# BigCommerce Affiliate Program vs Strikingly Affiliate Program: Which Pays Better?
When choosing between affiliate programs to monetize your audience, BigCommerce affiliate program vs Strikingly affiliate program is a crucial decision. Both platforms offer ecommerce solutions, but their affiliate programs cater to different publisher strategies and audience types.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can pick the program that aligns with your traffic quality, audience size, and monetization goals.
Verdict: Which Program Should Publishers Choose?
Winner: BigCommerce Affiliate Program — for most established publishers earning 1,000+ clicks/month.
Reasoning:
- Commission potential: BigCommerce's flat $200-per-sale structure delivers higher absolute payouts for publishers sending mid-to-high-quality traffic.
- Approval ease: Strikingly wins on approval speed (easier), but BigCommerce's moderate approval bar ensures better affiliate quality and payout reliability.
- Audience fit: BigCommerce suits SMBs and established small businesses; Strikingly appeals to solo entrepreneurs and design-focused startups.
Choose Strikingly if you have a beginner-focused audience, easy approval is critical, and recurring revenue (even at lower rates) appeals to you more than flat commissions.
Cookie Window
BigCommerce Affiliate Program
- Cookie window: 90 days
- What it means: If a user clicks your affiliate link and purchases within 90 days, you earn commission—even if they return via direct URL or search later.
Strikingly Affiliate Program
- Cookie window: 45 days
- What it means: A 45-day window is tighter. Users who research for 6-8 weeks before purchase may not attribute to your link.
Impact on Publisher Earnings
BigCommerce's 90-day advantage is substantial because ecommerce platform purchasing typically involves research:
- SMBs often evaluate 2-4 platforms over 4-6 weeks
- Decision-makers may pass links to team members, who convert later
- Free trial periods extend the consideration phase
Real impact: Longer cookie windows typically boost conversion attribution by 15-25% in affiliate marketing. For a publisher converting 20 sales/month, this difference could mean 3-5 additional commissions monthly on BigCommerce vs. Strikingly.
Strikingly's 45-day window works better for impulse-driven audiences (designers, solopreneurs wanting quick website builders), where purchase decisions happen faster.
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Network & Reliability
Both programs operate on in-house affiliate management systems (not third-party networks like Impact or Refersion).
BigCommerce Affiliate Program
- Tracking accuracy: Mature infrastructure; uses last-click attribution
- Payout consistency: Monthly payouts; reliable payment history across thousands of affiliates
- Support: Dedicated affiliate manager access for high-performing partners
- Transparency: Real-time dashboard with conversion and commission tracking
- Reliability rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Established for 15+ years)
Strikingly Affiliate Program
- Tracking accuracy: Solid, but limited historical data (program less widely promoted)
- Payout consistency: Monthly payouts; no documented payment issues, but smaller program
- Support: Email-based support; limited dedicated account management
- Transparency: Basic affiliate dashboard; limited API access
- Reliability rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Reliable, but smaller scale)
Advantage: BigCommerce for publishers requiring absolute tracking transparency and priority support.
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Approval Requirements
BigCommerce Affiliate Program
Difficulty Level: Medium
What you need: 1. Active website or content property with 100+ monthly visitors (estimated minimum) 2. Traffic source disclosure (Google Analytics or server logs may be requested) 3. Content focused on ecommerce, entrepreneurship, or small business 4. No PPC ad networks with untargeted placement (BigCommerce vets for quality) 5. Compliant with FTC affiliate disclosure rules
Approval timeline: 5-10 business days
What can cause rejection:
- Thin content (scraper sites, redirect pages)
- High-risk traffic sources (incentivized clicks, contests)
- Niche misalignment (health/finance sites promoting ecommerce tools)
Strikingly Affiliate Program
Difficulty Level: Easy
What you need: 1. Basic website or social media presence 2. Email address for account verification 3. Willingness to promote Strikingly to your audience 4. Agreement to FTC disclosure rules (standard)
Approval timeline: 24-48 hours (often same-day)
What can cause rejection:
- No website/online presence at all
- Obvious spam or bot accounts
- Illegal content sites
Verdict: Strikingly has a significantly lower barrier to entry. New publishers or those building their first site should apply to Strikingly first, then graduate to BigCommerce as traffic grows.
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Features & Program Highlights
BigCommerce Affiliate Program Unique Features
- Tiered commission structure for top performers (higher earnings at volume milestones)
- Co-marketing support including branded materials and case studies
- Deep-linking support to specific product pages and features (useful for comparison content)
- Customizable banners and CTAs for various content formats
- Partner events and networking with other successful affiliates
- Early access to new features for high-performing partners
Strikingly Affiliate Program Unique Features
- Lifetime recurring commissions — no expiration on customer relationships
- Passive income model with no ceiling on recurring earnings
- Beginner-friendly onboarding with template promotional assets
- Design-focused bonuses (higher commissions for referred designers and creative professionals)
- Free Strikingly account for affiliates to test and review the platform
- Social-first approach with easy shareable links for Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest
BigCommerce wins on support and depth; Strikingly wins on simplicity and recurring upside.
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Publisher Fit — Who Should Promote Which?
Promote BigCommerce Affiliate Program When:
1. You have an established audience of SMB owners or ecommerce entrepreneurs (5,000+ monthly readers). Your content focuses on scaling online businesses, and you can speak authoritatively about platform features and ROI.
2. You create detailed comparison content or product reviews. BigCommerce's deep-linking support and co-marketing materials enable you to build high-converting comparison guides and case studies.
3. You want maximum upfront earnings and have consistent, high-quality traffic. The $200 per-sale flat rate rewards publishers with proven conversion ability.
Promote Strikingly Affiliate Program When:
1. You serve beginner entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, or creative professionals (designers, artists, freelancers). Strikingly's ease-of-use resonates with this audience.
2. You're building an affiliate portfolio from scratch and need quick approval. Strikingly's 24-hour approval lets you start earning immediately while developing traffic.
3. You're willing to invest in long-term recurring revenue over immediate payouts. If you can maintain 50%+ customer retention, Strikingly's 30% recurring model generates better 12-month earnings.
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FAQ
1. Can I promote both BigCommerce and Strikingly simultaneously?
Yes, absolutely. There's no exclusivity clause in either program. Segment your audience: recommend BigCommerce to scaling SMBs and Strikingly to beginner solopreneurs. Many successful publishers promote both and see healthy earnings from each.
2. Which program is easier for beginners to start earning with?
Strikingly by a landslide. Approval happens in hours, not weeks. However, expect lower conversion rates (1-2%) because the product appeals to less serious users. BigCommerce requires more traffic upfront but converts better once approved.
3. Do either program allow influencer or YouTube promotions?
BigCommerce: Yes, but they vet high-traffic YouTubers and influencers individually. Expect a tougher approval process; provide proof of audience and engagement metrics.
Strikingly: Yes, more lenient approval. TikTok and Instagram creators see fast approval, though Strikingly may request metrics for larger channels (100K+).
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Disclosure
This article may contain affiliate links. If you click through and purchase a plan from BigCommerce or Strikingly, AffiliPilot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend programs we believe offer genuine value to publishers and audiences.
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Final Thoughts
The BigCommerce affiliate program vs Strikingly affiliate program choice depends on your audience size, niche, and monetization timeline. BigCommerce offers higher immediate payouts and professional support; Strikingly offers easier approval and recurring revenue potential. Many successful publishers promote both—segment your recommendations and let your audience needs guide your choice.
Start with the program that fits your current traffic level and audience, then expand as you grow.
Related: BigCommerce Affiliate Program vs Site123 Affiliate Program: affiliate program comparison