Automattic provides a wide range of tools and products to support users around the world, including Automattic for Agencies and the Automattic Affiliate Program.

At first glance, the two programs may seem similar — both offer ways to earn with Automattic’s products. But the difference is simple: agencies earn by managing client sites, while affiliates earn by promoting products to their audience. Once you know your strengths — client work or audience referrals — it’s easy to see which program fits best (or even use both).

Let’s take a closer look at how they differ, what each one offers, and how you can even use them together to support your goals. 

Automattic for Agencies vs the Automattic Affiliate program: a quick comparison

Before diving into each option, here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between Automattic for Agencies and the Automattic Affiliate Program.

Feature	Automattic for Agencies	Automattic Affiliate Program
Ideal for	Agencies and freelancers managing client websites	Individuals or businesses promoting Automattic products
Primary goal	Streamline site management and increase agency margins	Earn commissions through referrals
Revenue model	Bulk discounts and commissions	Commissions (one-time or recurring)
Tools provided	Site management dashboard, billing tools, sales support	Affiliate dashboard, referral links, marketing resources
Support	Priority access to expert support, educational resources, community support	Access to affiliate training and resources

What is Automattic for Agencies?

Launched in 2024, Automattic for Agencies helps agencies and freelancers earn more by managing client sites more efficiently.

The program centers around recommending, setting up, and managing Automattic products for clients — including WooCommerce extensions, Jetpack plans, and hosting from WordPress VIP, WordPress.com, and Pressable. It includes tools for client billing, bulk website management, and priority support from Happiness Engineers. Plus, agencies can benefit from listings in Automattic directories and warm, qualified leads sent straight to their inbox. 

In short, Automattic for Agencies’ main goal is to support WordPress agencies through powerful tools, increased visibility, and revenue opportunities.

Advantages of Automattic for Agencies

If you run an agency, the Automattic for Agencies program offers several benefits:

• Financial incentives: Earn recurring commissions when referring Automattic products to your clients and take advantage of significant discounts when purchasing licenses in bulk. 
• A site management dashboard: Use a single dashboard to manage licenses, updates, backups, security, and performance across all client sites.
• Streamlined client billing: Agencies can bill clients themselves or take advantage of Automattic-powered billing that lets clients pay for their own product and hosting licenses while attributing credit and granting license management power to the agency. 
• Expert support: Get priority access to Happiness Engineers to resolve technical issues and answer advanced questions.
• Expanded reach: Qualifying agencies can grow their business with directory listings across Automattic brands and warm lead referrals direct from Automattic.
• Sales support: Close more deals with the help of exclusive training and unique resources.

Automattic for Agencies is a great fit for teams that build, manage, and scale WordPress sites for clients. It supports agencies at every stage — from setup to growth — while offering more control and opportunities to boost revenue.

If your focus is more on promoting products than managing client sites, the Automattic Affiliate Program might be a better fit. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

What is the Automattic Affiliate Program?

The Automattic Affiliate Program is for individuals and businesses who want to earn by promoting Automattic products to their audience.

By sharing referral links, affiliates can monetize their content while introducing others to trusted products like WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and more.

This program is a great option for content creators, influencers, educators, or anyone with an audience who might be interested in promoting Automattic products. 

Advantages of the Automattic Affiliate Program

If you have an engaged audience and want to create new revenue opportunities, the Automattic Affiliate Program offers several valuable benefits:

• Commission earnings: Earn commissions for each sign-up through your referral link as a one-time payment or recurring income.
• Exclusive discounts: Offer special discounts or promotions to your audience to drive more sign-ups.
• Training and resources: Access custom affiliate marketing guides and resources to improve your referrals and increase earnings.
• An affiliate dashboard: Track clicks, conversions, and payouts, and gain insights to refine your strategy.
• A simple, proven system: The sign-up process is simple for you and your audience, with no complex setup procedures.
• Customizable landing pages: Use tailored landing pages to connect with your audience and improve conversions.

Whether you’re writing tutorials, reviewing tools, or simply sharing what you use, the Automattic Affiliate Program makes it easy to earn from the content you already create. It’s flexible, easy to join, and backed by trusted Automattic brands.

Discover the Automattic Affiliate Program’s brands, how referrals work, and what you can earn by visiting the program homepage. 

Can you join both programs?

Yes — you can join both! Many professionals actually do. The key is understanding when and how to leverage each program. Agencies and freelancers use their Automattic for Agencies account to manage client websites and increase margins on products they use to build, while affiliates earn by driving new sign-ups through content they create. 

While Automattic for Agencies and the Automattic Affiliate Program serve different purposes and audiences, it’s possible to participate in both if you meet the criteria.

That said, each program has its own rules. To comply with Automattic’s terms, each client relationship must be clearly defined and handled through the appropriate program.

For example, agencies that manage client sites through their Automattic for Agencies account cannot also earn affiliate commissions for those same clients.

Example agency maximizing revenue with educational content

Imagine that Sarah’s Agency manages WordPress sites and WooCommerce stores for dozens of clients, using Automattic for Agencies to streamline billing, site updates, and technical support. But that’s not all — they also create educational resources like tutorials, webinars, and blog posts that teach others how to get the most out of Automattic products.

Because their content reaches a broader audience beyond just their clients, Sarah’s Agency joins the Automattic Affiliate Program. When educators, solo entrepreneurs, or web designers read their guides and sign up for WordPress.com or Jetpack through their affiliate links, the agency earns additional commissions. This way, Sarah’s Agency benefits from both programs: they grow direct client revenue through agency services and expand passive income by monetizing their educational content.

Now that you know the difference, it’s time to choose where to start:

• Run an agency? Join Automattic for Agencies to streamline client management, unlock bulk discounts, and get warm leads sent your way.
• Create content or have an audience? Sign up for the Automattic Affiliate Program to start earning commissions by promoting tools you already use and love.
• Doing both? Start with the one that matches your strengths and add the other as you grow.

Either path helps you generate new revenue streams backed by Automattic’s trusted products.