Today we are going to look at the top 10 affiliate programs out there and dig into the good and bad of each and then proceed to a few of the top questions that most beginner affiliate marketers have. As you already know, affiliate marketing is one of the largest online industries and has become a key source of online income for many thousands of professional bloggers, webmasters, businesses and entrepreneurs.
It is estimated that by the end of 2023, the money spent in affiliate marketing will hit the $8.5 Billion Dollar mark.
What is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a type of online marketing in which marketers promote the products or services of other companies in exchange for a commission on each sale they generate. Affiliate marketing is a popular way to make money online because it requires very little investment on the part of the advertiser (affiliate marketer), and it can be a very effective way to generate sales.
In short, both the affiliate marketer and the merchant will benefit in this program as the merchant will sell more goods and the affiliate marketer will get a commission for every product bought through his/her website. Many affiliate marketers earn a nice monthly income from selling other peoples’ products! There is no stock or inventory to worry about and all the shipping and handling (or digital delivery) is taken care of by the merchant.
Later, YOU TOO could be producing your very own products and collaborating with one of the top 10 affiliate programs below to enlist an army of bloggers and website owners to help you become financially free. For a more detailed read on what an affiliate marketer is and does, please review: What is Affiliate Marketing
But, let’s not put the cart in front of the horse here. If you’re totally new to affiliate marketing, I highly urge you to visit my number one affiliate marketing program for training as a marketer first.
This is how countless six-figure earners first began before stepping into the big leagues and producing products (or services) on their own and becoming the “merchant”, then setting up their own affiliate program and enlisting marketers to sell their product or service and earn commissions.
One great thing about this market is that as the affiliate marketers increase, more merchants are becoming onboard meaning that there is an opportunity for everyone. If have a website that gain has lots of traffic, it is the high time to consider affiliate marketing or you could be leaving money on the table.
As a website or a blog owner, there are more than one ways in which you can benefit from affiliate marketing. Remember, the affiliate marketing program does not require the affiliate marketers to have their own products or services. Thereby, way fewer headaches with shipping and customer service for the affiliates.
You just need to place an advertisement on your sites for other merchants, and you will get a commission of every product bought from your site. Before looking at the Top 10 Affiliate Programs, let’s look at important some quick introductory information that’ll you need to know about these programs.
Affiliate Program Pay-out Models
Generally, the most popular affiliate programs offer three types payments.
Pay-Per-Sale (Cost-Per-Sale)
This is the most popular payment offered by most of the affiliate programs. Under this program, the affiliate marketers earn commissions from the merchant each time they will send a client to the merchant website, and that client makes an actual purchase. Various affiliate programs offer a specific percentage of the sale as commission while others will pay you a fixed rate for every sale.
Pay-Per-Click (Cost-Per-Click)
Pay-Per-Click is also considered as widespread and common affiliate agreement. Under this agreement, the affiliate marketers will get fixed rates depending on the number of clients who click on the links placed on the affiliate website that leads to the merchant website. Here a purchase is not necessary to earn commissions, all that has to be done is that the client clicks the link and stays at least thirty seconds on the merchant website. Regardless of what the visitor does on the merchant site, this will not affect the commission.
Pay-Per-Lead (Cost-Per-Lead)
Here the affiliates are paid depending on of how many visitors are sent to the merchant website and then sign up as leads. For the visitor to sign up as leads, it means that the visitors will fill out the information request form on the merchant site.
Although affiliate programs offer you a very good opportunity to earn money online, choosing the best affiliate program may not be quite so straightforward, especially if you are a beginner. Remember, the affiliate programs are both beneficial to the merchant and the affiliate marketer. It’s a win-win situation.
However, just like many other things, there are some affiliate programs that will benefit the merchant and the marketer more than the other. For this reason, we have prepared a list of the Top 10 Affiliate Programs that are not only the most popular but guarantee marketers and merchant mutual satisfaction.
What is an Affiliate Network?
An affiliate network is a platform that connects advertisers with affiliates, allowing advertisers to promote their products or services to a wider audience while giving affiliates an opportunity to earn commissions for their marketing efforts. An affiliate program, on the other hand, is a program created by a single company to incentivize affiliates to promote their products or services.
The primary difference between an affiliate network and a single company’s affiliate program is the scope and scale of the program. A single company’s affiliate program is limited to that company’s products or services, while an affiliate network can offer a range of products and services from multiple advertisers across various industries.
An affiliate network typically manages multiple affiliate programs from different advertisers, providing affiliates with a one-stop-shop to find products or services to promote. Affiliates can sign up to the affiliate network and gain access to a range of promotional materials, such as banners, links, and tracking codes, for multiple advertisers, simplifying the process of finding products or services to promote.
In contrast, a single company’s affiliate program only offers promotional materials for that company’s products or services. This can limit the number of products or services that affiliates can promote, reducing the potential for earning commissions.
Another significant difference between an affiliate network and a single company’s affiliate program is the management of the program. In an affiliate network, the network itself manages the program, providing advertisers with a range of tools and resources to manage their affiliate program and track commissions. In contrast, a single company’s affiliate program is managed solely by that company, which may not have the same level of expertise or resources as an affiliate network.
Affiliate networks also offer a range of benefits to advertisers, including increased exposure for their products or services, access to a larger pool of potential customers, and the ability to work with a diverse range of affiliates. Advertisers can also benefit from the expertise and resources provided by the affiliate network, such as tracking and reporting tools, payment processing, and fraud prevention.
While both affiliate networks and single company’s affiliate programs offer opportunities for affiliates to earn commissions, they differ significantly in terms of scope, scale, and management. An affiliate network provides affiliates with access to multiple products or services from various advertisers, while a single company’s affiliate program is limited to that company’s products or services. Additionally, an affiliate network offers advertisers increased exposure, access to a larger pool of potential customers, and the expertise and resources of the affiliate network itself.
Top 10 Affiliate Programs
Now, before we jump in – please note that these are the top 10 affiliate programs from merchants or affiliate networks. These aren’t necessarily the major money-makers for affiliates. Within my Number 1 Recommendation, you will learn that specific niche affiliate marketing CAN blow away the commission amounts you’ll see below. But, these are definitely prominent on the market and have been around for years. Just about every company with a digital presence (website) has an affiliate program – even Wal-Mart and Best Buy – but, they are (or can be) very niche specific and the competition is incredibly difficult.
ShareASale is an affiliate network that was founded in 2000 and has since grown to become one of the largest affiliate networks in the world. The network currently represents over 4,500 merchants across a range of industries, from fashion and beauty to technology and finance. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the ShareASale affiliate program.
Pros:
Cons:
Additionally, the platform offers various features such as Average Commission, Reversal Rates, Average Sale Amount, and Earnings per Click. With these payments, it is possible for you to access a campaign and let you know where to put more efforts on. Lastly, this is one of the few 2-Tier Affiliate Programs and precisely why I have listed it first.
2. WPEngine
WP Engine offers a WordPress-specific web hosting solutions to help businesses create websites and apps for their businesses on WordPress. If you’re looking for inexpensive WordPress managed hosting, this might not be your best pick because WP Engine plans aren’t exactly cheap. But, if you care about performance and concierge service, then you should go for this platform WPEngine services are far and above any GoDaddy or other over-priced “shared” hosting plan. (GoDaddy may be cheap for the first year, but they will eat your lunch for each succeeding year; you get what you pay for.) I use their service for all my websites and many websites for my clients. That being said, let’s take a peek at their affiliate program. (No, this is not an affiliate network, but definitely makes the list as one of my top 10 money makers.)
To help you out, here are some of the exciting features in WP Engine for you:
Pros:
Cons:
The WPengine affiliate program offers a competitive commission structure and high conversion rates, making it an attractive program for affiliates looking to promote managed WordPress hosting services. The program also provides dedicated affiliate support and a range of marketing materials to help affiliates promote their services effectively. However, the program has a high minimum payout threshold, limited product range, limited payment options, and limited geographic reach, which may be potential drawbacks for some affiliates. Overall, the WPengine affiliate program is a good option for affiliates looking to promote quality managed WordPress hosting services and earn substantial commissions in the process. Lastly, the WPengine affiliate program is another of the few 2-tier affiliate programs available.
3. Amazon Associates Affiliate Marketing
Amazon Associates is one of the most popular and widely recognized affiliate programs in the world. The program allows affiliates to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products on their website or blog. Almost everyone has seen Amazon ads in one form or another. Let’s take a look at the Amazon Associates affiliate program, including commission payments and the pros and cons of their program.
Commission Payments: The Amazon Associates affiliate program offers a tiered commission structure, with commissions ranging from 1% to 10%, depending on the product category. For example, electronics and video game products earn a 1% commission, while luxury beauty and Amazon coins earn a 10% commission. Additionally, affiliates can earn commissions on any product the customer purchases within 24 hours of clicking on the affiliate link, even if it is not the product they initially clicked on.
Pros:
Cons:
The Amazon Associates affiliate program offers a huge product selection, high conversion rates, and a user-friendly platform. However, the program has low commission rates, a short cookie duration, strict guidelines, and a high payment threshold, which may be potential drawbacks for some affiliates.
4. Clickbank
ClickBank is one of the largest and most well-known affiliate networks in the world. The network connects affiliate marketers with vendors who offer digital products, such as ebooks, online courses, and software. Clickbank has been around for decades and many veteran affiliate marketers have developed their own courses and resources and have them available among the other various Clickbank merchants.
Commission Payments: ClickBank offers a generous commission structure, with commissions ranging from 1% to 75%, depending on the product category. However, the majority of products on the platform offer commissions between 50% to 75%, making ClickBank an attractive option for affiliate marketers looking for high commissions.
Pros:
Cons:
ClickBank offers some of the highest commission rates available, a large product selection, a user-friendly platform, and advanced analytics. However, the network also has some potential drawbacks, including low-quality products, limited product categories, a strict refund policy, and high competition. Despite these drawbacks, ClickBank remains a popular and lucrative option for affiliate marketers looking to promote digital products and earn high commissions.
5. eBay Partner Network
The eBay Partner Network (EPN) is a popular affiliate program that allows marketers to earn commissions by promoting eBay products on their websites, blogs, or social media. Let’s take a look at the eBay affiliate program, commission structure and pros and cons.
Commission Payments: The eBay Partner Network offers a tiered commission structure, ranging from 50% to 70%, depending on the product category. The commissions are based on the final value fee that eBay charges the seller when the item sells. Affiliates can earn commissions on both the sale price of the item and any shipping and handling charges.
Pros:
Cons:
The eBay Partner Network offers a large selection of products, competitive commission rates, a user-friendly platform, and flexible promotion options. However, the program also has some potential drawbacks, including low conversion rates, a complex fee structure, strict terms of service, and a limited cookie duration.
6. Commission Junction
Commission Junction (CJ) is a leading affiliate network that connects marketers with advertisers to help them promote products and services to their audiences. Next up, we will discuss the Commission Junction affiliate network, including commission payments and the pros and cons of the program.
Commission Payments: Commission Junction offers a variety of commission structures, including pay-per-sale, pay-per-lead, and pay-per-click. The commission rates vary depending on the advertiser and product, but they can range from 5% to 50%. CJ also offers performance incentives for affiliates who generate a high volume of sales.
Pros:
Cons:
The Commission Junction affiliate network offers a very large network of advertisers, competitive commission rates, reliable payments, and robust reporting and analytics. However, the program also has some potential drawbacks, including a strict approval process, a complex user interface, long payment delays, and a lack of transparency.
7. Awin
One of the popular affiliate networks is Awin, which offers a diverse range of affiliate programs and a reliable payment system. Coming in at lucky number 7, let’s explore Awin’s affiliate network, commission payments, and the pros and cons of their affiliate program.
Commission Payments:
One of the significant advantages of partnering with Awin is its commission payments. Awin offers both cost-per-sale (CPS) and cost-per-lead (CPL) commission models, enabling affiliates to earn a percentage of the revenue generated from their promotional activities. The commission rates vary depending on the advertiser and the product or service being promoted, but typically range from 3% to 20% of the sale value. Awin also offers a reliable payment system, with payments made on a monthly basis via direct bank transfer or PayPal.
Pros
Cons
Awin’s affiliate network offers a reliable and profitable opportunity for both advertisers and affiliates. The network’s diverse range of affiliate programs and commission models, combined with its reliable payment system and comprehensive training resources, make it an attractive option for anyone interested in affiliate marketing.
8. Rakuten
One of the more popular affiliate networks is Rakuten Marketing, which offers a diverse range of affiliate programs and a reliable payment system. Rakuten isn’t for the faint at heart. Their system is very complex and they have stringent approval criteria.
Commission Payments:
One of the significant advantages of partnering with Rakuten is its commission payments. Rakuten offers both cost-per-sale (CPS) and cost-per-lead (CPL) commission models, enabling affiliates to earn a percentage of the revenue generated from their promotional activities. The commission rates vary depending on the advertiser and the product or service being promoted, but typically range from 3% to 15% of the sale value. Rakuten also offers a reliable payment system, with payments made on a monthly basis via direct bank transfer or PayPal.
Pros
Cons
Rakuten’s affiliate network offers a reliable and profitable opportunity for both advertisers and affiliates. The network’s diverse range of affiliate programs and commission models, combined with its reliable payment system and comprehensive training resources, make it an attractive option for anyone interested in affiliate marketing.
9. Avangate
The Avangate Affiliate Network is a popular platform for affiliate marketing, offering a wide range of products and services to promote; most heavily in digital products and services. One of the great features of Avangate is that they have deep-linking which can be a game-changer if used correctly.
Commission Payments:
Avangate offers a commission-based payment model to its affiliates. The commission rate varies depending on the product or service being promoted, but typically ranges from 20% to 50% of the sale value. Additionally, Avangate’s payment system is reliable, with payments made on a monthly basis via PayPal, wire transfer, or check.
Pros
Cons
The network’s high commission rates, user-friendly interface, and dedicated affiliate manager make it an attractive option for anyone interested in affiliate marketing. However, affiliates must be prepared to navigate the network’s limited promotional tools, long payment processing time, and strict approval process.
10. FlexOffers
Flexoffers Affiliate Network is a popular performance-based platform for affiliate marketing, offering a wide range of products and services to promote. Performance-based affiliate marketing is a commission-based advertising model where advertisers pay affiliates (publishers) a commission fee only when a specific action is taken by a customer. The action could be a sale, a lead generation, a click, or any other predefined conversion. This type of marketing is also known as cost-per-action (CPA) marketing.
Commission Payments:
Flexoffers offers a commission-based payment model to its affiliates. The commission rate varies depending on the product or service being promoted, but typically ranges from 5% to 50% of the sale value. Additionally, Flexoffers offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, direct deposit, and check.
Pros
Cons
What is the highest paying affiliate program?
The highest paying affiliate program can vary depending on the industry and the specific product or service being promoted. However, some affiliate programs are known for their high commission rates, including:
WPEngine Affiliate Program: As mentioned above, the WPengine affiliate program offers a competitive commission structure, with affiliates earning a minimum of $200 per sale or 100% of the customer’s first monthly payment. That being said, promoting webhosting for any company is incredibly competitive and definitely not for the beginner affiliate marketer.
ShareASale Two-Tiered Affiliate Program: Also, as mentioned above, ShareASale has a two-tiered affiliate program. You can promote the ShareASale affiliate program to other affiliates. Then, when they make sales through their affiliate links, you gain a small commission – this can add up quickly.
Amazon, eBay, Wal-mart, Best Buy and other major companies pay out huge to their affiliates that move a LOT of volume. Their commissions are so low, so you’ll need to sell a lot and the competition is fierce.
It’s important to note that high commission rates do not always equate to high earnings. Factors such as the relevance of the product or service to the audience, the quality of the promotional content, and the conversion rate of the campaign also play a significant role in determining the success of an affiliate marketing campaign. You can learn all about these factors and more by checking out my Number 1 affiliate marketing recommendation – free to get started – no credit card needed.
Which affiliate program is best?
As an beginner affiliate marketer, choosing the right affiliate program is critical to your success. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which program is the best fit for your needs. Here are some things to look for when deciding which affiliate program is best for you:
Relevance: One of the most important factors to consider is relevance. The products or services you promote should be relevant to your niche or audience. For example, if you have a website that focuses on fitness, promoting a weight loss program would be more relevant than promoting a cooking program.
Commission structure: The commission structure of the affiliate program is another critical factor to consider. Look for programs that offer a fair and competitive commission rate. Some programs offer a flat rate commission, while others offer a percentage of the sale. Make sure you understand the commission structure before signing up.
Cookie duration: The cookie duration refers to the length of time that an affiliate’s referral link will be active. Look for programs that offer a longer cookie duration, as this will give you more time to earn commissions on referrals.
Support and resources: A good affiliate program should offer a range of resources and support to help you succeed. Look for programs that offer promotional materials, tracking and reporting tools, and support from a dedicated affiliate manager.
Reputation: The reputation of the affiliate program is another critical factor to consider. Look for programs that have a good reputation in the industry, and check for reviews from other affiliates. You can also look for programs that have won awards or have been featured in reputable publications.
Payment terms: The payment terms of the affiliate program should also be considered. Look for programs that offer timely and reliable payments, and make sure you understand the payment methods and frequency before signing up.
Restrictions and requirements: Finally, make sure you understand any restrictions or requirements of the affiliate program before signing up. Some programs may have restrictions on how you can promote their products, while others may have requirements for minimum sales or traffic levels.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose an affiliate program that will help you achieve your goals and earn the commissions you deserve.
Is being an affiliate worth it?
Whether being an affiliate is worth it or not, really depends on several factors, including your goals, expectations, the affiliate program you choose, the product or service you are promoting, and the effort you put into promoting it. Here are some things to consider:
Pros of being an affiliate:
Passive income: Affiliate marketing can be a way to earn passive income by promoting products or services to your audience. For many affiliate marketing is the Best Passive Income online.
Low startup cost: As an affiliate, you do not need to create your own products or services, which can significantly reduce the cost of starting a business.
Flexible work schedule: As an affiliate, you have the flexibility to work on your own schedule, from anywhere in the world.
No customer service or fulfillment responsibilities: As an affiliate, you do not have to deal with customer service or fulfillment, which can save you time and money.
Cons of being an affiliate:
Income uncertainty: Your income as an affiliate can be unpredictable, as it depends on the success of your marketing efforts and the commission structure of the affiliate program you are promoting.
Commission rates: Some affiliate programs offer low commission rates, which can make it difficult to earn significant income.
Competition: The affiliate marketing industry is highly competitive, which means you may have to work hard to stand out from other affiliates.
Limited control over the product or service: As an affiliate, you have limited control over the product or service you are promoting, which can affect your credibility with your audience.
Overall, being an affiliate can be worth it if you choose the right program, promote products or services that align with your values and interests, and put in the effort to market them effectively. It can be a great way to earn passive income and build a flexible lifestyle, but it is not a get-rich-quick scheme and requires dedication and hard work.
Is ClickBank worth it?
Again, whether or not Clickbank is worth it depends on you, your goals, your determination and your passion. Successful Clickbank affiliates have built niche websites that are streamlined to promote one or several related products very carefully. Your website and even further, your email marketing can play a major role in how successful you are with Clickbank. It can be a daunting task to get started, but can be very lucrative if you put in the effort.
Also, as mentioned, some of their products are very low quality. I highly suggest purchasing the product first so you know what you’re selling.
How much is ClickBank per month?
Clickbank is free to join. You can easily create an account and begin promoting right away. Having a website can be quite beneficial – for long-term sales, but you can use YouTube or Social Media to share your affiliate links.
Can you make a living with affiliate marketing?
Yes, you most certainly make a living with affiliate marketing. Many people earn a full-time income through affiliate marketing, while others use it as a side hustle to supplement their income. Affiliate Marketing is likely the best side hustle available online.
What should a beginner do in affiliate marketing?
If you’re a beginner in affiliate marketing, here are some steps you can take to get started:
Overall, the key to success in affiliate marketing is to focus on providing value to your audience and building a trusted relationship with them. By following these steps and continuously learning and improving, you can build a successful affiliate marketing business. Want a step-by-step roadmap for success? Click Here
Why do most people fail at affiliate marketing?
There are several reasons why people may fail at affiliate marketing:
Becoming a successful affiliate marketer takes time, a lot of persistence and dedication. Many of us failed our first times out, but there’s nothing more exhilarating that getting that new sale notification.
How do I Promote Affiliate Products?
There are several ways to promote affiliate products:
The key to promoting affiliate products is to provide value to your audience and build trust. Be honest and transparent about your affiliate relationship, and only promote products that you believe in and are relevant to your audience.
