home essentials, family budgeting tools.

💡 Practical Tip

Don’t try to cover everything at once. Start with one focused niche so you can build credibility and grow a loyal audience. For example, instead of “all tech,” you might focus on budget smartphones under ₱10k. Once you’ve built authority there, you can expand to other categories.

📝 Step 2 – Select Affiliate Programs

Once you’ve chosen your niche, the next step is to pick which affiliate programs in the Philippines you’ll join. This is where you’ll get your links, track your clicks and sales, and receive your commissions. Choosing the right program can make a big difference in how much you earn and how easy it is to get paid.

🔑 What to Look For in an Affiliate Program

1. Commission Rates – Higher percentages mean more earnings per sale, but also consider the price of products. A 10% commission on a ₱500 item is just ₱50, while a 5% cut of a ₱20,000 laptop is already ₱1,000.

2. Product Relevance – Join programs that match your niche. If you’re into beauty, Shopee and Lazada are great. If you’re into books or international gadgets, Amazon may be better.

3. Reliable Payouts – Check if the platform offers payouts in PHP and if they support local banks or e-wallets like GCash. This makes withdrawing your earnings smoother.

4. Ease of Use – A beginner-friendly dashboard with clear reports helps you track which products and links perform best.

📌 Popular Affiliate Programs for Filipinos

• Shopee Affiliate Program – One of the easiest starting points. Commission rates range from 4–10% depending on the product category. Payouts can go directly to your bank or e-wallet.

• Lazada Affiliate Program – Similar to Shopee, with 5–9% commissions. Great for niches like tech, appliances, and home goods.

• Involve Asia – A regional platform that connects you with Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Agoda, Grab, and more. Commission rates vary (2–15%), making it ideal if you want multiple brands in one account.

• Amazon Associates (APAC/Global) – Better if your audience is international or you want to promote niche/global products. Commission rates range from 1–10%, but it’s harder to hit payout minimums if your traffic is mostly local.

💡 Practical Insight

For beginners, it’s often best to start with Shopee or Lazada, since they already have massive recognition in the Philippines. Once you gain confidence, you can explore bigger networks like Involve Asia or even go global with Amazon.

💻 Step 3 – Create Your Platform

Now that you’ve picked your niche and chosen an affiliate program, it’s time to decide where you’ll promote your links. This is your platform — your “home base” for creating content and connecting with your audience.

You don’t need to be everywhere at once. The smartest approach is to start with one platform where your audience is most active, then expand later.

🌐 Popular Platforms for Filipino Affiliates

• Blog / Website (WordPress, Blogger, or Wix)
  Great for long-form reviews, comparisons, and guides. If you love writing, starting a simple WordPress blog gives you credibility and allows you to rank on Google with SEO.
  Example: A blog post titled “Best Budget Smartphones in the Philippines 2025” with Shopee links embedded.

• YouTube
  Perfect for visual content like unboxing videos, tutorials, or product comparisons. YouTube videos also show up in Google search, which means double exposure.
  Example: A vlogger reviewing beauty products, adding affiliate links in the description.

• Facebook Page / Groups
  Since Pinoys spend so much time on Facebook, it’s a powerful platform for affiliate content. You can create a page for your niche or join relevant groups and share helpful posts (but avoid spamming).
  Example: A Facebook Page posting “Top 5 Kitchen Tools Under ₱1,000” with Lazada links.

• TikTok / Instagram
  Best for quick, engaging content. Short clips like product demos, mini-reviews, or “₱999 Shopee Haul” videos can go viral. TikTok now allows clickable links in bio or shop features, making it easy to earn.

💡 Practical Tip

Don’t overcomplicate things at the start. If you’re shy on camera, start with a blog or Facebook posts. If you love talking and showing products, go with YouTube or TikTok. The best platform is the one you’ll actually enjoy creating content for consistently.

✍️ Step 4 – Produce Valuable Content

The heart of affiliate marketing in the Philippines is content. Without valuable content, your affiliate links won’t get clicks — and no clicks means no commissions. Content is what builds trust, educates your audience, and convinces them to buy through your recommendations.

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🛠️ Types of Content That Work Best

1. Product Reviews
   Honest, detailed reviews help people decide whether a product is worth buying. Pinoys often search for “Is [product] worth it?” before making a purchase.
   Example: A review of a ₱5,000 budget smartphone showing pros, cons, and real-world photos.

2. Top 10 Lists / Comparisons
   Filipinos love “sulit” guides. A “Top 10” or side-by-side comparison saves the reader time and positions you as a trusted advisor.
   Example: “Top 10 Air Fryers in the Philippines Under ₱5,000” with Shopee links.

3. How-To Tutorials
   Teaching people how to use a product (or solve a problem with it) adds extra value.
   Example: A YouTube video: “How to Set Up a Home Gym with Just ₱10,000” with affiliate links for weights, mats, and resistance bands.

4. Unboxings & First Impressions
   Quick, engaging videos or posts showing the packaging, features, and first use of a product. These are popular on TikTok and YouTube.

5. Lifestyle / Storytelling Posts
   Share how a product fits into your daily life. This makes recommendations feel natural, not salesy.
   Example: Posting about how a budget coffee maker changed your morning routine, then linking to Lazada.

💡 Practical Insight

The most important ingredient is trust. Don’t just promote the most expensive product for a bigger commission. Pinoys can easily spot if you’re being genuine. Instead, recommend what you’ve actually used or what you’d confidently suggest to a friend. When readers feel you’re looking out for them, they’re more likely to click and buy.

🚦 Step 5 – Drive Traffic to Your Links

Even the best content won’t earn money if no one sees it. The secret to success in affiliate marketing Philippines is learning how to bring traffic — readers, viewers, and followers — to your blog, videos, or social media posts. More traffic = more clicks = more commissions.

🔍 Use Basic SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

If you have a blog or website, SEO helps your content show up on Google when people search.

• Target Long-Tail Keywords: Instead of just “smartphones,” write articles like “Best Budget Smartphones in the Philippines 2025”.

• Answer Questions: Pinoys often Google “Which is better, [Product A] or [Product B]?” Use these phrases as headings in your content.

• Optimize Titles & Descriptions: Include your keywords naturally in your blog title, meta description, and headers.

📱 Promote on Social Media

Most Filipinos spend hours daily on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube — making them perfect for affiliate content.

• Facebook Groups: Join groups in your niche (like tech buyers, skincare enthusiasts, or parenting groups) and share valuable posts with affiliate links (never spam).

• TikTok Trends: Use trending hashtags and short, punchy videos like “Shopee Haul ₱999 Challenge”.

• YouTube: Post consistent reviews/tutorials, and always add your affiliate links in the video description.

💸 Consider Paid Ads (Later On)

Once you’re earning consistently, you can reinvest in Facebook or Google Ads to promote your best content. For example, boosting a viral TikTok video or a blog post can bring in more clicks and sales.

🛠️ Tools to Help You Track and Grow

• Google Analytics / Search Console: Monitor traffic, see which pages or videos perform best.

• URL Shorteners (Bitly, Rebrandly): Clean up long affiliate links and track clicks.

• Canva: Create engaging graphics, thumbnails, or social media posts.

💡 Practical Insight

Focus first on free traffic sources (SEO and social media). Many Pinoys have built affiliate income streams without spending a peso on ads by consistently posting helpful content where their audience hangs out.

⚠️ Step 6 – Avoid Common Pitfalls

Many beginners in affiliate marketing Philippines quit early, not because it doesn’t work, but because they fall into common traps. Knowing these mistakes upfront can save you time, money, and frustration.

❌ Expecting Quick Riches

Some people think affiliate marketing will make them rich overnight. In reality, it can take weeks or even months before you see consistent earnings. Don’t get discouraged if your first few posts don’t generate clicks — focus on building content and trust.

❌ Choosing Too Broad a Niche

If you try to promote “everything,” your audience won’t know what you stand for. Narrow your focus first (e.g., “budget smartphones under ₱10k”) instead of trying to cover all gadgets. This helps you build authority and attract loyal followers.

❌ Spamming Links Everywhere

Dropping affiliate links in random Facebook comments or group chats can get you banned and ruin your credibility. Instead, share links only where they make sense — in helpful posts, reviews, or tutorials. Remember: value first, link second.

❌ Ignoring Legal & Tax Responsibilities

Yes, affiliate marketing is legal in the Philippines, but once you start earning regularly, the BIR expects you to pay taxes. If your income grows, consider registering as self-employed or under a small business category. This not only keeps you compliant but also makes you look more professional to brands and partners.

❌ Not Tracking Results

Many beginners never check which links or content actually perform. Use your affiliate dashboard or tools like Google Analytics to see what works best. Then, double down on those strategies instead of guessing.

💡 Practical Insight

Affiliate marketing isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about consistency. The Pinoys who succeed are the ones who publish content regularly, build trust with their audience, and learn from data instead of giving up too early.

🌟 Success Tips & Next Steps

By now, you know the steps to start affiliate marketing in the Philippines. But to truly grow your online income, you need to go beyond the basics. Here are some strategies successful Pinoy affiliates use to level up:

📧 Build an Email List

Social media algorithms change all the time, but an email list is yours forever. Start collecting emails from your audience (using free tools like MailerLite or ConvertKit) so you can promote products directly to them later.

📚 Keep Learning & Adapting

Affiliate marketing trends evolve quickly. Join affiliate marketing Facebook groups for Pinoys or follow forums like Warrior Forum and Reddit Affiliate Marketing. You’ll pick up new strategies, learn about high-paying programs, and avoid outdated tactics.

🤝 Treat It Like a Real Business

Even if you start small, think long-term. Create a posting schedule, track your income, and reinvest in tools or ads once you’re earning. The more professional your approach, the faster your growth.

🕒 Stay Consistent

The biggest success factor is showing up. Post that blog review, record that video, share that social post — even when you don’t see results right away. Affiliate marketing is like planting seeds: the more you plant, the bigger your harvest later.

💡 Next Step for Beginners: Pick one niche, join one affiliate program, and publish your first piece of content this week. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” — the best way to learn is by doing.

❓ FAQs About Affiliate Marketing in the Philippines

1. Do I need a website to start affiliate marketing?
No, you can start with YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook Pages. But having a website builds credibility and long-term traffic from Google.

2. How much can beginners realistically earn?
At first, it might just be a few hundred pesos. With consistency, many Filipinos scale to ₱10k–₱50k or more monthly.

3. Is affiliate marketing legal in the Philippines?
Yes, it’s fully legal. Just make sure to pay taxes once you start earning regularly.

4. How do affiliate marketers in the Philippines get paid?
Most platforms pay through bank transfer or e-wallets like GCash. Some international programs use PayPal or Wise.

5. Can I do affiliate marketing without showing my face?
Yes, many use blogs, written reviews, or voice-over videos. What matters is your content, not your face.

6. How long before I see results?
It usually takes a few months to build traffic and trust. Patience and consistency are key.

7. What’s the best niche for Filipinos in 2025?
Tech gadgets, beauty products, and food-related niches remain strong. Choose what you’re passionate about so you don’t burn out.

8. Do I need to buy products before promoting them?
Not always — you can promote items you already use or do research-based reviews. But hands-on experience makes your content more convincing.

9. Can affiliate marketing be done part-time?
Yes, many Pinoys do it as a side hustle after work or school. The flexible schedule makes it easy to fit into your lifestyle.

10. What’s the biggest mistake beginners make?
Spamming links without offering value. Instead, focus on helpful content that builds trust with your audience.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Turn Clicks Into Real Income

Affiliate marketing is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to earn online in the Philippines. With minimal investment, you can build a side hustle that grows into a sustainable online income stream over time.

The key is simple: choose a niche you care about, join the right affiliate programs, and consistently create content that helps people. Don’t expect overnight success — treat it like planting seeds, and watch your hard work grow into real earnings.

If you’ve been looking for a legit way to make money online in 2025, this is your chance. Start today with one affiliate program, one platform, and one piece of content. Your first commission might be small, but it’s the first step toward long-term freedom.

📚 References

• Shopee Affiliate Program

• Lazada Affiliate Program

• Involve Asia Affiliate Network

• Amazon Associates Program

• Ecomobi Affiliate Marketing

• Google Trends

• Warrior Forum – Affiliate Marketing Discussions

• Affiliate Marketing Subreddit