5 Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Affiliate Network

As most digital marketers very well know, affiliate networks are invaluable tools for businesses looking to expand their online presence and drive growth. These networks provide the right platforms for businesses and publishers to connect and collaborate for mutual benefits. The right affiliate networks significantly help businesses to leverage the power of affiliate marketing to reach new audiences, grow their brands and significantly increase their sales. Businesses that thus have the right strategies and network in place can directly harness the full potential of affiliate marketing and achieve significant growths in their operations.

This is exactly why selecting the right and appropriate affiliate network is always a pivotal decision for businesses aiming to harness the full power of affiliate marketing. To get this done, the choices every business makes must always align with the business model, its unique needs and goals/objectives. The following 5 factors are quite handy to help make these vital choices.

1. Network’s Reach
 
The reach of an affiliate network is always of paramount importance in making a choice. That is where the market is. Before making this choice therefore, you must consider the size and scope of the network’s affiliate base. The larger the network, the better for the promotional activities of affiliates! Even though a large network may provide more opportunities for exposure, a smaller but more niche specific network can offer more targeted and high-quality affiliates. Always best therefore to factor in both in the circumstance.
 
2. Network Reputation and Reliability

Yes, just like in any other business, reputation counts for much in affiliate marketing. This is why it is best to thoroughly research a network’s track record before making a choice. You can diligently check out reviews from other businesses and affiliates in the course of your research to properly gauge the reputation of the network. This is because a network with a positive reputation and a proven history of reliability will contribute to a more successful affiliate partnership than otherwise.

3. Business Model Compatibility
 
Niche and business model compatibility are hugely important in affiliate marketing. Therefore, you must always ensure the network you choose caters to your industry and has experience with similar types of products/services you are promoting. If you settle for the right fit, it can significantly affect the success of your affiliate marketing program.

4. Affiliate Management and Support

Be sure to make real efforts to thoroughly evaluate the level of support a network provides in managing affiliates in its program. This management includes customer support, teaching, marketing methods and tools, accurate commissions tracking and attribution and other marketing activities. Always look out for networks that offer dedicated account managers, robust tracking systems, and accessible 24/7 customer service. These services are really needed to assist with any challenges that are bound to arise from time to time.

5. Commission Structures

Everyone is in affiliate marketing to earn money and this is done mostly by way of earned commissions. Since different networks offer various commission models, it helps to carefully consider what you’ll prefer before choosing an affiliate network. Some networks prefer paying commissions as pay-per-sale, pay-per-click, or pay-per-lead. These commissions may be payable weekly, two-weekly or monthly. It is left to you to assess which of these structures best aligns with your sales objectives and marketing strategies before making a choice.