Increase revenue by offering tailored options to buyers
When it comes to affiliate marketing, most beginners focus solely on getting that first sale. But if you really want to grow your income and maximise the value of every customer, you need to look beyond the initial commission. That’s where upsells and downsells come in.
These are simple yet powerful tools that can dramatically boost your affiliate earnings without needing more traffic or leads. Let’s break down how they work and how you can use them even as a new marketer.
What Are Upsells and Downsells?
- Upsell: This is a higher-priced offer presented immediately after someone has made a purchase. It’s related to what they just bought and provides additional value.
- Downsell: This is a lower-priced offer shown after someone declines the upsell. It’s usually a smaller or more affordable version of the upsell product.
Both are designed to offer customers more choices based on their interests and budget, and to increase your total earnings per customer.
Why They Matter in Affiliate Funnels
Let’s say you’re promoting a $17 digital product as an affiliate. Great—maybe you earn 50% commission, so $8.50 per sale.
But if that same funnel includes:
- A $47 upsell (earning you an extra $23.50),
- And a $27 downsell if the upsell is declined (another possible $13.50),
You now have the potential to earn $20, $30, or more from each buyer, not just the base $8.50.
This is how successful affiliates grow their revenue without constantly chasing new leads.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Upsells and Downsells in Your Affiliate Funnel
Step 1: Choose Affiliate Programs with Funnels Built-In
Not every affiliate program includes upsells and downsells, but many top digital platforms do. Look for:
- Products on WarriorPlus, JVZoo, ClickBank, or ThriveCart
- Programs that clearly outline their funnel structure in the affiliate resources area
- Sales pages that mention “one-time offers” or “upgrade now”
These offers are already built for you—no need to create your own funnel.
Step 2: Use a Bridge Page to Pre-Sell the Funnel
If you’re promoting an affiliate product that includes upsells and downsells, set up a bridge page. This is a simple page where you:
- Introduce yourself
- Briefly explain what the product does
- Mention that there will be optional upgrades after purchase
This builds trust, improves conversions, and prepares buyers for what’s coming so they don’t feel blindsided.
Step 3: Focus on the Value of the Funnel (Not Just the Front-End)
When writing emails, social posts, or reviews:
- Highlight the core product, but also mention that valuable upgrades are available
- Use phrases like “you’ll also see optional tools to help you go faster.”
- Stay honest—don’t push hard, just inform. Buyers appreciate transparency
Step 4: Track and Optimise
Use affiliate dashboards to see which part of the funnel is converting best. Some tools (like Leadsleap or ClickMagick) even let you track click behavior.
You may find:
- Certain traffic sources result in more upsell conversions
- Some audiences prefer the downsell offer
- Or that your bridge page is boosting results across the board
This lets you refine your strategy over time.
Ready to Plug Into a Funnel That Does This for You?
If setting up all of this sounds a little overwhelming, here’s the good news:
There’s a Done-For-You Affiliate System that already includes a high-converting funnel—with upsells, downsells, and follow-up emails all ready to go.
Here’s what you get:
- A complete website
- Email series promoting proven affiliate offers (including upsell/downsell paths)
- Promo-ready video shorts to post on social media
- Guest post opportunities to drive more organic traffic
That means you can focus on promoting, while the system handles the rest.
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