Make Money Online with the ‘Big Ten’ Affiliate Networks

This is the first guest post to appear on this blog! It has been kindly contributed by Jim from theNetFool.com. I will be inviting more guest posters in the future and will publish a post with more details about that in a week or two. In the meantime, Jim covers a topic which is out of my knowledge area – affiliate networks. Over to Jim…

Hey guys, this is the man that’s bullish on the net… Jim from theNetFool.com! I write about ways ordinary people can make money online, so check me out if you haven’t before. On to business!

Affiliate marketing is one of the “easier” (albeit not effortless) techniques that can allow you to earn huge amounts of money. It can, in fact, take longer than expected… but with the right preparation and affiliations, the rewards are sure to come pouring in.  Affiliate marketing, simply put, is a partnership arrangement between a marketer and a merchant whereby profits are shared by both for business generated from a visitor who is directed to the merchant’s site by the marketer.  Unlimited commission can potentially be earned by an effective marketer who works strategically.

A true affiliate marketer can recognize the breadth of opportunities for earnings made available with the right partnerships.  In an affiliate marketing program, the marketer partners directly with the merchant of the products and services he wants to advertise in his site.  Another way to make a killing in the market is to have affiliations with affiliate marketing networks.  This way, a marketer is able to capitalize on the strengths of the network he is joining, enabling him to carry more products and services of multiple merchants by just dealing with one network in terms of tracking, accounting, and commission pay-outs. Every network has their unique spin on things, and almost every network is free to join. Putting two and two together, wouldn’t it be smart to try as many as you can?

Here’s a run through of what I feel to be the “Big Ten”names in affiliate marketing networks:

1.    Commission Junction

This network is one the very first networks to get into the affiliate marketing business.  It has in its roster of affiliated companies in the Top Fortune 500 companies that nobody else can claim.  The network boasts of an international network that generates top statistics and affiliate marketing tracking systems.  Affiliate marketer training and support facilities are available in this network, and earnings are at around 3% to 15% with the maximum pegged at 50%. A must-join!

2.    ClickBank

Another world-renowned professional affiliate network, this network is exceptionally good in its statistics and tracking systems.  Pay-outs are done every two weeks for affiliate marketing programs in digital download products.  Commissions are in the area of 40% to 50%.  This network could work well for you if you focus your marketing efforts towards saturating your own target niche market as competition is high among marketers in this network.

3.    LinkShare

LinkShare, though a bit smaller, is also one of the first affiliate networks in the industry.  Many of the Top Fortune 500 companies are in fact listed in this network as well as in Commission Junction.  Commissions in this network are paid on a monthly basis, and are very reliable

4.    Affiliate Window

Top brand companies and good commission rates are offered by this UK-based affiliate marketing network.  This company offers a broader market as it is not limited to the American market.  There is less competition and therefore more opportunities for earning.

5.    Amazon

Another excellent and professional affiliate network, this network has a lot of products to sell with links that are so easy to create on your website.  Commissions are lower than other networks but because of its popularity and its reputation as a trustworthy online company, but joining the Amazon network could bring hordes of customers buying from your site.

6.    Shareasale

ShareASale is known for being an easy-to-use network.  In this network, there are nearly 2000 merchants wanting to sell their products and services.  The network is user-friendly and pays commissions every month. A great place for beginners!

7.    Google

Who does not know about Google?  Through its Adsense program, Google has entered the affiliate marketing network scene.  This network, owing to its vast usage, can yield healthy returns for any affiliate marketing practitioner. If you aren’t in AdSense, I definitely suggest applying today!

8.    LinkConnector

This network is a relatively new entrant in the affiliate marketing network business.  But its already established track-record evidences a reliable statistics and reporting system.  It offers the major three methods of affiliate marketing: pay per click, pay per sale, and pay per lead.  In addition, Link Connector uses complex affiliate marketing techniques (like direct linking) to enhance affiliate marketing performance.

9.    CPA Empire

This network focuses on email marketing and promotions, and is more concentrated on lead acquisition.  For this purpose, it honestly can’t be beaten. If you are interested in jumping into this new niche, definitely consider applying for a spot at CPA Empire. Working with this network requires follow-through efforts, so be prepared!

10.    Independents

There are other smaller networks that you can join to open up other income generating opportunities. We’re talking about guys like Market Leverage, Never Blue Ads and Motive Network.  Affiliate marketing partners in this network are sometimes not listed in any of the more popular networks, which gives you room for more income. Try an independent broker for some serious residual income today!

Income generation can be made faster by joining affiliate marketing networks.  Aside from riding on the popularity of these networks, you enjoy the variety of products and services available in each network.  With affiliate marketing networks, you get the advantage of having multiple streams of income at once… so try out the ones you like, and let us know what you think!

Tweet This Post Stumble This Post