Definition Of Affiliate Networks
What are affiliate networks? Affiliate networks are bridges/platforms that act as a link between the publisher (the affiliate eg bloggers) and the advertiser (the merchant eg Amazon). Advertisers establish their affiliate programs on an affiliate network and publishers can search the network to find programs that they want to promote.
How Do Affiliate Networks Work?
Now that you know what an affiliate network is, how exactly does an affiliate network work? Publishers or site owners sign up, choose the products or services they want to promote, and receive custom links that track how many people purchase from their sites. To make this strategy work, three parties are involved:
- Seller or product creators
- The advertiser or affiliate
- The customer
Affiliate networks are bridges/platforms that acts as a link between the publisher (the affiliate eg bloggers) and the advertiser (the merchant eg Amazon)
What are the qualities of a good affiliate network program?
Now that you know how affiliate networks work, are you interested in joining an affiliate marketing program?
When you’re just starting out with affiliate marketing, it’s best to always conduct research so you find the best affiliate network programs that will earn you high commission rates. Here are the qualities of a good affiliate marketing program:
Easy to use
Comfort and ease of use are essential when you’re searching for open source affiliate marketing software. Sign up for a program that provides you easy access to earn money online.
Available products in the market
Affiliating with a business that already has products in the market is better than partnering with brands that have limited inventory. This way, you can promote as many products or services as you can and earn a lot from them.
Popularity and Loyal Following
Always choose an affiliate marketing program that’s timely and relevant. Bigger networks tend to attract more buyers and vendors, providing you with more chances of becoming a successful affiliate.
Examples of affiliate networks
ShareASale is one of the most popular affiliate networks out there. Whereas Amazon Associates is focused entirely on Amazon products, ShareASale houses affiliate programs for 4,500+ merchants, both big and small.
However, the interface can be a bit tough to use, so I suggest checking out some YouTubers who have done tutorials of ShareASale interface.
Commission Rate: Varies by the merchant; averages between 5% and 20%
Awin a shorter rebrand of the original Affiliate Window, is another popular affiliate network that gives you access to over 13,000 different merchants.
Awin actually acquired ShareASale back in 2017, though the two are still run as separate entities and have different merchants. With 13,000+ merchants, you’ll find a lot of options for both physical and digital products at Awin.
Commission Rate: Varies by merchant, but averages around 5%
Amazon Associates If you want to promote physical products on your website, Amazon Associates is a good option.
With Amazon Associates, you can earn a commission on pretty much anything sold at Amazon.com.
What makes this program even more valuable is that you earn a commission on everything new that someone you refer purchases, even if it’s not the product you linked to. If you want to promote physical products on your website, Amazon Associates is a good option.
What makes this program even more valuable is that you earn a commission on everything new that someone you refer purchases, even if it’s not the product you linked to.
CJ Affilite Formerly known by the lengthier name of Commission Junction- is one of the world’s largest affiliate marketing networks. They connect merchants with more than 14 billion readers annually and help affiliate marketers earn more than $1.8 billion every year. Their approval process is quite fast, and you won’t need to pay any fees to apply.
The commission varies by merchant
Rakuten Advertising Rakuten Advertising, formerly known as Rakuten Marketing, is an affiliate marketing service provider. The company, in 2005, claimed it was the largest pay-for-performance affiliate marketing network on the Internet
Rakuten affiliate network that includes a lot of big merchants. Notable merchants are:
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Macy’s
- Papa Johns
Commission Rate: Varies by the merchant
Avangate Affiliate Network connects publishers with digital goods merchants such as software companies and digital security companies like Malwarebytes.
For example, you’ll get access to popular software merchants like:
- Bitdefender
- Kaspersky
- Hide My Ass (the VPN)
- Awario
In total, Avangate Affiliate Network gives you access to 22,000+ pieces of software, so if your site promotes a lot of digital products, you’ll definitely want to join this one.
Commission Rate: Starts around 25%; it can reach over 50% for some merchants
ClickBank is a global affiliate marketing platform providing access to a wide range of products that you can promote, the products are both physical and digital ones.
For example, you’ll find a lot of merchants who are selling eBooks, online courses, or membership sites. These merchants might not have the name recognition of a national or international brand, but they can be great offers if they fit your niche.
ClickBank pays high commissions of up to 75% or even 100%
