10 Best Affiliate Networks for Bloggers in 2021
10 Best Affiliate Networks for Bloggers in 2021
Are you are someone who wants to monetize their blog? If so, one of the best ways professional bloggers generate income is through affiliate marketing. Simply put, affiliate marketing is promoting products on your blog. The key to its success is promoting products that would interest your readers. And if a visitor buys a product through your blog's affiliate marketing efforts, you receive a commission.
If you're unsure about which products to promote on your blog, there are affiliate marketing networks you can use. These platforms contain tens of thousands of businesses and millions of products. Whether it is big brands, small brands, digital products, etc. These affiliate networks can help you find products that fit your niche and audience. Here are the ten best affiliate networks for bloggers in 2021.
1. AWIN
Originally known as Affiliate Window, AWIN contains over 13,000 active merchants. AWIN has a substantial network in Europe and a rapidly increasing one in the U.S. The platform also has an expansive affiliate network. So, you can find digital and physical products in virtually all niches. However, AWIN is typically a platform for more experienced affiliates.
Pros
- Real-time insights
- Paid twice per month (min payout of $20)
- Heavy vetting merchant process
- WordPress plugin included
Cons
- $5 sign up fee
- $5 non-refundable if not approved
2. Amazon Associates
There is no denying that Amazon is among the largest eCommerce platforms in the world, which is why Amazon Associates is an incredibly useful affiliate marketing platform. Through Amazon Associates, you can receive a commission on any item sold on Amazon. With universal cookies, you can even receive a commission for a product you did not promote directly. For instance, if you link to a beauty product on Amazon and the user buys a new microwave, you receive a commission.
Pros
- Massive product selection
- Universal cookies
- $10 payout
Cons
- Universal cookies last 24 hours
- Some products have low commissions (<1%)
- Amazon can change commission rates
3. ShareASale
One of the largest affiliate markets is ShareASale. The platform has over 4,000 merchants that sell both digital and physical products. The ShareASale dashboard also contains data points on earnings per click, commission, reversal rate, and average per sale. These metrics can be quite useful when running an eCommerce campaign.
Pros
- Trustworthy affiliate marketing source
- Exclusive merchants
- Can compare competition offers
Cons
- Slightly outdated dashboard
4. CJ Affiliate
Formally known as Commission Junction, CJ Affiliate is perhaps the most established and largest affiliate marketing platform available. You can find nearly every major retailer within its netowrk, which makes them an invaluable resource for your affiliate marketing business. It is also simple to compare and segment varying offers, and there are even multiple ad sizes available.
Pros
- Consistent payment schedule
- Thousands of advertising partners on the platform
- Powerful optimization metrics
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Customer support could be better
5. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising is another popular affiliate network that contains many big-name brands, including Walmart, Best Buy, Macy's, and much more. However, their network is not as large as other affiliate platforms previously mentioned, with only about 1,000 merchants. Nevertheless, Rakuten is a great platform for reaching the big-names and has some nice features too.
Pros
- Trusted platform
- Big-name brands
- Useful features, such as easy ad rotation
Cons
- Smaller affiliate selection
- Slightly outdated dashboard
6. VigLink
VigLink is an affiliate marketing network designed specifically for bloggers. The platform uses dynamic links to automatically match bloggers to merchants with the highest conversion/commission rates. All in all, VigLink's platform is a simpler way for content creators to generate revenue through their affiliate network.
Pros
- Hands-off affiliate network
- Simple yet powerful dashboard
- Works great for websites and social media pages
- Dynamically set to optimize income
Cons
- Each merchant must approve your separately
- Payout once per month
- VigLink takes a large slice of commissions
7. eBay Partner Network
Although not as large as Amazon, eBay currently stands as one of the largest eCommerce platforms available. eBay Partner Network is their personal affiliate network, where you earn commissions on eBay listings. You can earn a commission on any product sold on eBay. However, many of their products are sold through their famous auction-style method.
Pros
- Earn commission on used products
- High commission rates (50%-70% of eBay's profits)
- Huge product catalog
Cons
- Cookies last 24 hours
- Auctions can take weeks to complete
8. ClickBank
ClickBank is one of the oldest online affiliate marketing platforms and has been around since the dawn of the internet. The platform has a stronger focus on digital products. However, they have added many physical products in recent years. It is free to join their network with automatic approval. You can also earn a commission rate of up to 75%.
Pros
- Weekly payout options
- Instant approval
- Joint venture program where you can collaborate with ClickBank partners
Cons
- Limited physical products
- Some digital products are of low quality
- Stiff competition from other platforms that sell the same products
9. Walmart Affiliates
Behind Amazon and eBay, Walmart holds the next biggest share in the eCommerce market, which is why becoming a Walmart Affiliate is another great choice if you want to promote physical products. What makes Walmart more appealing than its competitors is it provides slightly higher commission rates. Likewise, Walmart's cookies last three days, while most others only last 24 hours.
Pros
- Higher commission
- Huge product selection
- Well-known and well-trusted brand
- Longer cookies
Cons
- Smaller product selection than Amazon
- $50 min payout
10. Flex Offers
Flex Offers contains over 12,000 merchants from small and big brands alike. Likewise, it has a very modern and easy to use platform, with a ton of new features always being added. Flex Offers has been around for years and is a highly trusted source. Additionally, you have access to an account manager, which offers you the best promotions and can improve your affiliate marketing program.
Pros
- Huge product selection
- Dedicated affiliate manager
- Top-notch dashboard
Cons
- PayPal is the only payment option for users outside the U.S.
Learn How to Take Advantage of Affiliate Marketing
If you are a blogger or thinking about becoming one, you'll need to know all the tips in tricks to maximize your blog's revenue through affiliate marketing. Sign up for my Affiliate Marketing 101 Course, where I teach you everything from starting your blog to finding your niche and how you can use affiliate marketing to get money in your bank account. And if you need any more help, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Are you are someone who wants to monetize their blog? If so, one of the best ways professional bloggers generate income is through affiliate marketing. Simply put, affiliate marketing is promoting products on your blog. The key to its success is promoting products that would interest your readers. And if a visitor buys a product through your blog's affiliate marketing efforts, you receive a commission.
If you're unsure about which products to promote on your blog, there are affiliate marketing networks you can use. These platforms contain tens of thousands of businesses and millions of products. Whether it is big brands, small brands, digital products, etc. These affiliate networks can help you find products that fit your niche and audience. Here are the ten best affiliate networks for bloggers in 2021.
1. AWIN
Originally known as Affiliate Window, AWIN contains over 13,000 active merchants. AWIN has a substantial network in Europe and a rapidly increasing one in the U.S. The platform also has an expansive affiliate network. So, you can find digital and physical products in virtually all niches. However, AWIN is typically a platform for more experienced affiliates.
Pros
- Real-time insights
- Paid twice per month (min payout of $20)
- Heavy vetting merchant process
- WordPress plugin included
Cons
- $5 sign up fee
- $5 non-refundable if not approved
2. Amazon Associates
There is no denying that Amazon is among the largest eCommerce platforms in the world, which is why Amazon Associates is an incredibly useful affiliate marketing platform. Through Amazon Associates, you can receive a commission on any item sold on Amazon. With universal cookies, you can even receive a commission for a product you did not promote directly. For instance, if you link to a beauty product on Amazon and the user buys a new microwave, you receive a commission.
Pros
- Massive product selection
- Universal cookies
- $10 payout
Cons
- Universal cookies last 24 hours
- Some products have low commissions (<1%)
- Amazon can change commission rates
3. ShareASale
One of the largest affiliate markets is ShareASale. The platform has over 4,000 merchants that sell both digital and physical products. The ShareASale dashboard also contains data points on earnings per click, commission, reversal rate, and average per sale. These metrics can be quite useful when running an eCommerce campaign.
Pros
- Trustworthy affiliate marketing source
- Exclusive merchants
- Can compare competition offers
Cons
- Slightly outdated dashboard
4. CJ Affiliate
Formally known as Commission Junction, CJ Affiliate is perhaps the most established and largest affiliate marketing platform available. You can find nearly every major retailer within its netowrk, which makes them an invaluable resource for your affiliate marketing business. It is also simple to compare and segment varying offers, and there are even multiple ad sizes available.
Pros
- Consistent payment schedule
- Thousands of advertising partners on the platform
- Powerful optimization metrics
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Customer support could be better
5. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising is another popular affiliate network that contains many big-name brands, including Walmart, Best Buy, Macy's, and much more. However, their network is not as large as other affiliate platforms previously mentioned, with only about 1,000 merchants. Nevertheless, Rakuten is a great platform for reaching the big-names and has some nice features too.
Pros
- Trusted platform
- Big-name brands
- Useful features, such as easy ad rotation
Cons
- Smaller affiliate selection
- Slightly outdated dashboard
6. VigLink
VigLink is an affiliate marketing network designed specifically for bloggers. The platform uses dynamic links to automatically match bloggers to merchants with the highest conversion/commission rates. All in all, VigLink's platform is a simpler way for content creators to generate revenue through their affiliate network.
Pros
- Hands-off affiliate network
- Simple yet powerful dashboard
- Works great for websites and social media pages
- Dynamically set to optimize income
Cons
- Each merchant must approve your separately
- Payout once per month
- VigLink takes a large slice of commissions
7. eBay Partner Network
Although not as large as Amazon, eBay currently stands as one of the largest eCommerce platforms available. eBay Partner Network is their personal affiliate network, where you earn commissions on eBay listings. You can earn a commission on any product sold on eBay. However, many of their products are sold through their famous auction-style method.
Pros
- Earn commission on used products
- High commission rates (50%-70% of eBay's profits)
- Huge product catalog
Cons
- Cookies last 24 hours
- Auctions can take weeks to complete
8. ClickBank
ClickBank is one of the oldest online affiliate marketing platforms and has been around since the dawn of the internet. The platform has a stronger focus on digital products. However, they have added many physical products in recent years. It is free to join their network with automatic approval. You can also earn a commission rate of up to 75%.
Pros
- Weekly payout options
- Instant approval
- Joint venture program where you can collaborate with ClickBank partners
Cons
- Limited physical products
- Some digital products are of low quality
- Stiff competition from other platforms that sell the same products
9. Walmart Affiliates
Behind Amazon and eBay, Walmart holds the next biggest share in the eCommerce market, which is why becoming a Walmart Affiliate is another great choice if you want to promote physical products. What makes Walmart more appealing than its competitors is it provides slightly higher commission rates. Likewise, Walmart's cookies last three days, while most others only last 24 hours.
Pros
- Higher commission
- Huge product selection
- Well-known and well-trusted brand
- Longer cookies
Cons
- Smaller product selection than Amazon
- $50 min payout
10. Flex Offers
Flex Offers contains over 12,000 merchants from small and big brands alike. Likewise, it has a very modern and easy to use platform, with a ton of new features always being added. Flex Offers has been around for years and is a highly trusted source. Additionally, you have access to an account manager, which offers you the best promotions and can improve your affiliate marketing program.
Pros
- Huge product selection
- Dedicated affiliate manager
- Top-notch dashboard
Cons
- PayPal is the only payment option for users outside the U.S.
Learn How to Take Advantage of Affiliate Marketing
If you are a blogger or thinking about becoming one, you'll need to know all the tips in tricks to maximize your blog's revenue through affiliate marketing. Sign up for my Affiliate Marketing 101 Course, where I teach you everything from starting your blog to finding your niche and how you can use affiliate marketing to get money in your bank account. And if you need any more help, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Written by Ben Cummings
Cofounder of Sage Wave Media
Ben is a professional blogger who holds an MBA with a specialization in Entrepreneurship. He enjoys teaching, blogging, startups, a hoppy IPA, and college basketball. Whenever he's not blogging, you can find him cruising around sunny San Diego with his amazing family.
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