Affiliate networks for the internet marketers are like what the unions used to be for workers in the early 20th century: a strong backbone of relationships, effective reach and common support so that everyone has a chance to win. Affiliate marketing started as a simple barter system (have my banner, I’ll have yours) and it evolved into what it is today: a world reaching network with millions of potential customers just a click away.
If you run a small home-based business and need a constant flow of revenues, you should be able to differentiate between popular, successful affiliate networks and one-hit-wonders, which make you lose time and effort. Thankfully, we are here to support you and show you what the top networks that are worth joining are.
1. ClickBank – Select, Promote, Get Paids
ClickBank is a huge marketplace of digital properties for sale. It is absolutely impossible not to find a product fitting the niche you specialize in. Once you have found the ideal product that you want to promote, only by clicking on the Promote button and entering your username and tracking ID, your unique affiliate hoplink is ready to be used in your marketing efforts. After you conclude at least five sales, you start getting paid.
The advantage of ClickBank is the quick payment system: you receive your money every two weeks, either by cheque or direct deposit. The only condition is to reach the minimum payment threshold (which is by default $100).
2. CJ Affiliate – Get Approved, Display Ad, Earn
Getting approved for CJ Affiliate is a great thing because this affiliate network is already validated by top advertisers and it has a huge variety of programs you can join. However, the first issue is getting the approval to join the network. You must fill in an application form and submit your blog for review.
This is why keeping your blog up to date and populated with interesting content and appealing graphics is so important. CJ Affiliate doesn’t accept just anyone. They want quality because their vendors are earnest, successful companies that demand high standards. And even after being approved by the network, you still need to be approved by the specific affiliate program manager. It is harder work than for other affiliate networks, but if you work from home you have all the time of the day to spruce up your blog and make it successful.
3. Amazon Affiliates – The Power of a Top Brand Name
Amazon needs no introduction per se, but we’ll talk about their affiliate program. It is the top of the line customization in terms of what you display and how you display it on your website. It helps you select the type of link, banner of widget ad and the types of products you wish to advertise on your site and they also offer a very clear and precise tracking system that guarantees you to get paid every cent you’ve earned.
4. ShareASale – Highly Rated Among Affiliates
If you are new in the business, ShareASale is the place to start learning and earning with affiliate marketing. They feature an easy to use website, a great help and support team, a clear and simple to understand reporting system and a very large variety of programs to choose from.
5. Rakuten LinkShare – The Largest Paying Network
With vendors including brand names such as Macy’s and Walmart, Rakuten LinkShare is considered the largest pay for performance network online. Featuring a straightforward sign-up process and easy to select ads to place on your website, this network combines the power of major brands with a very easy to use affiliate system.