{"id":9633,"date":"2026-02-04T09:56:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T09:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/?p=9633"},"modified":"2026-02-04T09:56:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T09:56:21","slug":"the-role-of-upsells-and-downsells-in-affiliate-funnels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/the-role-of-upsells-and-downsells-in-affiliate-funnels\/","title":{"rendered":"The Role of Upsells and Downsells in Affiliate Funnels"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase revenue by offering tailored options to buyers<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s where <\/span><b>upsells and downsells<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> come in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are simple yet powerful tools that can dramatically boost your affiliate earnings without needing more traffic or leads. Let\u2019s break down how they work and how you can use them even as a new marketer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What Are Upsells and Downsells?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Upsell:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is a higher-priced offer presented immediately after someone has made a purchase. It\u2019s related to what they just bought and provides additional value.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Downsell:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is a lower-priced offer shown after someone <\/span><b>declines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the upsell. It\u2019s usually a smaller or more affordable version of the upsell product.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both are designed to offer customers more choices based on their interests and budget, and to increase your total earnings per customer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Why They Matter in Affiliate Funnels<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say you\u2019re promoting a $17 digital product as an affiliate. Great\u2014maybe you earn 50% commission, so $8.50 per sale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if that same funnel includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A $47 upsell (earning you an extra $23.50),<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And a $27 downsell if the upsell is declined (another possible $13.50),<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You now have the potential to earn <\/span><b>$20, $30, or more<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from each buyer, not just the base $8.50.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is how successful affiliates grow their revenue <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">without constantly chasing new leads<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step-by-Step: How to Use Upsells and Downsells in Your Affiliate Funnel<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 1: Choose Affiliate Programs with Funnels Built-In<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every affiliate program includes upsells and downsells, but many top digital platforms do. Look for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Products on <\/span><b>WarriorPlus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>JVZoo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>ClickBank<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><b>ThriveCart<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Programs that clearly outline their funnel structure in the affiliate resources area<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sales pages that mention &#8220;one-time offers&#8221; or &#8220;upgrade now&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These offers are already built for you\u2014no need to create your own funnel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 2: Use a Bridge Page to Pre-Sell the Funnel<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re promoting an affiliate product that includes upsells and downsells, set up a <\/span><b>bridge page<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is a simple page where you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduce yourself<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Briefly explain what the product does<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mention that there will be optional upgrades after purchase<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This builds trust, improves conversions, and prepares buyers for what\u2019s coming so they don\u2019t feel blindsided.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 3: Focus on the Value of the Funnel (Not Just the Front-End)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When writing emails, social posts, or reviews:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlight the <\/span><b>core product<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but also mention that valuable upgrades are available<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use phrases like \u201cyou\u2019ll also see optional tools to help you go faster.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay honest\u2014don\u2019t push hard, just inform. Buyers appreciate transparency<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Step 4: Track and Optimise<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may find:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain traffic sources result in more upsell conversions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some audiences prefer the downsell offer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or that your bridge page is boosting results across the board<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This lets you refine your strategy over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ready to Plug Into a Funnel That Does This for You?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If setting up all of this sounds a little overwhelming, here\u2019s the good news:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?vendor=ambsador&amp;affiliate=roybrewer&amp;cbpage=superfunnel-reg&amp;additionalinfo=YYYY&amp;cbm=2jdus8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Done-For-You Affiliate System<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that already includes a high-converting funnel\u2014with upsells, downsells, and follow-up emails all ready to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what you get:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A complete website<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Email series promoting proven affiliate offers (including upsell\/downsell paths)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promo-ready video shorts to post on social media<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guest post opportunities to drive more organic traffic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That means you can focus on promoting, while the system handles the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?vendor=ambsador&amp;affiliate=roybrewer&amp;cbpage=superfunnel-reg&amp;additionalinfo=YYYY&amp;cbm=2jdus8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><i>Click here to check out this powerful DFY business and see how it can help you earn more while doing less.<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9020,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,15,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-affiliate-marketing","category-guest-posts","category-internet-marketing"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/stephen-phillips-hostreviews-co-uk-shr_Xn8S8QU-unsplash-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1562&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2rQRH-2vn","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9633"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9634,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9633\/revisions\/9634"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9020"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.johnthornhill.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}