Recommend a good large affiliate program

[nomis5]

Hi,

I have a UK site which uses the Tradedoubler affiliate scheme. Lots of choice, prompt payment and they appear "honest". Can anyone reccommend a good USA affiliate scheme for me?

[eljefe3]

Are you looking for a big network, or a big affiliate program? Are you selling widgets and were looking for a network that has a lot of affilites, or were you looking for a large network to view all the different options?

The biggest ( and not necesarily the best) networks are cj, linkshare and perhaps shareasale is getting up there also.

[nomis5]

Thanks, Linkshare looks good for me. For some reason I never found any in Google, must have been searching incorrectly.

[markwelch]

As an affiliate, I've found that both CJ and LinkShare create a lot of obstacles to success, including limiting access to datafeeds. In contrast, ShareASale is quite open and has no "tricks or traps" that block affiliates from being successful.

I'm biased, since I manage a program at ShareASale, and I've had some very, very unpleasant experiences with both LinkShare and Commission Junction over the past 7 years.

However, depending on the topic of your web site, you simply need to identify the MERCHANTS whose products are likely to perform best on your site. (I despise CJ, but one merchant has steadfastly stuck with them, and I earn $60 to $100 per month from that merchant -- money I'd simply lose if I'd stuck with my earlier decision to "never do business at CJ."

Don't overlook "direct" or "independent" affiliate programs run by merchants themselves. Amazon is right on top of that list, but there are dozens of others who've sent me checks over the years. Many use MyAP and participate in the Kolimbo "network" (which really isn't a network, but provides many of the same benefits). I collect more money from EACH of several "indies" each quarter than from all network programs combined, but I think that's a function of my history (10+ years) more than the strengths of the merchants or programs.

[skibum]

Once CJ fixes their link genration tools and makies it easy to generate HTML again, they'd be the top network in my book. Have always done best with their merchants and Indies. LinkShare has some good merchants but their interface hasn't changed in years & IMHO leave much to be desired. SAS, never really used them.

[KenMendonca]

It depends on what your looking for in terms of type of payout and set up of the program. If you're looking to just generate leads for a company then mortgage or dept consolidation are big programs for that and you can find those in every network.

If you are going to be driving organic traffic to targeted keyword filling sites then you may be better off going straight to a company with a large network to deal with them. You'll eventually get a much better payout than you ever could by going through a network. My company, <edited>, definitely takes care of our good in-house affiliates.

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[edited by: tedster at 7:55 pm (utc) on Sep. 14, 2006]

[humblebeginnings]

Although the OP's question is very interesting, it sure could invite merchants and affiliate managers to promote their own programs. Please be prudent in order to keep this thread alive. There is always the possibility for merchants and affiliate managers to sticky forum members their url if asked for. Anyone else have some ideas about good (US based) affiliate programs or affiliate networks?

[Marcia]

You might want to consult with an OPM (Outsourced Affiliate Manager) who's thoroughly familiar with the US market. Some not only manage programs but also provide consulting services to help businesses get a jump-start.

One thing I'd have to say though, regardless of which network, there are some AMs around who have a healthy, loyal following among "capable" affiliates, and not only could they suggest the best network for a given merchant, but get one started with some high producing partners going out the gate.

Added:

I think I might be a little confused. Are you a merchant looking to set up an affiliate program, or an affiliate looking for merchants to sign up with?

[edited by: Marcia at 12:23 pm (utc) on Sep. 16, 2006]