So, you’re thinking about affiliate marketing? Maybe you’re an expat like me, living somewhere fantastic (hello from the Philippines!) but needing a reliable online income stream that doesn’t chain you to a specific location or a boss you’d rather forget (been there, done that for 10 long years!). Or perhaps you’re dreaming of becoming a digital nomad, or just want a solid side hustle with low start-up costs. Sound familiar?
You dive in, and BAM! It hits you – a bewildering jungle of terms, strategies, and platforms. ClickBank? ShareASale? Amazon Associates? What even are affiliate networks, and which one won’t make your head explode? Feeling overwhelmed trying to figure it all out, especially while juggling time zones or a day job, is totally normal. I remember staring at lists back in the day, completely lost.
That’s exactly why I wrote this guide. We’re going to cut through the confusion. Think of me as your guide, machete in hand (metaphorically speaking!), ready to clear a path through the affiliate networks jungle. We’ll break down what affiliate marketing is and how it actually works, take a close look at three of the biggest players – ClickBank, ShareASale (which is merging with Awin), and Amazon Associates – and figure out which one might be the best starting point for you. No hype, just real talk based on research and my own two decades navigating this online world. Ready to turn that aimless scrolling into actual building? Let’s go.
First Things First: What Exactly ARE Affiliate Networks?
Before we compare the big names, let’s get the basics straight. What are these affiliate networks everyone talks about?
Think of them like a giant online marketplace or a digital matchmaker connecting businesses and publishers. On one side, you have businesses (called merchants or advertisers) who want to sell their products or services. On the other side, you have people like you and me (called affiliates or publishers) who have websites, social media followings, or email lists, and are willing to promote those products.
The affiliate network sits in the middle, making life easier for everyone. Here’s the simple version of how it works:
- A business lists its product on the network.
- You join the network and find products you like and think your audience will appreciate.
- The network gives you a special, unique tracking link (sometimes called a HopLink on ClickBank, or just an affiliate link).
- You share that link in your content (blog post, video description, etc.). Learn more about How Affiliate Links Work (Tracking, Cookies Explained Simply).
- Someone clicks your link and buys the product (or takes another action, like signing up).
- The network tracks that the sale came from your link (using tech like cookies) and tells the merchant.
- The merchant pays the network, and the network pays you your commission!
Essentially, the network handles the complicated bits like tracking clicks and sales, managing payments, and providing reports (see how Mailchimp explains their role). This is a massive timesaver, especially when you’re starting out or running your side hustle from a beach in Palawan (or anywhere else!).
Just quickly – sometimes you’ll hear about “affiliate programs” too. A network hosts programs from many different businesses. A program is usually run by just one company for its own stuff (learn the difference between networks vs in-house programs). However, a massive marketplace like Amazon Associates pretty much acts like a network because it has millions of products from tons of sellers all under one roof. Got it? Cool.
Deep Dive: ClickBank Affiliate Network Analysis
Alright, let’s look at the first contender: ClickBank. These guys have been around since 1998 (check the ClickBank Wikipedia page) – practically ancient in internet years!
Their main game is digital products. Think e-books, online courses, software, membership sites – stuff people download or access online. They do have some physical products too, but digital is their bread and butter.
They’re big in certain niches, areas I see pop up again and again (see ClickBank’s own list of top niches):
- Health & Fitness: Weight loss, supplements, workout guides.
- E-business & E-marketing (Make Money Online): Courses on affiliate marketing (meta, right?), traffic generation tools, online business guides.
- Self-Help: Spirituality, personal development, relationship advice.
- Home & Garden / DIY: Woodworking plans, gardening tips.
- Survival/Prepping: Seems niche, but it’s there.
I remember exploring ClickBank way back when I first started trying to make a living online from the Philippines. It’s tempting because getting started is often quite easy compared to other affiliate networks.
High Commissions (RevShare vs. CPA) – The Big Draw
The number one reason people flock to ClickBank? High commission rates. Seriously, seeing 50% to 75% (or even more!) per sale isn’t uncommon for digital products (find out how sellers set commissions on ClickBank). Because it costs almost nothing to deliver another copy of an e-book, sellers can afford to be generous.
They usually offer two main ways to pay you (read ClickBank’s explanation of commission types):
- RevShare (Revenue Share): You get a percentage (%) of the sale price (after ClickBank takes its cut – usually 7.5% + $1). Good news: you often earn commissions on upsells or recurring subscriptions too. Bad news: if the customer gets a refund, poof goes your commission.
- CPA (Cost Per Action): You get a fixed flat fee ($) for the initial sale. You don’t get paid for upsells later, BUT you keep your commission even if the customer refunds. This offers predictability, which is gold if you intend to use paid ads eventually, as it makes calculating your return on investment (ROI) much simpler. Note: Sellers have to meet certain criteria to offer CPA.
The Catch: Product Quality & Refunds
Here’s the “but” you knew was coming. Because it’s relatively easy to list digital products, the quality on ClickBank can be… well, inconsistent (see this Authority Hacker ClickBank Review for perspective). You’ll find genuinely great stuff alongside things that are overhyped or just plain bad.
My advice? You absolutely must do your homework. Vet the products carefully before promoting them. Your reputation is on the line. Promoting rubbish just to chase high commissions is a fast track to losing trust (and violating that core value of authenticity!). High refund rates are also more common in some ClickBank niches (like MMO), which directly eats into your RevShare earnings. Consider the Pros and Cons of Starting Affiliate Marketing (An Honest Look) before jumping in.
Getting Paid (Methods, Frequency, Threshold)
ClickBank is pretty flexible here (check ClickBank’s official payment options page):
- How: They pay via Check, Direct Deposit (including internationally to places like the Philippines using XACH), Wire Transfer, or Payoneer. Big Note: They do not offer PayPal. That’s a dealbreaker for some.
- When: You can choose bi-weekly (every two weeks) or even weekly if you use Direct Deposit (see the ClickBank Payment Schedule details). That’s faster than many other networks.
- How Much: The minimum payout (threshold) is usually $100, but you can adjust it. For Direct Deposit or Payoneer, the minimum is just $10. Checks need $100, Wires $50.
The Fine Print (CDR & Dormant Fees)
Two quirks to know (read the full ClickBank Accounting Policy here):
- Customer Distribution Requirement (CDR): Before your very first payout, you need to make at least 5 sales using 2 different payment methods (like Visa and MasterCard). This is to prevent fraud but can be a slight delay for brand new affiliates.
- Dormant Account Fees: If your account makes no sales for 90 days, they start charging small fees, which increase over time. Keep active!
ClickBank Advantages & Disadvantages Summary
Let’s boil it down:
ClickBank Advantages:
- Potentially very high commissions (50-75%+)
- Strong in popular digital niches (health, MMO, self-help)
- Easy to join the network
- Flexible and fast payment options (weekly/bi-weekly)
- Long-standing, reliable platform
- Potential for recurring commissions on subscriptions
- Good educational resources (ClickBank University/Spark)
ClickBank Disadvantages:
- Product quality varies wildly – vetting essential!
- High competition on popular offers
- Refund risk hurts RevShare earnings
- Interface can feel dated to some
- Mixed reviews on customer support
- No PayPal payouts
- CDR delays the first payment
- Dormant account fees apply
- Cookie duration might be short (session-based mentioned)
Bottom Line on ClickBank: High potential, especially for digital products, but comes with higher risk regarding product quality. Requires you to be discerning. Good starting point due to ease of entry, but demands active promotion and careful selection.
Deep Dive: ShareASale (Awin) Affiliate Network Analysis
Next up is ShareASale. Founded in 2000 (learn more on the ShareASale About Page), it’s another well-established player, known for its huge variety. Think of it less like a niche specialist and more like a massive department store for affiliate programs.
Important Update: ShareASale was bought by a global network called Awin back in 2017. Now, they’re fully merging. The standalone ShareASale platform is closing by the end of 2025, and everyone is moving over to the Awin platform (read about Awin’s role in affiliate marketing). If you’re signing up now, you’ll likely be directed straight to Awin. So, while we talk about ShareASale’s historical strengths, keep in mind its future is within the Awin ecosystem. This adaptability thing keeps coming up, doesn’t it? It’s crucial in online business and essential for expat life too!
Merchant Diversity & My Take
ShareASale’s (and now Awin’s) biggest strength is the sheer diversity of merchants. We’re talking thousands of businesses across over 39 categories (browse ShareASale Merchant Categories here). You’ll find:
- Physical Goods: Fashion, home & garden, electronics, pet supplies.
- Digital Services: Software, web hosting, business services.
- Big Brands: Names you recognize.
- Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs) & Niche Retailers: This is where it gets interesting! You can find unique products or smaller companies that really align with a specific audience, which might not be on Amazon or ClickBank.
For someone like me, running a blog targeting expats or specific interests, this variety is fantastic. You might find that perfect travel gear company or a specific software tool that solves a unique digital nomad problem.
Variable Commissions (PPS/PPL) & The Cookie Advantage
Unlike ClickBank’s often sky-high rates or Amazon’s fixed (and often low) ones, commissions on ShareASale/Awin are set by each individual merchant. This means:
- You Need to Check: Rates vary wildly. Some might offer 5%, others 20% or more, especially for digital items. Some pay per sale (PPS), others per lead (PPL – like someone filling out a form). You have to look at each program’s details (understand ShareASale Commission Rules).
- The Big Plus: Longer Cookies! This is a key advantage. While Amazon’s standard cookie often vanishes in 24 hours, ShareASale merchants frequently offer 30, 45, 60, or even 90+ day cookie durations (see this ShareASale page mentioning cookie duration). This gives people much more time to make a decision after clicking your link, which is crucial for items that aren’t impulse buys.
Powerful Tools & Getting Started
ShareASale has a reputation for solid tools, especially for tracking and reporting (discover 5 essential ShareASale Affiliate Tools).
- Tracking Power: They offer real-time tracking and cool features like “Affiliate Defined Tracking” (
afftrack), which lets you add your own codes to links to see exactly which blog post or ad campaign generated a sale. Great for nerding out on data to improve performance! (Learn about ShareASale reporting) - Finding Programs: Their search tools are pretty good, letting you filter by category, commission rate, cookie duration, etc., to find merchants that fit your needs.
- The Approval Step: Unlike ClickBank where you can often promote instantly, on ShareASale/Awin, you usually need to apply to each merchant’s program individually and wait for them to approve you (this review discusses the approval process). This can sometimes be slow or feel inconsistent. Patience, young Padawan! Building relationships takes time.
ShareASale/Awin Advantages & Disadvantages Summary
Here’s the rundown:
ShareASale/Awin Advantages:
- Massive variety of merchants (physical, digital, niche, SMBs)
- Reputable and reliable network
- Strong tracking and reporting tools (great for data lovers)
- Generally longer cookie durations (30-90+ days common)
- Effective tools for finding relevant programs
- Reasonable $50 payout threshold
- Multiple payment options (incl. Direct Deposit, Payoneer)
ShareASale/Awin Disadvantages:
- ShareASale platform is closing end of 2025 (must transition to Awin)
- Legacy ShareASale interface looks a bit dated to some
- Requires individual merchant approval, which can be slow
- Commission rates vary wildly – requires research per program
- Merchant support quality can vary
- Higher entry cost for merchants ($650 cited) might limit brand-new startups
Bottom Line on ShareASale/Awin: Excellent choice if you want variety, need to find niche products/SMBs, or value strong tracking and longer cookie windows. Be prepared for the move to the Awin platform and the need to apply to merchants individually.
Deep Dive: Amazon Associates Affiliate Network Analysis
And now, the 800-pound gorilla: Amazon Associates (visit the Amazon Associates Homepage). Everyone knows Amazon. Everyone buys from Amazon. That’s the core appeal here.
The Amazon Factor & Personal Relevance
The biggest advantage? You get to promote millions of products across almost any category imaginable, leveraging Amazon’s massive marketplace. Electronics, books, kitchen gadgets, clothes, even groceries in some places (explore Amazon Seller Central Categories).
Critically, people trust Amazon. They’re comfortable buying there. This often means higher conversion rates – more of the people who click your links actually end up buying something compared to sending them to a less-known site. As an expat living in the Philippines, I know how vital Amazon can be for getting specific items delivered internationally – something your audience might relate to, especially if they’re missing things from ‘back home’.
Commissions & Cookies – The Reality Check
Here’s where you need to manage expectations:
Category-Based Rates (Mostly Lower)
Amazon doesn’t let merchants set rates. They have a fixed commission structure based on the product category, and honestly, many rates are quite low (see an example of Amazon’s fixed rates – Canada).
- Expect maybe 4-5% for things like physical books or kitchenware.
- Many popular categories like toys, furniture, tools, beauty, and TVs often sit between 1% and 3%.
- Some categories like groceries or physical video games can be just 1%.
- There are higher tiers (Luxury Beauty ~10%, Amazon Games ~20%), but the bulk are lower.
- They also have a Bounty Program where you get a fixed amount (e.g., $3, $5, $15) for getting people to sign up for things like Prime trials, Audible, or create a registry (learn about the Amazon Bounty Program).
Crucially, Amazon can (and does) change these rates, sometimes with little warning (like the cuts in April 2020). Relying solely on Amazon income can be risky due to this volatility. Remember that adaptability lesson I learned the hard way? It applies here too!
The 24-Hour Cookie & Halo Effect
This is a HUGE point: Amazon’s standard tracking cookie only lasts 24 hours (read this AAWP guide on commissions and cookies). If someone clicks your link but doesn’t buy within a day, you likely won’t get paid if they come back later.
However, there’s the “halo effect”. If someone clicks your link, anything else they add to their cart and buy within that 24-hour window also earns you a commission (at the rate for that item’s category). So, you might link to a $20 book, but if they also buy a $500 TV, you get commission on both! This helps offset the low rates sometimes.
The short cookie makes Amazon less ideal for promoting expensive items that people take a long time to research and decide on.
Rules & Getting Started – Compliance is Key!
Amazon is extremely strict about its rules, outlined in their Operating Agreement (read the full Amazon Associates Operating Agreement). They protect their brand fiercely. Break the rules, and you risk getting kicked out. Trust me, you don’t want that hassle.
Key things to know:
- Disclosure is MANDATORY: You MUST clearly state you’re an Associate and earn from purchases. They even give you the exact wording: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” This needs to be easily visible on your site or social media (understand Amazon’s Disclosure Requirements). No hiding it!
- Site Quality: You need a site/social page with original content (they suggest maybe 10+ posts to start). No promoting violence, explicit material, etc.. Public social pages need a decent following (500+ suggested) (check Amazon’s Participation Requirements).
- Link Usage: Only use the special links they provide (SiteStripe tool makes this easy). NO link cloaking or using shorteners that hide that the link goes to Amazon. You cannot put affiliate links in emails, PDFs, eBooks, offline materials, or private/closed groups (review the Amazon Program Policies).
- Trademarks: Very strict limits on using the Amazon name or logo.
- No Incentives: You can’t offer people rewards or tell them buying through your link supports you or a charity.
- No Personal Orders: Don’t use your own links to buy stuff for yourself, friends, or family.
Getting Approved (The 3-Sale Hurdle)
Signing up is easy, but you only get temporary access. To get fully approved, you need to make at least three qualifying sales through your links within your first 180 days (learn about the Amazon Application Review Process). If you don’t, your application gets rejected. This filters for people who can actually drive sales.
Amazon Associates Advantages & Disadvantages Summary
Let’s wrap up Amazon:
Amazon Associates Advantages:
- Unmatched product selection
- Huge brand trust leads to high conversion rates
- “Halo effect” means commissions on the whole cart
- Low $10 payout threshold for electronic payments
- Easy signup process
- Simple linking tools (SiteStripe toolbar)
- Bounty Program for extra fixed earnings
Amazon Associates Disadvantages:
- Generally low commission rates in many categories
- Very short 24-hour standard cookie duration
- Strict and complex rules – compliance is non-negotiable
- History of commission rate cuts (volatility)
- Need 3 sales in 180 days for full approval
- No PayPal payment option
- Longer payment cycle (~60 days delay)
- Often cited for weak affiliate support
Bottom Line on Amazon: Great for leveraging trust and selection, especially if your content naturally features Amazon products. High conversion and halo effect can make up for low rates, but the short cookie and strict rules require careful strategy and diligence. Not always ideal for high-ticket items or direct paid ads.
Comparing Affiliate Networks: Which is Right For YOU? (ClickBank vs ShareASale vs Amazon)
Okay, deep breaths! We’ve covered a lot. Now, how do you actually choose between these affiliate networks? Feeling that analysis paralysis creeping in? Don’t worry, let’s simplify. It really boils down to matching the network to your situation.
Product Focus: What Are You Promoting?
- ClickBank: Best if you’re focused on digital products (courses, software, e-books) in niches like health, MMO, or self-help.
- ShareASale/Awin: The go-to for variety. Great for physical goods, niche products, unique brands, B2B services, or finding smaller companies that aren’t on Amazon.
- Amazon Associates: Ideal if your content revolves around general retail products readily available on Amazon.
Commission Potential: How Do You Want to Earn?
- ClickBank: Highest potential percentage rates (50-75%+), plus predictable CPA options. But you risk refunds eating RevShare profits and need to vet products hard. Short cookie is a factor.
- ShareASale/Awin: Rates vary by merchant, requiring research. The big win here is often longer cookie durations (30-90+ days), giving conversions more time.
- Amazon Associates: Lower percentage rates generally, but high brand trust, conversion rates, and the “halo effect” can make up for it in volume. Very short 24-hour cookie is the main drawback here.
Ease of Getting Started & Rules: How Much Hassle Can You Handle?
- ClickBank: Usually the easiest to join the network itself. Less initial red tape, but the onus is on you for quality control.
- ShareASale/Awin: Requires network approval and individual merchant approvals. More steps, potentially slower start. Rules are standard network rules.
- Amazon Associates: Easy initial signup, BUT need 3 sales in 180 days for full approval, and must follow very strict rules meticulously. Less forgiving if you mess up.
Platform Tools & Support: What Do You Need?
- ClickBank: Focuses heavily on educational resources (Spark) which is great for learning. Tools are functional.
- ShareASale/Awin: Strongest in robust tracking and reporting – ideal if you like digging into data.
- Amazon Associates: Simple linking tools (SiteStripe is handy). Reporting is basic. Support often seen as weak.
Table 1: Affiliate Network Feature Snapshot
| Feature | ClickBank | ShareASale (Awin) | Amazon Associates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Products | Digital (Courses, Software, E-Books) | Diverse (Physical, Digital, Services, Niche) | Broad Retail (Almost Everything) |
| Typical Commissions | Very High % (50-75%+ RevShare), CPA option | Variable % (Merchant-Set), PPL options | Low-Mid % (1-10%, Category-Based) |
| Cookie Duration | Short (Potentially Session-Based) | Often Longer (30-90+ Days) | Very Short (24 Hours Standard) |
| Key Advantage | Highest Rate Potential | Merchant Diversity & Longer Cookies | Brand Trust & Conversion Rate |
| Key Drawback | Product Quality Variance / Refund Risk | Merchant Approvals / Platform Migration | Low Rates / Short Cookie / Strict Rules |
| Best For… | Digital Marketers, High-Risk/Reward Takers | Niche Sites, Diverse Promoters, Data Analysts | Broad Content Sites, Leveraging Trust/Volume |
Guidance Based on Your Profile
So, who are you in this affiliate journey?
For the Absolute Beginner / Expat Just Starting:
Feeling overwhelmed? Amazon might seem easiest due to brand familiarity and the low $10 payout threshold (for electronic). People trust Amazon, making conversions potentially easier. BUT, be ready for the strict rules and the 3-sale approval hurdle. ClickBank also offers easy network entry, and those high commissions are tempting motivation! Just promise me you’ll carefully check the products before promoting. ShareASale/Awin is great, but the need for merchant approvals might add an extra step when you’re already short on time. Maybe start with understanding the Common Affiliate Marketing Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them) first.
For Niche Experts (Travel Bloggers, Foodies, Tech Reviewers, etc.):
If your niche is very specific, ShareASale/Awin is likely your best bet for finding unique brands or specialized products that truly resonate with your audience. If your niche aligns perfectly with ClickBank’s strengths (digital marketing, specific health areas, self-help), the high commissions there are very attractive. Amazon works well if your niche involves recommending standard retail products people commonly buy there (e.g., camera gear for travel bloggers, kitchen tools for foodies).
For Those Planning Paid Ads (Later On):
While maybe not your focus right now, if you think about paid ads down the line, ClickBank’s predictable CPA offers are designed for this, removing refund risk. ShareASale’s detailed afftrack tracking is also excellent for optimizing ad campaigns. Amazon’s restrictions on linking (no email links, cloaking issues) and the short cookie make direct paid traffic strategies more challenging.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket!
Here’s a key lesson learned from my own rollercoaster journey: Diversify! Relying 100% on one network, especially one like Amazon that can change rates overnight, is risky business. As you grow, consider joining multiple affiliate networks to spread your risk and access more opportunities. Adaptability is the name of the game. It’s also crucial to have the right Essential Mindset for Long-Term Affiliate Marketing Success.
Sometimes, having the right system can make managing multiple networks easier. I found that using tools designed for affiliate marketers, like the Funnel Freedom platform which helps automate promoting multiple offers, can be a lifesaver when you start scaling up. It felt like getting cheat codes after years of manual grinding!
Conclusion: Choosing Your Affiliate Network Partner Wisely
Phew! We made it through the jungle. Choosing the right affiliate networks isn’t about finding the one “perfect” platform – because it doesn’t exist. It’s about finding the one (or ones!) that best aligns with your specific goals, your niche, your audience, and frankly, how much complexity you want to deal with right now.
- Want high potential commissions on digital products and don’t mind vetting carefully? ClickBank might be your starting point.
- Need variety, unique products, longer cookies, and robust tracking? ShareASale/Awin is a strong contender, especially if you’re okay with individual merchant approvals and the platform transition.
- Want to leverage massive brand trust, huge selection, and potentially easier conversions (despite lower rates)? Amazon Associates is powerful, provided you play strictly by their rules.
Remember my journey? From Germany to the Philippines, trying different things, facing setbacks? The biggest lesson was adaptability and continuous learning. The network is just a tool; your success ultimately depends on your strategy, the value you provide in your content, connecting with your audience, and your willingness to learn and adjust. Understanding Why Most People Fail at Affiliate Marketing (And How You Can Succeed) is key.
Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Pick a network that feels like the best fit for now based on this info, and get started. You can always adapt and add more later. It’s time to stop scrolling and start building that freedom you’re looking for!
What’s your next step? Maybe figuring out the Different Types of Affiliate Programs & Commissions (PPC, PPL, PPS) or exploring [Finding Your First Affiliate Program to Promote (Beginner-Friendly Networks)][INTERNAL LINK: coming soon]? Please let me know in the comments which network you’re leaning towards!
Affiliate Networks FAQ
Here are some quick answers to common questions:
The most significant differences are the types of products and how you get paid. ClickBank focuses mainly on digital products (courses, software) and often offers very high commission percentages (like 50-75%+) or flat fees (CPA). Amazon Associates lets you promote almost any physical or digital product sold on Amazon but usually pays much lower commission rates (often 1-5%) based on the product category, relying on high conversion volume.
ClickBank generally offers the fastest payment options. You can potentially get paid weekly if you use direct deposit, otherwise bi-weekly is standard. ShareASale/Awin typically pays monthly. Amazon Associates has the longest delay, usually paying about 60 days after the end of the month you earned the commission in.
Generally, yes. Most affiliate networks, including ShareASale and Amazon Associates, require you to have an active website, blog, or an established social media presence with original content to get approved. Amazon even suggests having around 10+ posts as a guideline and requires 3 sales for full approval. ClickBank might be slightly easier to join initially, but having your own platform is crucial for long-term success. You can check out options for [Affiliate Marketing Without a Website: Is It Possible?][INTERNAL LINK : coming soon].
Yes, absolutely! Relying on just one network is risky, especially since platforms like Amazon can change their commission rates. Joining multiple affiliate networks gives you access to more products, allows you to compare offers, and diversifies your income streams. It’s a smart strategy as you grow.
It’s very important! The cookie duration is how long the network tracks a customer after they click your link. Amazon’s standard 24-hour cookie means you only get credit if they buy quickly. Networks like ShareASale often offer 30, 60, or 90+ day cookies. Longer cookies are much better for products that people take time to research or save up for, increasing your chances of earning the commission. You can learn more technical details in the Affiliate Marketing Glossary: Key Terms Every Beginner MUST Know.
Leave a Reply