To start earning commissions as an affiliate marketer, you’ll need to join affiliate programs or networks. These platforms connect you with products and services you can promote on your website. In this chapter, we’ll explore the different types of affiliate programs and networks, how to choose the right ones for your niche.
Before we proceed, let me share an important note for beginners who haven’t chosen a niche yet. It’s essential not to search for affiliate marketing programs before deciding on a specific topic.
1. What Are Affiliate Programs and Networks?
Affiliate programs and networks are platforms that allow you to promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral. Here’s the difference between the two:
- Affiliate Programs: These are run by individual companies. For example, if you want to promote products from a specific brand, you’ll join their affiliate program directly.
- Affiliate Networks: These are third-party platforms that manage multiple affiliate programs from different companies. They act as a middleman, making it easier to promote products from various brands in one place.
2. Types of Affiliate Programs and Networks
There are several types of affiliate programs and networks, each catering to different niches and industries. Here are five popular options:
Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is one of the most popular affiliate programs, especially for beginners. Here’s why:
- Wide Range of Products: Amazon sells almost everything, so no matter your niche, you’ll likely find relevant products to promote.
- Easy to Use: The platform is user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners.
- One Account for Multiple Niches: You can promote products from various categories using a single account.
Everyone should have an Amazon Associates account. Similar programs include eBay, Walmart, and Target.
Commission Junction (CJ)
Commission Junction is one of the largest affiliate networks, offering programs from well-known brands like GoPro, Lowe’s, and Office Depot. Here’s what you need to know:
- Big Brands: CJ partners with many trusted brands, giving you access to high-quality products.
- The only drawback of this network is that before you can officially join the programs, they will review your website, ask about the type of marketing you are doing, and so on. You need to have a fairly well-established website to be accepted into this network.
- Diverse Niches: CJ offers programs in various industries, from health and fitness to home improvement.
This is a large affiliate marketing network, and it is ideal for those who already have a stable website before joining.
There are other networks similar to CJ, such as Awin and FlexOffers.
ShareASale
ShareASale is another popular affiliate network with a wide range of programs. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- User-Friendly Platform: ShareASale dashboard is easy to navigate, making it a favorite among affiliate marketers.
- The mix of Big and Small Brands: You’ll find both well-known brands and smaller, niche-specific companies.
Smaller networks include PepperJam and Peerfly.
SellHealth
SellHealth is a niche-specific affiliate network focused on health-related products. Here’s why it’s great for those in the health industry:
- Health-Focused Products: SellHealth offers a variety of products in the health niche, including anti-aging, skincare, male and female sexual health, and more.
- Easy to Promote: Once you sign up, you can promote different health-related offers, making it ideal if your website or audience is focused on health topics.
- Targeted Offers: This network focuses on the health industry, so you’ll find highly relevant products to promote, no matter your sub-niche within health.
SellHealth is a great option if you’re in the health industry. Other networks like Market Health also offer similar health-related products to promote.
ClickBank
ClickBank is one of the most well-known networks for digital and informational products. Here’s what you should know:
- Wide Range of Categories: ClickBank offers products in various niches, including health and fitness, cooking, self-help, and more.
- High Commissions: Many products offer high commission rates, sometimes up to 50% of the sale price.
- Ease of Use: You can search for products by category or popularity, making it easy to find offers that align with your niche.
- ClickBank is a great choice for those interested in promoting digital products like eBooks or video courses.
A similar program is Udemy affiliate program, which sells online courses on various topics.
Recap of Affiliate Network Types
To summarize, here are the five types of affiliate networks and programs discussed:
- Individual Programs: Programs like Amazon Associates allow you to promote products from a single business.
- General Networks: Networks like Commission Junction partner with big brands (e.g., GoPro, Nike) and offer a wide range of products.
- Niche-Specific Networks: Networks like Sell Health and Market Health focus on specific industries, such as health and wellness.
- Digital Product Networks: Platforms like ClickBank specialize in informational products, such as e-books and video courses.
Choosing the right affiliate network depends on your niche, audience, and the type of products you want to promote. Whether you’re focused on physical products, digital goods, or online courses, there’s a network out there for you.
3. How to Find Affiliate Programs for Your Niche
Once you’ve chosen your niche, the next step is to find affiliate programs that align with your content. Here are three simple ways to do this:
Search Within Affiliate Networks
Most affiliate networks have a search function that allows you to find programs by category or keyword. For example:
- Visit ShareASale or Commission Junction.
- Enter your niche (e.g., “fitness” or “home improvement”) in the search bar.
- Browse the results and apply to programs that match your website’s focus.
Google Search
A simple way to find affiliate programs for your niche is to use Google. You just need to type:
“[Your Niche] + affiliate programs”
For example, if your niche is “vegan recipes,” you can search for “vegan recipes affiliate programs.” The search results will often include articles or lists of affiliate programs relevant to your niche.
Analyze Competitor Websites
To find affiliate programs, you can check out websites in your niche. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit competitor websites and scroll down to the footer. Many websites list their affiliate partners or include disclaimers about affiliate links.
- Take note of the programs your competitors are using and consider joining similar programs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Affiliate Programs
When selecting affiliate programs, keep the following factors in mind:
- Relevance: Choose programs that align with your niche and audience.
- Commission Rates: Choose programs with competitive commission rates.
- Cookie Duration: The cookie duration determines how long a referral is tracked after someone clicks your link. The longer the cookie duration, the higher your chances of earning a commission.
- Payment Terms: Check the payment methods and schedules for the program (e.g., PayPal, direct deposit, monthly payments).
By following these steps, you’ll connect your website to profitable affiliate programs and start earning commissions.