Chapter 4: Affiliate Networks

Commission Junction

Website: Click Here

Brief: Commission Junction is a very popular affiliate network. They host a wide selection of affiliate programs, and offer some of the best reporting tools available. A few things that set Commission Junction apart from other affiliate networks are:

Mentionable:

• Real-time reporting. This means you see how your ads are performing (including total commission earned) with up to the second accuracy. With many other affiliate networks, your performance statistics are only updated once daily.
• Access to hundreds of merchant programs and millions of ads in one place.
• Consolidated monthly payments. Commission Junction will consolidate commissions you earn across all affiliate programs you participate in, and send you a check each month. Payment is available in 16 currencies.
• Tools to optimize performance. Commission Junction has developed tools that can help you improve the performance of your business.

Important Note:
Commission Junction uses different terms to describe the parties involved with affiliate marketing than those used here. They use the word "advertiser" instead of "merchant", and "publisher" instead of "affiliate," but the meanings and roles are the same.

Linkshare

Website: Click Here

Brief: Linkshare pioneered online affiliate marketing, so it goes without saying that they offer a quality affiliate network for both affiliates and merchants. Here are a few attributes of Linkshare:

Mentionable:

• Offers an extensive list of top brands including American Express, J Crew, Sharper Image, Walmart and more.
• Get answers to questions fast. Linkshare offers live chat during normal business hours to all affiliates.

BeFree

Website: Click Here

Brief: BeFree's merchants include some of the Internet's best known e-commerce leaders, including barnesandnoble.com, The Gap, Travelocity.com, Staples, IBM, and Best Buy.

Mentionable:

• Partners of Be Free's affiliate programs have collectively been paid over $220 million in commissions to date!
• Offers good reporting tools. Reports available in a variety of file formats.

Amazon

Website: Click Here

Brief: While not a true affiliate network, Amazon may operate one of the most popular affiliate programs.

Mentionable:

• You can promote every product Amazon offers.
• Read the operating agreement carefully as the compensation structure varies depending on the product and link type.