Top affiliate programs for drone businesses

Thinking about making some extra cash by talking about drones? Affiliate marketing can be a pretty good way to do it. Basically, you team up with companies selling drone stuff, and when someone buys through your special link, you get a little commission. It’s a growing market, and there are some solid drone affiliate programs out there. We’ve rounded up a few of the top ones for you to check out.

Key Takeaways

• The drone market is growing fast, making it a good area for affiliate marketers.
• Several companies offer drone affiliate programs, each with different commission rates and cookie durations.
• Some programs focus on drone sales, while others offer accessories or related gear like cameras.
• Consider the average sale price and commission rate to estimate potential earnings.
• Partnering with reputable brands can help build trust with your audience.

1. DJI Affiliate Program

When you think of high-quality drones, DJI probably comes to mind pretty quickly. They’re a huge name in the game, known for their innovative camera drones and quadcopters. If you’re into aerial photography or videography, you’ve likely seen or even used their gear. They’ve got everything from beginner-friendly models to professional setups, and their reputation for quality is pretty solid.

Joining the DJI Affiliate Program means you get to promote these popular products. While the specifics of commission rates and cookie durations can change, the appeal is clear: DJI products are in demand. This program is managed directly by DJI, so you’re working with the source. They handle the development, production, and after-sales service, which is a big plus. As an affiliate, your main job is to promote their products through your channels. Just remember, you can’t act like you’re an official DJI representative without their explicit okay. It’s all about driving sales through your unique affiliate links.

Promoting DJI products means you’re associating with a brand that’s a leader in the drone market. Their gear is often seen as top-tier, which can make it easier to convince potential customers. However, it’s also worth noting that DJI products can come with a higher price tag compared to some other brands, which could influence your commission earnings per sale.

Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:

• Product Focus: Primarily DJI drones and related camera equipment.
• Brand Recognition: High, making marketing potentially easier.
• Program Management: Run directly by DJI.

It’s a good idea to check the official DJI Affiliate Program website for the most current details on terms, conditions, and any updates to their commission structure. They do have rules about how you can promote, so make sure your marketing efforts are above board and don’t violate any of their guidelines. They’re pretty clear that you need to protect their intellectual property and can’t misrepresent their products.

2. GoPro Affiliate Program

While GoPro might be most famous for its action cameras, they also have a place in the drone world. Even though they’ve stopped making their own drones, their high-definition cameras are still a popular choice for mounting on many different types of drones. This means you can still earn commissions by promoting these cameras to drone enthusiasts.

GoPro cameras are known for their durability and image quality, making them a go-to for capturing aerial footage.

Here’s a quick look at their affiliate program:

• Commission Rate: 5% on all sales.
• Cookie Duration: 30 days.
• Platform: Typically managed through Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate).

Even with a 5% commission, GoPro products have a strong brand recognition and tend to sell well on their own. Their cameras can retail for over $200, so a single sale can still bring in a decent amount of commission. It’s a good option if you want to offer your audience reliable camera gear that complements their drone activities.

3. Cafago Affiliate Program

Cafago is a pretty big online store that sells all sorts of electronics. Think of it like a giant marketplace where you can find everything from cheap phone accessories to actual smartphones and, of course, drones. They’ve got a ton of different drone brands, often at really good prices, and they ship pretty much everywhere.

If you’re looking to make some money promoting drones, Cafago’s affiliate program is worth a look. You start off getting a 6% commission on sales. That’s not too bad, but here’s the kicker: if you can manage to sell $12,000 worth of products in a month, they’ll bump your commission up to 10%. That’s a pretty significant jump in earnings, turning a $750 monthly commission into $1,200.

Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer:

• Commission Rate: Starts at 6%, can go up to 10% with higher sales volume.
• Cookie Duration: 45 days, which gives you a decent amount of time to earn from a referral.
• Product Range: Wide variety of drones and accessories, plus other electronics.

This program is great if your audience is into finding deals on electronics and is looking for a wide selection of drones without breaking the bank. The longer cookie duration is a nice bonus too.

4. Drones Direct Affiliate Program

Drones Direct is a UK-based online store that really focuses on selling drones, both for regular folks and for professional use. They carry a bunch of different brands and usually have pretty good prices, plus they’re known for getting orders out quickly. Beyond just the drones themselves, you can also find camera gear, scooters, and even refurbished drones if you’re looking to save some cash.

The commission rate here is a bit on the lower side at 1%, but don’t let that fool you. The average order value is around £450, so even with that 1%, you’re looking at about £4.50 per sale. It’s not a huge amount per sale, but if you can get people to buy the more expensive kits, it adds up. The cookie duration is only 7 days, which is pretty short, so you’ll want to make sure your promotions are timely and relevant.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Product Range: Wide selection of new and refurbished drones, plus accessories.
• Target Audience: Caters to both hobbyists and professionals.
• Shipping: Known for quick delivery within the UK.

While the commission percentage might not seem like much, the higher price point of many drone packages means you can still make decent money. It’s worth considering if your audience is in the UK and looking for a reliable place to buy drones.

It’s a solid option if you’re looking to promote a UK-focused drone retailer.

5. Horizon Hobby Affiliate Program

Horizon Hobby has been in the hobby game for a long time, since 1985 actually, and they’ve naturally expanded into the drone market. They focus more on the hobbyist side of things, so if your audience is looking for drones that are more budget-friendly rather than professional-grade, this could be a good fit. They’ve got a solid selection of drones, but what really stands out is their huge inventory of drone accessories. Think frames, propellers, gears – pretty much anything a drone enthusiast might need to tinker with or upgrade their gear.

The commission rate here is 3% on sales, with a 30-day cookie duration. While it might not be the biggest earner on its own, it’s a decent addition to a broader affiliate strategy, especially if you’re already covering other hobby-related products.

Here’s a quick look at the program details:

• Commission Rate: 3%
• Cookie Duration: 30 days
• Product Focus: Hobby-grade drones and a wide range of accessories.

This program is a good option for affiliates whose audience is interested in the more accessible end of the drone market. It’s not just about the drones themselves, but also the vast array of parts and accessories that keep hobbyists engaged and coming back for more.

6. Gearbest Affiliate Program

Gearbest is a massive online store, and they’ve got a ton of electronics, including a pretty big selection of drones and all sorts of accessories for them. Seriously, whether you need a simple drone for a kid or something more advanced with a 4K camera and GPS, they probably have it. It’s a good place to check if you’re looking for a wide variety of products.

They claim you can earn up to 50% commission, but for consumer electronics like drones, it’s usually closer to 9%. Still, some affiliates report making over $11,000 a month, which is pretty wild.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Commission Rate: Around 9% for drones and electronics.
• Cookie Duration: 30 days.
• Platform: You can join their program directly or through FlexOffers.

Gearbest runs its affiliate program in-house, but you can also sign up to promote them via FlexOffers. It’s always handy to have a second option that allows you to “backdoor” into programs that declined your application.

They have over 110,000 products in stock, so there’s a lot to choose from. If you’re promoting a lot of different gadgets, this could be a good fit. You might find some interesting smart home devices too, like this 8-channel smart switch that works with Alexa and Google Home.

7. HobbyTron Affiliate Program

HobbyTron has been around for a while, like, over twenty years, which is pretty impressive when you think about how many companies come and go. I actually used to be an affiliate for them ages ago when I was into airsoft, so I’ve got a bit of firsthand experience. They’re a solid choice if your audience is into more affordable drones, the kind you can get for under $400, or even cheaper racing and general-purpose models. Plus, they’ve got a ton of accessories to go with them, so it’s not just about the drones themselves.

They’re known for converting traffic well, which is a big deal for affiliate marketers.

Here’s a quick rundown of their program:

• Commission Rate: Starts at 8% on all sales.
• Cookie Duration: 90 days.

They really seem to cater to the hobbyist crowd, especially younger folks or those just getting into drones. It’s not about the super high-end professional gear, but more accessible stuff that’s fun to fly and use.

Honestly, an 8% commission is pretty good compared to some other programs out there. Given their long history and how well they seem to turn visitors into buyers, they’re definitely worth considering for your drone-related content.

8. Drone Nerds Affiliate Program

Drone Nerds is a pretty big name in the drone world, and they have an affiliate program that lets you earn some cash by sending customers their way. It’s run through the Rakuten Affiliate network, which is a pretty well-known platform with a ton of publishers already on board. They even have people dedicated to finding new affiliate opportunities, which is nice because it means they’re actively trying to make the program work for everyone involved.

Basically, if you have a website or a following that’s into drones, you can sign up. When someone clicks your link and buys something from Drone Nerds, you get a cut. It’s a straightforward way to make money if you’re already talking about drones or related gear.

The drone market is growing fast, and affiliate programs like this one offer a way to get in on that growth without having to stock inventory or handle customer service yourself. It’s all about connecting buyers with sellers.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Partnership Platform: Works with Rakuten Affiliate Network.
• Earning Potential: Commissions on sales generated through your links.
• Target Audience: Good for sites focused on drone sales and accessories.
• Support: Rakuten provides network development specialists.

It’s a solid option if you’re looking to monetize content related to drones and want to partner with an established retailer.

9. DroneVideos.com Affiliate Program

DroneVideos.com offers a pretty interesting affiliate program, especially if you’re into the whole drone video scene. They focus on connecting people with drone services and stock footage, which is a growing market. It’s a two-tier program, meaning you can earn commissions not just from sales you directly refer, but also from sales made by other affiliates you bring into the program. That’s a nice bonus if you can build a small team.

Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn:

• Drone Services Commission: You get a 5% commission on all custom drone packages sold through your links. So, if someone buys a $350 package, you pocket $17.50. Not bad for just sending them over.
• Stock Footage Commission: This pays a bit better at 10% for every sale of drone stock footage. If a customer buys $200 worth of footage, you earn $20.
• Referral Program (Second Tier): This is where the two-tier aspect comes in. You earn 5% commission on purchases made by affiliates you refer. So, if an affiliate you signed up makes a $1,500 purchase, you get $75, and this happens on all their future purchases too. Pretty neat.

They also mention having a cookie that never expires, which is a huge plus. Plus, they provide you with marketing materials like banners and email templates, which makes things easier. Joining is instant, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn. It seems like a solid option if your audience is interested in drone-related services or aerial footage.

The program is designed to be straightforward, with no complex technical skills needed. They aim to make it easy for you to start earning by providing ready-to-use promotional tools and a clear commission structure across different earning methods.

10. Goal Zero Affiliate Program

When you’re talking about drones, one thing that always comes up is battery life. Most drones don’t fly for very long before they need a recharge, which can be a real bummer if you’re out in the middle of nowhere. That’s where Goal Zero comes in. They make portable solar chargers, and they’re a bit different from the usual drone affiliate programs out there.

Think about it: someone’s out flying their drone, and the battery’s getting low. If they have a Goal Zero charger, they can just plug their drone in and use clean energy to power it back up. It’s a smart solution that most people might not even consider when they’re just looking for a drone.

• Portable power solutions: Goal Zero offers a range of portable power stations and solar panels.
• Renewable energy: Their products allow users to charge devices using solar power, a clean energy source.
• Versatile use: These chargers aren’t just for drones; they can power phones, laptops, and other electronics, making them appealing to a wider audience.

While the commission rate for the Goal Zero affiliate program is on the lower side, around 2%, the products themselves have a lot of appeal. The average drone owner can see many other uses for a portable solar charger, which helps justify the purchase. Plus, the drone market is growing fast, so people are already interested in these kinds of devices.

The commission is 2% on sales. For example, if a solar charger costs $299, you’d make about $6 per sale. It’s not a huge amount per transaction, but the growing market and the product’s broad appeal can make it worthwhile.

Wrapping Up Your Drone Affiliate Journey

So, we’ve looked at some pretty good ways to make money with drones, even if you’re not flying them yourself. Programs like Cafago, Drones Direct, and Horizon Hobby give you solid options to start earning commissions. The drone world is really taking off, and there’s plenty of room for people like us to get a piece of the action. Just remember to pick the programs that make sense for your audience and what you’re already talking about. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a bit of effort to get those links out there. Good luck, and happy promoting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affiliate program for drones?

An affiliate program for drones is like a team-up. When you tell people about a drone company or product and they buy it through your special link, you get a small reward, like money. You help the company sell more, and they give you a thank you payment.

How do I make money with drone affiliate programs?

You can make money by sharing links to drone products on your website, social media, or videos. When someone clicks your link and buys something, you earn a commission. It’s like getting a finder’s fee for helping a sale happen.

Which drone affiliate programs are the best?

The best programs often depend on what your audience likes. Some popular ones include DJI, GoPro, and Cafago. It’s good to check out a few to see which ones offer the best products and rewards for you.

Do I need to own a drone to join an affiliate program?

Not always! While owning a drone can help you create great content, many programs let you join even if you don’t own the latest gear. You can focus on reviewing accessories, talking about drone news, or sharing cool drone videos you find.

How long does it take to earn money?

It can take time to build an audience and start making good money. Some people start seeing small earnings quickly, while others take months or even a year to build up a steady income. Consistency is key!

What is a ‘cookie duration’ in affiliate marketing?

A cookie duration is like a timer. When someone clicks your link, a small file called a ‘cookie’ is placed on their computer. If they buy something within that time (the cookie duration), you still get credit for the sale and earn a commission.