Why Recurring Commissions Change Everything
Let me tell you something that completely transformed how I think about affiliate marketing. When I first started promoting products online, I was chasing those big one-time commission payouts. You know the ones – sell a $1,000 course and earn $500. Sounds brilliant, right? And it is, except for one massive problem: you’re constantly starting from zero. Every single month, you need to find new customers just to maintain your income, let alone grow it. It’s exhausting, unpredictable and frankly, it’s not sustainable long-term. That’s when I discovered the absolute game-changer that is recurring affiliate commissions. The Best Recurring Affiliate Programs That Pay Monthly fundamentally shift the economics of affiliate marketing because they reward you not just once but continuously for as long as your referral remains a customer
Imagine this: you refer someone to a software service in January, they sign up, and you earn a commission. Fantastic. But here’s where it gets genuinely exciting. In February, you earn another commission from that same customer. Then March. Then April. You’re earning money in June from work you did in January. That, my friend, is how you build actual passive income rather than just staying on the hamster wheel of constantly needing new sales.
The challenge is that not all recurring affiliate programmes are created equal. Some pay a pittance monthly, whilst others genuinely can fund your lifestyle. Some have customers who cancel after a month, whilst others maintain subscribers for years. Some make it nearly impossible to get approved, whilst others welcome beginners. I’ve spent years testing dozens of recurring programmes, losing money on some and making substantial income from others. What I’m sharing with you today are the three absolute best recurring affiliate programs I’ve found that actually pay meaningful monthly commissions to ordinary people building online businesses.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly which recurring programmes deserve your promotional efforts and which ones waste your time with promises they never deliver.
Why Recurring Commissions Beat One-Time Payments Every Single Time
Before we dive into the specific programmes, you need to understand the mathematics that make recurring commissions so powerful. This isn’t just my opinion – it’s basic arithmetic that dramatically favours recurring income.
The Compound Effect of Recurring Revenue
Scenario A: One-Time Commissions
Let’s say you promote a product that pays you $100 per sale. Here’s what your year looks like if you generate 2 sales monthly:
- January: 2 sales = $200
- February: 2 sales = $200
- March: 2 sales = $200
- April: 2 sales = $200
- May: 2 sales = $200
- June: 2 sales = $200
Total after 6 months: $1,200
Every month is identical. You work, you earn, you start over. There’s no compound growth. Your income in Month 6 is exactly the same as in Month 1, despite having worked consistently for half a year.
Scenario B: Recurring Monthly Commissions
Now, let’s say you promote a subscription service that pays you $30 monthly recurring commission per customer. You still generate 2 new customers monthly, but here’s the crucial difference – you continue earning from previous customers.
- January: 2 customers × $30 = $60
- February: 4 total customers × $30 = $120 (previous 2 + new 2)
- March: 6 total customers × $30 = $180
- April: 8 total customers × $30 = $240
- May: 10 total customers × $30 = $300
- June: 12 total customers × $30 = $360
Total after 6 months: $1,260
But here’s where it gets really interesting. Look at your income trajectory. In Month 1, you earned $60. In Month 6, you’re earning $360 – that’s 6x growth from the same effort level (2 new customers monthly). And in Month 7, assuming you maintain that pace, you’ll earn $420. Month 12? You’d be at $750 monthly.
Same effort. Dramatically different results.
The Real-World Timeline
Year 1 Comparison:
One-Time Commissions: 2 sales monthly × $100 × 12 months = $2,400 total Average monthly: $200 (flat throughout year)
Recurring Commissions: 2 customers monthly × $30 recurring Year 1 total: $3,780 Average monthly: $315 Month 12 monthly income: $750 (and growing)
But wait, it gets better.
Year 2 with Recurring Model:
You start Year 2 with 24 customers from Year 1, generating $720 monthly base income. You add 2 more customers monthly throughout Year 2:
Year 2 total income: $17,460 Month 24 monthly income: $1,470
You’re earning $1,470 monthly by Month 24 from the same effort (2 customers monthly) that generated just $200 monthly with one-time commissions.
That’s the power of compounding recurring revenue.
The Customer Lifetime Value Advantage
One Customer’s Value:
One-Time Commission Model: 1 customer = $100 once = $100 total lifetime value to you
Recurring Commission Model: 1 customer staying 12 months = $30 × 12 = $360 total lifetime value to you
Same customer. 3.6x more revenue to you.
And if they stay 24 months? That’s $720 from one referral. If they stay 36 months? $1,080.
This is why the best affiliate marketers obsess over recurring programmes.
What Makes a Recurring Affiliate Programme Actually Worth Promoting
Not all recurring programmes are good investments of your promotional time. I’ve promoted programmes that looked fantastic on paper but ended up being disasters. Here’s what separates the genuinely good ones from the time-wasters.
Quality Indicator 1: Product That Solves Real Problems
The Mistake I See Constantly:
People promote recurring programmes based solely on commission rates without caring whether the product actually helps anyone.
Why This Fails:
If the product is rubbish, customers cancel quickly. High commissions on a product with 60% monthly churn mean you’re constantly replacing lost customers rather than building compound income.
What to Look For:
Products that:
- Solve genuine problems customers face
- Deliver measurable results
- Have positive reviews from actual users
- You would (or do) use yourself
- Have low cancellation rates
The Simple Test:
Would you recommend this product to your best friend even if you earned zero commission? If not, don’t promote it.
Quality Indicator 2: Fair Commission Structure
What “Fair” Actually Means:
Good Recurring Commissions:
- 20-40% of the customer’s monthly payment
- Lifetime cookies (you earn from this customer forever)
- No hidden gotchas reducing earnings
- Transparent terms
Poor Recurring Commissions:
- Less than 15% of the monthly payment
- Limited cookie duration
- Complex rules reduce effective earnings
- Commissions stop after 6-12 months
The Math That Matters:
A programme paying 40% of $50 monthly ($20 to you) with lifetime commissions beats a programme paying 50% of $30 monthly ($15 to you) that stops after 12 months.
Lifetime commissions compound. Limited-time commissions don’t.
Quality Indicator 3: Product People Actually Keep
Churn Rate Matters Enormously:
Low Churn (Good): Product loses 5-10% of customers monthly. Impact: Customers stay 10-20 months on average. Your earnings: Compound consistently
High Churn (Bad): Product loses 20-30% of customers monthly. Impact: Customers stay 3-5 months on average. Your earnings: Constant replacement treadmill
How to Research Churn:
- Read reviews mentioning how long people have used the product
- Join communities where users discuss the product
- Test the product yourself for several months
- Ask the affiliate manager for average customer lifetime (good programmes share this)
Quality Indicator 4: Conversion Rate Reality
Commission rates don’t matter if nobody buys.
The Formula:
Your actual earnings = Traffic × Conversion Rate × Commission
Example:
Programme A: 50% commission of $100 monthly = $50 per customer Conversion rate: 1% 100 visitors = 1 customer = $50 monthly recurring
Programme B: 30% commission of $50 monthly = $15 per customer Conversion rate: 5% 100 visitors = 5 customers = $75 monthly recurring
Programme B earns you more despite a lower commission because it converts better.
What Affects Conversion:
- Quality of sales page
- Price point matching audience budget
- Trust and reputation of the company
- Quality of free trial or demo
- Support and onboarding quality
The Three Best Recurring Affiliate Programs That Pay Monthly
Right, enough theory. Let’s get into the specific programmes I recommend after years of testing.
Programme 1: Systeme.io (The All-in-One Platform)
What It Is:
Systeme.io is a complete online business platform providing email marketing, sales funnels, course hosting, affiliate programme management and basically everything you need to run an online business. Think of it as the affordable alternative to expensive tools like ClickFunnels, but with genuinely competitive features at a fraction of the cost.
Why I Promote It:
Full transparency – I use Systeme.io myself for my own business. I’m not promoting it just for commissions. I genuinely believe it’s the best value platform available for online entrepreneurs, particularly those just starting out or running businesses on tight budgets. The free plan alone offers more functionality than many paid competitors.
Commission Structure:
Lifetime 60% Recurring Commissions
Let me repeat that because it’s genuinely remarkable: you earn 60% of whatever your referral pays Systeme.io, for as long as they remain a customer, with no time limits.
The Plans and Your Earnings:
Free Plan: $0/month (customer pays nothing, you earn nothing – but builds trust)
Startup Plan: $27/month Your commission: $16.20 monthly per customer, lifetime
Webinar Plan: $47/month Your commission: $28.20 monthly per customer, lifetime
Unlimited Plan: $97/month Your commission: $58.20 monthly per customer, lifetime
Real-World Scenario:
You refer 20 people who sign up for the Startup plan over 6 months. That’s:
20 customers × $16.20 = $324 monthly recurring income
And that’s just from one product at the entry-level plan. If some upgrade to Webinar or Unlimited plans, your monthly income increases proportionally.
Customer Lifetime Reality:
Software for running online businesses tends to have excellent retention because switching costs are high. Once someone has built their email list, courses and funnels in Systeme.io, moving to another platform is painful. Average customer lifetime appears to be 12-24+ months based on community discussions.
Your Potential Earnings:
Conservative scenario (all Startup plan customers):
- 10 customers: $162 monthly
- 25 customers: $405 monthly
- 50 customers: $810 monthly
- 100 customers: $1,620 monthly
Mixed scenario (50% Startup, 30% Webinar, 20% Unlimited):
- 50 customers: $1,125 monthly
- 100 customers: $2,250 monthly
Discover the complete capabilities and why Systeme.io is the all-in-one platform that actually delivers everything online entrepreneurs need without the premium pricing of alternatives.
Who Should Promote This:
Perfect for:
- Bloggers teaching online business
- YouTube creators in the make money online niche
- Coaches helping clients build online presence
- Anyone with an audience of aspiring entrepreneurs
Poor fit for:
- Audiences outside the online business space
- Those targeting only enterprise clients
- People promoting competing platforms
Conversion Tips:
The free plan is brilliant for conversions. You can genuinely recommend that people start with zero cost, let them experience the value and many naturally upgrade to paid plans over time. This “try before you buy” approach converts exceptionally well because there’s zero barrier to entry.
My Honest Assessment:
This is my top recurring affiliate recommendation. The 60% lifetime commission structure is the most generous I’ve found. The product genuinely helps people and retention appears strong based on my own experience and community feedback. The combination of high commissions, good retention and easy conversion (thanks to the free plan) makes this the strongest recurring programme I promote.
Learn more at Systeme.io: the all-in-one platform that actually delivers.
Programme 2: ClickFunnels (The Premium Funnel Builder)
What It Is:
ClickFunnels is the premium sales funnel-building platform created by Russell Brunson. It’s been the industry leader in funnel software for years and whilst it’s more expensive than alternatives like Systeme.io, it has a loyal following among established marketers and businesses with substantial budgets.
Why I Promote It:
ClickFunnels serves a different market than Systeme.io. Whilst Systeme.io targets bootstrappers and beginners, ClickFunnels targets established businesses and marketers willing to pay premium prices for what they perceive as premium features and the Russell Brunson brand.
Commission Structure:
40% Recurring Commissions
You earn 40% of whatever plan your referral subscribes to, for as long as they remain a customer.
The Plans and Your Earnings:
ClickFunnels recently restructured its pricing, but current plans typically include:
Basic Plan: $97/month Your commission: $38.80 monthly per customer
Pro Plan: $297/month Your commission: $118.80 monthly per customer
Real-World Scenario:
You refer 15 customers over 6 months, with 10 on Basic and 5 on Pro:
(10 × $38.80) + (5 × $118.80) = $388 + $594 = $982 monthly recurring
The Premium Positioning Advantage:
Here’s what’s interesting about ClickFunnels: because it’s premium-priced, your commission per customer is higher even though the percentage (40%) is lower than Systeme.io (60%).
Comparison:
Systeme.io Unlimited Plan: $97/month × 60% = $58.20 per customer
ClickFunnels Basic Plan: $97/month × 40% = $38.80 per customer
ClickFunnels Pro Plan: $297/month × 40% = $118.80 per customer
So whilst individual Basic plan customers earn you less than Systeme.io Unlimited customers, Pro plan customers earn you double what Systeme.io does.
Your Potential Earnings:
Conservative scenario (all Basic plan):
- 10 customers: $388 monthly
- 25 customers: $970 monthly
- 50 customers: $1,940 monthly
Mixed scenario (70% Basic, 30% Pro):
- 30 customers: $1,077 monthly
- 50 customers: $1,795 monthly
- 100 customers: $3,590 monthly
Customer Retention Reality:
ClickFunnels customers tend to stick around because:
- High switching costs (rebuilding funnels is painful)
- Integration with other business systems
- Brand loyalty to Russell Brunson
- Generally higher commitment level due to premium pricing
However, the higher price point also means more scrutiny. Customers paying $297 monthly evaluate ROI carefully and will cancel if it’s not clearly profitable.
Who Should Promote This:
Perfect for:
- Audiences of established entrepreneurs
- Marketing-focused communities
- Those targeting higher-budget clients
- Content about advanced funnel strategies
- Communities already familiar with Russell Brunson
Poor fit for:
- Beginner audiences on tight budgets
- Those seeking the most affordable solutions
- Audiences are resistant to premium pricing
Conversion Considerations:
ClickFunnels’ higher price point makes conversion more challenging than Systeme.io’s free plan approach. However, the customers you do convert tend to be more committed and potentially higher lifetime value.
My Honest Assessment:
ClickFunnels is excellent if you’re targeting established businesses with marketing budgets. The commission per customer can be substantial (especially Pro plan customers). However, conversion rates are lower than more affordable alternatives because of the premium pricing. It’s quality over quantity – fewer customers but higher earnings per customer.
For a detailed breakdown of features and pricing, read my ClickFunnels review.
Programme 3: Rytr (The AI Writing Assistant)
What It Is:
Rytr is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps people create content faster using artificial intelligence. It’s positioned as the most affordable AI writing tool on the market, whilst still delivering professional-quality output that rivals tools costing 3-5 times more.
Why I Promote It:
Two reasons. First, I use Rytr extensively for my own content creation and genuinely believe it’s the best value AI writing tool available. Second, the recurring affiliate programme is surprisingly generous for a product at this price point.
Commission Structure:
30% Lifetime Recurring Commissions
You earn 30% of whatever plan your referral subscribes to, for the lifetime of their subscription.
The Plans and Your Earnings:
Free Plan: $0/month. Your commission: $0 (but gets people using the product)
Saver Plan: $9/month. Your commission: $2.70 monthly per customer
Unlimited Plan: $29/month. Your commission: $8.70 monthly per customer
Initial Reaction:
I know what you’re thinking. “$2.70 per month? That’s nothing!”
And you’re right – on a per-customer basis, Rytr pays less than Systeme.io or ClickFunnels. But here’s why it still makes my top three list.
The Volume Play:
Rytr’s low price point ($9-29 monthly) makes it incredibly easy to convert. Nearly everyone who creates content regularly can justify $9 monthly for a tool that saves hours of time. This lower barrier to entry means you can generate significantly more customers than with higher-priced tools.
Real Math:
Scenario A: ClickFunnels Basic $38.80 per customer 2 conversions monthly = $77.60 monthly income growth rate
Scenario B: Rytr Unlimited $8.70 per customer 10 conversions monthly = $87 monthly income growth rate
The lower price converts 5x more customers, resulting in similar or better income growth.
Your Potential Earnings:
All Saver Plan customers:
- 50 customers: $135 monthly
- 100 customers: $270 monthly
- 200 customers: $540 monthly
Mixed (60% Saver, 40% Unlimited):
- 100 customers: $510 monthly
- 200 customers: $1,020 monthly
All Unlimited Plan customers:
- 50 customers: $435 monthly
- 100 customers: $870 monthly
- 200 customers: $1,740 monthly
Customer Lifetime:
AI writing tools have become essential for content creators. Once someone integrates Rytr into their workflow and learns the platform, they’re unlikely to switch for marginal improvements elsewhere. Customer retention appears solid based on the product’s steady growth.
The Compounding Advantage:
Because conversion is easier (lower price = lower resistance), you can build customer volume faster. And with recurring commissions, volume compounds quickly.
Month-by-Month Example:
You generate 10 Rytr Unlimited customers monthly:
- Month 1: 10 customers × $8.70 = $87
- Month 3: 30 customers × $8.70 = $261
- Month 6: 60 customers × $8.70 = $522
- Month 12: 120 customers × $8.70 = $1,044
Who Should Promote This:
Perfect for:
- Bloggers writing about content creation
- YouTube creators discussing productivity
- Anyone teaching writing or marketing
- Audiences including freelancers, students, marketers
- Social media influencers
Poor fit for:
- Audiences that don’t create content
- Those targeting only offline businesses
Conversion Tips:
The free plan makes initial conversion effortless. Like Systeme.io, you can genuinely recommend people try Rytr at zero cost. Many naturally upgrade once they experience the time savings.
My Honest Assessment:
Whilst Rytr pays less per customer than the other programmes, the ease of conversion and broad appeal make it valuable in your affiliate portfolio. It’s particularly good for audiences who might not be ready for $97-297 monthly business software but will happily pay $9-29 for a writing assistant.
The key is volume. If you can generate consistent conversions (which is easier with lower pricing), the recurring commissions compound into meaningful income.
Discover why Rytr is the most affordable AI writing tool delivering professional results without premium pricing.
For complete guidance on building affiliate businesses strategically rather than randomly promoting products and hoping for the best, explore the comprehensive framework at how to make money from home online.
How to Actually Promote Recurring Affiliate Programmes Successfully
Having great programmes to promote means nothing if you don’t know how to generate conversions. Here’s what actually works.
Strategy 1: Create Comprehensive Comparison Content
What This Looks Like:
Article Title: “Systeme.io vs ClickFunnels: Which Funnel Builder Is Better for Your Business?”
Why It Works:
People searching for comparisons have high purchase intent. They’re actively researching before buying. If you help them make an informed decision and recommend the best option for their situation, conversion rates are excellent.
How to Structure:
- Introduce both products objectively
- Compare features side-by-side
- Discuss pricing transparently
- Share your personal experience with both
- Make clear recommendations based on use cases
- Include affiliate links to both options
Promotion Approach:
You’re not pushing one product. You’re genuinely helping someone choose the right solution. This builds trust that converts.
Strategy 2: Tutorial Content with Tool Integration
What This Looks Like:
Article/Video Title: “How to Build an Email Welcome Sequence That Converts (Step-by-Step Tutorial)”
The Integration:
Throughout the tutorial, you naturally use and demonstrate Systeme.io’s email marketing features. You’re teaching something valuable whilst showing the tool in action.
Why It Works:
You’re providing immediate value (learning how to build email sequences) whilst demonstrating the tool’s capability. Viewers see exactly how it works and can visualise themselves using it.
The Affiliate Approach:
At the end: “The tool I used throughout this tutorial is Systeme.io. You can start with their free plan here [affiliate link]. If you found this helpful, supporting through my link helps me create more tutorials like this.”
Strategy 3: Case Study Content
What This Looks Like:
Article Title: “I Used Rytr for 6 Months to Create 100 Blog Posts: Here’s What Happened”
The Structure:
- Your goal and why you chose Rytr
- Your process using the tool
- Results (time saved, quality achieved, costs)
- Honest pros and cons
- Final verdict and recommendation
- Affiliate link for those interested
Why It Works:
Real results from actual use are incredibly persuasive. People trust genuine experience over sales pitches.
Strategy 4: Email Sequences for Conversions
The Approach:
Someone downloads your lead magnet about starting an online business. They receive an automated email sequence:
- Email 1: Deliver lead magnet
- Email 2: Share your story of starting an online business
- Email 3: Discuss the importance of the right tools
- Email 4: Introduce Systeme.io and why you recommend it (affiliate link)
- Email 5: Address common objections about investing in tools
- Email 6: Case study of someone successful using Systeme.io
- Email 7: Direct call-to-action with time-limited bonus
The Passive Element:
You write this sequence once. Every new subscriber receives it automatically. You earn recurring commissions from emails you wrote months ago.
Expected Conversion:
If 5-10% of your email sequence converts to free trial or paid customer, you’re building recurring income passively.
Strategy 5: Create Product-Specific Lead Magnets
Example:
Lead Magnet: “Systeme.io Setup Guide: Get Your Online Business Running in 24 Hours”
The Strategy:
People downloading this guide are specifically interested in Systeme.io. They’re warm prospects. Your follow-up sequence provides genuine help getting started, whilst naturally leading them to sign up through your affiliate link.
Conversion Rate:
Product-specific lead magnets convert 3-5x better than generic lead magnets because the audience is pre-qualified.
The Realistic Timeline and Income Projections
Let’s get specific about what you can realistically expect from building recurring affiliate income.
Conservative Scenario: Part-Time Effort
Effort: 10 hours weekly promoting these three programmes. Strategy: Blog content, YouTube videos, email marketing. Traffic: Growing from 500 to 5,000 monthly visitors over 12 months
Month 3:
- Systeme.io: 3 customers (Startup plan) = $48.60 monthly
- ClickFunnels: 1 customer (Basic) = $38.80 monthly
- Rytr: 8 customers (mixed plans) = $52 monthly. Total monthly recurring: $139.40
Month 6:
- Systeme.io: 8 customers = $129.60 monthly
- ClickFunnels: 3 customers = $116.40 monthly
- Rytr: 20 customers = $130 monthly. Total monthly recurring: $376
Month 12:
- Systeme.io: 18 customers = $291.60 monthly
- ClickFunnels: 7 customers = $271.60 monthly
- Rytr: 45 customers = $326 monthly. Total monthly recurring: $889.20
Year 1 total earnings: Approximately $3,500-4,500
But here’s what matters more: You enter Year 2 with $889 monthly baseline that continues whether you promote actively or not.
Moderate Scenario: Focused Part-Time
Effort: 20 hours weekly. Strategy: Multiple content types, active promotion and email list building. Traffic: Growing from 1,000 to 15,000 monthly visitors
Month 6:
- Systeme.io: 15 customers = $243 monthly
- ClickFunnels: 6 customers = $232.80 monthly
- Rytr: 40 customers = $290 monthly. Total monthly recurring: $765.80
Month 12:
- Systeme.io: 35 customers = $567 monthly
- ClickFunnels: 15 customers = $582 monthly
- Rytr: 90 customers = $634 monthly. Total monthly recurring: $1,783
Year 1 total earnings: Approximately $10,000-12,000
Aggressive Scenario: Full-Time Focus
Effort: 40 hours weekly Strategy: Comprehensive content, paid traffic, multiple platforms Traffic: Growing to 30,000+ monthly visitors
Month 12:
- Systeme.io: 60 customers = $972 monthly
- ClickFunnels: 25 customers = $970 monthly
- Rytr: 150 customers = $1,087 monthly. Total monthly recurring: $3,029
Year 1 total earnings: $18,000-22,000
Year 2 projections: $40,000-60,000 (starting with Month 1 baseline of $3,000+)
The Compound Effect Visualised
Starting Point: $0 monthly recurring Growth Rate: 10 new customers monthly (conservative, achievable) Average Commission: $15 per customer monthly
Month 6: $900 monthly recurring Month 12: $1,800 monthly recurring Month 18: $2,700 monthly recurring Month 24: $3,600 monthly recurring
Same effort (10 customers monthly). Exponentially growing income.
Common Mistakes That Kill Recurring Affiliate Income
Learn from these errors that sabotage results.
Mistake 1: Promoting Too Many Programmes
The Problem:
Trying to promote 10 different recurring programmes dilutes your focus and confuses your audience.
The Solution:
Choose 2-3 core programmes maximum (like the three I’ve recommended here). Master promoting these before considering others.
Why:
Focused promotion converts better than scattered recommendations. Your audience learns to trust your specific recommendations rather than seeing you as someone promoting everything.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Customer Retention
The Problem:
Focusing only on new customer acquisition whilst ignoring whether referred customers are happy and staying subscribed.
The Reality:
If you refer 10 customers monthly but 8 cancel each month, you’re on a treadmill going nowhere.
The Solution:
Create content that helps customers succeed with the tools you’ve recommended. Tutorial content, tips and support help them get value and stay subscribed longer.
Example:
You refer someone to Systeme.io. Create tutorial content showing them how to build their first funnel, set up email automation and create courses. They get more value, stay subscribed longer and you earn more lifetime commissions.
Mistake 3: Not Tracking Performance
The Problem:
Promoting all three programmes but having no idea which generates the most income or converts best.
The Solution:
Use tracking links or affiliate dashboard analytics to understand:
- Which programme converts best for your audience
- Which content drives most conversions
- What traffic sources generate customers
- Average customer lifetime for each programme
Action:
Double down on what works. Reduce effort on what doesn’t.
Mistake 4: Dishonest Promotion
The Problem:
Promoting products you don’t use or don’t genuinely believe in just because commissions are high.
Why It Fails:
People can tell when recommendations are authentic versus purely mercenary. Inauthentic promotion doesn’t convert well and damages long-term trust.
The Solution:
Only promote programmes where you can honestly say: “I use this myself” or “I’ve thoroughly tested this and genuinely believe it helps my audience.”
Mistake 5: Giving Up Too Early
The Problem:
Expecting substantial recurring income in Months 1-3 and quitting when it doesn’t materialise.
The Reality:
Recurring income compounds slowly, then suddenly. Months 1-6 feel slow. Months 7-12, momentum builds. Months 13+ become genuinely exciting.
The Timeline:
Most people quit at Month 3-4, right before compound growth becomes visible.
The Solution:
Commit to 12 months minimum. Evaluate success or failure at Month 12, not Month 3.
The Platform That Ties It All Together
Here’s something important you need to understand: promoting recurring affiliate programmes successfully requires infrastructure. You need email marketing to follow up with prospects. You need landing pages to capture leads. You need automation to nurture relationships.
This is where one of my recommended programmes becomes doubly valuable: Systeme.io is the all-in-one platform that actually delivers not just as an affiliate programme to promote but as the platform powering your entire affiliate business.
Here’s what I mean:
The Free Plan Gives You:
- Email marketing (2,000 contacts)
- Sales funnels
- Course hosting
- Affiliate programme management
- Automation
- Website builder
Everything you need to promote all three programmes effectively is included in the free plan.
The Beautiful Irony:
You can start promoting Systeme.io, ClickFunnels and Rytr using Systeme.io’s free plan. As you build email lists promoting these products, some percentage naturally sign up for Systeme.io itself (especially when they see you’re successfully using it). You’re earning recurring commissions whilst building your business on infrastructure that costs you nothing initially.
When you’re earning £500-1,000 monthly from these programmes, upgrading to Systeme.io’s $27 or $47 monthly plans is a no-brainer to remove limitations.
For entrepreneurs building complete affiliate businesses rather than isolated promotional efforts, the strategic framework at how to make money from home online provides comprehensive guidance.
Your 90-Day Action Plan
Theory is lovely but action creates results. Here’s your implementation roadmap.
Days 1-7: Foundation Week
Day 1: Sign Up for Affiliate Programmes
- [ ] Join the Systeme.io affiliate programme
- [ ] Join the ClickFunnels affiliate programme
- [ ] Join the Rytr affiliate programme
- [ ] Save all affiliate links in an organised document
Day 2-3: Test Products
- [ ] Sign up for Systeme.io’s free plan
- [ ] Sign up for the Rytr free plan
- [ ] Start ClickFunnels trial
- [ ] Actually use each product for several hours
- [ ] Take notes on features, benefits, and experience
Day 4-5: Content Planning
- [ ] Research keywords related to each product
- [ ] Create content calendar for next 30 days
- [ ] Outline first 5 articles/videos
- [ ] Identify which programme to focus on first
Day 6-7: Infrastructure Setup
- [ ] Set up a blog or YouTube channel if not done
- [ ] Create email marketing account (use Systeme.io free plan)
- [ ] Create a lead magnet relevant to your niche
- [ ] Set up basic email welcome sequence
Days 8-30: Initial Content Creation
Week 2:
- Create a detailed review of the first product (suggest starting with Systeme.io)
- Publish and promote on social media
- Begin email list building
Week 3:
- Create a comparison article (Systeme.io vs ClickFunnels)
- Create tutorial content showing Rytr in action
- Continue building email list
Week 4:
- Create case study content (“I tested X for 30 days”)
- Update the email sequence to mention all three programmes
- Analyse initial performance data
Days 31-60: Scaling Content
Focus: Create 2-3 pieces of content weekly about these programmes. Formats: Blog posts, videos, social media content, email sequences. Goal: Build traffic and initial conversions
Days 61-90: Optimisation and Growth
Focus: Double down on what’s working. Action: Review performance data, create more of the best-performing content type. Goal: Generate first 10-20 recurring customers
90-Day Targets:
Conservative:
- 10 total customers across all programmes
- $100-150 monthly recurring income
- 200-500 email subscribers
Moderate:
- 20 total customers
- $250-350 monthly recurring income
- 500-1,000 email subscribers
Aggressive:
- 35 total customers
- $450-600 monthly recurring income
- 1,000+ email subscribers
Why These Three Programmes Specifically
I’ve tested dozens of recurring affiliate programmes over the years. Many looked promising but failed to deliver. Here’s why these three made my final recommendation list.
They Solve Universal Problems
Systeme.io: Every online entrepreneur needs email marketing, funnels and automation. ClickFunnels: Established businesses need sophisticated funnel capabilities. Rytr: Anyone creating content needs faster, easier writing assistance
These aren’t niche products for obscure use cases. They solve problems millions of people face.
Broad Audience Appeal
Nearly any audience interested in online business, marketing, content creation or entrepreneurship is a potential customer for at least one (often all three) of these programmes.
You’re not limited to a tiny niche. The addressable market is massive.
Different Price Points Capture Different Customers
Rytr ($9-29/month): Captures budget-conscious users, students and beginners. Systeme.io ($0-97/month): Captures bootstrappers through established businesses. ClickFunnels ($97-297/month): Captures premium customers with bigger budgets
This range means you can serve your entire audience regardless of their budget level.
Genuine Quality Products
I wouldn’t recommend these if they were rubbish products. All three:
- Actually deliver on promises
- Have positive user reviews
- Provide measurable value
- Have strong retention rates
- Companies are reputable and stable
Generous Commission Structures
Systeme.io: 60% lifetime recurring (industry-leading). ClickFunnels: 40% lifetime recurring (very good). Rytr: 30% lifetime recurring (fair for price point)
All three offer lifetime commissions with no expiration, which is essential for compound recurring income.
Easy to Get Approved
Unlike some programmes requiring significant existing success, all three approve most applicants readily. You can start promoting immediately.
The Long-Term Vision: Building a Recurring Income Portfolio
Here’s the beautiful thing about focusing on these three programmes: you’re building a diversified recurring income portfolio that becomes increasingly passive over time.
The 12-Month Vision
Month 12 Snapshot:
Systeme.io:
- 25 customers across various plans
- Average $22 per customer
- $550 monthly recurring
ClickFunnels:
- 12 customers (mix of Basic and Pro)
- Average $60 per customer
- $720 monthly recurring
Rytr:
- 60 customers (mix of Saver and Unlimited)
- Average $6.50 per customer
- $390 monthly recurring
Total Monthly Recurring: $1,660
But here’s what really matters:
That $1,660 monthly continues whether you publish new content or not. It’s genuinely passive income from work you did months earlier.
The 24-Month Vision
Assuming modest continued growth (half the customer acquisition rate of Year 1):
Systeme.io: 40 customers = $880 monthly ClickFunnels: 20 customers = $1,200 monthly Rytr: 90 customers = $585 monthly
Total Monthly Recurring: $2,665
Annual Recurring Revenue: $31,980
That’s a life-changing amount of passive income for most people.
The Freedom This Creates
Traditional Job: £30,000 yearly = 2,000+ hours of your life
Recurring Affiliate Income: £30,000 yearly = 200-300 hours annually maintaining (10-15 hours monthly)
The difference is freedom.
Freedom to travel, spend time with family, pursue other interests, build additional income streams or simply live life on your terms rather than someone else’s schedule.
Conclusion: The Best Recurring Affiliate Programs That Pay Monthly
So there you have it. The Best Recurring Affiliate Programs That Pay Monthly that I’ve found after years of testing: Systeme.io for the generous 60% lifetime commissions and exceptional value proposition, ClickFunnels for the premium market and higher per-customer earnings and Rytr for the easy conversions and volume play.
These three programmes cover different price points, serve complementary needs and appeal to overlapping audiences. Together, they form a complete recurring income strategy that can realistically generate £2,000-5,000 monthly within 18-24 months if you execute consistently.
The reality you need to accept:
This isn’t overnight riches. Months 1-3 will feel slow. You’ll work hard for minimal returns initially. The compound effect isn’t visible until suddenly it is. Most people quit right before it works. Don’t be like most people.
The commitment required:
12 months minimum of consistent effort before evaluating success or failure. Creating quality content about these products, building an audience, providing genuine value and promoting authentically rather than desperately.
The payoff:
A genuinely passive income stream that continues generating revenue long after you’ve created the content. Waking up to commission notifications from customers you referred months ago. Taking a holiday without your income stopping. Building an asset that funds your lifestyle with 10-15 hours of monthly maintenance rather than 40+ hours of weekly trading time for money.
Your next steps are simple:
- Sign up for all three affiliate programmes today
- Actually use the products yourself
- Create your first piece of content this week
- Build systematically for 12 months
- Review this article in 18 months when you’re earning recurring commissions
The programmes exist. The opportunity is real. The only question is whether you’ll execute whilst everyone else makes excuses.
For the complete framework on building profitable online businesses around recurring affiliate income and other sustainable revenue streams, start here: how to make money from home online. Your journey to recurring passive income begins with the first customer you refer, so stop reading and start building.