✅ Step 1: Install Shopify Collabs
Before anything, make sure you’ve installed the Shopify Collabs app from the Shopify App Store. This is your tool for managing affiliate and ambassador programs directly from your Shopify dashboard.
✅ Step 2: Navigate to “Programs”
Once installed:
Go to the left-hand sidebar under Apps > Collabs
Click on Programs
Then click Create program (top right corner)
You’re now in the program builder 💪 — let’s break it all down 👇
🧠 Step 3: Name Your Program
Field: Program Name
This is just for your internal use (creators won’t see it).
Examples:
“My Store Affiliates”
“My Store Ambassadors”
“10% Commission Program”
💡 Tip: Use a clear name that matches your campaign goals or product line.
💡 Tip: You only need to create this program once — all of your affiliates can be added or apply to join this same program. There's no need to create a separate program for each individual affiliate.
🔗 Step 4: Set the Affiliate Link
Field: Link Destination + URL Parameters
Link Destination is where the affiliate’s audience will land. This can be your homepage or a product page. You do not need to edit this link. If you do want them to land on your product page. then copy paste the URL for that page in this box.
Example:https://mystore.com/communityURL Parameters track who sent the sale.
Leave as default (dt_id = {affiliate_link_id}) unless you want custom tracking parameters. You do not need to edit this link
✅ You’re now tracking your affiliate’s performance. This helps you double down on what’s working.
🎁 Step 5: Set a Customer Discount
This is the discount customers receive when using the affiliate’s code or link.
Discount Value: Choose percentage (e.g., 10%) or fixed amount (e.g., $5 off)
Minimum Requirements: Only give a discount if the cart hits a value or quantity (optional).
Usage Limits: Restrict per customer or total uses (optional).
Apply To: All products, specific collections, or just select products.
Purchase Type: Typically one-time purchase.
Example:
10% off any diamond painting
Only valid if cart total is over $25
No Usage limits
💡 Tip: This discount should still leave you with healthy profit margins. Example: If you know your cost for your product is 50%, a 10% discount is usually safe. Know your profit margins to help you decide.
👥 Step 6: Customer Segment (Optional)
You can:
Do nothing (same rate for everyone)
Set a different rate for new vs. returning customers
Set rates for custom segments (great for rewarding repeat buyers)
Example:
15% commission for new customers
10% for returning ones
Use this if you want more control, but keep it simple at first unless you’ve got strong customer data.
💸 Step 7: Set Affiliate Commission
This is how much affiliates earn per sale they bring in.
Commission Type: Usually “Percentage per product”
Any Product: Apply the commission sitewide (easiest)
Or choose specific collections/products if you want to promote only certain items
Example:
10% commission on all products (recommended)
Or 15% commission just for the X Collection
💡 Tip: Think about your margins. If your product costs you 50%, giving 10% to your affiliate still leaves you with 40% gross margin before other expenses. Still confused ask ChatCPT to run these numbers for you.
📦 Step 8: Subscription Product Rule (Optional)
If you sell subscriptions:
Choose whether creators get paid only on the first sale or recurring commissions
For EB students, this probably doesn’t apply. Skip this!
✅ Step 9: Click “Create”
Once everything is customized to your liking, hit Create in the bottom right.
🎉 You're Done!
You’ve just built your affiliate/ambassador program from scratch, backed by your own product pricing, audience behavior, and brand goals.
👏 You’re not just setting up a program — you’re building a revenue-driving partnership engine that fits your margins and your mission.