The 8 Best Affiliate Networks for Earning Passive Income in 2019

8 Best Affiliate Networks for Earning Passive Income in 2024

by Kevin J. Duncan

on

Want to find the best affiliate networks in 2023 so you can start earning some sweet passive income?

You’ve come to the right place.

There’s no fluff here.

No overwhelming list of 100+ affiliate networks that all sound the same.

No superficial content that doesn’t help you answer the only question that matters: What’s the best affiliate network for me?

Here’s what we’re going to do:

I’m going to briefly answer some common questions, show you the top affiliate networks we recommend, and quickly break down each of them for you.

You will then take the information, choose an affiliate network to join, and start making money online.

Sound good?

Then let’s get started.

Affiliate Networks: Q&A


Up first are the questions and answers.

Already an affiliate marketing network aficionado? Feel free to jump ahead.

What is an Affiliate Network?

Affiliate networks are middlemen connecting bloggers and entrepreneurs (“publishers”) with companies (“merchants”) offering affiliate program opportunities for their products or services.

Through a single portal, affiliate networks give the publisher access to numerous affiliate programs.

If that sounds like a bunch of gobbledygook, don’t worry. Here’s the important part:

You monetize your blog with these affiliate programs by using a process called affiliate marketing.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a new twist on an old idea: getting a finder’s fee when you refer a customer.

You introduce your audience to a product or service and, if they buy using your unique affiliate site link, you earn an affiliate commission. There are even CPC (cost-per-click) affiliate programs that pay you every time someone clicks your link (PPC or “pay per click”), as well as CPL (cost-per-lead) programs that pay whenever you send them a prospect.

However, many of the most profitable affiliate websites are those that refer sales.

Free Bonus: Click here to get our “cheat sheet” for affiliate marketers delivered straight to your inbox (for free).

In other words: find a product or service you like, promote it to your blog’s readers, and earn part of the profit on each affiliate sale.

Can You Really Make Money with an Affiliate Marketing Program?

Absolutely.

Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income earned over $2 million through affiliate marketing in 2017. John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire earned $25,865 — in June 2020 alone.

Slightly (ahem) on the other end of the spectrum, one of my affiliate programs has earned $3,450 over a span of 3 years.

That’s not “quit all of my freelance jobs” money. It’s not even “hire Nicolas Cage to attend my birthday party” money.

However, as passive income resulting from a single landing page I created years ago, with minimal time spent on outreach and SEO, it’s not too shabby.

Your mileage can and will vary, of course.

But it’s definitely possible to make real, tangible, passive income through affiliate marketing.

Smart, attractive people just like you do it every day.

So, that begs the question…

What is the Best Affiliate Network?

That’s what I’m going to help you figure out.

I’ll give you the breakdown (in no particular order) — you choose the network that best fits your needs.

Let’s get to it.

1. ShareASale

YouTube video

The Scoop on ShareASale

  • Long track record. Founded in 2000 (and acquired by Awin, formerly known as Affiliate Window, in 2017), ShareASale (affiliate link) has been around the block a time or two.
  • Numerous affiliate opportunities. ShareASale offers over 3,900 affiliate programs in 40 different categories.
  • Safe and secure. With zero customer complaints on file, the Better Business Bureau gives ShareASale an A+ rating.
  • Consistent payout schedule. On the 20th of each month, so long as you hit the payment threshold of at least $50, ShareASale sends you money.
  • Different payment options. You can have ShareASale pay you via checks in the mail, wire transfer, or direct deposit. International men and women of mystery can use the transfer service Payoneer. No PayPal, though.

What Makes ShareASale Different?

Thanks in part to its solid reputation, ShareASale is trusted by quite a few big-name companies.

In fact…

Over 1,000 merchants and influencers, such as WP Engine and OptinMonster, are exclusive to the network (affiliate link).

If you want to advertise their products, you can only do so through ShareASale.

That’s one of the reasons entrepreneurs like Jessica Bishop of The Budget Savvy Bride swear by it:

ShareASale was the first network I joined as an affiliate, and it is still my favorite to this day, nearly a decade later! They have a huge assortment of merchants across a variety of niches so you are sure to find lots of great stuff to promote.

Who Should Join ShareASale?

Anyone who’s looking for a reliable affiliate network that offers a wide variety of affiliating marketing options (thus eliminating the need to join multiple networks) should give ShareASale a try.

Whether you want to offer services, a physical product, SAAS (software as a service), or digital downloads to your audience, ShareASale (affiliate link) has you covered.

And if you’d like a more in-depth look into this affiliate network powerhouse, check out our ShareASale review.

2. ClickBank

ClickBank

The Skinny on ClickBank

  • Track record of 20+ years. Founded in 1998, ClickBank has been around longer than M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense. (Spoiler alert: Bruce Willis was wearing a toupee the whole time.)
  • Millions of options. ClickBank offers more than 6 million unique affiliate products.
  • Quick to respond. With zero unresolved complaints as of this writing, ClickBank sports an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Flexible payment schedule. ClickBank lets you choose how often you want to get paid. Want monthly payouts? You got it. Weekly? Done.
  • Variety of payment options. Check, wire transfer, and direct deposit are available. International users can get paid through Payoneer. Alas, no PayPal here either.

What Makes ClickBank Different?

By focusing on digital products created by entrepreneurs from all over the globe, ClickBank offers some of the highest paying affiliate opportunities (man of which you can’t find anywhere else).

But be careful…

While ClickBank itself has a solid reputation and is a very successful affiliate program, some of the products offered by the ClickBank affiliate merchants on this network can be questionable.

You have to do your homework. If you do, you’ll be fine.

If you don’t, and you end up promoting some subpar products, your audience won’t be happy.

(For the record: this advice is applicable to every affiliate network.)

Who Should Join ClickBank?

If you’re looking to exclusively promote digital products, and you want (literally) millions of options (many with high commissions), ClickBank is a good bet.

3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)

YouTube video

The Lowdown on CJ Affiliate

  • Two decades of experience. Founded in 1998, CJ Affiliate was around during Y2K and lived to tell the tale.
  • Lots of brands. CJ Affiliate gives you access to more than 3,000 merchants.
  • Too big to fail. CJ Affiliate is part of Alliance Data Systems, which is a Fortune 500 company. It also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Get paid monthly. CJ Affiliate combines all your affiliate commissions into one monthly payment.
  • Two payment options. Get paid by direct deposit or checks in the mail. PayPal is a no.

What Makes CJ Affiliate Different?

It offers lots of bells and whistles, such as real-time reporting.

That means you can monitor activity on your affiliate dashboard as it happens.

(No more having to refresh your browser every five seconds like a caveman.)

Who Should Join CJ Affiliate?

Anyone with an established audience who wants a feature-rich affiliate network will find a lot to like with CJ Affiliate.

However, it may not be a good choice for beginners.

Because accounts are deactivated if you go six months without earning a commission, and because their merchants have a reputation for being picky on who they accept as affiliate publishers, CJ Affiliate is best for those who get steady traffic to their websites.

However, if you already have an audience of modest size and engagement, you’ll appreciate what CJ Affiliate has to offer.

4. Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates

The Rundown on Amazon Associates

  • One of the first online marketing networks. Started in 1996, Amazon Associates is old enough to legally drink alcohol.
  • Huge selection. Publishers can promote Amazon’s massive catalog of physical and digital products.
  • Backed by Amazon. Valued at over $1 trillion, and with over 90 million paying Prime subscribers in the United States, Amazon’s massive e-commerce offerings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a B+ rating. And because it’s a trusted company, Amazon products typically rank very well in Google search engine results.
  • Not the best payment schedule. Amazon Associates pays you approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which you earned your commission.
  • Several payment options. You can get paid by direct deposit, Amazon gift certificates, or checks in the mail. (Tip: Avoid checks in the mail since there’s a $15 processing fee.) International users can get paid by gift certificates or checks (with the $15 fee waived).

What Makes Amazon Associates Different?

By offering the entire Amazon catalog, no affiliate network can match the sheer volume of physical and digital products offered by Amazon Associates. Plus, Amazon’s conversion rates tend to be very high.

Heads up, though:

Including affiliate links in emails is against Amazon’s company policy, so keep this in mind if email marketing is your primary method for promoting affiliate products.

Who Should Join Amazon Associates?

Affiliate marketers who are familiar with the Amazon ecosystem will feel right at home with Amazon Associates. Though its commission rates aren’t as high as others, Amazon affiliate offers are typically solid.

Those looking to promote services should look elsewhere, but anyone who wants to focus on physical and digital products will find millions of different opportunities in hundreds of different categories with Amazon Associates.

5. eBay Partner Network (EPN)

eBay Partner Network

The 411 on eBay Partner Network

  • Founded in 2008. Though the eBay Partner Network is a relative newcomer on the affiliate network scene, its parent company (eBay) is an e-commerce mainstay that’s been around since 1995.
  • Billions of opportunities. eBay has 1.1 billion listings. You’ll never run out of physical products to promote to your audience.
  • Backed by eBay. With 175 million buyers purchasing over $23 billion of merchandise each year, EPN’s parent company (eBay) is built to last. The Better Business Bureau gives the company an A+ rating.
  • Reliable payment schedule. So long as you’ve earned the minimum of $10 needed for payment, EPN pays you monthly.
  • PayPal! For those who prefer to use the service, EPN allows you to be paid via PayPal. (Direct Deposit is also available.)

What Makes eBay Partner Network Different?

One thing that sets EPN apart from other affiliate networks is the way it lets you promote… unique offerings.

The great Weird Al Yankovich once sang about buying William Shatner’s toupee on eBay.

With the eBay Partner Network, if such a transaction ever takes place, you could earn a nice commission rate on it.

Who Should Join eBay Partner Network?

If your focus is on physical products and you want the peace of mind that comes with doing online business with a large company you’re already familiar with, eBay Partner Network is a great option.

6. FlexOffers

FlexOffers

The Skinny on FlexOffers

  • New (ish) kid on the block. Founded in 2008, FlexOffers is a relatively new affiliate program. As such, doesn’t have as long of a track record as most of its competitors.
  • Growing list of affiliate platform opportunities. FlexOffers has 12,000+ merchants in 25+ categories across 27 (and counting) countries. And they say hundreds of new merchants are added each week.
  • No rating with BBB. Partly due to its relative youth, FlexOffers doesn’t have a rating with the Better Business Bureau. On the upside, BBB shows zero complaints with the company.
  • Quick payments. One of the areas where FlexOffers shines is with payments. When you refer a sale, your commission is paid within 30 days (so long as you meet the minimum balance of $50). And if you’re a top performer, it’s possible to be paid within 7 days.
  • Standard payment options. U.S. residents can be paid by check or direct deposit. PayPal is available for those outside the USA.

What Makes FlexOffers Different?

When you sign up with FlexOffers, you’re assigned a dedicated affiliate manager to help you navigate the affiliate marketing waters.

This makes it a good fit for both beginners and veterans of affiliate marketing.

Who Should Join Flexoffers?

Don’t let its youth fool you.

If you want lots of affiliate options, great support, and quick turnaround on payments, FlexOffers is a solid contender.

And if you’d like a deep-dive into this tip-top and totally awesome affiliate network, check out our FlexOffers review.

7. Pepperjam

Pepperjam

The Scoop on Pepperjam

  • New to the affiliate network game. Though it’s been in the digital marketing business since the 90s, Pepperjam started its own affiliate network in 2015.
  • Quality over quantity. With only 1,500 merchants, Pepperjam has fewer options than its competitors. Why? Well, according to Pepperjam, it’s because they only work with brands they love.
  • An open book. The Better Business Bureau gives Pepperjam a B+ rating. With its focus on transparency and communication (more on that below), Pepperjam goes out of its way to show it has nothing to hide.
  • Payments twice a month. So long as you meet the minimum $25 balance, Pepperjam pays you twice a month. Payment cycles are around the 1st and 15th of each month.
  • Lots of payment options. Pepperjam lets you get paid via PayPal (which is the default payment method), check, or direct deposit.

What Makes Pepperjam Different?

Publishers and merchants can communicate with one another inside the Pepperjam system.

That’s very unique.

Want to ask a merchant who caught your eye a question? Have at it. Flirt away.

Pepperjam actually encourages communication so strong relationships can be built.

Who Should Join Pepperjam?

If you value transparency and customer support, you’ll be hard pressed to do better than Pepperjam as an affiliate network.

8. Rakuten Marketing (formerly LinkShare)

Rakuten Marketing

The Lowdown on Rakuten Marketing

  • One of the oldest affiliate networks. Founded in 1996, Rakuten Marketing (formerly LinkShare) has been hooking up merchants and publishers for over two decades.
  • Only 1,000 merchants. Though it’s been in the affiliate networking game longer than most, Rakuten’s list of brands is shorter than most. However, this somewhat shortlist is made up of many household names.
  • Loved by BBB and guys on social media. Rakuten has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It’s also been called “cool” by someone named Kenny on Twitter.
  • Sporadic payments. Rakuten only pays you after the merchants have paid them. So, if you earned a commission in January, it would be invoiced in early February, the merchant would have a due date to pay Rakuten by February 28, and Rakuten would pay you in March.
  • Solid payment options. Direct deposit, check, and PayPal (in certain markets) are all offered by Rakuten.

What Makes Rakuten Marketing Different?

It’s been ranked the #1 affiliate network for 9 straight years by an industry publication that presumably knows about such things.

Who Should Join Rakuten Marketing?

If you want an affiliate network with an intuitive user interface, a great reporting system, and the kind of solid reputation you can only earn by being in the business for two decades, Rakuten Marketing is a great selection.

Editor’s Note:

Earlier versions of this post included Avangate, MaxBounty, and the PeerFly affiliate network, the latter of which was a popular CPA network that offered a variety of digital and physical products. However, on July 31, 2019, PeerFly discontinued its normal operations and closed the PeerFly affiliate network.

It’s Time to Choose an Affiliate Network


Let’s cut to the chase one more time…

Which affiliate network are you joining today?

Which one is going to launch you on the path towards Pat Flynn and John Lee Dumas levels of ginormous passive income in 2024?

You now know the track records and distinguishing details of 8 great affiliate networks. You have the know-how.

So now it’s time to choose.

Passive income isn’t a myth.

It’s real. It’s out there. And it’s yours if you want it.

Are you ready?

Then let’s do this thing.

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Kevin J. Duncan

Editor-in-Chief for Smart Blogger and Profitable. Applying what I’ve learned and sharing what I know at The Solopreneur Experiment, my free weekly newsletter.

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Written by Kevin J. Duncan

Editor-in-Chief for Smart Blogger and Profitable. Applying what I’ve learned and sharing what I know at The Solopreneur Experiment, my free weekly newsletter.

57 thoughts on “8 Best Affiliate Networks for Earning Passive Income in 2024”

  1. Thanks for the list Kevin.

    It’s very handy for people like me to have this sort of list ready when exploring affiliate options.

    One question, what option do you recommend if I’m about to open fitness blog or in particular weight loss blog? Which network would be better and why?

    Reply
    • Hi Shrikant,

      You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

      Great question. Even though their commissions aren’t as high as others, if I was in the fitness or weight loss niche (and I was only picking one network) I’d pick Amazon Associates.

      You’d be able to promote exercise equipment, vitamins and supplements, workout videos… the list goes on and on. This is a niche where Amazon’s massive catalog really shines.

      Plus, since your readers (likely) already use Amazon (and have possibly already bought health-related products from Amazon in the past), it’ll be an easy transition for your audience.

      Just my two cents. 🙂

      Reply
  2. This is a great list! Just what I was looking for. I was thinking the same thing about Clickbank and wasn’t surprised it wasn’t at the top of your list. I’m looking to branch out to other networks so this list is a great help!!

    Reply
    • Hi Don,

      Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed it.

      Do you currently use Clickbank then? What experience have you had with them? (Just curious.)

      Appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment, Don. Hope you have a great day!

      Reply
  3. Hi, Kevin
    I’m about to launch a website focused on small space gardening, and plan to monetize using affiliate products. Any recommendations? I’m already an Amazon associate, but would like to add others, do reviews and promote products that would fit this niche.

    Reply
    • Hi Nicki,

      CJ Affiliate could be a good choice for you. Lowe’s (Home Improvement) is exclusive to them.

      And in my heck of woods, if I have a house or garden project, Lowe’s is my home away from home because I’m at their stores so often. 🙂

      Thanks for commenting, Nicki. Hope that helps!

      Reply
    • Hi Yogesh,

      I’m sorry to hear you haven’t had much success with Amazon so far. Maybe give ShareASale a try? If I could only pick one network, it’s probably the one I would go with for most people.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
  4. Hi Kevin, thanks for that insight. I had never heard of affiliate networks before (affiliate marketing, yes), but I’m certainly going to look into it now.
    Cheers, Mel

    Reply
    • Hi Mel,

      You’re welcome! Haha. Yeah, you’re probably not alone. The way I explained it to a friend: Without affiliate marketing, affiliate networks (and the numerous affiliate programs they offer) won’t do you much good. 😀

      Thanks for stopping by to read and comment, Mel!

      Reply
  5. Hi Kevin,

    Oh my goodness, where have you been? After that epic blog post you wrote on why you moved to the Rainmaker Platform, you seem to just disappear off the face of the earth 🙁

    Anyway, thanks for another amazing, well-written and well-articulated blog post.
    When you’re just starting out as a blogger, monetizing a blog can be challenging. No, it’s worse than that. As a new blogger, monetizing your blog is a lot of hard work. And it can be very overwhelming.

    Where do you start? First, you need traffic. Lots of it. Then there are so many products, services and companies to promote, so many applications to make, so many forms to complete, and so many passwords to remember. And how do you keep a tab of them?

    And can I be honest? Those income reports of bloggers who (against all the odds) somehow manage to make thousands of dollars in their first month blogging don’t help. Right ?

    That’s why affiliate networks are an amazing alternative.

    I am surprised though that you did not mention VigLink. Viglink serves two purposes –

    One, it’s a referral program (Premier performance network) that pays 10% of your referrals earnings for the first year.

    Secondly, it is also an affiliate network. And this is what I mean: Instead of signing up on different affiliate programs, inserting affiliate links manually, and having all kinds of ads blinking all over your blog, VigLink automatically places affiliate links on your blog from thousands of affiliate programs related to your niche.

    It really is fantastic!

    Kevin, thanks again for coming out of hibernation 🙂 and sharing. I’m off to share on Twitter.

    Best regards,

    Pedro
    Astute Copy Blogging

    Reply
    • Hi Pedro,

      Gosh, I didn’t realize I was missing! 😀

      You’re right, though… I did take a bit of a hiatus for a while. Very happy to be back and writing for the most awesome site on the web (Smart Blogger). 🙂

      Thank you for the kind words and the great comment, Pedro. And thanks a lot for the tweets!

      Hope you’re having an awesome day.

      Reply
  6. Hi Kevin,

    I have a blog which only monitize amazon affiliate. I want to add another affiliate program. What is your suggestion?

    Thanks
    Andro

    Reply
    • Hi Andro,

      Without knowing your niche, if I had to pick only one I would suggest ShareASale. It offers a good mix of physical products, digital products, and services.

      Plus, I’m most familiar with them (ShareASale). No complaints thus far. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Thank you kindly for the low down of top affiliate programs or dare I say networks. A lot of people tend to dismiss working with a network and strike a preference for the independent program.

    Being with a network is time saving – all your data and stats in the one place plus minimum payment threshold is easier to hit.

    Personally, I tend to mix it up, simply for diversification of income sources and think “well what happened is the network goes belly up or changes commission structure/cookie” Some programs that have both independent and are on a network like CJ I’ll opt for the independent one, some I’ll opt for the network.

    Reply
    • Hey Derek — I was wondering if you can suggest any good places to find independent affiliate programs? I’m asking greedily, because I’m newly running one, but haven’t managed to find any high-quality places to list it. (We’re promoting it with ads and direct outreach, but surely there’s a better way??)

      Reply
  8. Hi Kevin,
    Thank you for your guide on ‘Affiliate Networks’.
    I am located in Bangladesh and Bangladesh is not listed on the Clickbank’s list of countries Clickbank operates in!
    Can you suggest any way I can work on Clickbank from here and also if can please advise how I can get paid – I have a PayPal account.
    The reason I’m interested in Clickbank is that I am a soft skills and Neuro-Linguistic (NLP) trainer & coach and feel Clickbank would the products more akin to my experience and skills.
    If I can not work with Clickbank from Bangladesh can you give me some guidance on which sites would be my best alternatives?
    Waiting to hear from you soon and in the meanwhile, I am enjoying & learning from your massive & informative website – soaking it all up!
    Thank you again,
    Mak

    Reply
    • Hi Mohammad,

      You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Hmmmm… I did a little research, and it does appear Bangladesh is outside Clickbank’s list of approved countries. Unfortunately, unless you’re going to do something shady (which I don’t recommend), Clickbank’s not an option for you (unless you move to a different country on their approved list).

      It would appear PeerFly might play well with Bangladesh, though. Want to give them a try and let me know if it lets you sign up?

      Good luck!

      Reply
  9. I always get confused when it comes to choosing an affiliate program to join. Thanks for narrowing my path to better selection.

    Reply
  10. Hi Kevin, thank you for sharing these 9 affiliate networks in details. The payment option part does affect my choice of affiliate networks. Interesting to know that Peerfly pays using Bitcoin as one of their payment options.

    Reply
  11. Hey Kevin,

    Thanks for the great insights. Affiliate marketing is a nice low-risk way to earn without having to invest in making your own product.

    I really liked that you added BBB ratings because I think the #1 cause for concern with bloggers is the credibility of the products their promoting. We all work hard to build our tribes and would hate to share something spammy with them.

    It’s good to have you back in the blogosphere buddy.

    Reply
    • Hi Ayodeji,

      Good to see you, my friend. Thanks for the warm welcome!

      Yeah, when I started researching this post, the BBB ratings were one of the first resources I used. If an affiliate network had a poor BBB rating, I didn’t want to include them (no matter how high their commissions might be).

      What’s new with you these days? 🙂

      Reply
  12. Great article. Can you utilize more than one affiliate? The site will be centered around travel (single and luxury including cruises) and complementary lifestyle options. Blog will mix articles, reposts, and photos.

    Reply
    • Hi Roberta,

      Glad you enjoyed it!

      Absolutely. No reason you can’t use multiple affiliate networks! Some people enjoy the simplicity of having everything in one place. Others like having as many options as possible. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Thank you Kevin for the awesome guide!

    I was wondering, if we don’t have a blog set up yet can we join an affiliate network? If so, which one would you recommend?

    Thank you for your insight!

    Reply
    • Hi LaSue,

      You’re welcome! Thank you for the kind words. 🙂

      Great question! The answer is tricky… it’s both yes and no. For example, I know definitively that ShareASale requires you to have a website in order to join, and I believe CJ Affiliate and Rakuten have the same restriction.

      However, Amazon Associates has no such requirement.

      For the rest of the 9, I would need to do more research to know which require a blog/website and which do not.

      But with the info I have at hand, the winner is… (surprise) Amazon Associates! Just be sure to remember you’re not allowed to promote their products via email. That’s the catch.

      Hope that helps, LaSue!

      But as a FYI: it’s super easy to create a blog these days. I believe Smart Blogger has a post or two about it that can point you in the right direction. 🙂

      Reply
      • Thank you for your reply Kevin. The reason why I ask without the blog is because I’m currently doing Jon’s Freedom Machine, and hopefully at the end of it is when I’ll have the blog set up. In the meantime, I wanted to see what options I had to start in these networks without the blog. ( I ‘m looking into Amazon already as you suggested) but was wondering if maybe the others I could join and use my social media until the blog is set up.

      • Hi again, LaSue!

        Ah, I see. That totally makes sense. 🙂

        Focusing on Amazon for now, until you get your blog setup, is a good approach. Just make sure your affiliate marketing efforts aren’t distracting you from soaking in all the goodness Jon and the SB Team offer in Freedom Machine. 😉

  14. It’s very handy for people like me to have this sort of list ready when exploring affiliate options.

    One question, what option do you recommend if I’m about to open fitness blog or in particular weight loss blog? Which network would be better and why?

    Reply
    • Hi Alex,

      Awesome! I’m glad you found the info to be so useful.

      As luck would have it, I actually answered a similar question earlier! Let me scroll up and find it…

      Even though their commissions aren’t as high as others, if I was in the fitness or weight loss niche (and I was only picking one network) I’d pick Amazon Associates.

      You’d be able to promote exercise equipment, vitamins and supplements, workout videos… the list goes on and on. This is a niche where Amazon’s massive catalog really shines.

      Plus, since your readers (likely) already use Amazon (and have possibly already bought health-related products from Amazon in the past), it’ll be an easy transition for your audience.

      Also, Amazon is a really good “starter” network too. It can be your one and only when you’re starting out, and it can compliment your other options after you’ve grown a bit.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  15. Hi Kevin,

    This was a really easy and interesting post to read. I love that you just get down to business.

    I’ll be honest, my blog isn’t even in the $3,450 a decade category at the moment. But affiliate marketing is something I’m interested to look into when it is.

    I didn’t even know affiliate networks exist, so that’s awesome.

    Great post, thanks Kevin.

    Reply
    • Hi Geoff,

      Good to see you again. Glad you enjoyed it!

      No worries. There was a time I knew zilch about affiliate networks too. Heck, I’m learning more and more every day. That’s just how it goes. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Geoff. Hope you have a great week!

      Reply
  16. I think your ideas are incredible and I personally recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site. Keep sharing these kinds of inspiring articles.

    Reply
  17. Just a heads up – Pepperjam has been in the affiliate space for a long time. They were bought by eBay and then spun out & went back to the Pepperjam name in 2015, but they’ve had their own affiliate network for almost 20 years (since 1999.)

    Reply
  18. Hey Kevin,

    This was really great information. Thanks for providing. Would you recommend an advertiser joining more than one Affiliate program? Finding so much information about what’s the right network to join. Just heard back from Rakuten, they require advertisers to have more than $1 million in on-line sales to join, CJ requires advertisers to pay a $6,000 up front fee and minimum of $500 per month in commissions. Start up companies with exciting products can’t afford this type of up front fees or meet this threshold. Thanks again for your information.

    Reply
    • Hey Todd,

      Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.

      Regarding your question: I would absolutely recommend joining more than one affiliate program. I’m a big believer in not putting all your eggs into one basket. For the same reason I wouldn’t want my entire 401k in Apple stock, I wouldn’t want to pin all my affiliate hopes on one program. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Thanks for writing this definitive guide and for the real examples from some professional affiliate marketers. As I was searching for an article on affiliate marketing for my affiliate marketing business. I am following the instruction as per your article. Hope this will work!!

    Reply
  20. I really appreciate your unbiased and precise serial listing. I have also used shareasale, clickbank, CJ, and mostcpa I think Shareasale is absolutely impressive.

    Reply
  21. Thank you for this! I’ve been reading a lot about affiliate marketing lately and it sort of feels like wading through the ocean since it’s a new concept. I really appreciate the apples to apples breakdown with the same categories throughout – that makes it much easier to actually do some more research and make informed decisions!

    Question: My blog focuses on writing & confidence-building, and I have been posting quality content faithfully for over a year now. I will soon offer coaching in both of those areas, as well as online courses, but I was looking to get into affiliate marketing as a way to earn some passive income while I build out my own offers. Do you have any suggestions about which of these options might be a good fit for my niche?

    Thanks again!

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  22. Thanks for the great ranking! Personally, I’m more into in-house programs. I’m a blogger and now I’m more interested in the e-commerce field. My latest best finds in the highest paying affiliate programs are AliDropship Affiliate Program (software) and Divi (themes).

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