Affiliate programs are an essential component of partner-led growth in SaaS, offering a way to drive new business through incentivized referrals. But as companies scale, they must balance attractive commissions with financial sustainability.
Jetboost.io has taken a strategic approach to optimizing its affiliate program by introducing two new options for new affiliates while grandfathering in existing partners at their original 30% lifetime commission.
Product: Webflow app for Search, Filtering and CMS Mapping
Partner Tech Stack: Rewardful & ClickBank
Let’s dive into why Jetboost is making this move, how it benefits them as a business, and what it means for affiliate and partner managers looking to optimize their own programs.
Jetboost is rolling out two new affiliate options for new partners:
Existing affiliates, however, remain unaffected and continue receiving 30% lifetime commissions.
This shift isn’t just about cost-cutting—it’s a strategic move designed to optimize partner incentives while maintaining financial health. Here’s why it makes sense:
By offering the 50% one-year option, Jetboost directly competes with Webflow’s affiliate program, making it easier for Webflow-focused affiliates to cross-promote Jetboost as a complementary tool.
Affiliate programs that offer lifetime commissions can become expensive as a company scales. By introducing a high upfront payout alternative (50%) and a lower lifetime option (20%), Jetboost ensures predictable costs while still attracting quality affiliates.
Instead of retroactively cutting commissions (a move that often causes backlash), Jetboost is allowing existing partners to keep their 30% lifetime commissions, ensuring loyalty and positive relationships with their most engaged promoters.
This structure allows Jetboost to attract both:
This flexibility increases partner engagement while allowing Jetboost to control acquisition costs.
If you’re managing a partner program, Jetboost’s approach highlights a few key takeaways:
Not all affiliates have the same business model. Giving them options allows them to pick the incentive structure that aligns with their goals, increasing participation.
A one-size-fits-all commission model isn’t always the best strategy. If you’re struggling with long-term commission commitments, consider introducing alternative tiers that optimize for different partner behaviors.
Cutting commissions retroactively often results in negative sentiment. If you need to adjust an affiliate program, ensuring that early partners retain their perks can help maintain goodwill.
Jetboost’s 50% one-year commission matches Webflow’s program, making it easier for affiliates already promoting Webflow to add Jetboost to their recommendations. Aligning with industry standards (or even slightly exceeding them) can help drive new partner acquisition.
Jetboost’s new affiliate model is a great example of how to balance growth, profitability, and partner satisfaction. By providing a choice between short-term high payouts and long-term residuals, they maximize both immediate impact and sustainable expansion.
For partner managers, this move serves as a valuable case study in structuring incentives to drive adoption while protecting margins. If you’re rethinking your own partner program, consider whether a tiered approach could help you optimize acquisition costs while keeping affiliates engaged.
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