How to Make Passive Income Promoting Elegant Themes and Divi in 2025

As a WordPress enthusiast running a blog on web design, I’ve always been drawn to tools that make website creation intuitive and visually stunning. Elegant Themes, with its flagship product Divi, stands out as a game-changer in this space. Their affiliate program, which I’ve explored extensively, offers a remarkable opportunity for bloggers, marketers, and web designers to earn substantial income by promoting a product that genuinely delivers value. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Elegant Themes Affiliate Program, from its commission structure to marketing strategies, and why it resonates so well with audiences in the WordPress niche.

Company Introduction: Elegant Themes and Its Ecosystem

Elegant Themes, founded over a decade ago, has grown from a small operation into a powerhouse in the WordPress community, serving over 1 million customers worldwide. Their flagship product, Divi, is not just a theme but a robust website-building framework that empowers users to create stunning websites without touching a line of code. Divi’s drag-and-drop builder, paired with its vast library of templates and design elements, has made it the most widely used premium WordPress theme, according to BuiltWith.com. Beyond Divi, Elegant Themes offers Extra (a magazine-style theme), Bloom (an email opt-in plugin), Monarch (a social sharing plugin), and Divi Cloud, a SaaS service for storing and accessing Divi assets. The Divi Marketplace further extends this ecosystem, offering third-party products that enhance Divi’s functionality.

What makes Elegant Themes special is its community-centric approach. With a distributed team across 20+ countries, the company fosters a vibrant ecosystem where developers, designers, and users collaborate. This sense of community translates into their affiliate program, which is designed to reward partners generously while promoting products that are easy to sell due to their quality and popularity.

Overview of the Elegant Themes Affiliate Program

The Elegant Themes Affiliate Program is a self-managed program, meaning it’s not hosted on third-party networks like ShareASale or ClickBank. Instead, affiliates sign up directly through the Elegant Themes website and gain access to a user-friendly dashboard to manage links, track commissions, and monitor traffic. The program is open to anyone with a website or platform to promote Elegant Themes’ products, provided the content aligns with their terms (e.g., no offensive or spammy sites). Once approved, affiliates receive a unique referral link to share with their audience, earning commissions on sales made within a 30-day attribution window.

What sets this program apart is its lucrative commission structure and recurring revenue model. Affiliates earn 50% on all initial sales and renewals, a rate that’s nearly double the industry standard for WordPress-related programs. With over $38 million paid out to affiliates, Elegant Themes has proven its commitment to rewarding its partners. Whether you’re promoting Divi memberships, Divi Cloud subscriptions, or marketplace products, the program offers multiple revenue streams, making it a versatile choice for affiliate marketers.

Commission Structure: A Deep Dive

Let’s talk numbers, because this is where the Elegant Themes Affiliate Program truly shines. The program offers a 50% recurring commission on all sales, including initial purchases and annual renewals. This means if a customer you refer purchases a $89 yearly Divi membership, you earn $44.50 upfront and another $44.50 each year they renew. For the $249 lifetime membership, you pocket $124.50 per sale. Divi Cloud subscriptions and marketplace purchases also yield 50% commissions, with marketplace earnings calculated as 50% of Elegant Themes’ 30% cut.

Here’s a practical example: Last year, I referred a small business owner to Divi’s yearly plan. They loved the flexibility of the drag-and-drop builder and renewed their subscription this year. That’s $89 in commission over two years for a single referral, with more to come if they continue renewing. Now, imagine scaling this with a blog post ranking for “best WordPress themes” or a YouTube tutorial on Divi layouts. Some affiliates, according to Elegant Themes, earn over $15,000 per month by leveraging high-traffic platforms.

The catch? There’s a $200 minimum payout threshold, which ensures affiliates are serious about promoting but can be a hurdle for beginners. Payments are made monthly via PayPal, typically in the first week, and the program enforces a 30-day referral window for new purchases. If a customer buys after 30 days, you won’t earn a commission unless they renew a subscription you previously referred. Despite this, the recurring commission model makes it a sustainable income source, especially for affiliates with loyal audiences.

Referral Links and Tracking

Once you’re approved, Elegant Themes provides a robust affiliate portal accessible via their website. The dashboard is intuitive, letting you create custom affiliate links, track clicks, and monitor conversions. You can generate links to specific pages, like a Divi demo or a blog post on their site, using the “Alternate Incoming Page” feature. This flexibility is a boon for content creators. For instance, I linked to a Divi layout showcase in a blog post about portfolio websites, which resonated with my audience of freelance designers and drove conversions.

The program uses IP-based tracking to monitor referrals, which is reliable but not foolproof if a user’s IP changes. Affiliates must include tracking codes without alteration to ensure accurate commission attribution. Elegant Themes also provides a variety of banners and text links, and you can create custom promotional materials, provided they comply with their guidelines (e.g., no bidding on branded terms like “Divi” in PPC campaigns).

Payment Methods and Logistics

Payments are processed automatically at the start of each month, provided your balance exceeds $200. PayPal is the only payment method, which is convenient for most but may limit affiliates without access to PayPal in certain regions. The minimum threshold is reasonable—referring just two yearly memberships ($89 each) gets you over the line. In my experience, the payout process is seamless, with no missed payments in the years I’ve been involved. Elegant Themes’ transparency, with detailed commission and payment history in the dashboard, adds to the trust factor.

Product Description: Why Divi Sells Itself

Promoting Elegant Themes is a breeze because their products are genuinely exceptional. Divi, their flagship offering, is a visual page builder and theme that lets users design websites with drag-and-drop ease. With over 1 million active sites, it’s a favorite among bloggers, small businesses, and agencies. Its features include:

1. Visual Builder: Real-time design with no coding required.
2. Template Library: Hundreds of pre-designed layouts for quick setup.
3. Advanced Features: Split testing, dynamic content, and WooCommerce integration.
4. Scalability: Unlimited website usage on a single license.

Divi’s pricing is another selling point: $89/year for unlimited sites or $249 for lifetime access. Compare that to competitors charging $50+ per site, and it’s a no-brainer for cost-conscious users. Divi Cloud adds cloud storage for layouts, while Bloom and Monarch enhance email marketing and social engagement, respectively. The Divi Marketplace offers extensions like custom modules and child themes, creating additional commission opportunities.

In my own projects, I’ve used Divi to build client sites in hours, not days. The ability to tweak designs live while collaborating with clients is a huge time-saver. This ease of use translates into affiliate success—when you promote a product your audience loves, conversions follow naturally.

Marketing Strategies for Success

To maximize earnings, you need a strategic approach tailored to the WordPress niche. Here are some tactics that have worked for me and other affiliates:

1. Content Marketing: Write listicles like “10 Best WordPress Themes for 2025” or how-to guides like “Build a Portfolio Site with Divi.” These rank well on Google and attract organic traffic. For example, my post on Divi tutorials gets steady clicks from searchers looking for design tips.
2. YouTube Tutorials: Create video walkthroughs of Divi’s features. A 10-minute video on “How to Design a Landing Page with Divi” can drive thousands of views and referrals.
3. Email Marketing: Use Bloom to build an email list and send targeted campaigns promoting Divi’s seasonal discounts, like their 20% summer sale.
4. Social Media: Share Divi layouts on Pinterest or Twitter with your affiliate link, using hashtags like #WordPress or #WebDesign. Include clear disclosures (e.g., “#ad”) to comply with FTC rules.
5. Niche Targeting: Focus on specific audiences, like photographers or e-commerce owners, and showcase Divi’s relevant features. A blog post on “Divi Layouts for Photographers” with a free layout as a lead magnet can boost conversions.

One tip: avoid spammy tactics like popups or auto-redirects, as these violate Elegant Themes’ terms and can lead to account suspension. Instead, focus on high-quality content that builds trust with your audience.

Niche and Target Audience

The Elegant Themes Affiliate Program thrives in the WordPress and web design niche, appealing to:

1. Bloggers: Those reviewing themes or sharing tutorials.
2. Web Designers: Professionals recommending tools to clients.
3. Online Marketers: Promoting SaaS tools like Divi Cloud.
4. Small Business Owners: Sharing cost-effective solutions with peers.

The program’s broad appeal stems from Divi’s versatility. Whether your audience is building a blog, an e-commerce store, or a portfolio, Divi fits their needs. As a marketer, I’ve found success targeting freelancers who value affordability and ease of use, as Divi’s unlimited license is a major draw compared to per-site pricing models.

Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. High 50% recurring commissions, unmatched in the WordPress niche.
2. Recurring revenue on renewals creates long-term income potential.
3. Popular products like Divi have high conversion rates.
4. User-friendly dashboard with customizable links and banners.
5. Reliable monthly payouts via PayPal.

Cons:

1. $200 minimum payout threshold may deter beginners.
2. PayPal-only payments limit accessibility in some regions.
3. 30-day referral window is shorter than some competitors (e.g., WP Engine’s 180 days).
4. Self-managed program means no third-party network support.

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially for affiliates with an established platform. The recurring commissions and product quality make it a standout choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to join the Elegant Themes Affiliate Program?No, it’s completely free to join. You just need a website or platform to promote their products.

Who can join the program?Bloggers, web designers, marketers, and anyone with an audience interested in WordPress can apply. Your site must not contain offensive or illegal content.

How long does it take to get approved?Approval typically takes a few days after submitting your application with details about your website and audience.

Can I promote Divi on social media?Yes, but you must include clear disclosures (e.g., “#ad”) and avoid spammy tactics like auto-redirects.

What if I don’t have a PayPal account?Unfortunately, PayPal is the only payment method, so you’ll need an account to receive commissions.

Why Choose Elegant Themes?

As someone who’s juggled multiple affiliate programs, I can say Elegant Themes stands out for its balance of high commissions, reliable payouts, and a product that’s easy to promote. Divi’s popularity means your audience is likely already familiar with it, reducing the effort needed to convince them of its value. The recurring commission model is a game-changer, turning a single referral into years of passive income. For example, a single blog post I wrote two years ago still generates renewals, adding a steady stream to my monthly earnings.

The program isn’t perfect—PayPal-only payments and the $200 threshold can be limiting—but these are minor compared to the earning potential. If you’re in the WordPress niche, this is one of the most rewarding programs you can join. It’s not just about the money; it’s about aligning with a brand that delivers real value to its users, making your promotions feel authentic and impactful.

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Visit the Elegant Themes Affiliate Program page to apply. Once approved, explore the affiliate portal, grab your links, and start creating content. Whether it’s a blog post, video, or social campaign, focus on showcasing Divi’s benefits to your audience. With a bit of effort and strategic promotion, you could be earning thousands per month, just like top affiliates in the program.

Joining the Elegant Themes Affiliate Program is a straightforward process, but it comes with specific requirements to ensure affiliates align with the brand’s values and can effectively promote their products. As someone who’s navigated the signup process and actively participates in the program, I’ll break down everything you need to know to get started, from eligibility to application tips, in a way that feels practical and actionable.

Eligibility Criteria

To become an affiliate, you need a platform to promote Elegant Themes’ products, typically a website, blog, or social media presence. The company is inclusive, approving most applicants, but your platform must meet certain standards. Your website or content cannot be offensive, profane, threatening, or discriminatory, as outlined in their terms. For example, a blog about web design or a YouTube channel on WordPress tutorials would be ideal, while a site promoting unrelated or questionable content might be rejected.

You’ll also need a PayPal account, as this is the only method for receiving commissions. This requirement can be a hurdle in regions where PayPal isn’t widely available, so check your access before applying. There’s no fee to join, making it accessible for beginners, but you should have an audience or a plan to attract one, as the $200 minimum payout threshold requires at least two referrals to meet.

Application Process

The application is handled through the Elegant Themes website at https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/signup.php. You’ll fill out a form with basic details, including:

1. Your name and contact information.
2. Your website or platform URL.
3. A brief description of your audience and how you plan to promote Elegant Themes.

In my experience, providing clear details about your niche helps. For instance, I mentioned my blog’s focus on WordPress tutorials and my audience of small business owners and freelancers. Approval typically takes a few days, and you’ll receive an email with login credentials to the affiliate portal once accepted.

Setting Up Your Account

After approval, you’ll access the affiliate portal at https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/login.php. The first step is to verify your payment preferences under the “Account” section. Enter your PayPal email to ensure smooth payouts. I overlooked this initially and had to double-check to avoid delays. The portal also lets you generate custom links, view traffic stats, and track commissions, making it easy to manage your campaigns.

Promotional Guidelines

Elegant Themes enforces strict rules to maintain brand integrity. You must include clear disclosures when using affiliate links, per FTC guidelines. For example, in a blog post, add a note like: “Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase.” On social media, use hashtags like #ad. Non-compliance can lead to account suspension.

You’re also prohibited from bidding on branded terms (e.g., “Divi” or “Elegant Themes”) in PPC campaigns or using spammy tactics like popups or auto-redirects. I stick to organic content like blog posts and YouTube videos, which align with their policies and build trust with my audience.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Be Transparent: Clearly explain your platform and promotional strategy. If you’re new, mention your plans, like starting a WordPress blog.
2. Show Relevance: Highlight how your audience overlaps with WordPress users, even if it’s a small niche like e-commerce owners.
3. Check Your Site: Ensure your website is live and free of broken links or inappropriate content before applying.

By meeting these requirements and approaching the application thoughtfully, you’ll set yourself up for success in one of the most rewarding WordPress affiliate programs available.