If you’ve ever scrolled through an article on a site like Mashable or TechCrunch and found yourself clicking on a product deal that looks just like part of the article — you’ve probably come across StackCommerce without even knowing it.
StackCommerce is a native commerce platform.
That means it allows publishers (like blogs and media websites) to sell products directly through editorial content.
Instead of using popups or sidebar ads, StackCommerce integrates shopping into the content itself — so it feels natural, seamless, and trustworthy.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how StackCommerce works, who uses it, and why it’s changing the way people shop online — especially if you run an ecommerce business or a content site.
Quick Overview
- StackCommerce helps publishers monetize through ecommerce.
- It lets brands get featured in articles and pay only when a product sells.
- Think of it like affiliate marketing — but fully integrated, with checkout built right into the content.
- Used by major publishers like HuffPost, CNN Underscored, and TechCrunch Deals.
Pros 👍
- No upfront cost: Revenue-share model means no ad spend or fees.
- Easy integration: Especially for WordPress or custom blogs.
- Pre-built content: No need to write articles from scratch.
- Brand safe: Trusted, editorial environments improve brand perception.
- Automated: No need to manage customer service or shipping.
Cons 👎
- Lower control over branding: Product placement depends on editorial choices.
- Revenue split: Not as profitable per sale as direct-to-consumer.
- Not suitable for all products: Must be price-competitive and relevant to editorial content.
- Approval process: Not every product or publisher gets accepted.
How StackCommerce Works
StackCommerce for Publishers
If you run a blog or online media site, StackCommerce makes it incredibly easy to monetize your traffic — without bombarding your readers with annoying ads or pushing affiliate links that take people off-site.
Instead, StackCommerce lets you sell curated products through content that looks and feels like part of your editorial.
Here’s what publishers get access to:
- Pre-written articles and product roundups (like “Top 5 Travel Gadgets”).
- A customizable storefront built into your site.
- Tools to track sales, clicks, and conversions.
- Revenue-share earnings for every sale made on your site.
You don’t need to deal with the products, customer service, or fulfillment. That’s all handled by StackCommerce.
The main benefits:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Plug-and-play setup | You can integrate StackCommerce with your blog in just a few steps. |
| Ready-to-go content | No need to create commerce articles from scratch. |
| Extra revenue | Earn a commission on every sale without touching inventory. |
This model is especially useful for publishers with high traffic but limited monetization options. For example, niche blogs or review sites that don’t want to overwhelm readers with ads.
StackCommerce for Brands
StackCommerce isn’t just for media companies.
It’s also a tool for ecommerce brands looking to get more visibility and sales — without paying upfront for advertising.
As a brand, you can submit your product to StackCommerce’s network. If accepted, your product can appear in editorial content on major sites like:
- CNN Underscored
- Mashable Shopping
- The Next Web Deals
- Entrepreneur
- TechRepublic
You don’t pay anything unless your product sells — it’s a revenue-share model.
Why brands like it:
- No risk: You don’t pay until you make a sale.
- Premium placement: Your product appears in trusted editorial content.
- Performance-based: You only invest where it works.
Here’s what StackCommerce handles for brands:
- Distribution to over 750 publisher sites.
- Customer support and order processing.
- Fulfillment and shipping.
- Native product listings with custom copy.
Example Use Case:
Let’s say you sell a Bluetooth speaker. Instead of running ads or waiting for influencers to post about it, StackCommerce might place it in a deal roundup like “Top Travel Tech” on Mashable.
Readers can buy directly from the article. You get sales, the publisher gets a cut, and StackCommerce handles the rest.
Key Features
Let’s break down the main features that make StackCommerce work for both publishers and brands.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Commerce Widgets | Add product deals directly to editorial content. |
| White-label Storefronts | Publishers get their own branded shop pages. |
| Automated Fulfillment | StackCommerce ships the products and handles returns. |
| Performance Tracking | See sales, clicks, and earnings in your dashboard. |
| Ready-to-Use Content | Pre-written deal articles and product roundups. |
| Curated Product Catalog | Choose from thousands of vetted products. |
This system turns any media outlet into a shoppable site — without turning it into a store.
In addition to these features, StackCommerce also provides marketing support and optimization tools.
For example, the platform can test different versions of content and deal placements to see what performs best.
This level of automation means publishers and brands don’t have to constantly tweak their approach — they can rely on StackCommerce’s data-backed engine to improve performance over time.
StackCommerce vs. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing and StackCommerce may seem similar — they both involve monetizing product recommendations — but they work in very different ways.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Category | StackCommerce | Affiliate Marketing |
|---|---|---|
| Checkout | Happens on-site | Redirects to another site |
| Content | Provided by StackCommerce or created in-house | Created by the publisher |
| Fulfillment | Handled by StackCommerce | Handled by the brand |
| Tracking | Built-in sales analytics | Requires affiliate tracking tools |
| Revenue model | Revenue share after sale | Commission per sale (varies by network) |
With StackCommerce, the entire user journey stays on the publisher’s site — from reading the article to completing the purchase. That’s a big win for user experience and engagement.
Another important difference is trust. Readers are increasingly skeptical of traditional affiliate links, especially when they’re obviously promotional or link to marketplaces like Amazon.
Native commerce, on the other hand, blends more naturally with editorial content and tends to feel more genuine.
This trust can lead to higher conversion rates and longer-term brand loyalty — something affiliate programs often struggle to maintain.
Who Should Use StackCommerce?
Publishers
If you’re a blog, content creator, or media site, StackCommerce gives you a reliable way to monetize — especially if you already publish product recommendations, gift guides, or tech roundups.
Best for:
- Niche blogs with consistent traffic.
- Media sites looking for a commerce revenue stream.
- Publishers who want ecommerce revenue without handling products.
It’s also great for publishers that have a seasonal content strategy.
For instance, during holidays like Black Friday, Valentine’s Day, or Cyber Monday, StackCommerce can supply relevant product lists and promotions — giving you a fast way to publish content that aligns with reader intent and high shopping activity.
Ecommerce Brands
If you’re a brand looking to reach new audiences, StackCommerce gives you access to premium editorial real estate — something most brands can’t afford through traditional media buys.
Best for:
- DTC brands in tech, wellness, home, or gadgets.
- Shopify sellers who want more distribution without spending on ads.
- Small to midsize ecommerce companies looking to scale reach.
It’s especially useful for brands with strong product margins and competitive price points.
Because consumers often encounter these deals as part of an article or guide, products that offer standout value tend to get the most clicks and conversions.
If your product performs well, StackCommerce may even feature it more prominently across its partner network — boosting exposure organically.
Real Results and Case Studies
StackCommerce has helped thousands of publishers and brands grow their revenue. Here are a few examples of performance metrics from recent years:
- $100 million+ in total revenue generated for publishers (as of 2023).
- 750+ active publisher partnerships across the web.
- 3–6x higher conversion rates than traditional affiliate campaigns.
- 5,000+ ecommerce brands currently use StackCommerce to distribute their products.
- Forbes reportedly generates up to $500,000/month from their StackCommerce-powered shopping section.
StackCommerce has also been featured in articles by TechCrunch, Adweek, and Marketing Dive as a leader in native commerce.
These results aren’t just from big-name brands.
Smaller publishers and DTC brands also benefit — with some reporting that StackCommerce makes up the bulk of their passive revenue stream.
In one case study, a mid-sized publisher earned more than $150,000 in 12 months simply by publishing two deal articles per week and embedding StackCommerce widgets into their existing content archive.
How to Get Started with StackCommerce
Getting started is fairly straightforward. Here’s what the process looks like for both publishers and brands.
For Publishers
- Apply to join StackCommerce’s publisher network.
- Integrate the StackCommerce platform into your CMS.
- Choose products to promote or use pre-written articles.
- Start publishing native commerce content.
- Track performance through your dashboard.
For Brands
- Submit your product to StackCommerce.
- Work with their team to create product listings.
- Products are placed in editorial content across the network.
- Orders are fulfilled by StackCommerce.
- Brands pay a commission on each sale.
If you’re approved, the platform does most of the heavy lifting — from setting up content to handling logistics.
One helpful tip: if you’re a brand with strong visuals or product reviews, make sure to include them early in the onboarding process. StackCommerce’s editorial team uses these assets to build stronger content and improve placement quality.
The better your assets, the more likely your product is to be picked up by high-traffic publishers.
Final Thoughts
StackCommerce is one of those ecommerce tools that flies under the radar — but once you understand how it works, you realize just how powerful it is.
For publishers, it’s an easy, low-risk way to earn more from your content.
For ecommerce brands, it’s a way to scale sales and reach without putting all your eggs in paid ads or Amazon.
And for the reader? It’s a smooth shopping experience that feels natural and native.
If you’re in the ecommerce space — whether as a seller or content creator — StackCommerce is definitely worth exploring.
And as native commerce becomes more popular, platforms like StackCommerce could become a standard part of how people shop online.
It brings value to everyone in the chain — readers, brands, and publishers — which is rare. It’s not about interruption; it’s about integration. And that’s what makes it so effective.
