What are business loan affiliate programs?
Business loan affiliate programs allow people to earn commissions by referring customers to lenders. The affiliate acts as a middleman, bringing together borrowers and lenders while getting paid for their efforts.
These programs work by tracking referrals using special affiliate links or promo codes. When a referral leads to a closed loan, the affiliate receives a percentage of the loan amount as commission. The terms and payout rates vary between programs.
Affiliate programs generally focus on small business loans, including:
- Term loans – Issued for a set repayment period, usually with fixed monthly payments. Often used for equipment purchases, renovations, or operating expenses.
- Lines of credit – Provide access to a revolving pool of funds up to a pre-approved limit. Businesses can draw as needed.
- Merchant cash advances – Lump sum payments issued in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales. Acts like a cash advance.
- SBA loans – Government-backed small business loans offered through banks and other lenders. Affiliates may refer borrowers.
- Invoice financing – Funds issued against unpaid customer invoices. Repaid once invoices are collected.
- Equipment financing – Funding for purchasing equipment, repaid over time. Similar to a term loan.
The types of loans available depend on the lender’s offerings. Most programs focus on short-term working capital loans or financing for specific needs like equipment.
Benefits of Promoting Business Loans
Promoting business loans through an affiliate program can be highly lucrative for publishers and bloggers. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Earn commissions on loans originated – Affiliate programs pay out a commission, usually ranging from 1-5% of the loan amount, for every approved loan you refer. So if you refer a $100,000 business loan that gets funded, you could earn a $1,000-$5,000 commission.
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Recurring revenue from interest payments – Most business loans charge monthly or annual interest payments. As an affiliate, you’ll earn a percentage of those interest payments for the life of the loan. So the initial commission is just the start, you can earn passive income as long as the borrower keeps making payments.
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Wide range of business loan products – Programs offer various loan products – lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, franchise financing, commercial real estate loans, and more. You can promote a range of lending solutions to meet your audience’s diverse needs.
Top business loan affiliate programs
There are several top affiliate programs for business loans that allow you to earn commissions by referring customers. Here are some of the most popular options:
Kabbage
Kabbage is one of the leading small business lending platforms, providing fast and flexible funding up to $250,000. As an affiliate, you can earn $100 for each funded loan you refer. Kabbage offers loans for multiple purposes like working capital, expansion, marketing, inventory, equipment, invoices and more. The application process is fully online and offers fast approvals.
LendingTree
LendingTree provides an online lending marketplace connecting borrowers with multiple lenders to find the right loan. Their business loan program offers commissions starting at $50 per funded loan. LendingTree offers various business financing options including SBA loans, equipment financing, lines of credit and more from their network of lenders.
Fundera
Fundera connects small businesses with lenders to get the best rates on loans and financing. As an affiliate you make up to 2% of the loan amount on funded loans you refer. They work with over 75 top national and regional lenders to match each business with the right lender. Fundera offers term loans, SBA loans, business lines of credit and invoice financing.
National Funding
National Funding is a direct lender providing fast business funding up to $500,000. Their affiliate program pays $250 for each funded loan referral. National Funding offers a variety of loan products including equipment financing, working capital loans, real estate loans, lines of credit and invoice factoring. The online process makes getting funded simple and fast.
OnDeck
OnDeck provides small business loans up to $500,000 with their online application and funding process. Their affiliate program pays $100 per funded loan. OnDeck offers term loans and lines of credit that can serve purposes like funding growth, inventory, equipment, marketing, payroll and more. Affiliates can tap into OnDeck’s large base of customers.
How to Choose the Right Business Loan Affiliate Program
When evaluating different business loan affiliate programs, there are a few key factors to consider:
Loan Types Offered
Look at the types of business loans offered by the lender. Do they provide just one product like SBA loans or equipment financing? Or do they have a full range covering working capital, commercial real estate, equipment loans, and more? The more loan products available, the more opportunities for your audience.
Commission Rates and Structure
Compare the commission rates across programs. Typical commissions for business loan affiliates range from 1-5% of the loan amount. Also look at how commissions are structured – are you paid per lead or only on closed loans? Per lead programs provide income even if the loan doesn’t fund but have lower payouts.
Cookie Duration
A cookie tracks your referral for a set time period. The longer the cookie duration, the more chance you have of getting credit for a conversion. Standard cookies last for 30-90 days. Look for longer cookies of 120-180+ days.
Marketing Collateral Provided
A good affiliate program will supply you with pre-made banners, email templates, social posts, and other promotional material. Having these resources makes marketing the loans much easier. Ideally they are co-branded with your website name/logo. If the program lacks marketing assets, you’ll have to create more content on your own.
Best practices for promoting loans
Affiliate marketing can be a great way to promote business loans, but it’s important to follow best practices. Here are some tips for promoting loans effectively:
Content marketing
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Create in-depth blog posts and articles about business loans, financing options, and lending. Provide value to readers by explaining loan types, terms, application processes, and offering advice.
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Optimize content for relevant keywords so it ranks well in search and gets found by those interested in loans.
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Include links to recommended loan products within content to generate affiliate income. Make sure disclosures are clear.
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Publish content on your own site as well as guest posting on other finance and business sites to expand reach.
PPC ads
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Target keywords related to loans, financing, cash flow, etc. Create ads focused on specific loan offers or lead generation.
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Write compelling ad copy that encourages clicks. Test different headlines, descriptions, and landing pages.
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Use dynamic insertion to showcase certain loan products and your affiliate links.
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Continuously optimize for conversions by A/B testing ad elements.
Email marketing
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Send dedicated emails promoting loan offers via affiliate links or direct people to targeted landing pages.
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Segment your email list based on subscriber interests and behaviors to send relevant loan affiliate offers.
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Write catchy subject lines and preview text to get opened and clicked. Include urgency or discounts to boost response.
Social media marketing
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Share loan-related content on social networks and incorporate affiliate links where appropriate.
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Run sponsored social media posts to get loan affiliate offers in front of your target audience.
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Leverage social proof with user-generated content like customer testimonials and reviews.
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Use video content to explain and promote loan products. Include affiliate links in video descriptions.
Compliance when promoting loans
Promoting business loans comes with important legal and regulatory considerations that affiliates should keep in mind. Failure to follow guidelines could result in fines or other enforcement actions.
FTC endorsement guidelines
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has endorsement guidelines that apply to affiliates promoting financial products like loans. The basic requirements are:
- Disclose any material connections between you and the lender. This includes if you receive commission for a referral.
- Only make claims about the lender or loan products that you can substantiate. Don’t misrepresent terms.
- If you get free products or other perks from a lender, disclose that too.
The FTC looks closely at endorsements in regulated financial sectors. They expect transparency from marketers and influencers.
State lending regulations
Most states have laws about lending and loan brokering within their borders. Things like usury limits, registration requirements, and disclosure rules may apply. Perform due diligence to ensure you comply with any relevant state laws where you operate.
For example, some states limit the interest rates on certain loans. Affiliates need to be aware of these caps and not promote loans that exceed them.
CAN-SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act is a federal law that sets rules for commercial emails. All affiliates who send emails as part of promoting loans need to follow its requirements.
Some key CAN-SPAM rules are:
- Don’t use false or misleading header information.
- Honor opt-out requests promptly.
- Include your physical mailing address.
- Identify the message as an ad.
- Use proper subject lines.
Violating CAN-SPAM can lead to penalties of over $40,000 per email.
Advice for Small Business Owners
When applying for a business loan, small business owners should take several steps to increase their chances of approval and get the best terms.
Compare Loan Options
There are many different types of business loans, including term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, and more. Compare interest rates, fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements to find the loan that best fits your needs.
Term loans provide a lump sum and require fixed monthly payments over a set period of time. Lines of credit provide flexible access to funds as needed. SBA loans offer government-backed financing and can be easier to qualify for. Equipment financing allows you to purchase equipment and machinery and pay over time.
Understand Fees and Repayment Terms
Carefully review all fees charged by lenders, such as origination fees, underwriting fees, and prepayment penalties. Also understand the loan’s amortization schedule and when payments are due. Taking the time to fully grasp the loan’s costs and repayment structure can prevent surprises down the road.
Build Creditworthiness
Lenders want to work with creditworthy borrowers who are likely to repay their loans. Maintain a strong business and personal credit score. Pay all bills on time and correct any errors on your credit report. The higher your score, the better terms you can qualify for.
Have Financial Statements Ready
Come prepared with current financial statements, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and tax returns. Provide as much detail as possible on the business’s finances to give lenders confidence in your ability to handle repayment. Having organized financial records signals you run a professional operation.
Alternative financing options
Small business owners have several options beyond traditional loans to finance their operations and growth. Here are some of the most popular alternatives:
Business credit cards – Credit cards offer a revolving line of credit and the convenience of putting routine expenses on plastic. Interest rates are usually higher than traditional loans, but credit cards provide flexibility. Cards tailored for business usage often provide higher limits, rewards points on business spending, and reporting features.
Invoice factoring – With invoice factoring, a business sells its unpaid invoices to a third party at a discount. This brings in immediate cash rather than waiting 30-90 days for customers to pay invoices. It avoids taking on debt, but the fees can add up quickly.
Crowdfunding – Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow entrepreneurs to raise funds from a large pool of backers. This works best for consumer products or creative projects with viral appeal. The business gives backers rewards in exchange for their support.
Grants – Government agencies and nonprofit groups offer grants for specific business activities like research and development or expanding to underserved regions. Grants provide free capital but usually have strict requirements on how the funds can be used. The application process is highly competitive.
These alternatives provide more options for funding besides traditional bank loans or venture capital. The right choice depends on the business, its stage of growth, and how quickly funds are needed. With an array of financing methods available today, entrepreneurs have more ways than ever to get their ventures off the ground.
The Future of Business Lending
The future of business lending is being shaped by several key trends that are making accessing financing easier and faster for small businesses.
Fintech Innovation
Financial technology or fintech startups are disrupting small business lending by utilizing alternative data sources and automation to provide faster and easier access to capital. Many new fintech lenders rely on technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze thousands of data points to assess risk and underwrite loans quicker than traditional banks. This innovation is providing online loan options that can pre-approve borrowers in minutes and fund loans in days, compared to weeks or months with a conventional bank loan.
Alternative Data for Underwriting
Fintechs are pioneering the use of alternative data sources beyond a business’s credit score to underwrite loans. Data from business accounting software, payroll systems, online reviews, social media, and e-commerce sales can give lenders greater insight into a company’s financial health. Alternative data provides more ways for new or underserved businesses to qualify for affordable financing.
Growth of Alternative Lending
Alternative online lenders are projected to continue gaining market share versus traditional bank loans. Small businesses are attracted by the speed, transparency, and convenience of applying for financing online. Marketplace lenders that connect investors and borrowers through peer-to-peer lending platforms are also growing as an option. The alternative lending industry is expected to expand access to capital and fuel small business growth.
Impact of Interest Rates
Experts predict interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve could gradually increase borrowing costs for small businesses in the coming years. The future focus of business lending will be on flexible, customized loan options versus one-size-fits-all products.
Summary
Affiliate marketing of business loans can be highly beneficial for publishers and borrowers when done properly. Here’s a recap of some of the key points:
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There are many reputable affiliate programs for loans like LendingTree and LoanDepot that pay attractive commissions to marketers.
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Loans are a major purchase for small businesses. Focus content on helping owners understand options, compare rates, and make informed decisions. Avoid hype.
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Be fully transparent about your financial relationship as an affiliate.
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Highlight the value small business loans provide in funding growth, expansion, equipment, and operating costs. Explain qualification requirements.
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Consider creating content like “Best Business Loans for Startups” or “Equipment Financing Guide.” Provide detailed information about loan types.
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Give tips for getting approved and optimizing the lending process. Share strategies for establishing credit, borrowing wisely, and boosting the loan application.
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Don’t just focus on loans. Cover alternative financing options like merchant cash advances, factoring, and crowdfunding.
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Follow best practices for compliant marketing, adhering to FTC guidelines. Avoid unsubstantiated claims.
