> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.referralhero.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.referralhero.com/campaign-builder/templates/affiliate-program.md).

# Affiliate Program

The Affiliate Program template helps you set up a campaign where affiliates (partners, influencers, or content creators) promote your business and earn rewards for driving conversions. It’s designed for structured partnerships with a performance-driven focus.

### Campaign Goals

Affiliate Programs support one goal type:

* **Conversion events** – Reward affiliates when their referrals complete your defined conversion goal(s). Example: affiliates earn commission when referred customers make a purchase

<figure><img src="/files/QwPOnXjkLu0I7GpInKVh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Participation Rules

In an Affiliate Program, the admin controls whether referrals receive affiliate privileges.

**Admin can choose to:**

* Convert referrals to affiliates (manually or automatically) so they can generate their own referral link
* Keep referrals as customers only, without affiliate privileges

{% hint style="success" %}
**NOTE:** You can add referrals to a secondary campagin (most commonly a referral campaign) with the “Add referred subscribers to a second campaign” option. This allows referrals to automatically join a campagin of their own (with different rules) and start referring!
{% endhint %}

**For referrals without affiliate privileges:**

* Their profile shows no referral code and no referral link
* Admin sees a **Convert to Affiliate** button to upgrade them at any time

<figure><img src="/files/dCWSA4YphkBZw3rb75vj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Referrals can become affiliates in two ways:**

1. Manual conversion by the admin using the **Convert to Affiliate** button
2. Self-activation by completing the **Advocate Dashboard widget** (if already in the campaign or cookied)

👉 If a referral without affiliate privileges tries to log in to the Advocate Dashboard widget, they will see this error: *"You are currently not an advocate for this campaign. Please sign up or contact the campaign manager for access."*

<figure><img src="/files/CPRCP6G5Cl6QOBJl2Fd2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Widgets & Activation

ReferralHero provides three widgets for Affiliate Program campaigns:

* **Advocate Dashboard widget** – For affiliate signup, login, and management
* **Signup widget** – A customizable signup form to capture referrals
* **Referral Welcome Banner** – A banner-style signup option to engage referrals

**In Affiliate Programs:**

* If a referral fills in the **Advocate Dashboard widget**, they are automatically converted into an affiliate (referral link created, affiliate automations triggered)
* Automatic conversion does **not** occur through the **Signup widget** or **Referral Welcome Banner**

### Rewards

* Supports the following reward types: Conversion Bonuses, Rewards for Advocates, and Manual Rewards
* Does not support the non-referral Signup Bonus
* Conversion Bonuses can only be configured for referrals

<figure><img src="/files/kgPhJujdkpW3jzz5H0Ax" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Automations

Affiliate Programs support most automation flows, except:

* **Welcome Flow → Activation email/SMS** is not available

### When to Use

Use the Affiliate Program template if you want to:

* Build a structured network of affiliates, partners, or influencers
* Reward affiliates strictly based on conversions
* Control whether referrals themselves can become affiliates
* Manage affiliate activation more carefully compared to open referral programs

### Key Features

Alongside features available in all templates (e.g., customizable rewards, automated tracking, double-sided rewards), Affiliate Programs offer:

* **Performance-driven structure** – Rewards are tied only to conversions
* **Admin-controlled referral rights** – Decide if referrals can be converted into affiliates
* **Controlled activation** – Only the Advocate Dashboard widget triggers automatic affiliate activation
* **Manual conversion option** – Admin can upgrade referrals to affiliates at any time with the Convert to Affiliate button
* **Cross-campaign flexibility** – When the **“Add referrals to a second campaign”** option is enabled, referrals are automatically added to the selected secondary campaign when the defined conversion event is met. In the secondary campaign, they are added as non-referrals

<figure><img src="/files/TiZACsGlOs8Jy3AY18xt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>