The world of affiliate marketing is blowing up right now, and programs like Hobby Lobby’s are gold for creators.
DIY and crafts became popular among people, especially after the pandemic. That trend could be the key to making money if you partner with a giant like Hobby Lobby.
If you’re into crafting, run a blog, or just want to level up your affiliate game, learning how this program works is a smart move. Trust me, it’s like finding the cheat code for turning hobbies into cash.
What is the Hobby Lobby Affiliate Program?
Okay, picture this: you send people from your blog, TikTok, or even your Pinterest board over to HobbyLobby.com—the online home of one of the biggest craft stores in America—and you actually get paid when they shop.
Yup, that’s the Hobby Lobby affiliate program in a nutshell.
Hobby Lobby is not limited to any store. That’s how endless the options are.
As an affiliate, you get to earn commissions by pointing people toward their massive catalog, which covers things like:
- Arts and crafts supplies (think paint, clay, markers—aka fun central)
- Home décor that makes your room look Pinterest-worthy
- Seasonal decorations (Christmas, Halloween, all the vibes)
- Party supplies for birthdays or “just because” hangouts
- Fabrics and sewing goodies if you’re the fashion-creator type
- Floral supplies that look way more expensive than they are
- Picture frames and wall art to upgrade any space
- Jewelry-making tools for future Etsy shop owners
- Scrapbooking treasures for memory-keeping nerds like me
Commission Structure and Earnings Potential
Alright, let’s talk money—because that’s what makes affiliate marketing exciting. The Hobby Lobby affiliate program actually pays pretty well for the crafting world, but the exact amount depends on where you sign up and how much hustle you put in.
Commission Rates
Here’s the deal: you can usually make anywhere from 1.6% to 4% per sale.
Most folks land around 3.2%, but if you go through CJ Affiliate (kind of like the big leagues of affiliate networks), you can snag the full 4%. Gift cards are the only thing off-limits—they won’t pay you for those.
What makes your rate change? Stuff like:
- Which affiliate network you choose
- How well you perform (a.k.a. how many sales you bring in)
- Seasonal promos (think Christmas crafting season = $$$)
- Product type (again, no gift card love)
Cookie Duration and Attribution Window
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. Hobby Lobby gives you a 3-day cookie window. If someone clicks your link, you’ve got three days for them to make a purchase before you lose credit. I know, it’s way shorter than those programs that give you 30 or even 90 days.
But here’s the thing—craft supplies are impulse buys.
Imagine someone scrolling Pinterest, sees a DIY wreath, clicks your link, and boom—three minutes later they’re filling their cart with hot glue sticks and fake flowers. That’s where you win.
So, to crush it with Hobby Lobby, you’ll want to:
- Create FOMO in your content (like “grab this now before the holiday rush”)
- Target people who are ready to buy today
- Make content that pushes quick decisions (DIY tutorials work wonders)
- Build an email list so you can remind people before that 3-day clock runs out
How to Join the Hobby Lobby Affiliate Program
Alright, so here’s the scoop—Hobby Lobby doesn’t have a “sign up directly on our site” kind of deal. Instead, you’ve got to go through one of the big affiliate networks that host their program. The two main doors in are CJ Affiliate and FlexOffers. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Application Process Through CJ Affiliate
- Create a CJ Affiliate Account: First, you sign up for CJ. Once you’re in, you’ll get access to their dashboard, where all the magic happens.
- Complete Your Profile: This is basically you saying, “Here’s what my website or socials are about, here’s my audience, and here’s how I’ll promote stuff.”
- Apply to Hobby Lobby’s Program: Type “Hobby Lobby” in the CJ search bar, hit apply, and cross your fingers.
- Wait for Approval: Sometimes you’ll get in quick, other times it takes a bit.
Application Process Through FlexOffers
FlexOffers is another gateway. The sign-up process is super similar to CJ, but their approval rules and dashboard might feel a little different. Some people say FlexOffers is more beginner-friendly, but either way, it gets you in.
Requirements for Approval
Hobby Lobby doesn’t post their exact “must-haves,” but from what I’ve seen, here’s what usually works:
- A legit website or social media presence (bonus points if you’re all about crafts, DIY, or home décor)
- Content that actually matches what Hobby Lobby sells (sharing memes about cats won’t cut it… unless it’s a DIY cat condo)
- Real traffic and engagement—not just bots or random clicks
- Following FTC disclosure rules (aka, telling people when you’re using affiliate links)
- Looking professional, with a clear strategy for how you’ll promote their stuff
Comparing Hobby Lobby to Other Craft Affiliate Programs
If you’re gonna dive into the craft affiliate world, you’ve gotta know how Hobby Lobby stacks up against the competition. Think of it like comparing gaming consoles—you wanna know the perks before choosing your main.
Michaels
They sometimes pay higher commissions, but getting approved can feel like trying out for varsity—tougher standards, and their product focus isn’t exactly the same as Hobby Lobby.
Amazon
Yeah, Amazon sells everything, including craft supplies. But their commission rates? Pretty weak. The upside is their cookie lasts way longer—so if someone buys yarn today and a blender tomorrow, you still get credit. I once had a friend earn commission because someone clicked their craft link and ended up buying a treadmill. True story.
Etsy
Etsy pays a flat 4% and gives you a 30-day cookie window. That’s huge. Plus, it’s full of handmade and quirky items, so if your audience is into one-of-a-kind stuff, Etsy is a killer option.
Specialized Craft Retailers
Sites like CreateForLess might not be as famous, but they offer sweet perks—like a 45-day cookie. That’s a ton of time compared to Hobby Lobby’s 3 days. Basically, they give you a longer shot to earn commissions if someone’s a slow shopper.
Maximizing Your Success: Advanced Tips and Strategies
If you really wanna level up your Hobby Lobby affiliate game, you can’t just wing it.
You’ve gotta plan smart, build trust, and make sure your stuff actually works for the people clicking it. Here’s how:
Seasonal Planning
Hobby Lobby is all about seasons, so timing is everything. Think of it like hyping a new game drop—you want to be ready when everyone else is.
- Back-to-School (July–Aug): Dorm decor, back-to-school supplies, project materials—basically all the staples students all of a sudden “need.”
- Fall (Sept–Oct): Pumpkins, spooky Halloween vibe, and cozy harvest crafts.
- Holiday Season (Nov–Dec): Christmas is their Super Bowl—decorations, gift wrap, all the shiny things.
- Valentine’s & Easter (Jan–Mar): Cute themed projects, cards, and pastel crafts.
- Spring & Summer (Apr–Aug): Outdoor décor, wedding stuff, and patriotic party gear.
Building Authority in Your Niche
The secret sauce? People trust people. If you show up as more than just “someone dropping links,” you win.
- Consistent Content: Drop tutorials, reviews, and inspo posts regularly.
- Personal Branding: Share your craft fails too. (Hot glue gun burns are basically a rite of passage.)
- Community Vibes: Reply to comments, DMs, and emails. Being friendly makes people stick around.
- Teach First: Think “helpful teacher” before “salesperson.” When people trust you, they’ll buy through your links without hesitation.
Technical Optimization
Don’t let tech trip you up—it’s like having great ideas but a laggy internet connection.
- SEO: Use craft-related keywords so people can actually find your content.
- Mobile Friendly: Most crafters scroll on their phones while binge-watching Netflix—make sure your links work perfectly there.
- Speed Matters: Nobody waits for a slow page. If your site drags, clicks (and sales) disappear.
- User Experience: Clear buttons, easy navigation—basically, don’t make people hunt for what they need.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Every affiliate program has its hurdles, and Hobby Lobby’s no different. But hey—that just means you need a smart game plan. Let’s break it down:
Short Cookie Duration
The 3-day cookie window is kinda brutal. It’s like having only three days to convince your friend to binge a show before they lose interest. But you can work around it by:
- Making content that screams “buy now!” (urgency is your friend)
- Using remarketing lists to tap folks who already clicked once
- Leaning hard into seasonal promos (Christmas shoppers don’t wait a month)
- Setting up quick email sequences that remind people before the clock runs out
Commission Rate Competition
Sure, Hobby Lobby pays decent rates, but some programs offer more. The trick? Squeeze more juice out of what you’ve got:
- Highlight bigger-ticket items or bundle projects (like “make your own wedding centerpiece” = multiple products)
- Build a loyal audience—people who actually trust your recs will buy more
- Create content that ties products together (instead of just selling a paintbrush, sell the whole painting kit)
- And once you’re established? Sometimes you can negotiate better rates—relationship-building matters!
Brand Positioning Considerations
Okay, real talk: Hobby Lobby has strong religious/conservative vibes, and that might not click with every audience. Here’s how to handle it:
- Know your audience. If they’re just here for crafts, lean into that.
- Focus on the products—quality, price, and creativity—rather than the brand’s values.
- Mix it up with other affiliate programs so you’re not all-in on one vibe.
- Always be transparent. People respect honesty about your partnerships.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Alright, here’s the part most people wanna skip—but it’s super important. If you’re gonna play the affiliate game, you’ve gotta play it fair and legal.
Think of it like following the rules in a video game—ignore them, and you risk getting banned.
FTC Compliance
The FTC (that’s the government watchdog for ads) has some non-negotiables:
- Clear Disclosure: Always tell people when you’re using affiliate links. Drop a simple “I may earn a commission if you buy through this link” in your blog, video, or Insta caption.
- Honest Recommendations: Don’t hype up stuff you don’t actually believe in. Imagine recommending glitter glue that doesn’t stick—it’ll ruin your rep fast.
- Material Connection: If you’re making money off a partnership, say it clearly. People respect honesty way more than secrecy.
Best Practices for Ethical Affiliate Marketing
Think of this as your “craft code of honor.”
- Transparency: Be honest with your audience about how you get paid. Your viewers will thank you.
- Authentic Reviews: Tell the good, tell the bad.
- Audience First: Always put your audience’s needs above your paycheck. If they win, you win long-term.
- Quality Over Quantity: Link spamming everywhere is not the idea. Share products that actually make life easier, more fun, or more creative.
Conclusion
The Hobby Lobby affiliate program is a solid pick if you’re into crafts, DIY, or home décor.
You’re teaming up with a billion-dollar brand people already trust—so half the work is done for you.
Yeah, the 3-day cookie and average commission rates can feel like a buzzkill, but the wins are huge: tons of products, crazy seasonal demand, and a DIY trend that just keeps growing.
The trick? Acquire knowledge of your target audience, promote content that supports them and maintain a sense of morality and authenticity.