What is an Affiliate Network?
Affiliate networks act as intermediaries that link bloggers and entrepreneurs (known as “publishers”) with companies (known as “merchants”) that provide affiliate program opportunities for their products or services.
Publisher access to numerous affiliate programs is provided by affiliate networks through a single portal.
If you find the previous explanation confusing, do not fret. The crucial information is as follows:
You generate revenue from your blog by employing a method known as affiliate marketing, through which you utilize these affiliate programs.
Can You Really Make Money with an Affiliate Marketing Program?
Yes, indeed.
In 2017, Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income made more than $2 million from affiliate marketing, while John Lee Dumas from Entrepreneurs on Fire earned $25,865 in June 2020 alone.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, one of my affiliate programs has generated a total of $3,450 within a period of 3 years.
That amount of money is not enough to quit all of my freelance jobs. It is also not enough to hire Nicolas Cage to attend my birthday party.
Considering the fact that I created a single landing page years ago, with minimal effort put into outreach and SEO, the resulting passive income is quite respectable.
Naturally, your mileage may differ.
It is possible to generate passive income through affiliate marketing that is real and tangible.
Every day, individuals who are intelligent and appealing like yourself engage in this activity.
What’s the Difference Between an Affiliate Network and an Affiliate Program?
An affiliate marketing network collects products from various brands and collaborates with affiliate marketers. Essentially, it manages the affiliate marketing initiatives on behalf of multiple brands, serving as the intermediary connecting brands and affiliates.
Instead of overseeing and running the entire process, brands frequently utilize affiliate marketing software such as ReferralCandy or Refersion to manage their affiliate programs. They may also designate specific affiliate managers to communicate with the affiliates. Operating the affiliate program directly offers the advantage of not having to pay any affiliate network fees.
1. ShareASale
The Scoop on ShareASale
- Long track record. Founded in 2000 (and acquired by Awin, formerly known as Affiliate Window, in 2017), ShareASale (affiliate link) has been around the block a time or two.
- Numerous affiliate opportunities. ShareASale offers over 3,900 affiliate programs in 40 different categories.
- Safe and secure. With zero customer complaints on file, the Better Business Bureau gives ShareASale an A+ rating.
- Consistent payout schedule. On the 20th of each month, so long as you hit the payment threshold of at least $50, ShareASale sends you money.
- Different payment options. You can have ShareASale pay you via checks in the mail, wire transfer, or direct deposit. International men and women of mystery can use the transfer service Payoneer. No PayPal, though.
2. ClickBank
The Skinny on ClickBank
- Track record of 20+ years. Founded in 1998, ClickBank has been around longer than M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense. (Spoiler alert: Bruce Willis was wearing a toupee the whole time.)
- Millions of options. ClickBank offers more than 6 million unique affiliate products.
- Quick to respond. With zero unresolved complaints as of this writing, ClickBank sports an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Flexible payment schedule. ClickBank lets you choose how often you want to get paid. Want monthly payouts? You got it. Weekly? Done.
- Variety of payment options. Check, wire transfer, and direct deposit are available. International users can get paid through Payoneer. Alas, no PayPal here either.
3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
The Lowdown on CJ Affiliate
- Two decades of experience. Founded in 1998, CJ Affiliate was around during Y2K and lived to tell the tale.
- Lots of brands. CJ Affiliate gives you access to more than 3,000 merchants.
- Too big to fail. CJ Affiliate is part of Alliance Data Systems, which is a Fortune 500 company. It also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Get paid monthly. CJ Affiliate combines all your affiliate commissions into one monthly payment.
- Two payment options. Get paid by direct deposit or checks in the mail. PayPal is a no.
4. Amazon Associates
The Rundown on Amazon Associates
- One of the first online marketing networks. Started in 1996, Amazon Associates is old enough to legally drink alcohol.
- Huge selection. Publishers can promote Amazon’s massive catalog of physical and digital products.
- Backed by Amazon. Valued at over $1 trillion, and with over 90 million paying Prime subscribers in the United States, Amazon’s massive e-commerce offerings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a B+ rating. And because it’s a trusted company, Amazon products typically rank very well in Google search engine results.
- Not the best payment schedule. Amazon Associates pays you approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which you earned your commission.
- Several payment options. You can get paid by direct deposit, Amazon gift certificates, or checks in the mail. (Tip: Avoid checks in the mail since there’s a $15 processing fee.) International users can get paid by gift certificates or checks (with the $15 fee waived).
5. eBay Partner Network (EPN)
The 411 on eBay Partner Network
- Founded in 2008. Though the eBay Partner Network is a relative newcomer on the affiliate network scene, its parent company (eBay) is an e-commerce mainstay that’s been around since 1995.
- Billions of opportunities. eBay has 1.1 billion listings. You’ll never run out of physical products to promote to your audience.
- Backed by eBay. With 175 million buyers purchasing over $23 billion of merchandise each year, EPN’s parent company (eBay) is built to last. The Better Business Bureau gives the company an A+ rating.
- Reliable payment schedule. So long as you’ve earned the minimum of $10 needed for payment, EPN pays you monthly.
- PayPal! For those who prefer to use the service, EPN allows you to be paid via PayPal. (Direct Deposit is also available.)
6. BigCommerce
With BigCommerce, you have the opportunity to sell a wide range of products online. Additionally, the availability of numerous BigCommerce apps can assist in maximizing your online profits, making it a simple and lucrative venture.
Commissions: Affiliates can earn up to $1,500 by receiving 200% of the customer’s initial monthly payment, particularly for enterprise clients.
There is no information about payments on their page, therefore it is advisable to get in touch with them for further details regarding their payment schedule.
Affiliates are provided with ready-made banners and emails as resources and support. In addition, they are granted direct access to a knowledgeable account manager specialized in affiliate marketing to enhance their sales generation efforts.
7. Refersion
Refersion is a platform that e-commerce store owners can utilize to motivate their customers to promote their business. It enables merchants to create various offers, generate links and coupon codes, customize commission structures, monitor sales, and integrate the software with their e-commerce solutions. In addition, Refersion seamlessly integrates with popular platforms Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce, and it offers API keys for customized integration with other programs.
The software allows merchants to easily see the impact of each affiliate on their ROI by providing three main performance indicators: effective earnings per click, average order value, and total revenue per affiliate.
Refersion values the ongoing engagement with its affiliates, as demonstrated by the presence of a Message tab on its dashboard that allows brands to engage in direct communication with their affiliates. By integrating with Mailchimp and Klaviyo, online sellers have the ability to send newsletters to their partners, keeping them updated on new products, creative content, promotional materials, and any adjustments made to commissions.
8. Sandals
Travel influencers and writers can also explore the affiliate program provided by Sandals and Beaches brands. This program is particularly advantageous if you are aware that your desired audience is longing for a Caribbean getaway. Additionally, since these vacations cater to both couples and families, you will have the opportunity to reach a wider target audience.
The commission for all travel products begins at 4%. In addition, affiliates have the opportunity to earn free trips and other bonuses based on their performance.
When it comes to payments, interested affiliates should contact the CJ Affiliate network regarding their payout policies since the program is powered by them.
You will be provided with a variety of colorful banners as resources and support. Additionally, a monthly newsletter will be used to convey promotions and offers. Furthermore, a dedicated affiliate marketing manager will be assigned to assist and support you.
9. BH Cosmetics
The BH Cosmetics beauty affiliate program is an option for beauty influencers. Its products are cruelty-free and offer numerous vegan options, ensuring inclusion of all audience members. Additionally, promoting BH Cosmetics products can be beneficial as they align with the retail trends of sustainability and vegan-based products, which will be influential in 2022.
Commission: Your site will generate sales and you will receive a 6% commission on all of them. The average order value is approximately $38.
Detailed information about payments is not provided.
Included in the available resources and support are a monthly newsletter, coupons, banners, and other engaging creatives.
10. Brand24 Partner Program
The Partner Program presented by Brand24 is an opportunity that digital marketers and entrepreneurs should definitely consider due to its high profitability. It is particularly suitable for individuals with audiences who are interested in efficient online marketing tools. The program offers top-notch solutions for online monitoring, social media management, and competitor analysis, providing potential customers with high-quality options.
The commission offered by the program guarantees significant earnings through a recurring 20% commission on all payments made by customers referred by you. What makes it even more attractive is that the commission keeps coming in each time the customer renews their subscription.
Payments are usually handled by PayPal and Stripe, and disbursements usually take place on the 13th day of every month.
