Which are the best 'free' affiliate networks...?

[Azam.net]

Posting this from an Affiliate Managers perspective: somebody's contacted me who is looking to join a second affiliate network, and prefers one with no start-up or monthly fee. Which ones would you recommend please?

Also, which ones are there? I know of Afform and PrimeQ. (Is AM - Affiliate Marketing free as well?)

[drivetowin]

I think Clash are free, as are affili.net (I think)

If my memory serves me right, OMG are free too.

[morleymouse]

hi azam,

first - thanks for the magazine! got it other day, not had chance to read yet but much appreciated will get to it this week!


your questions - if they're asking this, in my opinion, they are doing something wrong and id guess the 2nd network is more of a panic move.

if you've got an affiliate programme on a network, and work at it to build it up and make it work, the only reason you'd just to start on another network would be for a lower override.

set up and monthlys are a bit tedious, but really its the override that brings it in for a network on a successful programme, if the programme is running well a network will usually forget the set up's and lower the monthly no question, knowing that they will get it on the override. better, long term, to get the override reduced.

[Azam.net]

Good advice Dan

So, another question to add to all the above, which networks can possibly take less than 30% override?

[morleymouse]

they do exist! it is not a myth

but i guess a lot is on volume and AOV

[drivetowin]

Most of the major networks will take less than 30% if you twist their arm enough - you just have to know where to apply the pressure

[Mitchy]

A second network is more likely to consider taking less than 30% if the program is performing well on the original network. Otherwise, you haven't got much bargaining power.

Two things to note though - its worth paying the set-up and management fees if its a smaller program and the extra support you get for this (from certain networks ) will help the program grow.
Secondly, most networks are happy to waive set-up and monthly managemnent for the first six months.

Cheers

[justhomdotcom]

Originally Posted by drivetowin Most of the major networks will take less than 30% if you twist their arm enough - you just have to know where to apply the pressure

Reminds me that I must work on my vulcan death grip for when we launch our new site - ok perhaps death grip would be too much, i'll go for the vulcan mildly irritating grip

[pistol101]

The more important decision is that you pick the right network. Not every affiliate works on every network and most networks have their specialist niche's now.

If you pay nothing or £1000 to set-up it's not really an issue in the long run of the programme if your in the right location. An affiliate programme can account for 20-30% of online transactions, it's worth getting it right.

[yesasia]

Shareasale take 20% override. They have a set up cost, but no monthly fee. It is mostly US focussed, but affiliates and merchants seem to come from everywhere.

Stefan