While some brands prefer to directly collaborate with their affiliate marketers, others opt to outsource this task to dedicated affiliate marketing networks. These networks gather numerous products from various creators and establish an extensive database, offering affiliates the freedom to select which products they want to promote. The essence of affiliate marketing lies in the concept of choice.
By utilizing these affiliate networks, creators are relieved from the burden of engaging with potential salespeople (affiliates), eliminating the need for brands to establish data collection systems and verifying accurate payment distribution for promoted sales.
Affiliate marketers who wish to promote multiple products can benefit from using affiliate networks instead of individually working with each merchant. The top affiliate programs simplify the process of generating passive income and provide convenience for affiliates, many of whom are influencers.
1. Refersion
Refersion, an affiliate and influencer marketing network, is a perfect match for eCommerce brands. To begin, your initial step is to integrate it with your eCommerce solution. Fortunately, there are pre-built apps available that seamlessly integrate with popular platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Stripe, and Chargebee. However, for other eCommerce platforms, a custom integration using Refersion’s API is necessary. By utilizing the specialist apps, you can have Refersion operational within minutes. Nevertheless, if you opt for the API solution, the setup process will take longer.
The first step after setting up your eCommerce integration is to input any existing affiliates into the application. If you require aid in discovering influencers or affiliates, you can also integrate with influencer platforms such as Upfluence, #paid, and Cohley.
In the Refersion marketplace, you have the option to create Offers by specifying your particular requirements. These requirements may include trackable links, coupon codes, email addresses, and product SKUs.
When setting payment details in your offer, Refersion provides a high level of flexibility. This includes the option to offer flat-rate commissions or create intricate commission structures based on performance.
You have the option to establish criteria for affiliates to meet before they can receive payment as part of their offers. Sales that do not meet these criteria are categorized as Unqualified. Refersion utilizes links and codes to monitor and verify whether your affiliate’s sales meet the requirements for payment. Payments can be made through PayPal or integrated with Payment Rails for ACH payments. Additionally, you have the ability to provide digital gift cards or choose any preferred payment method.
2. Amazon Associates
Technically, Amazon Associates can be described as an affiliate marketing program for a single retailer. However, due to Amazon’s immense size and wide array of products, it closely resembles an affiliate marketing network. In fact, their advertisements proudly claim to offer the largest product selection on Earth.
To become an Amazon Associate, potential affiliates must undergo an application review process. According to Amazon’s website, individuals who are passionate reviewers, stylists, content creators, or curators and want to refer their audience to Amazon products may be suitable candidates. Within the first 180 days, at least three sales must be made. Additionally, Amazon requires that the sites where affiliates promote their products have substantial original content even without advertisement. It is advisable to have a minimum of ten posts according to Amazon’s guidelines. However, affiliates are not limited to operating solely through blogs or traditional websites. Amazon allows the use of mobile apps and social network pages for selling purposes, as long as there is enough content and engagement present.
3. ClickBank
ClickBank serves as a platform for its affiliates to discover and advertise products. By collaborating with their digital marketing partners (affiliates) and offering access to a diverse collection of over 6 million distinctive products, they are able to reach a global customer base of 200 million people.
Affiliates on Clickbank have a notable advantage, as certain products provide commissions up to 75%. From Clickbank’s online catalog, affiliates have the freedom to choose which digital products and offers they want to promote. This even includes the option to market products that allow customers to opt for upsells during the purchase process. By offering upsells, affiliates can provide customers with added value while increasing their own earnings.
ClickBank offers numerous products that are sold through recurring subscriptions. By retaining the customer’s subscription, you will continue to generate income on a monthly or yearly basis well beyond the initial sale.
4. eBay Partner Network (EPN)
eBay, renowned worldwide as a mammoth online marketplace, boasts an astounding 1.4 billion listings available at any given moment. Remarkably, an overwhelming 80% of the merchandise sold on this platform is brand new.
eBay runs its Partner Program in order to incentivize individuals to direct potential buyers to their platform. Participants of eBay’s affiliate program guide their users to shop at the eBay global marketplace. It is probable that a portion of these users will make purchases after being referred to the site. Subsequently, the partner who referred them receives recognition for the sale. As eBay operates its own affiliate network, they equip partners with the necessary tools, reports, and resources to achieve success.
The eBay Partner Network operates similarly to Amazon’s program, as it offers varying payment rates based on the type of product, although these rates may be comparatively lower than certain specialized affiliate programs and networks. Nevertheless, one can counterbalance these lower rates with the potential for increased sales volume.
ShareASale is one of the largest affiliate networks in the United States. By conducting a brief search, it is evident that ShareASale presently has more than 3900 merchant programs available on its affiliate platform and over 1.2 million registered publishers taking part.
This affiliate network has its headquarters in Chicago, IL, and has been in operation since 2000, earning an excellent reputation as a trustworthy and ethical company.
In January 2017, Awin, a global affiliate network, obtained ShareASale in order to offer additional international affiliate possibilities to advertisers and publishers within the country.
6. Rakuten
Formerly known as Buy.com, this affiliate network is well-liked for its emphasis on physical goods in the e-commerce industry. It serves as a respectable alternative to Amazon.
Rakuten serves as a representative for various industry-standard brands such as Walmart, Sephora, New Balance, etc.
Despite having a smaller platform compared to other prominent affiliate networks, which consists of approximately 1,000 partners, they remain one of the oldest affiliate networks and uphold a firm commitment to superior technology.
These individuals provide a wide range of creative options for selection. The utilization of technology, such as rotating ads and flexible linking choices, simplifies the process of enhancing sales.
7. Clickbank
This affiliate network, which is both large and long-lasting, differentiates itself by directing its attention towards digital information products, product launches, and other internet marketing items.
They market over 6 million unique lifestyle products created by digital entrepreneurs. In short, they specialize in digital products and currently reach over 200 million customers.
When you’re beginning to explore digital products, email marketing, or other online ways of making money, it is highly probable that you would be advised to consider ClickBank as your initial program.
8. Px.com
If you are into rank and rent lead generation, then you shouldn’t ignore this affiliate network.
PX has a focused expertise in global markets, specifically insurance, home services, and financial verticals.
They have a complete platform that concentrates on achieving full automation of lead generation by utilizing advanced technology.
Customizers will enjoy using this affiliate network because it allows them to maximize their revenue and achieve higher lead conversions through the utilization of lead scoring and verification technology.
9. CJ Affiliate
The CJ affiliate marketing network, formerly known as Commission Junction, focuses on pay-for-performance affiliate programs and is recognized as one of the biggest affiliate networks on the internet.
By conducting a basic search, you may find yourself being overwhelmed with various offers and possibilities.
They have global operations and offer programs to specialized retailers that are among the most recognized worldwide.
CJ Affiliate has managed to attract several prestigious partners, including Home Depot, Apple, TurboTax, and Zappos.
My preference towards CJ Affiliate is due to its exceptional reporting tools that are both powerful and high-end. Additionally, I appreciate their consistent and punctual payments.
10. 2checkout
2checkout is focused on global eCommerce of software, digital products, and SaaS solutions, utilizing a step-by-step thought process.
With a strong backing from their publisher community, this partner network has gained significant rankings, encompassing more than 4,000 digital businesses across over 180 countries.
