Whether you’re just starting or scaling your business, you need to choose the affiliate network that suits your exact needs. However, not all networks are equal, and what benefits other affiliates may not suit you.
So you should be very specific and careful when choosing your affiliate program or network. You need to analyze dozens of factors, from the network’s background to commission size to accepted traffic to payout details.
Without any further ado, let’s dig into the crux of the matter.
Why Use an Affiliate Network?
Think of affiliate networks as matchmakers that simplify the marketing collaboration of publishers and advertisers.
Let’s examine how you, as an affiliate, can benefit from affiliate networks:
- Access to various programs: Affiliate networks connect publishers with multiple brands simultaneously so they can choose which brands to promote and how to promote them.
- Reliable tracking: Affiliate networks usually have advanced monitoring tools, allowing you to optimize the campaign to make the most of it.
- Creative materials. Creative materials like embeddable lead generation forms simplify the user journey, building trust and improving data accuracy. Users are likelier to share their information with a form that reflects a credible brand identity.
The network handles mundane processes like data management or lead verification, allowing publishers to focus on what they do best. All you need to do is create catchy content and promote it to an audience ready to take action.
Examining Network Technical Parameters: 10 Vital Parameters
When choosing the network, look beyond just niche compatibility. We recommend you thoroughly evaluate the networks’ technical parameters. Here’s a breakdown of 10 key factors to consider if you want to find affiliate programs and networks that suit you:
- Accepted traffic
- Commission fees and payment terms
- Network size
- Competition
- Customer support
- Tracking and reporting
- Cross-device tracking
- Integration options
- Cookie Duration
- Payout threshold
Accepted Traffic
One of the first things to check when evaluating an affiliate network is whether it accepts traffic from the sources you plan to use.
Here are the common traffic restrictions:
| Social Media (SMM) | Some networks ban paid ads from TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram |
| Email Marketing | Certain networks may limit bulk emailing |
| Blog/Website Traffic | Some networks may require your site to have a certain amount of traffic or niche relevance |
| Paid Ads (PPC) | Some networks ban paid ads with brand names |
| YouTube | Check whether the network accepts traffic from YouTube and allows affiliate links in video descriptions |
| Mobile Apps | If you plan to use in-app ads, ensure the network allows app-based traffic |
Publishers who search for affiliate programs should keep in mind that advertisers can put additional limitations. So, it will be better to thoroughly read program guidelines, even when it comes to tried-and-tested networks.
Commission Fees and Payment Terms
These are overlooked yet extremely important parameters for any affiliate, as they impact your earnings. While high commissions sound attractive, it may be hard to withdraw them due to high thresholds and fees.
The two most common commission types are:
- Pay-Per-Sale (PPS): a percentage of the sale amount
- Pay-Per-Lead (PPL): a fixed fee per qualified lead
On top of the commission type, determine the payment frequency, threshold, and payoff methods. If you want to promote subscription-based services, look for a network with recurring commissions.
Affiliate Network Size
Before making a choice, consider the variety of programs and the number of active publishers. Large networks like CJ Affiliate usually host thousands of advertisers, while smaller networks cooperate with merchants only in a few niches.
Collaboration with large networks provides you access to more advertisers. However, smaller networks can give you a more personalized experience due to their niche focus.
Competition in Affiliate Networks
Popular offers can quickly become oversaturated in large networks. Such strong competition could drive commission rates down, as merchants know that there are still many affiliates down the road.
Here are the signs of competitive affiliate programs:
- A large number of affiliates promoting the same offers
- Strict application process
- Low commission rates
- Generic offers with mass appeal: fashion, gadgets, fitness, etc.
If you’re new to affiliate marketing, avoid competitive networks and focus on niche-specific ones where you can build your authority.
Payout Thresholds
If you’re just starting, you’d like to receive your first income as soon as you generate it. With this in mind, it makes sense to check the minimum payout threshold with your affiliate network.
Here are the typical payout thresholds:
- $20 – $50 in niche networks that perfectly fit small affiliates
- $100 – $200 in larger networks
- $500+ in some high-ticket programs like, for example, some mortgage programs
Communication with Affiliate Networks
Look for networks that offer multiple communication channels, such as managers, live chat, email, and phone support. The more options you have, the better. Sometimes, a quick phone call is enough as long as the support is there when needed.
Tracking and Reporting
It would be great if the network could provide you with detailed and customized reports so you can identify which campaigns are performing best and what should be changed in your affiliate marketing strategy.
Integrations
When choosing an affiliate network, pick those that have the most integrations. Even though you may not need all of them now, you may require some in the future.
Networks that offer API access allow affiliates to scale their efforts by automating daily tasks, such as pulling reports, updating links, etc.
Cross-Device Tracking
Users often switch devices before completing a purchase. They might click on an affiliate link from their phone but complete the purchase on the laptop. If your network doesn’t support cross-device tracking, you lose commissions from these conversions.
Affiliate networks combine multiple identification methods to pinpoint user transitions and switches, from IP tracking to cookies to collecting session data.
Cookie Duration
Speaking of cookies, the longer the cookie window you have, the higher the chances you get credit for the conversion.
Most networks have a 30-day cookie window, but you can find platforms that allow advertisers to set long 90-day windows in their programs.
Which Affiliate Network To Choose: Questions to Ask Yourself
Choosing the right network is a tricky and delicate process. To make sure that you pick the best option, you need to understand whether this platform matches your business model, whether the payment is enough to cover your advertising costs, and whether they accept the type of traffic you generate and are reliable in general.
Ask yourself these questions:
| What is my niche? What useful information can I share with my target audience? Does this network have enough advertisers with an audience to mine? |
| What are my goals: highest possible commissions, long-term partnerships, or frequent payouts? |
| What is the network’s reputation? Are they one of the top affiliate networks, or are they new? Are they reputable enough to be a safe choice? |
| What are the payment terms of this network? Does it have a minimum payout threshold? |
| What tracking features do they provide? Do these align with my marketing strategy? |
| What type of support can I expect? How responsive is their support team? |
| Is the network scalable? Can I find unique opportunities there? |
Where To Find Affiliate Programs: 5 Top Sources
Affiliate network and affiliate program search might be quite overwhelming, so here’s a shortcut for you:
- Conduct a Google Search. Use terms like: “[Your Niche] affiliate program”, “Affiliate network for [Your Niche],” or “How to find affiliate links for [Your Niche]”. For example, if you have a skincare blog, take a closer look at the “skincare affiliate program” or “beauty affiliate networks” search results.
- Explore affiliate forums. Platforms such as Affiliates4u, Warrior Forum, or even Reddit’s affiliate marketing community often have threads examining the best programs and networks in various niches.
- Analyze your rivals. Explore their content to notice promotion patterns and used links. You can try tools like SimilarWeb, or reverse-engineer their marketing strategy to find potential affiliate networks.
- Read expert articles. Many affiliate experts gladly share their experiences, including the pros and cons of various networks.
- Attend networking events. If you prefer real-life networking, attend niche-related events. They are excellent places to meet potential partners face-to-face.
Monetize Your Traffic with Profitise
Profitise is a leading insurance and solar affiliate network for affiliates who are selling quality web leads and phone calls. With hundreds of businesses already joined and even more to come, Profitise is a to-go place to monetize your traffic.
With Profitise, you get:
- Embeddable JavaScript forms to generate qualified insurance and solar leads
- Large lead market to sell your traffic instantly
- High price for your web and call leads
- Free assistance from your affiliate manager
Sell leads with Profitise as an affiliate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find affiliate programs in your niche
The most effective ways to find a program are Google search, forums, and competitors’ research. If you prefer offline interactions, attend local affiliate events.
How to choose an affiliate network
Conduct research, examining both tech parameters and whether they fit you. Check whether the network supports detailed reporting and cross-device tracking. Recurring commissions and a low payout threshold are great advantages as well.
Which affiliate network to choose if I’m a beginner
For beginners, Profitise is a great choice. It’s user-friendly, has low payout limits, and offers programs across numerous niches, including but not limited to life insurance, car insurance, and solar.
