Affiliate marketing networks, also known as performance marketing networks, act like intermediaries in the affiliate program community. They help bring brands and publishers together to partner in affiliate programs.
They work on behalf of both parties to better organize the relationship and handle much of the administrative and reporting side for both.
Affiliate marketing networks are a great entry point for beginner affiliates to get started. There are many affiliate networks an affiliate can sign up for that will grant them access to multiple affiliate marketing programs.
This article outlines 22 of the top affiliate marketing networks to get started with to maximize the value of your affiliate marketing efforts.
Here's What This Article Covers | TL;DR
- The difference between affiliate networks and affiliate programs
- The various types of affiliate partners and the roles they assume
- The various affiliate marketing network models
- The top 22 rated affiliate marketing networks for 2023
- The top three hybrid affiliate marketing networks/programs available
- Notable affiliate marketing networks that didn't make the list in 2023
- The most common affiliate network requirements for acceptance
- Additional affiliate marketing resources
- Best affiliate marketing networks wrap-up
Affiliate Networks vs Affiliate Programs
When it comes to affiliate marketing, there are two main entities: affiliate networks and affiliate programs. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand their differences.
An affiliate network is a platform that connects merchants or brands with publishers or affiliates. Advertisers use affiliate networks to find affiliates to promote their products, while publishers use them to find offers from merchants to promote.
Affiliate networks sometimes charge both parties a fee for using their platform. However, most of the fees come from the merchant's side. The main benefit of an affiliate network is that it makes it easy for advertisers and publishers to find each other and work together.
An affiliate program is a program set up by a brand to promote its products. Individual affiliates can sign up to promote the advertiser's products and receive commissions on sales they generate. The drawback is that finding good offers on individual programs can be harder, and less support is available if something goes wrong.
What type of Affiliate Partner do you want to be?
Affiliates can fit into several classifications that are distinguished by the type of marketing they perform, the content they provide, or other factors. Some of the most common affiliate types are:
Publishers
Publishers typically use a website, blog, or some other vehicle to provide visibility for a brand, product, or service through content. This could be written, audio, video, or visual imagery.
Influencers
Influencers are all the rage these days, with TikTok and YouTube at the forefront of earning income promoting to your audience. Brands hire influencers to promote products and services and work through affiliate marketplaces.
Resellers
Resellers typically have a client base or influence within a certain sector, vertical, or industry and use their connections and their own brand equity to promote products and services from another brand.
Service Providers
Service providers could be an agency that builds websites and purchases on behalf of their clients or leans toward using products and services where there is an existing relationship. For example, website development firms that use a certain website builder over another as it is preferred and they are a preferred partner.
Advertisers
Advertisers use a straightforward approach to buying ads using campaigns on social media, Google Ads, or another ad vehicle to promote a product using landing pages and conversion rate optimization to produce a positive return on ad spend.
Suffice it to say many affiliates utilize multiple promotion techniques to earn commissions and that these affiliate types blend together in many cases.
Email Marketers
Email marketers have built extensive lists via other means and want to leverage them and their subscribers to monetize their email marketing campaigns. Email converts higher than most marketing efforts, so growing an email list is critical.
Couponers
Some publishers rely on coupons to gain traction with affiliate advertisers. They use a discount play to encourage a referral to sign-up, subscribe, or purchase with a discount and receive their commissions.
Community Managers
If you have a successful membership site or community and want to monetize it, you can set up partner banners and other promotional content on your community website and leverage the members as referrals.
Top Affiliate Marketing Networks
Many affiliate networks are available, but not all are created equal. Some have great products and generous commissions, while others have low-quality or low commission rates. To help you find the best affiliate programs for your blog or website, here is a list of the 10 best recurring affiliate networks.
Affiliate networks act as the middleman and, as such, are sometimes easier to work with and provide a better overall experience for both publishers and advertisers/brands. Each network has its own selection of brands it represents, while some brands position themselves across multiple affiliate networks.
The best affiliate networks are the ones that are most reputable and transparent with their policies and pricing and offer value to both publishers and brands. We've ranked our top 10 affiliate networks below.
Please Note: Affiliate marketing networks are also called affiliate networks, affiliate marketplaces, and even affiliate marketing platforms. This article uses all of these interchangeably.
The following criteria were used to rate the top affiliate marketing networks:
- Ease of use
- Acceptance
- Number of advertisers
- Program quality
- Commission opportunity
- Level of support
- Growth potential
Types of Affiliate Networks
Affiliate networks don't all follow the same model and don't offer access to some types of affiliate programs. There are several different program types that an affiliate can leverage. Some are better than others for certain types of promotion and advertising.
Here are the most popular affiliate network marketing models in 2023.
Cost-Per-Sale (CPS) -Affiliates are paid for each sale they send to the merchant or advertiser.
Cost-Per-Action (CPA) -Affiliates are paid when the referred takes an action defined in the affiliate agreement. This could be a sale, a deposit, a signup, or something else.
Cost-Per-Lead (CPL) -Affiliates are paid for each lead they deliver. The lead may e defined by varying obligations like subscription signup, form submission, or sales inquiry.
Cost-Per-Install (CPI) -Affiliates are paid when someone installs software or a mobile app. These are most commonly used for mobile app installations.
Cost-Per-Click (CPC) -An affiliate is paid when someone clicks on the advertiser's website on a specific landing page or the website as a whole. Sometimes people use CPC to measure cost-per-call campaigns, which are different.
Cost-Per-Impressions (CPM) – The affiliate is paid per thousand impressions received on an advertiser's banner or through an email advertisement.
Please Note: Most of our top affiliate marketing networks are cost-per-sale, but cost-per-action and cost-per-lead opportunities are also available. The rankings provided are for CPS and CPA networks. Let's review the affiliate networks list.
PartnerStack
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #1
The Partnerstack affiliate network allows you to connect with high-quality merchants, providing a wide range of products and services to promote and sell.
The Partnerstack affiliate network is designed to help you find the best matches between merchants and your target audience while providing various tools and resources to succeed as an affiliate marketer. This includes access to advanced analytics, tracking tools, and other helpful resources to help you optimize your campaigns.
Why Partnerstack is #1: We rated Parnterstack as our best affiliate marketplace as the interface is great, and the quality of the partner opportunities in B2B software aligns well with Web Tools Advisor. And they offer a large assortment of recurring affiliate programs and 12-month payouts.
In addition, the network offers a full suite of payment options, allowing you to choose the best method of payment for each individual merchant.
Why you should join: Access to affiliate partners that offer high commissions, many with a recurring commission structure. Excellent technology and tracking tools. A modern, clean interface.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Top Affiliate Merchants: Vimeo, Maropost, Webflow, Zoominfo, Freshworks
Top Affiliate Categories: B2B, SaaS, Computers & Software, Online Services, Finance
Admitad
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #2
Admitad is an affiliate marketing network that helps connect merchants with experienced and knowledgeable affiliate marketers. We would rate it one of the best affiliate marketing platforms for beginners.
It offers an easy-to-use platform for merchants and affiliates to track their performance, monitor campaigns, and measure results. Affiliate marketers benefit from Admitad’s vast network of merchants, which allows them to find the right products and services to promote easily.
Admitad offers various tools to help affiliates run more effective campaigns, including advanced tracking, real-time analytics, and creative asset management.
Why you should join: Access to many advertisers from across the world and advanced features to help any affiliate marketer succeed.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Commission Rate: Varies based on advertiser
Top Affiliate Merchants: Emirates, Uber Eats, Pandora, Under Armor, Samsung
Top Affiliate Categories: Travel, Gaming, Finance, Online Services, Pets, Books
Impact (formerly Impact Radius)
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #3
The Impact affiliate network provides tools and resources to help you reach your goals as an affiliate marketer. These tools include educational videos, product reviews, and how-to guides.
The Impact affiliate network also offers a live chat and email support system. This allows you to get help from the network's team of experts if you need assistance with any aspect of your marketing efforts.
Some of the biggest brands rely on Impact and are moving from other networks to Impact. They offer advanced analytics and a very modern platform.
Why you should join: Strong technology and an extensive network of opportunities to connect with advertisers to promote across different channels.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Airbnb, Addidas, Fanatics, Lenovo, L'Oreal
Top Affiliate Categories: Clothing, Travel, Online Services, Tickets & Events, Computers
FlexOffers
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #4
The FlexOffers affiliate network connects digital marketers with vetted, high-performing affiliate programs. You can earn a commission on qualifying sales generated through your marketing efforts as an affiliate.
The FlexOffers advantage lies in its merchant-first approach. Their team of experienced account managers personally vets each program before joining the network, ensuring you only work with the highest-quality merchants.
FlexOffers provides deep insights into each program’s performance so that you can optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI.
Why you should join: Access to some powerful brands. A FlexRev-Share model with bonuses. And multiple feed types to bring products onto your affiliate website.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Top Affiliate Merchants: Audible, Keurig, Total Wine, Lovesac, TJ Maxx, Hawaiian Airlines
Top Affiliate Categories: Insurance, Online Services, Retail, Electronics, Home Improvement
Rakuten Affiliate Network
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #5
The Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Network is a great option for affiliate publishers looking to make money through their websites. This network provides access to over 150,000 advertisers, making it easy for publishers to find campaigns that fit their sites.
It also offers tools that simplify tracking campaigns, getting creative and building relationships with advertisers. Rakuten also offers competitive commission rates and numerous payment options, making it easier for publishers to get paid.
Additionally, the network provides its publishers with exceptional customer service and a dedicated account manager to help them optimize their campaigns. With its wide range of features, the Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Network is an excellent choice for any affiliate publisher.
Why you should join: Rakuten is one of the largest affiliate networks with access to over 150,000 advertisers, which makes it easy to find partners and promote.
Network Acceptance: Hard
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Old Navy, Target, Kohl's, PetSmart, Ulta Beauty
Top Affiliate Categories: Home Improvement, Clothing, Health & Beauty, Shoes, Electronics
MaxBounty
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #6
MaxBounty is a leading performance marketing network for affiliate marketers. You can earn through CPA, CPS, CPL, and CPI pricing models as an affiliate. MaxBounty offers weekly payments, which is better than many other affiliate networks.
Through the network, affiliate marketers can access campaigns from the world’s leading brands, track performance, and get paid quickly and reliably. MaxBounty also provides extensive support for its affiliates, including detailed tracking and reporting, access to marketing materials, real-time statistics, and more.
Why you should join: Weekly payments, performance bonuses, and account management assigned to your affiliate needs. Access to international campaigns.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Square, GoDaddy, H&R Block, Apple, American Express
Top Affiliate Categories: Online Services, Electronics, Finance & Banking, Insurance
Cuelinks
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #7
The Cuelinks affiliate program is a great way for international bloggers and website owners to earn money by promoting products and services from leading online retailers. Cuelinks provides all the tools and resources you need to get started.
With Cuelinks, you can earn a commission on every sale you generate, and they offer a wide range of commission rates so that you can customize your earnings to suit your needs.
Why you should join: Access to top brands in India with some unavailable elsewhere and an easy-to-use system that offers zero link management.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Top Affiliate Merchants: AliExpress, Flipkart, Domino's Pizza, Amazon.in, Levi's
Top Affiliate Categories: Clothing, retail, online services, fashion, travel
GiddyUp
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #8
GiddyUp is a new affiliate network quickly making a name for itself in online marketing. The company offers a wide range of features and benefits, making it an attractive option for affiliate marketers.
For starters, GiddyUp provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate. The company also offers a variety of tools and resources that you can use to promote its advertisers' products and services.
In addition, GiddyUp offers a competitive commission structure that allows you to earn a solid income.
Why you should join: Exclusive access to some of the best products and brands worldwide. Excellent technology for tracking and maximizing affiliate marketing campaigns.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Dollar Beard Club, Pretty Litter, Hiya, Fixd, LIFX
Top Affiliate Categories: Online Services, Wellness & Fitness, Nutrition, Pets, Home & Garden
Awin
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #9
Awin has access to a large number of potential advertisers and publishers. Advertisers can benefit from the network's ability to reach a large audience, while publishers can earn revenue by promoting the products and services of the advertisers.
The network also offers a variety of tools and resources that can help advertisers and publishers succeed in affiliate marketing. For example, the network provides detailed tracking information that can help to identify which campaigns are performing well and which ones need improvement.
In addition, the network offers support and advice on how to use affiliate marketing best to achieve success.
Why you should join:
Network Acceptance:
Refer & Earn Program:
Top Affiliate Merchants: Burton, Emirates, Etsy, The Motley Fool, Warby Parker
Top Affiliate Categories: Fashion, Outdoors, Business Services, Finance & Insurance, Travel
Avangate
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #10
The Avangate affiliate network connects brands and publishers to promote and manage partnerships for digital and physical products. It is rated the number one worldwide affiliate network for digital goods by mThink in 2023.
The Avangate affiliate network allows you to easily find, research, and select products and services that align with your niche. The Avangate affiliate network offers a trusted platform with little frills but access to a large pool of affiliate programs.
Avangate is rated the number one worldwide affiliate network for digital goods by mThink in 2023.
Why you should join: They have dedicated affiliate manager support, automated data feeds for your affiliate platform of choice, and decent reporting tools to help you track campaigns successfully.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Movavi, Nero, Malwarebytes, SEO PowerSuite, Bitdefender
Top Affiliate Categories: Audio & Video, Internet, Security, Utilities, Mobile Apps
AvantLink
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #11
AvantLink is an affiliate network that connects digital marketers with leading brands in various industries. Whether you're looking to promote travel, retail, or technology products, AvantLink has something for you.
They have an expert team always on hand to help you maximize your earnings potential. And with a wide range of tools and resources, you can run your affiliate marketing business exactly how you want.
Why you should join: Access to many quality brands to promote, as well as conversion tools and advanced tracking with the launch of AvantLink Arches.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: REI, Patagonia, YETI, Skullcandy, Moosejaw
Top Affiliate Categories: Fashion, Sports & Outdoors, Fitness, Retail, Health & Wellness
Skimlinks (a Taboola company)
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #12
With Skimlinks, you can access a network of over 48,000 merchants, including some of the biggest online retailers, and earn commissions on sales you generate. Skimlinks also offers advanced tools that allow you to customize your affiliate links and optimize your affiliate marketing campaigns.
Why you should join: A free solution that provides access to over 48,000 merchants and automates affiliation of content.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Top Affiliate Merchants: Chewy, Nordstrom, Sephora, B&H Photo Video, Dyson, Coach
Top Affiliate Categories: Fashion, Shoes, Online Services, Technology, Home & Garden
ShareASale Affiliate Program
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #13
ShareASale is one of the biggest affiliate networks. It was purchased by Awin and is now part of the Awin network. It provides tools and resources to help affiliates succeed in their online businesses, including advertising, analytics, and payment processing services. It is a leading choice among affiliate networks because of its high-quality service and user-friendly platform.
In addition to its comprehensive suite of tools, ShareASale offers multiple affiliate programs that cater to different types of online merchants and markets. These include digital products such as e-commerce websites, mobile apps, and physical products like books, toys, and beauty products.
Why you should join: Exposure to many high-quality brands and merchants with a large assortment of products and services and an extensive library of assets to use across mediums.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Top Affiliate Merchants: Displays2go, Reebok, Sol de Janeiro, Etsy, Ooni, Daily Harvest
Top Affiliate Categories: Automotive, Business, Clothing, Education, Family, Home & Garden
CJ Affiliates
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #14
CJ Affiliate, formerly Commission Junction, is an excellent opportunity for aspiring affiliate publishers to monetize their websites and blogs. With CJ Affiliate, publishers can take advantage of the thousands of merchants and products to choose from and earn commission on sales they refer.
CJ Affiliate offers vast creative assets and resources to help publishers promote their products and services, including banners, text links, product feeds, and more. With CJ Affiliate, publishers can access a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to help them create and manage successful affiliate marketing campaigns.
Why you should join: CJ is a reliable and well-entrenched affiliate marketing network that provides access to many affiliate programs and assets to promote.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Overstock, J.Crew, Priceline, Blue Apron, IHG, Office Depot
Top Affiliate Categories: Beauty, Family, Business, Health & Wellness, Legal, Insurance
Algo Affiliates
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #15
The Algo Affiliates Program is an innovative affiliate program designed to help affiliates monetize their traffic and increase their income. The program allows affiliates to promote products and services from various top-tier brands and earn commissions for each sale they refer.
The program offers a variety of promotional materials, including banners, text links, and product reviews, to help affiliates reach their target audience. It also provides real-time tracking and reporting so affiliates can easily track their performance and progress.
The program constantly expands its list of partners, so affiliates can look forward to more opportunities to monetize their traffic.
Why you should join: Algo provides access to global affiliate programs that might not be present in your country. They also offer some great affiliate tools.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Not Available
Top Affiliate Categories: Travel, Crypto, Health, Insurance, Beauty, Dating, Home Improvement
Travelpayouts – Travel Affiliate Network
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #16
The Travelpayouts affiliate network provides access to travel-related products and services in a single, easy-to-use platform. These products and services include airfare, hotels, rental cars, and more.
The affiliate network allows marketers to promote these products and services to their audience by signing up with a website in the network. They provide critical tracking capabilities and provide access to over 110 travel-specific brands.
Why you should join: Access to the largest number of travel and hospitality merchants in the industry. No code partner tools and a Chrome extension to help build links on the fly.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Trivago, Agoda, Vrbo
Top Affiliate Categories: Hotel, Car Rental, Insurance, Flights, Tours & Activities
ClickBank
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #17
Founded in 1998, ClickBank has become a leading platform for selling ebooks, software, and other digital products. As an affiliate marketer, you can earn commissions by promoting ClickBank products through your website or blog.
ClickBank offers a wide range of digital products, so you can find products that match your interests and niche. And because ClickBank takes care of all the payments and product delivery, you can focus on driving traffic to your website or blog and earning commission on sales.
Why you should join: ClickBank provides easy access to many digital and physical products you won't find elsewhere and offers many training opportunities to learn affiliate marketing.
Network Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Exipure, ProDentim
Top Affiliate Categories: Online Services, CBD, Finance, Health & Wellness, Supplements
Ascend by Partnerize
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #18
Partnerize is an industry-leading, technology-driven performance marketing platform (formerly Pepperjam) that enables publishers and businesses to accelerate revenue growth by launching and managing successful partnership programs.
Ascend by Partnerize helps you increase your reach and revenue by connecting you with more merchants and obtaining higher commissions. It provides detailed reports and insights into affiliate performance for campaign optimization and better results.
It is easy to use and quickly integrates with other platforms, allowing you to track your performance across multiple channels.
Why you should join: Ascend connects publishers with big brands and opportunities to promote and earn. The Pepperjam platform is highly rated. It offers excellent integrations for cross-channel tracking.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Bonobos, Nordstrom Rack, Shutterfly, Cole Haan, Puma
Top Affiliate Categories: Fashion, Home & Garden, Shoes, Home Improvement, Automotive
MarketHealth
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #19
MarketHealth is one of the leading affiliate networks in the healthcare industry. With a wide range of health-related products and services, MarketHealth allows you to earn high commissions.
MarketHealth is a great choice for experienced and new affiliate marketers alike. It also offers tools and resources to help you optimize your campaigns and reach their desired goals. With its comprehensive tracking system, MarketHealth is an excellent tool for maximizing affiliate earnings.
Why you should join: Access to top-quality health and wellness brands globally, get paid 2x per month with flexible payout options. Flexible and favorable options for super affiliates.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: Yes
Top Affiliate Merchants: Alta White, Revitol, Claripro, Idol, Joint Advance
Top Affiliate Categories: Nutrition, Supplements, Joint Health, General Wellness
MoreNiche
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #20
MoreNiche is one of the leading health affiliate networks in the world. They offer access to a wide range of high-quality products, including health, beauty, and wellness. With more than 10 years in the industry, MoreNiche is a trusted partner for affiliates looking to earn commission on health, beauty, and wellness products.
Why you should join: High commissions of up to 70% in some areas, earn commissions on repeat orders, lifetime cookies, chargeback protection, and other unique features.
Network Acceptance: Medium
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Health Nutrition, TrimTone, Brutal Force, Zotrim, Blackwolf
Top Affiliate Categories: Men's Health, Women's Health, Fitness, Nutrition, Beauty
Refersion Marketplace
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #21
The Refersion Marketplace affiliate network is a cloud-based platform that allows affiliates to manage their campaigns and track results. It's ideal for those who want to automate their marketing efforts, reduce the time and effort required to manage their campaigns, and increase their revenue.
Refersion Marketplace allows affiliates to manage their campaigns by providing ad inventory, analytics, and reporting tools. These tools provide valuable information about each campaign, allowing affiliates to make informed decisions about optimizing their campaigns.
Overall, the Refersion marketplace affiliate network is an effective tool for those looking to automate their marketing efforts and scale their business.
Why you should join: Access to over 60,000 brands across many industries. Attribution through first-party tracking and advanced offers and commissions.
Network Acceptance: Difficult
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Glam Seamless, Mellani, Holle, Fora, CoolJarz
Top Affiliate Categories: Health & Wellness, Food & Beverage, Fashion & Beauty, Home
AffiliaXe
Web Tools Advisor 2023 Top Affiliate Network Rating: #22
AffiliaXe is one of the leading global affiliate networks. They have over 10 years of experience and a wide range of high-quality offers and affiliate programs. They work with some of the world's largest brands, such as Adidas, Booking.com, and Nike.
AffiliaXe has a strong suite of affiliate marketing tools to leverage for campaigns. And AffiliaXe has a team of experienced affiliate managers available 24/7 to help you maximize your earnings.
They offer bi-weekly payments, and their exclusive features include advanced tracking and reporting, creative assets, and a dedicated account manager.
Why you should join: AffiliaXe offers access to programs globally, top offers, and support for multiple marketing promotion channels. They also offer payment every two weeks, and a $1,000 affiliate welcome bonus with conditions.
Network Acceptance: Hard
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Hilton, Booking.com, Agoda, GameForge, Ubisoft, Groupon
Top Affiliate Categories: Online Services, Gaming, Skincare & Beauty, Online Shopping
Additional Important Affiliate Hybrid Programs
Three notable affiliate network hybrids can pass as a network or a program. These are Amazon Associates, Walmart Affiliates, and the eBay Partner Network.
There are different factors at play for acceptance and use within each. We've split these out as separate entities in this article.
Amazon Associates Affiliate Program
Amazon Associates is a great affiliate marketing program for beginners, with a simple one-time flat commission of just 1–2% of all the customers you bring through the door.
Amazon Associates accepts virtually any payment method, including ACH. They are the largest online marketplace for products in the world. They trail only Walmart for total offline and online sales.
Why you should join: Amazon Associates controls affiliate access to the largest online marketplace. More online sales are conducted on Amazon than on any other online portal, so gaining access is important.
Program Acceptance: Hard
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Almost all brands are available on Amazon
Top Affiliate Categories: All categories are available
How to get started: Sign up for Amazon Associates directly
Walmart Affiliates
Walmart's Affiliate Program is a great way for businesses and individuals to earn a commission on any product purchased from Walmart.com when users click through their website or blog to Walmart.com.
Businesses and individuals can promote Walmart products on their websites, blogs, social media accounts, and emails and earn commissions by referring customers to Walmart.com.
Walmart's affiliate program is a great way to monetize your website or blog and to make money while promoting the products Walmart offers.
Why you should join: Access the largest global merchant and decent commissions with extra incentives once you sell over certain tiers.
Program Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Most brands that sell through Walmart. Some brands are excluded.
Top Affiliate Categories: furniture, electronics, clothing, home & garden, office supplies, grocery, baby items, health & wellness, toys, books, music, and more
How to get started: Sign up for Walmart's Affiliate Program through Impact
The eBay Partner Network
The eBay Partner Program is an affiliate program designed to help website owners monetize their content while promoting eBay’s products and services.
With the eBay Partner Program, affiliates can choose the products and services they want to promote and receive detailed analytics on their performance. The program also offers a range of creative tools to help affiliates design promotional material that will attract more customers.
As an affiliate, you will also have access to the eBay Partner Network, where you can network with other affiliates and share tips and advice.
Why you should join: eBay supplies access to one of the largest pools of affiliate programs and products to promote online. They offer quality tools and support, and maximum opportunity.
Program Acceptance: Easy
Refer & Earn Program: No
Top Affiliate Merchants: Omega, Jordan, Michelin, iRobot, Pioneer
Top Affiliate Categories: Shoes, Automotive, Refurbished, Home & Garden, Collectibles
How to get started: Sign up for the eBay Partner Network directly
Additional notable affiliate networks not covered here
- AdsMain
- Affiliate Future
- AdMedia
- TradeTracker
- TradeDoubler
- Webgains
- LinkConnector
- Digital Media Solutions
- Perform
- Toro
- A4D
- Mobidea
How do I choose the best affiliate network?
Choosing the right affiliate network can be overwhelming for new affiliate marketers. There are many factors to consider, such as the commission rate, the availability of tools and resources, and the network's level of support.
Use the list in this article to get started. Review each one that offers advertisers and products within your niche. Then take your short-list and visit each to determine what other features they might have that most align with your goals and promotion style.
Also, consider your geographic target, as only some networks are global affiliate networks.
Most Common Affiliate Network Requirements
- A complete and professional live website
- Ability to show proof of identification
- Business organization
- Traffic to your primary channel, be it a website or social network
- Multiple marketing channels live
Additional Affiliate Marketing Resources
- 5 Affiliate Marketing Strategies to Rely on in 2023
- How Do Relationships Define the Best Affiliate Marketing Partnerships?
Affiliate Marketing Networks Wrap-up
If you want to build your career as an affiliate marketer and make passive income by promoting brand's products and services, you'll want to find affiliate networks that understand your needs and can support your growth.
Just because it is labeled a great affiliate network doesn't mean it will be great for you. Popular affiliate networks should be a launching point for further research. A network's alignment with how you promote will determine your affiliate success and govern your affiliate sales.
Best of luck on your affiliate journey, and comment below to let us know how it's going.