6 Best affiliate networks to boost your earnings in 2024

Looking for the best affiliate networks to make some extra income? Whether you’re a business owner or an affiliate marketer, choosing the right network can seriously boost your earnings.

In this guide, we’ll show you some of the top affiliate networks in 2024 and why they’re perfect for you. Let’s get started.

Why choose an affiliate network?

Affiliate networks are a great way to earn passive income, whether you’re a blogger, a small business, or running a large platform. These networks connect you with advertisers, so you don’t have to worry about finding partnerships on your own.

If you’re a small blogger or business, affiliate networks open up opportunities to promote a wide variety of products or services, even if you’re just getting started. You can focus on creating content or growing your business while the network handles the rest. It’s an easy way to start earning without needing to negotiate with brands directly.

For established websites or larger businesses, like Forbes or Wirecutter, affiliate networks provide access to big-name brands and more advanced tools to help track and boost your earnings. Plus, they give you a variety of products to choose from, so you can pick the ones that best fit your audience and business.

In short, affiliate networks make monetizing your content or site simple and efficient by giving you access to thousands of earning opportunities.

How to choose an affiliate network

Choosing the right affiliate network can make a big difference in how much you earn and how easy it is to manage. The right network should fit your goals and the type of audience you’re targeting.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Commission rates: How much can you earn per sale?
• Supported e-commerce platforms: Does it have the brands or niches you want to promote?
• Payout frequency: Are you getting paid weekly, monthly, or on-demand?
• Tools and resources: Does the network offer analytics or marketing support?

How we chose our picks

We carefully selected these affiliate networks by focusing on the factors that matter most to affiliates. Here’s what we looked at:

• Number of merchants or brands available
• High commission rates
• Ease of use for affiliates
• Payment options and frequency
• User reviews and reputation in the industry

Affiliate Network No. 1: Post Affiliate Pro

Best for: Businesses creating their own affiliate programs

Post Affiliate Pro is different because it’s not just a network—it’s software for businesses to run their own affiliate programs. If you’re running a business or SaaS, this lets you customize commissions and manage your affiliates with ease. It’s a great choice for growing companies looking to scale up.

• Commission rate: Customizable
• E-commerce enlisted: Works with various integrations
• Payment period: Customizable based on program
• Payment method: PayPal, wire transfer

Pros:

• Full control
• Flexible commissions
• Powerful tracking

Cons:

• Requires setup from your side

Post Affiliate Pro is geared towards businesses creating their own affiliate programs. The customization options are strong, and the platform seems flexible enough for businesses wanting full control. It might take some time to set up, but the features definitely justify the effort.

Affiliate Network No. 2: CJ Affiliate

Best for: High-traffic websites

CJ Affiliate (or, some of you might know it as Commission Junction) is a major player in the affiliate world. They work with big brands and are perfect for affiliates with a lot of traffic. Plus, they’ve got awesome tracking tools to help you see how your campaigns are doing.

• Commission rate: Varies by merchant
• E-commerce enlisted: 3,000+ brands
• Payment period: Monthly
• Payment method: Direct deposit, PayPal

Pros:

• Advanced tracking
• Great for big brands

Cons:

• Not as beginner-friendly

CJ Affiliate is a platform for those interested in working with bigger brands. The interface is a bit more complex, but the commission rates appear to be higher than most. It could work well for those with larger traffic, though it might take a bit of time to get used to.

Affiliate Network No. 3: Rakuten Advertising

Best for: Global reach

Rakuten Advertising is part of the global Rakuten group, and it’s a top choice for affiliates looking to work with international brands. They’re great for retail-focused affiliates and provide cool tools to help optimize your earnings. This is the one if you want a trusted network with worldwide reach.

• Commission rate: Varies by merchant
• E-commerce enlisted: 1,000+ brands
• Payment period: Monthly
• Payment method: PayPal, direct deposit

Pros:

• Trusted global brands
• Excellent tracking

Cons:

• Fewer merchants than competitors

Rakuten Advertising has a good reach with international brands. The platform looks promising for businesses looking to go global. The setup seems manageable, though it isn’t as fast with payments as others.

Affiliate Network No. 4: Amazon Associates

Best for: Beginners and small blogs

Amazon Associates is one of the easiest ways to get started in affiliate marketing. With millions of products on Amazon to choose from, you’ll definitely find something to promote. It’s beginner-friendly and super simple to set up, so if you’re new to this, Amazon’s a solid pick.

• Commission rate: 1%–10% based on category
• E-commerce enlisted: Millions of products on Amazon
• Payment period: Monthly
• Payment method: Direct deposit, Amazon gift card

Pros:

• Easy to join
• Huge product variety

Cons:

• Lower commissions
• Short cookie duration

Amazon Associates seems like a very accessible option, especially for beginners. The product range is huge, though the commissions are on the lower side. It’s an easy network to join with a straightforward setup process.

Affiliate Network No. 5: Awin

Best for: Diverse niches

Awin is a huge affiliate network with over 21,000 merchants across industries like fashion, tech, and travel. It’s perfect if you’re looking for flexibility and a lot of options to promote. Plus, they’re known for being reliable with payments, so you can focus on earning.

• Commission rate: Varies by merchant
• E-commerce enlisted: 21,000+ merchants
• Payment period: Monthly
• Payment method: PayPal, direct deposit

Pros:

• Huge variety of industries
• Reliable payments

Cons:

• Initial setup fee for affiliates

Awin is a solid network with a wide range of merchants. The setup fee might put some people off, but the reporting tools and merchant variety look useful. It seems to work well for those interested in multiple niches.

Affiliate Network No. 6: ShareASale

Best for: E-commerce-focused affiliates

ShareASale has been around since 2000 and is one of the biggest affiliate networks out there. It connects you to over 16,000 merchants, offering everything from physical products to digital services. It’s super easy to use, and they’re known for being transparent and paying on time.

• Commission rate: Varies by merchant (up to 20%)
• E-commerce enlisted: 16,000+ merchants
• Payment period: Monthly
• Payment method: Direct deposit, PayPal

Pros:

• Huge variety of merchants
• Easy tracking tools

Cons:

• Some programs have low commissions

ShareASale’s platform seems pretty straightforward after taking a look. There are a lot of merchants available, and the setup process isn’t too complicated. The variety of products is decent, and it looks like be a solid option for e-commerce affiliates.

How to start with affiliate marketing

If you’re a business owner looking to grow your brand and sales, affiliate marketing is an excellent strategy to reach a wider audience. Looking to take the leap?

Here’s how to get started.

1. Define your product niche

First, identify the niche or specific market that your products fit into. Whether you’re selling fashion, software, or fitness equipment, having a clear focus helps you attract the right affiliates who can promote your products to the right audience.

The more aligned your niche is with your affiliates, the more effective your marketing will be.

2. Sign up for an affiliate network

Next, choose an affiliate network that connects you with relevant affiliates who can promote your products. You can join existing affiliate networks, or create one yourself with Post Affiliate Pro.

These networks provide access to thousands of potential affiliates who can help drive traffic and sales for your business.

3. Offer competitive commissions

To attract quality affiliates, offer a commission structure that motivates them to promote your products.

Whether it’s a percentage of each sale or a flat fee per lead, competitive commissions are crucial in enticing affiliates to choose your program over others. Be clear about your terms and ensure that affiliates understand how and when they’ll get paid.

4. Monitor performance and optimize

Once your program is running, regularly track your affiliate marketing performance. Most networks provide tools for tracking clicks, conversions, and commissions, so you can see which affiliates are driving the most value.

Use these insights to optimize your commission rates, promotional materials, and partnerships. By continuously refining your approach, you can maximize your return on investment and grow your affiliate program efficiently.

Conclusion

Affiliate networks are a powerful way to grow your business, whether you’re looking to boost product sales or partner with skilled affiliates. They simplify the process of connecting with marketers who are eager to promote your products, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your brand.

By choosing the right network, you gain access to thousands of affiliates and tools that help you scale your efforts and increase revenue.

Whether you’re just starting out or already established, there’s an affiliate network that fits your needs. Take your pick from our top choices, sign up, and start leveraging the power of affiliate marketing to grow your business today.