A new affiliate niche for publishers: how to monetize content with travel eSIMs

Finding a new niche that brings in affiliate revenue can be a real hassle. Competition is at an all-time high, and you might not know where to start — but don’t worry. There are plenty of options to choose from. One niche worth your attention: an eSIM with a phone number, a connectivity product growing fast among travelers heading abroad from the States.

Why an eSIM with a phone number can be a valuable recommendation

More Americans are traveling abroad, and demand for connectivity overseas keeps growing. We all want to post those travel pics, right? There are multiple options out there, from physical local SIMs to pocket Wi-Fi. But the most convenient solution is an eSIM — and it’s a niche you can build affiliate content around. Here’s why eSIMs, specifically packages that include a phone number, make such a valuable recommendation.

eSIMs are the connectivity solution for trips overseas

According to the International Trade Administration, around 107.7 million Americans traveled to Canada, Mexico, and overseas destinations in 2024. And the Pew Research Center reports that roughly 76% of U.S. adults have visited at least one other country in their lifetime.American carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T cover Canada and Mexico without extra fees. But real globetrotters heading farther afield need another solution. The answer: eSIMs. They offer affordable data packages that can be installed before departure and connect instantly on landing. Perfect for those travel Instagram stories.

eSIMs with a phone number

People traveling for business often need to call or text local numbers. Most standard eSIM packages don’t solve this — which is exactly the content opportunity for affiliates. Some providers, like Saily, offer eSIM with phone number plans that include a local number plus 5 to 200 minutes and messages that work at your destination. A plan with a phone number, texts, and calls for Japan costs $1.99 to $19.99 for 30 days of validity. It can be added to a regular data package, so the business traveler stays connected and reachable by text, phone call, and internet.

Physical SIMs are becoming “vintage”

Most phones still ship with a physical SIM slot — some even with two — but new flagship models like the iPhone 18 Pro are dropping the tray entirely (but hey, we got a bigger battery!). This is already the case in markets like the US and Canada, which eliminates the option of picking up a local SIM while traveling abroad. Those travelers will naturally start researching eSIMs and comparing plans. Publish the right content, and you can earn sales by partnering with eSIM providers.

How to monetize your blog with travel eSIM affiliates

Once you’ve spotted the potential of eSIMs — especially the ones with phone numbers — you can build a strategy and start earning. Your content should match the search queries of your target audience: travelers who want to stay connected while keeping calls and texts available.

Who should you partner with?

Partnering with the right organization can directly impact your revenue. Team up with a well-known eSIM provider — Saily, for example — and readers will recognize and trust the brand, making a sale more likely. You should also review the affiliate program’s terms. This is where you’ll find your commission per sale when a reader purchases through your link. Making money is the main goal, right?

What type of content should you post to promote eSIMs via affiliate links?

After choosing an affiliate program, it’s time to produce content — and “here’s my link!” won’t cut it. Content that genuinely helps your readers builds trust, which makes them far more likely to click your affiliate links later. If you’re promoting travel eSIMs, these formats work well:

• Destination guides — travel guides for popular destinations, like a 5-day itinerary for Japan with tips on staying connected. These make it easy to work in an affiliate link naturally.
• Reviews — share your take on different plans, carriers, and how they benefit travelers, covering both short and long trips. Include the pros and cons of every option — even your affiliate partner’s.
• Audience-specific posts — target business travelers who need calls and texts, or recommend multi-country data plans for people on longer trips.

When writing, be transparent that your content contains affiliate links. Cover the product’s advantages and disadvantages in a natural, slightly promotional tone. Don’t become the pushy door-to-door salesperson nobody likes.

The goal of your content: solving a specific pain point for travelers

eSIMs answer a problem nearly every traveler going abroad faces: local internet without sky-high roaming costs or long-term contracts. Readers researching connectivity options are often already comparing providers — the perfect moment for an affiliate link. Build genuinely useful content, and your site becomes a trusted source of information instead of just another page trying to sell stuff.

Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket

Before going all in on travel eSIMs, test whether your audience is interested — publish 3 to 5 relevant posts and see if you attract new visitors. Track their performance and conversion rate to work out your revenue per visitor. Afterward, you can expand: cover more destinations, compare more plans, and build out topic clusters around products like an eSIM with a phone number.