How to do affiliate marketing in Pakistan?

What Is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing, also called performance marketing, is a business model where you promote another company’s products or services and earn a commission for each sale, lead, or action generated through your unique tracking link. You are the “publisher” or “affiliate,” and the company is the “merchant” or “advertiser.”

Key terms to know

• Affiliate link / tracking link: A unique URL that tracks clicks and conversions from your audience.
• Cookie duration: The time window during which a purchase is credited to you after a click (e.g., 24 hours, 30 days).
• CPS / CPA / CPL: Cost-per-sale, cost-per-action, and cost-per-lead payout models.
• EPC & conversion rate: Earnings per 100 clicks and the percentage of visitors who convert.
• Affiliate network: A platform connecting publishers with multiple merchants (e.g., Impact, Involve Asia).
• Funnel: The user journey from awareness to click to purchase.

In Pakistan, affiliate marketing works the same as everywhere else—but your strategy should match local search behavior, languages (English, Urdu, Roman Urdu), and available payment methods.

Is Affiliate Marketing Legal in Pakistan?

Yes. Earning commissions via affiliate programs is legal in Pakistan. You should focus on transparency, consumer-friendly content, and compliance with applicable advertising and tax rules. While Pakistan does not have a specific “affiliate disclosure” law, clear disclosures are considered best practice and align with global standards (like the FTC guidance in the US).

What You Need to Start

• Device + Internet: A laptop or capable smartphone with stable internet.
• A platform: Blog/website, YouTube channel, TikTok/Instagram, Facebook page/group, or an email newsletter.
• Basic skills: Keyword research, content writing/video production, on-page SEO, simple analytics.
• Payment method: Payoneer, local bank (where supported), or Skrill depending on the affiliate network. PayPal is generally not available in Pakistan.
• Mindset: Consistency and patience—most new affiliates take 3–6 months to see meaningful results.

How to Choose a Profitable Niche (Pakistan Focus)

Your niche is the topic area you’ll cover. It should match your interest, the market demand in Pakistan, and have viable affiliate offers.

Steps to validate a niche

1. Search demand: Use Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, Semrush, or Ubersuggest to check monthly searches. Add modifiers like “in Pakistan,” “price in Pakistan,” “under 50000,” “best 2025.”
2. Commercial intent: Look for keywords such as “buy,” “discount,” “promo code,” “review,” “compare,” “best X for Y.”
3. Available offers: Confirm there are affiliate programs (local or global) with decent commissions.
4. Competition: Search your target keywords. If the first page has only big publishers, target long-tail queries and sub-niches.
5. Seasonality: Plan for Ramadan deals, 11.11 / 12.12 / Black Friday, PSL season, back-to-school, and Eid gifting.

Niche ideas that work in Pakistan

• Consumer electronics: mobiles, laptops, earbuds, smartwatches (e.g., “best phone under 50k in Pakistan”).
• Home & kitchen: small appliances, water dispensers, inverters, UPS, solar accessories.
• Fashion & beauty: Pakistani brands, modest wear, cosmetics, skincare.
• Travel & tickets: domestic travel, tours, hotels, flight booking platforms.
• Education & skills: online courses, test prep, freelancing tools, software subscriptions (SaaS).
• Sports & fitness: gym gear, treadmills, sportswear.
• Baby & parenting: diapers, strollers, toys.

Finding Affiliate Programs and Networks

You can join programs directly from brands (in-house affiliate programs) or via networks that aggregate many merchants.

Popular networks used by Pakistani affiliates

• Involve Asia: Covers many Asian merchants and regional marketplaces; commonly used for Pakistan-friendly offers.
• Impact: Global network with top brands; diverse verticals and reliable tracking.
• CJ (Commission Junction): Long-standing network with many merchants.
• ShareASale: Great for SaaS, e-commerce tools, and niche brands.
• Admitad: Access to AliExpress and various global offers.
• Digistore24 / ClickBank: Digital products; check eligibility and product quality thoroughly.
• Fiverr Affiliates: Popular in Pakistan; promote freelance services and earn CPA/CPS commissions.

Local and regional programs to explore

• Daraz Affiliate Program: Daraz periodically runs its own affiliate/influencer programs and is also available via certain networks. Check the latest official sign-up routes and payout options.
• Travel & tickets: Regional OTAs and local travel brands listed on networks (availability varies).
• Retail & fashion: Pakistani brands sometimes run affiliates via networks or influencer portals.
• Edtech & SaaS: Global platforms that accept Pakistani affiliates and pay via Payoneer or bank transfer.

Amazon Associates from Pakistan

Many Pakistan-based publishers run Amazon Associates accounts targeting US/UK markets. Amazon pays via direct deposit to a US bank. You can typically use Payoneer’s USD receiving account to set up direct deposit. Always confirm your account is compliant with Amazon’s operating agreement and disclosure policies.

Build Your Platform: Blog, YouTube, or Social

Pick one primary platform to start and add others as you grow.

Option A: Build a WordPress blog/website

1. Domain & hosting: Choose a .com or .pk domain. Get reliable hosting with SSL and fast servers (LiteSpeed or NGINX).
2. Install WordPress: Use a lightweight theme (GeneratePress, Astra) and a minimal plugin stack.
3. Essential pages: About, Contact, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, Terms, and a Resources page.
4. Must-have plugins: SEO (Yoast or Rank Math), Cache/Performance (LiteSpeed Cache/Autoptimize), Security (Wordfence), Link management (Pretty Links or ThirstyAffiliates), Table of Contents, Schema/structured data.
5. Analytics: Set up Google Analytics 4 and Search Console; connect your sitemap.
6. Speed basics: Compress images (WebP), lazy load, use a CDN like Cloudflare, and keep plugins lean.

Option B: YouTube channel

• Create videos: product reviews, comparisons, unboxings, “best under X PKR,” tutorials, and listicles.
• Video SEO: use keyword-rich titles, compelling thumbnails, timestamps, and descriptions with your affiliate links and disclosure.
• Pin comments with your main call-to-action and link. Add UTM parameters to track performance.

Option C: Social-first strategy (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook)

• Post short-form reviews, quick tips, and “before you buy” checklists in English/Urdu/Roman Urdu.
• Use Link-in-bio tools (with your own domain if possible) to list multiple affiliate links.
• Build communities via Facebook Groups and WhatsApp Communities, but avoid spamming.
• Check each program’s policy on social traffic and paid ads before promoting.

SEO Basics for Pakistan

Search engine optimization is the most sustainable traffic channel for affiliates. Focus on search intent and local modifiers.

Keyword research

• Find “commercial investigation” queries: “best laptop under 150k in Pakistan,” “Air fryer price in Pakistan,” “Daraz promo code,” “review,” “vs,” “for students,” “2025 update.”
• Include Urdu/Roman Urdu phrases where appropriate; test titles in both languages if your audience prefers Urdu.
• Use Google Autosuggest and “People also ask” to expand long-tail keywords.

On-page SEO

• Include the primary keyword in the title tag, H1, URL slug, and early in your content.
• Use H2/H3 subheadings, internal links to related articles, and descriptive image alt text.
• Add schema markup (Article/FAQ) to improve rich result eligibility.
• Place comparison tables and pros/cons near the top for quick scanning on mobile.

Off-page SEO

• Earn backlinks by guest posting on Pakistani blogs, local news/features, and niche communities.
• Share content on relevant Facebook Groups, Reddit communities, and LinkedIn without being promotional.

Technical SEO

• Ensure mobile-first design and fast Core Web Vitals.
• Use HTTPS, fix broken links, and keep a clean site structure.
• Submit an XML sitemap to Google Search Console.

Content Strategy That Converts

Create content that matches the user journey: awareness, consideration, and decision.

High-converting content types

• Best X for Y: “Best phones under 50,000 PKR,” “Best UPS for home in Pakistan.”
• Comparisons: “Inverter vs normal AC,” “Model A vs Model B.”
• Reviews & unboxings: Honest, balanced, with real photos or B-roll where possible.
• Buying guides: Explain specs, features, warranty, and local availability.
• Deals & coupons: Track seasonal campaigns (Ramadan, 11.11, Black Friday, back-to-school).
• How-to tutorials: Setup guides, troubleshooting, care tips.

Editorial plan

• Create 3–5 pillar articles and 15–30 supporting posts targeting long-tail queries.
• Refresh content quarterly: update prices, stock, and recommendations.
• Localize: show PKR prices, link to merchants serving Pakistan, and highlight warranty/service centers.

Language strategy

• Test English, Urdu, and Roman Urdu. Many searches mix languages (e.g., “ac price in pakistan 2025”).
• Keep headlines clear and use transliterated terms audiences recognize.

Conversion Optimization and Link Management

• Call-to-actions (CTAs): Use clear, benefit-driven CTAs like “Check Price on Daraz” or “Get Discount on [Brand].”
• Comparison tables: Summarize specs, features, and price ranges with direct “Buy” buttons.
• Trust signals: Show hands-on photos, quick pros/cons, and disclaimers if you haven’t tested a product.
• Link placement: Add links above the fold, in the middle, and near the conclusion. Don’t overstuff.
• Link cloaking: Use Pretty Links/ThirstyAffiliates to manage links. Mark affiliate links as nofollow/sponsored.
• A/B testing: Test headlines, button colors, and placements. Track click-through rates (CTR) and EPC.
• Mobile-first UX: Use large buttons, concise blocks, and fast loading for 3G/4G users.

Tracking, Analytics, and Payments in Pakistan

Tracking and analytics

• Set up Google Analytics 4 and connect Search Console for impressions, clicks, and ranking insights.
• Add UTM parameters to links used on YouTube/social to attribute performance by platform and post.
• Monitor network dashboards for clicks, conversions, EPC, and approve rates.

Getting paid in Pakistan

• Payoneer: Widely used by Pakistani affiliates. Provides USD/EUR receiving accounts that many networks can pay into; transfers to your local bank are supported. Some services integrate with mobile wallets; verify current availability.
• Local bank transfers: Some programs/networks pay directly to Pakistani bank accounts—check specific terms.
• Skrill: Supported by select networks as an alternative.
• PayPal: Not generally available in Pakistan; most affiliates use alternatives.

Legal, Tax, and Disclosure in Pakistan

• NTN and filing: Register for an NTN and file annual returns with the FBR. Maintain income and expense records.
• Foreign remittances: Keep bank evidence of remittances (useful for documentation and any applicable incentives).
• Disclosures: Clearly state when content contains affiliate links. Place a general disclosure page and per-post notices.
• Privacy & cookies: If you run a website, publish a privacy policy and cookie notice—especially if you serve EU/UK visitors.
• Program compliance: Follow each program’s rules on coupons, email, paid ads, brand bidding, and trademark usage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing niches solely for high commission without audience fit.
• Copying content instead of creating unique, Pakistan-specific insights.
• Relying only on one merchant (e.g., Amazon) and ignoring local options.
• Spamming links in groups; this damages trust and can violate program policies.
• Ignoring mobile UX and page speed.
• Not tracking results or updating outdated prices and stock.
• Skipping disclosures and legal basics.

A Practical 90‑Day Action Plan

Days 1–15: Foundations

• Pick one niche and validate 50–100 keywords with Pakistan modifiers.
• Register domain, set up hosting, install WordPress with essential plugins.
• Create About, Contact, Privacy Policy, and Affiliate Disclosure pages.
• Apply to 3–5 affiliate programs/networks relevant to your niche.
• Set up GA4 and Search Console; create a simple brand style and logo.

Days 16–45: Content Sprint

• Publish 10–15 articles: 2–3 pillar posts and 8–12 long-tail supporting posts.
• Each post: compelling intro, scannable subheadings, comparison blocks, and clear CTAs.
• Design reusable templates for “Best X,” “Review,” and “Comparison” content.
• Create 3–5 YouTube videos or 10–15 short-form clips summarizing key posts; link back to your site.

Days 46–75: Optimization & Outreach

• Improve internal linking across related posts.
• Pitch 5–10 guest posts or collaborations on Pakistani niche sites/groups.
• Set up an email list with a simple lead magnet (e.g., price tracker sheet, buying checklist).
• Start tracking link clicks with UTM parameters; test 2–3 CTA variations.

Days 76–90: Scale & Monetize

• Publish 5–10 more posts focusing on review and comparison queries.
• Update top posts with fresh prices and stock notes.
• Prepare for upcoming sales events (Ramadan/11.11/Black Friday) with pre-built deal pages.
• Review network dashboards; prune underperforming offers and double down on winners.

FAQs

1) Can I start affiliate marketing in Pakistan without a website?

Yes. You can start with YouTube, TikTok/Instagram, or a Facebook page/group. However, owning a website gives you more SEO control, higher trust, and better long-term growth.

2) How much money do I need to start?

Basic setup can be done with a modest budget: domain + hosting for a year, plus optional tools. Many start with free tools and reinvest early earnings.

3) Which payment methods work?

Payoneer is the most common for Pakistani affiliates. Some networks support bank transfers to Pakistan or Skrill. PayPal is generally not available.

4) How long until I earn commissions?

If you publish consistently and target buyer-intent keywords, many see initial commissions within 2–3 months, with more stable income after 4–6 months. Results vary by niche and effort.

5) Is Amazon Associates available to Pakistan-based publishers?

Yes, many Pakistan-based publishers run Amazon Associates accounts targeting US/UK/other regions. For payouts, use a compatible receiving account like Payoneer’s USD account. Follow Amazon’s policies and disclosures strictly.

6) What are the best niches for Pakistan?

Mobiles/electronics, home appliances, fashion/beauty, travel, education/tools (SaaS), and sports/fitness are strong. Validate demand and affiliate availability before committing.

7) Do I need to register a company?

Not necessarily. Many start as individuals or sole proprietors. You should get an NTN and file taxes. Consult a tax professional for structure and incentives relevant to your situation.

Conclusion

Affiliate marketing in Pakistan is a legitimate, scalable way to earn online by connecting people with the right products and services. Start with a focused niche, join reputable affiliate programs, build a platform your audience trusts, and drive targeted traffic with SEO and helpful content. Optimize for mobile, disclose transparently, track your performance, and improve continuously. Consistency over 90 days can set the foundation for long-term, compounding results.

Sample Affiliate Disclosure You Can Adapt

This article contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe add value. Thank you for supporting our work.