One of the first decisions you will need to make for your affiliate program is choosing an affiliate network to join. From CJ to Linkshare and much more, there are a number of networks available. It’s important you review several options to determine which program best fits your needs.
What is an Affiliate Network?
An affiliate network acts as an intermediary between publishers and merchant programs. In a nutshell, they stand between you and any publishers (or deal/loyalty websites). Most, if not all, publisher websites require that you use an affiliate network in order to post your products on their website. While it does add another layer and often a fee, there are a few perks to using an affiliate network. Such perks include:
- Ability to Centrally Maintain All Promotions
- Access to Publishers in One Place
- Ability to Track Performance
- Access to Resource Information on Best Practices
Criteria for Selecting an Affiliate Network
Each organization will have different needs but to get you started, here are a few things you should consider when selecting an affiliate network:
- Number of Publishers Available in Network
- Transaction Fee
- Setup Cost
- Monthly Fees
- Level of Support Provided
- How Commission is Paid
- Frequency that Commission is Paid
- Commission Approval Length
Always make sure you set up a sales call with each affiliate network and ask tons of questions. As you are evaluating networks, make sure the application and its ease of use are part of your decision making process.
It can be overwhelming to review networks and know what questions to ask. If you need help in researching and determining the best affiliate network for your needs, contact Informatics today.
