Let’s be honest:
Affiliate marketing platforms come and go. Some burn bright and die out. Others evolve or get buried by newer, shinier tools. But what about ClickBank—that old-school giant of digital product affiliate marketing?
Is ClickBank still worth your time in 2025?
I’ve been using ClickBank on and off for several years. In this post, I’ll walk you through:
- What ClickBank is (for beginners)
- Pros and cons in 2025
- My actual experience and earnings
- The big changes (what’s different now)
- My 2025 strategy to make it work
- Who ClickBank is for—and who should avoid it
Let’s dive in.
🧠 What is ClickBank (in Simple Terms)?
ClickBank is a digital marketplace where vendors list products (usually ebooks, online courses, software, etc.) and affiliates like you and me promote those products in exchange for commissions.
You can earn 40–90% per sale, depending on the product. That’s huge compared to Amazon or many other affiliate platforms.
It’s been around since 1998 (yes, before Facebook), and while it’s not as hyped as newer platforms like Gumroad or Digistore24, it’s still a sleeping beast for the right type of marketer.
✅ What’s Good About ClickBank in 2025?
Let’s start with the positives—what’s actually working for affiliates today:
1. High Commissions Are Still Alive
ClickBank still pays some of the highest commissions in the affiliate game. Many products offer 70%+, and some even pay recurring commissions.
For example, if you promote a $97 product at 75% commission, that’s over $70 per sale in your pocket.
2. No Approval Needed for Most Products
Unlike platforms like CJ Affiliate or ShareASale, where you have to apply and get approved by each vendor, ClickBank lets you promote instantly. Newbie-friendly.
3. Updated Marketplace UI
The marketplace in 2025 has been redesigned—thankfully. It’s easier to sort products by gravity, category, and commission rate.
4. Recurring and Upsell Funnels
ClickBank vendors are now smarter. Most top offers include upsells, downsells, and subscription models. You could make $200+ from a single customer if the funnel is optimized.
5. Integrated Tracking Tools
ClickBank has added more analytics inside your dashboard, so you can track conversions, refunds, and EPC (earnings per click) with less guesswork.
❌ What’s NOT So Great in 2025?
ClickBank still has a few headaches you should know:
1. Lots of Outdated or Scammy Products
Let’s be real—ClickBank still has its share of low-quality or “get rich quick” trash. You have to vet offers before promoting them.
Pro Tip: Stick to established vendors with long sales history, low refund rates, and solid affiliate pages.
2. High Refund Rates in Some Niches
The make-money-online (MMO) and weight loss niches often have 20–30% refund rates. That means you could make $500 this week and lose $150 next week to refunds.
3. Limited Native Tools Compared to Competitors
Platforms like ThriveCart or Systeme.io give you more integrated tools (email, funnels, checkout). ClickBank is just a marketplace, so you’ll need to bring your own email list, landing pages, and traffic.
4. No Built-In Affiliate Network Feel
ClickBank doesn’t have a strong “community” or peer visibility like Gumroad or JVZoo. You’re mostly on your own unless you find private groups.
💰 My Real Experience With ClickBank (2024-2025)
In 2024, I started promoting 3 high-ticket ClickBank products across TikTok and blog content. One was in the self-help niche, one in email marketing, and one in weight loss.
Here’s what I earned over 4 months:
| Month | Clicks | Sales | Earnings | Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1,200 | 21 | $920 | -$160 |
| Feb | 2,000 | 35 | $1,520 | -$230 |
| Mar | 1,850 | 28 | $1,270 | -$120 |
| Apr | 2,300 | 38 | $1,670 | -$180 |
| Total | 7,350 | 122 | $5,380 | -$690 |
💡 Net profit: $4,690 in 4 months
🕒 Time spent weekly: 4–6 hours
📈 Main traffic source: SEO blog + short-form video
So yes—it still works, but you need a system.
🚀 My 2025 Strategy to Succeed with ClickBank
If you’re new or looking to restart ClickBank in 2025, here’s what I recommend:
Step 1: Pick Evergreen Niches
Choose offers in niches that don’t die out—things like:
- Health & fitness (especially over 40)
- Relationships & dating
- Self-help & manifestation
- Digital marketing / AI tools
- DIY side hustles
Step 2: Find High-Quality Offers
Use the Marketplace filters and look for:
- Gravity score above 30 (means it’s selling)
- Affiliate tools like email swipes, banners, webinars
- Low refund rate (you may have to test to know)
- Recurring commission offers
Pro Tip: Visit the product sales page like a customer. Would you buy it?
Step 3: Build a Lead Magnet Funnel
Don’t send people directly to the ClickBank sales page. Instead:
- Create a freebie (checklist, video, ebook)
- Build a simple opt-in page using Systeme.io or ConvertKit
- Redirect them to the ClickBank offer after sign-up
- Send email follow-ups with bonuses and value
Step 4: Pick One Traffic Source and Go Hard
In 2025, these are the best traffic methods:
- SEO blogs (long-form reviews, tutorials)
- YouTube Shorts or TikTok (link in bio to lead magnet)
- Pinterest for evergreen niches like health or cooking
- Facebook Groups (if you can engage genuinely)
- Email newsletters (best long-term asset)
Step 5: Track, Tweak, and Optimize
Use ClickBank tracking IDs for each link so you know where sales are coming from. Test different:
- Landing pages
- Headlines
- Bonuses
- Email sequences
One small tweak can double your earnings.
🔎 Best Tools to Combine with ClickBank
To make your ClickBank business smoother in 2025, I recommend:
- Systeme.io – free funnel + email builder (perfect for beginners)
- ConvertKit – email marketing made easy
- Canva Pro – for designing your lead magnets
- Bitly or PrettyLinks – clean affiliate links
- ChatGPT – for content ideas, scripts, and email writing
🙋 Is ClickBank Still Worth It in 2025?
Yes—but only if you play it smart.
ClickBank isn’t the easy goldmine it used to be in the early 2010s, but it’s still powerful for creators and marketers who:
✅ Focus on quality
✅ Use content to warm leads
✅ Build email lists
✅ Choose the right products
If you’re willing to put in real effort—like building value, creating funnels, and driving traffic—it’s one of the few platforms where a single sale can earn you $100+.
But if you’re just spamming links on Reddit or Facebook without strategy, you’ll burn out fast.
💡 Final Thoughts
In a world full of flashy new tools, ClickBank is still holding its ground in 2025. It’s not dead—it’s just become a bit more mature.
If you’re building an affiliate income stream in 2025, I say:
👉 Test it.
👉 Track it.
👉 Stick to high-quality offers.
You might be surprised how well it can still work for you.
📌 Your Turn
Want my list of 10 high-converting ClickBank products to promote in 2025?
Drop a comment or DM me—I’ll send it for free.
Or if you’re ready to dive in now, go ahead and create your ClickBank account here → [Insert Your Affiliate Link]
Stay smart, stay consistent—and don’t sleep on platforms just because they’ve been around forever.