Getting approved by ShareASale is one of the first steps toward earning money through affiliate marketing. While creating an account is simple, many beginners worry about whether their application will be accepted.
The good news is that ShareASale does not require you to have a huge website or thousands of monthly visitors. What matters most is having a genuine platform, quality content, and following their policies.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to get approved by ShareASale, common reasons applications get rejected, and practical tips to improve your chances of approval.
What Is ShareASale?
ShareASale is one of the largest affiliate marketing networks, connecting publishers with thousands of merchants across categories like web hosting, software, digital marketing, fashion, finance, education, and eCommerce.
After approval, you can apply to individual merchant programs and earn commissions whenever someone purchases through your affiliate links.
ShareASale Approval Requirements
Before submitting your application, make sure you have the following:
- A working website or blog
- Original, helpful content
- An About page
- A Contact page
- A Privacy Policy
- Clear website navigation
- No copyrighted or illegal content
- A professional email address
- Consistent branding
You don't need hundreds of articles, but your website should clearly show that it is active and built for real visitors.
Step 1: Create Your ShareASale Account
Visit the ShareASale publisher signup page and create your account.
You'll need to provide:
- Your name
- Email address
- Website URL
- Business information
- Payment details
- Tax information (when required)
Double-check all information before submitting.
Step 2: Build a Quality Website
A professional website significantly increases your approval chances.
Your site should include:
- Helpful articles
- Fast loading pages
- Mobile-friendly design
- Easy navigation
- High-quality images
- Proper formatting
Avoid websites that contain mostly copied, AI-spun, or extremely thin content.
Step 3: Publish Enough Content
While ShareASale doesn't officially specify a minimum number of posts, having at least 15–20 high-quality articles gives reviewers confidence that your website is legitimate.
Focus on publishing content related to your niche rather than random topics.
Examples include:
- Product reviews
- Buying guides
- Tutorials
- Comparisons
- Beginner guides
Step 4: Add Essential Pages
Your website should include these pages before applying:
About Page
Explain who you are and what your website offers.
Contact Page
Provide a contact form or email address.
Privacy Policy
Explain how user data and cookies are handled.
Disclaimer
Mention that your website may earn commissions from affiliate links.
These pages improve trust for both ShareASale and your visitors.
Step 5: Use a Professional Domain
Step 6: Choose the Correct Website Category
- Digital Marketing
- Technology
- Software
- Business
- Education
- Finance
- LifeStyle
Choosing an accurate category helps merchants understand your audience.
Common Reasons ShareASale Rejects Applications
- Very little content
- Under-construction websites
- Broken pages
- Missing Privacy Policy
- No About page
- Copiedcontent
- Spammy design
- Adult or prohibited content
- Misleading information
- Inactive websites
Tips to Increase Your Approval Chances
- Follow these best practices:
- Publish high-quality original content
- Add at least 15-20 articles
- Create About, Contact, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimer pages.
- Use HTTPS
- Improve website speed
- Make your website mobile-friendly
- Use a clean, professional design
- Avoid excessive ads
- Clearly explain your niche and audience
- Keep publishing consistently
My Experience and Recommendations
Many beginners assume they need thousands of monthly visitors before applying to ShareASale, but that's not necessarily true. A well-organized website with original, helpful content often has a much better chance of approval than a site with higher traffic but poor quality.
Before submitting your application, review your website as if you were a visitor. Make sure every page loads correctly, your navigation is easy to use, and your content provides real value. Small improvements in professionalism can make a positive impression during the review process.
Pros and Cons of Applying to ShareASale
Pros
- Free to join as a publisher
- Thousands of affiliate programs available
- Trusted affiliate network with many well-known brands
- Beginner-friendly application process
- Reliable tracking and reporting tools
- Multiple payment options
Cons
- Some merchants have strict approval requirements
- Approval may take several days
- New websites may need additional improvements before acceptance
- Merchant approval is separate from ShareASale network approval
How Long Does ShareASale Approval Take?
Most applications are reviewed within a few business days, although the exact timeframe can vary depending on application volume and whether additional information is required.
If your application takes longer than expected, ensure that your website is accessible and that all the information you submitted is accurate.
ShareASale Approval Checklist
Before clicking the submit button, make sure you have completed the following:
- A live website or blog
- At least 15–20 original articles
- About page
- Contact page
- Privacy Policy
- Affiliate Disclaimer
- Mobile-friendly design
- Fast-loading pages
- Clear navigation
- Professional email address
- HTTPS enabled
- No copyrighted or prohibited content
Completing this checklist can significantly improve your chances of getting approved on your first application.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved as a ShareASale publisher, you can:
- Search thousands of affiliate programs.
- Apply to individual merchants.
- Generate affiliate links.
- Track clicks and sales.
- View commissions and reports.
- Receive affiliate payments once you meet the payout requirements.
Remember that approval to the ShareASale network does not automatically approve you for every merchant. Each merchant has its own application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ShareASale easy to get approved?
Yes. If your website has quality content, essential pages, and follows ShareASale's policies, approval is usually straightforward.
How many blog posts do I need?
There is no official requirement, but having around 15–20 well-written articles generally strengthens your application.
Can beginners join ShareASale?
Yes. Many beginners are approved if they have a genuine website with useful content.
Does ShareASale require traffic?
There is no published minimum traffic requirement. A professional website with valuable content is usually more important than visitor numbers alone.
Can I apply again if rejected?
Yes. Improve your website, address the issues that may have caused the rejection, and submit a new application.
Final Thoughts
Getting approved by ShareASale is easier than many beginners expect. Focus on creating a trustworthy website with valuable content, essential legal pages, and a clear niche. Rather than worrying about traffic, spend your time building a site that genuinely helps readers.
Once you're approved, you'll have access to thousands of affiliate programs that can help you grow your affiliate marketing income over time.