Ecommerce continues to create opportunities for bloggers, influencers, comparison websites, and content creators. Promoting ecommerce platforms can be particularly valuable because businesses regularly research tools to build online stores, manage products, and increase sales.
The BigCommerce Affiliate Program was previously an opportunity for publishers to earn commissions by referring potential customers to the ecommerce platform. However, publishers need to understand an important update before planning their campaigns: BigCommerce officially discontinued its affiliate program on May 17, 2025.
Although the former program is no longer accepting affiliates, BigCommerce remains a relevant topic for ecommerce publishers. Understanding its previous affiliate model and exploring alternative monetization strategies can help publishers develop more sustainable revenue streams.
What Was the BigCommerce Affiliate Program?
BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that helps businesses create and manage online stores. Its features include website design tools, product management, payment integrations, order management, and ecommerce functionality.
The former affiliate program allowed approved publishers to promote BigCommerce through unique referral links and marketing materials. When visitors completed qualifying actions through those links, affiliates could earn commissions under the program`s terms.
The program was designed for publishers whose audiences included:
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Entrepreneurs planning to launch online stores.
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Small business owners exploring ecommerce solutions.
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Bloggers writing about online business and digital marketing.
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Ecommerce consultants and website developers.
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Content creators reviewing business software.
Current status: BigCommerce discontinued this affiliate program on May 17, 2025. Existing tracking links were disabled, and qualifying referrals made before closure remained subject to the final payment arrangements announced by the company.
Why Did BigCommerce Close Its Affiliate Program?
BigCommerce announced that the decision followed a change in its business strategy and operational priorities. The company stated that it wanted to focus on more efficient returns from its marketing activities.
For publishers, this highlights an important lesson: affiliate programs can change their commission structures, policies, or availability at any time.
Depending entirely on one advertiser can create financial uncertainty. Publishers should regularly review their partnerships and maintain alternative monetization opportunities.
Affiliate Marketing Strategies for Publishers
Even without an active BigCommerce affiliate offer, publishers can continue creating ecommerce-focused content and promoting other relevant business solutions.
1. Create Ecommerce Platform Comparison Articles
Comparison content attracts readers who are already researching their options. Publishers can compare ecommerce platforms based on pricing, features, integrations, scalability, and ease of use.
Useful article ideas include:
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BigCommerce vs. Shopify: Which Platform Is Better?
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Best Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses.
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BigCommerce Alternatives for Growing Online Stores.
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How to Choose an Ecommerce Platform.
Include balanced explanations and clearly distinguish between platform features and your own recommendations.
2. Publish Detailed Product Reviews
Software reviews help potential customers understand whether a platform meets their business requirements.
Discuss important factors such as:
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Store customization options.
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Payment gateway integrations.
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Inventory and product management.
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SEO capabilities.
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Customer support.
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Pricing and available plans.
Use screenshots, practical examples, and transparent comparisons to make your reviews more useful.
3. Use SEO to Attract High-Intent Traffic
Search engine optimization can help publishers reach people actively looking for ecommerce solutions.
Instead of targeting only broad phrases, create content around specific search queries, including:
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Best ecommerce platform for startups.
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How to build an online store.
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Ecommerce platform pricing comparison.
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BigCommerce alternatives for small businesses.
Organize related articles into topic clusters and link them together. This approach helps readers explore additional information while building topical relevance across your website.
4. Promote Products Through Multiple Channels
Publishers can extend their reach by sharing ecommerce content across different marketing channels.
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Blogs: Publish tutorials, reviews, comparisons, and buying guides.
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YouTube: Create demonstrations and platform walkthroughs.
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LinkedIn: Share ecommerce insights with entrepreneurs and business professionals.
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Email newsletters: Send useful platform recommendations to subscribers.
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Social media: Repurpose educational content into short videos and visual posts.
Choose channels that match your audience rather than trying to maintain every platform.
What Are the Alternatives to the BigCommerce Affiliate Program?
Publishers can explore other ecommerce software and business-tool affiliate programs. Potential options include Shopify, website hosting providers, payment solutions, email marketing platforms, and ecommerce applications.
Before applying, compare:
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Commission structure and payment conditions.
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Referral tracking and attribution periods.
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Approval requirements.
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Product relevance to your audience.
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Brand reputation and customer feedback.
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Program availability and current terms.
An Affiliate Marketing Network can also help publishers explore multiple advertiser partnerships instead of relying on a single brand. Platforms such as Affilza provide opportunities to connect with advertisers and find campaigns that match a publisher`s niche.
How Publishers Can Improve Affiliate Campaign Performance
Building a successful affiliate business requires more than placing links in articles. Publishers should monitor campaign performance and continuously improve their content.
Track important metrics: Monitor clicks, conversions, conversion rates, and earnings per click to understand which campaigns perform best.
Create helpful content: Prioritize honest recommendations, practical tutorials, and detailed comparisons rather than publishing content solely to promote products.
Update older articles: Review pricing, product features, program availability, and links regularly. Remove discontinued offers and replace outdated recommendations.
Build audience trust: Clearly disclose affiliate relationships and explain when a link may generate a commission.
Diversify partnerships: Work with several relevant advertisers to reduce dependence on one program and create more consistent revenue opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The BigCommerce affiliate program once offered publishers an opportunity to earn commissions by referring businesses to an ecommerce platform. However, since its discontinuation in May 2025, publishers should not rely on old application instructions, commission figures, or tracking links.
Instead, ecommerce publishers can continue building valuable content around platform comparisons, software reviews, business tutorials, and alternative affiliate partnerships. By focusing on audience needs, search visibility, transparent recommendations, and performance tracking, publishers can create a more sustainable affiliate marketing strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the BigCommerce Affiliate Program still available?
No. BigCommerce discontinued its affiliate program on May 17, 2025, and its former tracking links were disabled.
2. Why did BigCommerce discontinue its affiliate program?
The company cited a change in business strategy and a focus on more efficient marketing returns.
3. Can publishers still promote BigCommerce?
Publishers can continue discussing and recommending BigCommerce, but its discontinued affiliate links should not be presented as active commission-generating links.
4. What are the alternatives to the BigCommerce Affiliate Program?
Publishers can research other ecommerce platforms, website hosting services, payment solutions, and software affiliate programs. Always verify current program terms before joining.
5. How can publishers earn money from ecommerce content?
Publishers can monetize content through active affiliate programs, sponsored content, product reviews, advertising, and relevant business partnerships.
