DreamHost Affiliate Program Overview

DreamHost is a well-established web hosting provider known for its reliable services and excellent customer support. Their affiliate program offers webmasters, bloggers, and online marketers an opportunity to earn commissions by promoting DreamHost’s hosting plans. Drawing from the official DreamHost affiliate page and verified sources like Affresources, this evaluation provides an in-depth look at the program’s structure, promotional policies, and payment terms.

Commission Structure

• Commission rates: DreamHost offers a fixed commission model rather than percentage-based tiers. Affiliates earn $97 per referral for every new customer who signs up for DreamHost hosting via their affiliate link. There are no tiered levels based on sales volume; all qualified referrals receive the flat $97 payout.
• Commission type: The program pays a one-time commission per new customer sign-up. There are no recurring commissions for subscription renewals or add-ons.
• Sub-Affiliate commissions: DreamHost does not currently support sub-affiliate or multi-tier commissions, so affiliates receive 100% of the direct referral commission with no secondary income from referred affiliates.
• Cookie duration: The affiliate tracking cookie lasts for 97 days, far longer than many other hosting affiliate programs, providing affiliates an extended window to earn commissions after the initial referral click.
• Affiliate network management: DreamHost’s affiliate program is managed internally through their own affiliate platform rather than third-party affiliate networks like ShareASale or CJ Affiliate.

DreamHost Promotion Policy

To ensure compliance and maintain brand integrity, DreamHost stipulates clear guidelines on promotional methods.

✅ Allowed Promotional Channels

• Personal websites and blogs
• Email marketing (provided recipients have opted in)
• Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• YouTube or other video platforms, using genuine reviews or tutorials
• PPC campaigns that comply with DreamHost’s branding and trademark policies

❌ Prohibited Promotional Channels

• Unauthorized use of DreamHost trademarks or copyrighted materials
• Spam and unsolicited messaging
• Incentivized clicks or misleading advertising
• Coupon sites that duplicate official promotions without approval
• Pop-ups or pop-unders that violate user experience guidelines

Commission Payment

• Approval time: Commission payouts are approved after a standard 30-day waiting period to allow for refund or cancellation windows.
• Payment threshold: Affiliates must accumulate a minimum balance of $100 before payment is issued.
• Payment frequency: Payments are disbursed on a monthly basis, typically around the 10th–15th of the following month, depending on the affiliate’s payment method and approval status.
• Payment methods: DreamHost supports payment via PayPal and bank wire transfers (for affiliates with higher payment volumes). Payoneer is not currently listed as an option.

Summary

The DreamHost Affiliate Program offers a straightforward and attractive opportunity with a high flat commission of $97 per referral and a generous 97-day cookie duration. Its internally managed platform provides transparency and reliability, while the promotion policies encourage ethical and effective marketing practices. Although it does not offer recurring or sub-affiliate commissions, affiliates benefit from a reputable brand and clear payment terms. This program is especially well-suited for content creators, web developers, and marketers who want to monetize their audience interested in web hosting solutions.