Merchant quick start

What this is

A short checklist for a new merchant account, from business setup to your first published program.

Why it matters

Programs cannot go live and affiliates cannot apply until your business information is complete and a program is approved. Following this order avoids getting stuck.

How to do it

1. Open the Business page and complete the Merchant onboarding steps: business identity, business information, and program intent. Submitting this information does not verify your business; it only creates your merchant organization.
2. Go to the Verification page and review the "Items requiring attention" list. When nothing is outstanding, click Submit for verification. A Diversified Affiliates reviewer grants or denies verified status; you cannot self-verify.
3. Go to Programs and click Create program. Fill in the name, description, commission summary, visibility, application approval type, attribution window, minimum payout, and payment schedule, then click Create draft.
4. Open the new program's workspace and complete the Program Terms Builder before submitting the program for review.
5. Once your program is approved and active, set up a connection in Integration Center so orders and leads reach the platform, and run a check in Test Tracking.
6. Review the Applications page as affiliates apply.

What happens next

Your program appears to eligible affiliates according to its visibility setting, and applications begin arriving in the Applications page.

Common mistakes

Do not skip Test Tracking. Sending a live order before confirming tracking works can leave a real sale unattributed.

For more detail on each stage, see Business Profile and Verification, Creating and Editing a Program, and Reviewing Applications.