Affiliate Marketing Programs and Networks: How to Find the Best One for You

One of the questions I’ve heard a lot from beginner and seasoned affiliate marketers alike is, “Which network or program do I join?” It’s a very valid question, considering all the available programs and networks these days. The answer isn’t very simple, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about affiliate marketing programs and networks to find the ones that work best for you. Let’s take a look at what we’ll learn in this guide:

• The core differences between an affiliate program and an affiliate network
• Important factors to consider when choosing where to apply
• A handful of popular affiliate networks and programs worth exploring
• Strategies to boost your chances of affiliate success
• Actionable insights to help you navigate this path confidently

Got it? Good. Let’s start from the ground floor with a quick refresher on what affiliate marketing programs and networks are.

Understanding Affiliate Marketing Programs and Networks

Before you sign up for the first shiny affiliate offer you come across, it’s important to grasp the distinction between two key concepts in the affiliate marketing space: Affiliate Marketing Programs and Affiliate Marketing Networks. Do both sound the same to you?

Both involve the same general idea, promoting products or services for a commission, but they also have differences. Let’s go over each one in detail:

Affiliate Marketing Programs

An affiliate marketing program is usually run by a single company (or merchant) that has built its own affiliate system in-house. By applying directly to that merchant’s program, you’ll be dealing with one set of rules, one commission structure, and (usually) one product line.

• Less Competition: Most affiliate programs have stricter requirements and vetting processes, so fewer people can get in. While this can feel intimidating, it can also work to your advantage once you’re inside. You won’t be competing with thousands of other affiliates promoting the same products.
• More Focused Brand Relationship: When you work with a single merchant, you often get a tighter feedback loop. You might be able to speak directly with an affiliate manager who knows the product line well and can offer tips and tailored resources for success.
• Stable Commission Structure (But Potential Surprises): Affiliate programs can be consistent with their commission rates, but let’s not pretend there aren’t controversies: Some brands have been known to slash commissions without much warning, like what Amazon Associates did, leaving affiliates in the lurch. Nevertheless, many merchants do provide stable, ongoing structures and even special promotions if you become a top earner.

Examples of Notable Affiliate Marketing Programs

• Amazon Associates: One of the largest and most popular affiliate programs out there, with an enormous product selection. However, commissions can be on the lower side, and Amazon has famously changed its commission rates multiple times, sometimes reducing them significantly. Still, if you’re just starting out, it’s hard to ignore the brand recognition and wide range of products you can promote.
• Shopify Affiliate Program: If you’re focused on e-commerce and helping entrepreneurs set up online stores, Shopify’s affiliate program could be a strong choice. The commissions can be quite generous if you successfully refer new Shopify users, and the platform is well-known for robust customer support and training materials.

Affiliate Marketing Networks

An affiliate marketing network acts more like a clearinghouse or marketplace. It’s where multiple merchants gather, set up their affiliate offers, and recruit affiliates who might be a good fit to promote their products or services.

• Variety of Offers: Networks typically list offers from a range of companies spanning different niches. That means you can test and switch up what you promote easily if one product isn’t converting well or if you decide to pivot your content strategy.
• Easier Entry (But More Competition): Since affiliate networks actively recruit new affiliates, it’s often simpler to join. However, the downside is that you’ll be competing with many others who are also trying to land the same conversions. Standing out can be more challenging if you’re promoting popular products.
• Centralized Payment and Tracking: Networks usually provide a standardized tracking system and handle payouts, so you don’t have to juggle multiple payment timelines. This can simplify your admin tasks and save you from getting buried in work that doesn’t directly increase your conversions.

Examples of Notable Affiliate Networks

• CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction): A well-known platform that has a wide variety of merchants, making it suitable for many niches. CJ is respected for its reliable tracking and timely payments.
• ShareASale: Particularly popular among bloggers and content creators, with a user-friendly interface and a broad merchant database.
• Rakuten Advertising: Operates globally and partners with big-name brands, so you can often find well-recognized products or services to promote under one roof.

Affiliate Marketing Networks vs. Affiliate Marketing Programs: Which Should I Choose?

Here’s the burning question: “Which is better: networks or direct programs?” The quick answer is that there’s no universal solution. Both have distinct pros and cons:

• Networks offer variety and a straightforward process for managing multiple merchants, which can be helpful if you’re in exploration mode or want to test products quickly. Yet the competition can be fierce.
• Direct Programs often come with higher standards for entry, which means it might take more effort to be approved, but you can benefit from deeper relationships and potentially higher commission opportunities once accepted.

Some affiliate marketers argue networks are superior because they have a lot of affiliate offers to choose from. Others insist that if you jump between multiple offers too quickly, you risk turning your platform into a discount-coupon carnival, damaging your brand. Meanwhile, focusing on a single high-quality direct program can help you refine your messaging and earn trust from your audience faster.

In the end, you know your goals and resources best. If you’re unsure which products or niche you want to commit to, a broad network might be a good testing field. If you already have a niche and a brand direction, a direct affiliate program might offer more exclusivity and long-term stability.

Choosing the Best Affiliate Marketing Network or Program

Let’s talk about the criteria you should consider before settling on a network or program. Like picking out a new partner, you gotta know what you’re looking for before you choose. After all, you wouldn’t marry someone you just met in line at the grocery store (well, hopefully not!). In the same vein, you want to evaluate your affiliate options carefully.

Check Their Reputation and Customer Support

How do you find out if an affiliate network or program is reputable? Read user reviews, join online forums, or ask other affiliates you trust. Platforms with a pattern of delayed payouts, inaccurate tracking, or shady terms can sink your affiliate campaigns.

A robust support channel can be a lifesaver if you run into issues with tracking links, or if you need urgent help with your account. If a network or program is notoriously unresponsive, that’s a red flag.

Determine the Niche

It’s tempting to go broad and say, “I’ll promote everything from kitchen blenders to sports gear!” but that’s a surefire way to lose focus (and possibly your sanity). Instead, consider what your audience cares about. Are they interested in tech gadgets? Fitness gear? Eco-friendly lifestyle products?

You might think that going super-specific (e.g., niche down to “non-toxic baby products for eco-conscious parents”) is limiting, but it often produces stronger engagement. Passion sells. If you’re genuinely interested in the products, you’ll produce more engaging content. But on the other hand, don’t pigeonhole yourself into very specific niches that aren’t likely to have much interest.

Look for Favorable Terms and Rates

Affiliate marketers live and die by their commissions, and the rates can vary dramatically. Some programs might offer a small flat fee per sale, others a percentage of the sale price. Certain digital products, such as software subscriptions, often have recurring commissions, meaning you’ll keep earning as long as the user remains a paying customer.

However, it’s not just about the commission percentage. Take into account the product price, conversion rate, average order value, and how often the merchant changes terms. A high commission rate on a product that rarely sells can be less lucrative than a moderate commission on a bestseller.

Look for the Cookie Lifetime

A “cookie” in affiliate marketing is like your name tag, letting the merchant know that you referred a particular user. Some programs and networks set cookies to expire in 24 hours, others might last 30 days, 60 days, or even indefinitely.

If you’re promoting a product that typically requires deliberation, like an expensive SaaS tool or high-end camera gear, a short cookie window could cost you commissions when people come back to purchase days or weeks later. On the other hand, for impulse-buy items, a 24-hour window might be enough. Longer is usually better because it gives more time for the prospect to mull over their decision or come back after payday.

Check the Tracking Tools

Your ability to see which of your campaigns are generating clicks, leads, and sales is the backbone of affiliate marketing success. Without reliable tracking you can’t optimize your campaigns, won’t know which tactics are actually making money, and you’ll struggle to diagnose any sudden drop in conversions.

Look for user-friendly dashboards, real-time or near real-time reporting, and robust analytics tools. Some affiliate networks also provide advanced features like subID tracking (allowing you to track the performance of specific links, campaigns, or ads). This data helps you refine your efforts and avoid wasted ad spend or promotional time.

Affiliate Networks and Programs You Can Join

The following is a non-exhaustive list of both affiliate networks and direct programs you might consider. Think of it like a tasting menu: sample what resonates with you, but do your homework before you commit.

CJ Affiliate

• Short Overview: CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) is one of the oldest and most established affiliate networks. They have a wide array of merchants across niches, from tech to travel to retail.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Those looking for a reputable, well-supported network with a broad range of products and services.
  • Beginners who want a user-friendly dashboard and decent reporting functionality.
  • Anyone who’s seeking stability and prompt payouts, as CJ is known for reliability.

Rakuten Advertising

• Short Overview: Rakuten Advertising is a global player with access to major brands you’ll recognize immediately. Their interface has improved over time, and they provide advanced tracking solutions.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Affiliates who want to partner with premium or big-name brands.
  • International marketers, as Rakuten has a strong global footprint.
  • More experienced affiliates who are comfortable navigating a robust dashboard and wide merchant pool.

ShareASale

• Short Overview: ShareASale is known for its user-friendly interface and a large selection of smaller boutique merchants. Great for niche bloggers because you can often find specialized products that align closely with your audience’s interests.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Beginners looking for a platform with straightforward navigation.
  • Content creators aiming for a niche market, since ShareASale’s catalog can be more specialized.
  • Anyone who wants an established network that’s still flexible enough for small-scale influencers or websites.

Amazon Associates

• Short Overview: Amazon’s affiliate program is typically the first stop for many new marketers. It’s simple to set up, and you can promote practically anything on the Amazon marketplace.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Total beginners who want to learn the ropes.
  • Creators who produce product-driven content, like product reviews, gift guides, or unboxing videos.
  • Those who value brand familiarity with consumers. However, be wary of Amazon’s sometimes unpredictable commission rate changes.

eBay Partner Network

• Short Overview: eBay’s affiliate program can be profitable if you’re promoting collectibles, used items, or special auctions. You earn a percentage of the fees eBay collects, which varies based on product categories.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Bloggers or video creators focusing on collectibles, cars, electronics, or unique second-hand items.
  • Those who want to tap into the auction culture where scarcity can drive purchasing decisions.
  • Affiliates who appreciate eBay’s brand recognition but are okay with a variable commission structure.

Shopify Affiliate Program

• Short Overview: Shopify is a heavyweight in the e-commerce platform space. They have a dedicated affiliate program that rewards you for referring new store owners. Affiliates can earn a commission for each merchant who signs up using their referral link.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Entrepreneurs who target aspiring e-commerce business owners.
  • Content creators who produce tutorials on dropshipping, print-on-demand, or general e-commerce.
  • Affiliates who value recurring payouts if referrals stay active (though specifics can vary).

FlexOffers

• Short Overview: FlexOffers is a massive affiliate network that collaborates with over 12,000 advertisers, making it ideal if you want variety. They also provide robust tracking solutions and a dashboard that offers decent analytics.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Affiliates who love testing multiple offers in various niches.
  • Those who enjoy an interface that is somewhat more “old-school” but still functional.
  • Marketers who plan to scale big and want many offers under one roof.

ClickBank

• Short Overview: Known primarily for digital products such as e-books, online courses, and membership sites. ClickBank’s affiliates often enjoy higher commissions, sometimes up to 50-75%, due to the low overhead of digital products.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Bloggers and influencers in “how-to” or self-improvement niches (e.g., weight loss programs, relationship guides, online coaching).
  • Marketers comfortable with funnel-based promotions and upsells.
  • Affiliates who can produce content that goes beyond just product reviews, focusing on problem-solving or transformations.

PartnerStack

• Short Overview: Formerly known as GrowSumo, PartnerStack is popular for its B2B and SaaS affiliate offers. Its interface is sleek, and it’s well-regarded among tech and software companies.
• Who Is This Right For?
  • Affiliates interested in B2B marketing and software tools.
  • Content creators who write tutorials on productivity, marketing, or other software.
  • Anyone who prefers a platform specifically designed to handle SaaS partnerships and robust reporting.

Maximizing Your Affiliate Network and Program Memberships

Once you’ve identified one (or several) affiliate networks or programs to join, how can you make the most of it? Here are some of Uncle Shane’s top tips and strategies for excelling in your affiliate space.

Join Multiple Networks

Classic wisdom tells us to not put all our eggs in one basket. If you’re too dependent on a single affiliate program or network and they suddenly change their terms or slash commission rates, you can face serious setbacks.

• Spread Your Risk: By diversifying across a few networks, you cushion yourself against unexpected drops or shifts.
• Compare and Contrast: You might find that certain networks perform better for specific products or audiences. Having multiple options helps you identify the most profitable ones.

Build Traffic First

One of the biggest mistakes new affiliates make is obsessing over program selection before they have an audience. It’s a bit like trying to sell merchandise at an empty concert hall when you don’t even know who’s gonna play.

• Start Your Blog, YouTube Channel, or Social Media Presence: Deliver free, valuable content. Build a following. Earn trust. Then, when you introduce affiliate offers, it’ll be more organic.
• SEO and Quality Content: If your plan is to rely heavily on search traffic, you’ll need to invest time into understanding SEO. But remember, SEO best practices should align with user experience. Stuffing your site with keywords might bring temporary traffic, but it can repel actual readers.

Develop an Engaged Audience

Audience size is important, but engagement is golden. Ten thousand passive followers won’t buy anything, but one thousand highly engaged ones might convert like crazy.

• Encourage Interaction: Ask questions, spark debate, and get people talking. When your audience is actively responding and sharing, the algorithms (whether on social media or search engines) often reward you with better visibility.
• Build Emotional Connections: Use storytelling, personal anecdotes, or behind-the-scenes looks at your journey as an entrepreneur. The more your audience identifies with you, the more likely they’ll trust your product recommendations.

Experiment and Test

Affiliates who treat marketing like a one-and-done affair can become stagnant. Trends and consumer behaviors shift, and what worked last year might need a tweak.

• Small Tweaks, Big Insights: Change headlines, button colors, or messaging in your calls-to-action to see if conversions improve. These are relatively small changes that can yield valuable data quickly.
• Split Testing: If your platform or marketing tool allows it, run split tests (A/B tests) on your ads, email sequences, or landing pages. Gather data to see which variation performs best.
• Stay Agile: Keep an eye on new product launches, updates to commission structures, or industry trends. Adapting quickly is part of the game.

Conclusion

Choosing between affiliate networks or affiliate programs, then having to choose a specific network or program, can be daunting, even for seasoned marketers. But if you got this far, then you’ve got the tools to make the best choice that fits your needs.

Here’s a quick recap of what we learned:

• Affiliate programs and networks both offer ways to monetize your content; choosing one over the other depends on your niche, traffic sources, and personal preferences.
• Research is critical: investigate an option’s reputation, commission structure, cookie lifetime, and tracking tools.
• Building a real audience before you load up your site with affiliate links makes a world of difference in conversions and credibility.

Before we wrap up, here’s some homework for you: List down affiliate networks or programs you’re interested in joining and make a list of pros, cons, and reasons why you should apply to them. From then, you’re one step closer to getting into the best affiliate network or program for you!