Using Social Media to Find and Recruit Affiliates

Seriously. Social platforms aren’t just for flexing your product or sharing motivational quotes. They’re gold mines for connecting with people who already want to promote what you’re selling. You just have to know where (and how) to look.

Whether you’re on Payhip selling templates, ebooks, or online courses, finding the right affiliates means finding people who already hang out in your niche. And guess where they’re chillin’? Yep. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and even Facebook Groups. Let’s walk through how to recruit awesome affiliates using social media, without feeling spammy or awkward.

Step 1: Start With the Folks Already in Your Orbit

Before you dive into hashtags and DMs, look at your own followers. These people already like your vibe. Some might’ve even bought from you.

One creator I know selling digital planners on Payhip found their first five affiliates just by checking who kept commenting “I love this!” or sharing their posts. Turns out, two of them had small but active followings—and when invited, they were pumped to promote and earn.

Here’s what to do:

• Scroll through your recent post interactions

• Check for repeat commenters or folks tagging you

• Shoot them a casual message: “Hey! I noticed you’ve been super supportive—would you ever be interested in joining my affiliate program?”

You don’t need a fancy pitch. Just be real. Keep it conversational. That authenticity matters more than a perfect script.

Step 2: Use Search + Hashtags to Find Micro-Influencers in Your Niche

You don’t need to chase big names. In fact, smaller creators (1K–10K followers) often convert way better. They have loyal, tight-knit communities and they’re more likely to reply to DMs.

Go into Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube and search for hashtags or terms your ideal customer would use. Stuff like:

• #digitalplanneraddict

• #printabletemplates

• #onlinecoursecreator

• #ebookseller

• #sidehustleideas

When you find someone whose vibe matches yours, engage with their content first. Like a few posts. Leave a genuine comment. Then slide into their DMs with a short, direct message like:

“Hey! I’ve been loving your content. I sell [type of product] on Payhip, and I think your audience would really vibe with it. I’ve got an affiliate program—would you be open to earning commissions by sharing something like this?”

Step 3: Turn Your Own Content Into a Recruiting Machine

Don’t wait around hoping people find your affiliate program. You have to promote it just like any other offer.

Make posts, stories, or even Reels about it:

• “Want to earn $$ promoting my Canva templates?”

• “I just paid out $150 in affiliate commissions—DM me if you want in.”

• “If you’ve ever loved my content and want to support me (and get paid), I’ve got something for you…”

Share results, stories, or simple walkthroughs of how your affiliate system works. People get curious when they see behind the scenes.

One seller on TikTok ran a 60-second video showing how she pays her affiliates through Payhip every Friday. That one video got 200+ DMs in 3 days. Wild.

Step 4: Make It Dead Simple for Affiliates to Say Yes

This part’s underrated. The easier it is to sign up and start promoting, the more people will actually follow through.

When someone says they’re interested, send them:

• A link to sign up on Payhip

• A short “Getting Started” doc or video (Google Docs is fine)

• A few sample graphics or captions they can use

• Your best-performing product links

You don’t need to build a whole portal or affiliate hub on day one. Just make sure they’re not left wondering “what now?”

And always follow up. Sometimes people get busy. A simple, “Hey just checking in—did you need help getting started with the affiliate link?” can go a long way.

Step 5: Shout Them Out, Celebrate Wins, and Build Real Relationships

Here’s what makes your affiliate program different from the rest: you actually care. So show it.

Shout out your top affiliates in your stories. Repost their content. Publicly thank them when they make a sale. That kind of recognition is more motivating than a $5 commission.

One creator I know makes a monthly “Affiliate Wall of Fame” on Instagram. Just a graphic with usernames and earnings. It’s not flashy—but it builds momentum and turns their program into a community, not just a sales tactic.

Bonus Tip: Use Facebook Groups (But Don’t Be Weird About It)

Niche Facebook groups are full of creators, bloggers, and small business owners looking for affiliate opportunities. But you’ve gotta play it cool.

Don’t spam your link. Instead:

• Join relevant groups (e.g., “Digital Product Creators,” “Passive Income for Bloggers”)

• Engage in real conversations for a few days

• Post something like:
  “Hey, I run a small Payhip store selling Notion templates. I’m looking for a few affiliates to test out the program. It’s super simple—commission-based and I’ve got swipe files ready. Let me know if interested!”

It works. Especially when your tone is helpful, not salesy.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Selling, It’s About Partnering

The truth is, people don’t want to “join an affiliate program.” They want to partner with someone who believes in what they’re doing.

That’s why social media works so well, it lets them see your face, your tone, your energy. When you show up consistently, engage authentically, and make it simple to join in, your affiliate network grows organically. No sleaze. No begging.