Introduction: Why Rakuten Advertising Is Great for Beginners
If you’re just starting your affiliate marketing journey, Rakuten Advertising (formerly known as Rakuten Marketing) is one of the best platforms to begin with. It connects new affiliates to top global brands like Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s, and more—making it easier to promote trusted, high-converting products that people already know and love.
Unlike other affiliate networks that can feel overwhelming, Rakuten Advertising offers a beginner-friendly interface, clear tracking tools, and a strong reputation in the affiliate marketing industry. You don’t need to create your own products or worry about customer service—your main job is to share valuable product recommendations and earn commissions every time someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link.
Whether you want to monetize your blog, YouTube channel, or Pinterest account, Rakuten Advertising gives you access to thousands of reputable merchants and flexible ways to earn.
In this beginner’s guide, you’ll discover:
- How to set up your Rakuten Advertising account step by step
- How to find the best brands and products to promote
- And practical tips to boost your affiliate income even if you’re just starting out
By the end, you’ll understand exactly how to use Rakuten Advertising to start earning passive income online—the smart and simple way.
Step 1: Create a Rakuten Advertising Account
Getting started with Rakuten Advertising is simple, but it’s important to set up your account correctly to ensure quick approval.
1. Visit the Rakuten Advertising Website
Head over to the official Rakuten Advertising website and click on “Sign Up” or “Join Now.” You’ll be directed to the registration page, where you can begin creating your affiliate account.
2. Fill Out Your Personal and Website Information
Rakuten will ask for some basic details such as your name, email address, country, and website URL (or social media page if you don’t have a blog yet). This information helps Rakuten verify your identity and understand how you plan to promote their partner brands.
Make sure to provide accurate information and a clear description of your platform. For example, if you run a blog about online business, lifestyle, or tech reviews, mention it in your application. Transparency helps build trust and increases your approval chances.
3. Wait for Rakuten’s Review and Approval
Once you submit your application, Rakuten’s team will review your website or social media profile before granting access. This process may take a few days, depending on your region and the quality of your content.
💡 Pro Tip: To improve your approval odds, make sure you already have some valuable content published on your website or social channels. Rakuten prefers affiliates who actively post authentic reviews, tutorials, or guides that align with the brands on their platform.
Once approved, you’ll gain access to Rakuten’s Affiliate Dashboard, where you can explore merchants, create links, and start promoting products right away.
Step 2: Apply to Advertisers
Once your Rakuten Advertising account is approved, it’s time to connect with the right brands and start earning commissions. This step is all about choosing advertisers that fit your niche and audience.
1. Explore the Advertiser Marketplace
Log in to your Rakuten Affiliate Dashboard and head to the Advertiser Marketplace. Here, you’ll find hundreds of well-known brands across various industries—fashion, electronics, travel, finance, and more.
Use the search bar or filters to narrow down brands that match your niche. For example, if your blog focuses on online business tools, look for software companies or office product brands. If you run a lifestyle or fashion blog, explore clothing and beauty retailers.
2. Compare Key Program Details
Before applying, take a few minutes to review each advertiser’s program information carefully. Pay attention to:
- 💰 Commission Rates: How much you’ll earn per sale or lead.
- ⏱️ Cookie Duration: How long your referral link stays active for crediting commissions.
- 📈 Conversion Requirements: Any specific rules or minimum actions needed to earn.
Choosing advertisers with competitive commissions and longer cookie durations can help you maximize your affiliate income.
3. Apply to Programs That Fit Your Audience
When you find a good match, click “Apply” to request partnership approval. Some advertisers on Rakuten approve affiliates instantly, while others review applications manually before granting access.
To improve your approval rate, write a short message in your application explaining how you plan to promote their products—for example, through blog posts, product reviews, or social media content. This shows professionalism and commitment.
💡 Pro Tip: Start small! Apply to 2–3 programs that you’re confident promoting. Once you understand how Rakuten’s system works and start seeing results, you can expand to more advertisers later.
By focusing on brands that truly align with your audience, you’ll build stronger partnerships and increase your chances of earning consistent commissions.
Step 3: Choose Products That Convert
Now that you’ve joined a few advertisers, it’s time to pick the right products to promote. Choosing high-converting products is one of the most important steps in succeeding with Rakuten Advertising.
1. Focus on Products Your Audience Already Trusts
The key to earning consistent affiliate income is promoting products your audience already knows and values. Think about what your readers or followers regularly search for or talk about. For example:
- If you run a tech blog, focus on laptops, gadgets, or productivity software.
- If your niche is fashion or lifestyle, look for clothing, accessories, or beauty brands your audience loves.
When your promotions feel relevant and natural, people are much more likely to click and buy through your affiliate links.
2. Evaluate Product Popularity and Order Value
Before adding a product to your list, review its average order value (AOV), popularity, and conversion trends. Many Rakuten advertisers share performance insights that can help you identify best-selling items.
Products with a high AOV (for example, electronics or premium services) can earn you bigger commissions per sale. However, sometimes low-cost but popular products convert faster because they require less buying hesitation. Striking a balance between both types can help you earn steadily.
3. Organize Your Product List Strategically
To stay organized, create a simple spreadsheet that tracks:
- Product name and category
- Affiliate link
- Commission rate
- Cookie duration
- Notes on audience fit or performance
This not only keeps your campaigns structured but also makes it easier to test and optimize over time.
💡 Pro Tip: Always choose products that solve real problems for your audience. Whether it’s helping them save time, improve productivity, or simplify daily life, products that offer value naturally drive more clicks and conversions.
By focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll build trust, strengthen your credibility, and increase your affiliate earnings faster.
Step 4: Create Content That Sells
Once you’ve selected the right products to promote, the next step is to create engaging, persuasive content that drives clicks and sales. Your content is where you build trust, demonstrate value, and guide your audience toward making a purchase through your Rakuten affiliate links.
1. Write Blog Posts That Convert
If you have a blog or website, use it to publish high-quality content that provides value while naturally integrating affiliate links. Some of the best-performing blog formats for Rakuten affiliates include:
- 🆚 Comparison Articles — Compare two or more similar products to help readers make informed decisions.
- ⭐ Product Reviews — Share detailed reviews, pros and cons, and your personal experience with the product.
- 💰 “Best Deals” or “Top Picks” Lists — Curate lists of recommended products within your niche, such as “Top 10 Tools for Online Entrepreneurs” or “Best Home Office Gadgets.”
When writing, focus on solving a problem or answering a specific question your readers have. Include keywords naturally to help your posts rank on search engines and attract organic traffic.
2. Create YouTube Videos That Demonstrate Value
Video content is one of the fastest ways to build trust. Use your YouTube channel to create:
- 📦 Unboxing videos to show what customers can expect.
- 🎥 Tutorials or how-to guides demonstrating how to use the product.
- 🛍️ Shopping or recommendation videos showcasing your favorite picks from Rakuten brands.
Add your Rakuten affiliate links in the video description and mention them verbally so viewers know where to buy. Authentic, helpful videos often drive high engagement and conversions.
3. Promote on Social Media
Don’t overlook the power of social platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Create short, visually appealing posts that highlight key product benefits and include your affiliate link or a link to your blog post.
- Use clear calls to action like “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”
- Post regularly and engage with your followers’ comments to build a loyal audience.
💡 Pro Tip: Be honest in your recommendations. Authentic reviews and personal experiences build long-term trust and lead to higher click-through rates. Readers and viewers can quickly tell the difference between genuine enthusiasm and forced promotion.
By consistently creating valuable, trustworthy content, you’ll not only increase your affiliate sales but also strengthen your personal brand as a reliable source of recommendations.
Step 5: Share Your Affiliate Links Properly
Now that you’ve created great content, it’s time to add your Rakuten affiliate links the right way. How you place your links can make a big difference in your click-through rates, user experience, and compliance with affiliate marketing regulations.
1. Add Affiliate Links Naturally
The key to success in affiliate marketing is seamless integration. Instead of dropping random links, place them naturally within your content.
For example:
- In a product review, link the product name or a “Buy Now” button.
- In a comparison post, link each product mentioned under its description.
- In a tutorial, include a link to the tools or products you used.
This makes your content feel more authentic and useful rather than overly promotional.
2. Use Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Guide your readers on what to do next with strong, visible CTAs. Instead of generic phrases, use action-oriented text like:
- 🔘 “Buy Now”
- 🛒 “Check the Latest Price”
- 💡 “See Product Details”
You can also place affiliate links in buttons or highlighted boxes to grab attention without interrupting readability. This strategy helps users know exactly where to click — improving conversions and user experience.
3. Always Disclose Your Affiliate Relationship
Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. To comply with FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and other international regulations, always include a clear disclosure near your affiliate links or at the start of your post.
Example:
“This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”
This not only keeps your content compliant but also builds trust and credibility with your audience.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overload your content with links. Too many affiliate links can distract readers and hurt SEO. Instead, focus on value first—recommend only products that truly help your audience and fit naturally into your content.
By sharing your affiliate links strategically and ethically, you’ll create a better user experience, maintain trust, and set the foundation for long-term affiliate success.
Step 6: Track Performance and Scale
Once your affiliate links are live and generating traffic, it’s time to track your performance and find ways to scale your income. Successful affiliate marketers don’t just post links — they analyze what works and continuously improve their strategy.
1. Monitor Your Performance in Rakuten’s Dashboard
Log into your Rakuten Advertising dashboard regularly to review key performance metrics such as:
- 👆 Clicks: How many people clicked on your affiliate links.
- 💰 Sales and Conversions: Which products are generating commissions.
- 📊 Earnings Reports: How much income each campaign or advertiser is producing.
This data helps you understand which products and content types perform best with your audience. Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns — certain posts, platforms, or traffic sources will stand out.
2. Analyze and Optimize Your Content
Don’t let your underperforming pages sit idle. Instead, use the data to improve your strategy:
- Update old blog posts with fresh product links or better CTAs.
- Add new visuals, videos, or reviews to make your content more engaging.
- Improve your SEO titles, keywords, and internal links to attract more organic traffic.
Small changes can make a big impact. The goal is to continuously refine what’s already working and turn your top-performing content into long-term income generators.
3. Scale with Seasonal and Trending Products
To grow faster, keep an eye on seasonal events (like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school sales) and trending products in your niche. Promoting timely deals can dramatically boost your click-through and conversion rates.
Rakuten often highlights trending campaigns in their dashboard — use these opportunities to expand your reach and increase commissions.
💡 Pro Tip: Content that converts well today can keep earning for months or even years if you promote it strategically. Share it regularly on social media, repurpose it into videos or email newsletters, and keep it updated with new deals or products.
By tracking your results, optimizing your strategy, and scaling your efforts, you’ll turn Rakuten Advertising into a reliable source of passive affiliate income over time.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Rakuten Advertising is one of the most beginner-friendly affiliate networks, many new affiliates make small mistakes that limit their earning potential. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for — and how to avoid them:
1. Promoting Brands That Don’t Fit Your Audience
It’s tempting to join high-paying programs, but if the products don’t match your audience’s interests, you’ll struggle to make sales. Always choose brands and products that align with your niche and solve your readers’ problems. Relevance builds trust and leads to higher conversions.
2. Ignoring Rakuten’s Policies or Approval Requirements
Rakuten has specific advertiser rules and approval processes that vary by brand. Failing to follow them can result in rejections or account issues. Make sure to read each program’s terms carefully, including commission structures, allowed promotion methods, and disclosure requirements.
3. Relying on a Single Traffic Source
Many beginners focus only on one platform—like a blog or social media—but that limits growth. To build a sustainable affiliate business, diversify your traffic sources. Combine SEO, Pinterest marketing, email newsletters, and YouTube content to reach more potential buyers and increase your affiliate income.
💡 Pro Tip: Track where your sales come from. This helps you identify which traffic sources perform best so you can focus your energy where it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Rakuten Advertising is a powerful and reliable platform for beginners who want to start earning online through affiliate marketing. With access to trusted global brands like Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s, you can confidently promote products your audience already loves.
By focusing on authentic, helpful content, optimizing your affiliate links, and diversifying your traffic sources, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Remember—affiliate marketing isn’t about quick wins; it’s about building trust and consistency over time.
Start small, track your performance, and keep refining your strategy. With patience and persistence, Rakuten Advertising can become a steady source of passive income and a key part of your online business journey.
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