When you’re just starting out, the idea of making money online sounds simple: Pick a product. Run some ads. Earn a commission.
But here’s the part no one tells you:
You can’t just grab any product from any company and start promoting it.
Reaching out to advertisers directly is tough — especially when you’re new.
How do you know which brands are legit?
How do you track sales?
How do you even get paid?
Now imagine doing this with ten different advertisers — each with their own systems, rules, and payment methods.
It’s confusing. It’s messy. And it’s a waste of time.
That’s exactly why affiliate networks exist.
They simplify everything — giving you access to hundreds of offers, ready-made tracking links, and one central place to manage your earnings.
What Is an Affiliate Network?
Here’s the good news:
You don’t need to pitch advertisers one by one.
There’s a much easier way to start — by joining an affiliate network.
Think of affiliate networks like online marketplaces. You sign up, log in, and suddenly have access to hundreds (sometimes thousands) of offers you can promote — all in one place.
For example, ClickBank is a well-known network that focuses on digital products. Others specialize in physical goods, subscription boxes, or even lead generation campaigns.
Once you’re approved, you’ll get a unique affiliate link for each offer. You share that link — and when someone converts, you earn a commission.
When I first started affiliate marketing, things were a mess.
Networks paid late. Some hired affiliate managers based on “vibes,” not skills. There was no real support. No structure. Just chaos.
But times have changed.
Today’s affiliate networks are more competitive than ever. They know they have to earn your trust — and your traffic.
That pressure has forced them to evolve — building stronger support teams, creating better tools, and offering more profitable campaigns.
Still, with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
If you’re just starting out, I recommend focusing on one reliable network.
It simplifies everything — from tracking to payouts to getting support when you need it.
Personally, I only recommend networks I’ve tested and trust.
What separates the best from the rest?
The great ones don’t just hand you offers and disappear. When a campaign slows down or gets saturated, they adapt. They work with advertisers. Launch new angles. Share winning insights with affiliates.
Because they understand one thing:
If you win, they win.
So don’t think of a good affiliate network as just a platform.
Think of them as your business partner.
Why Use an Affiliate Network (Especially as a Beginner)?
When you join an affiliate network, you instantly gain access to hundreds—even thousands—of offers across multiple industries.
Don’t like a particular offer? Just stop sending traffic.
There’s no contract forcing you to promote any specific product.
That freedom is one of the biggest perks. You’re not locked into anything.
Most affiliate networks will also assign you an affiliate manager—someone whose job is to support your campaigns, answer questions, and help you succeed.
Faster Payouts, Less Hassle
Working directly with advertisers usually means getting paid once a month. But many affiliate networks offer weekly payouts, or even faster once you’ve built some trust.
Think of them as your financial buffer.
You don’t have to chase down payments or worry about cash flow.
The network handles the messy stuff—so you can focus on performance.
You Also Gain Market Insight.
Wondering what’s trending in fashion, fitness, or finance?
Your affiliate manager probably knows. They see what’s converting across the board.
All you have to do is ask.
Built-In Risk Protection
Not every advertiser plays fair. Some might ghost you. Others might refuse to pay.
But the good networks? They’ll pay you anyway—even if the advertiser disappears.
Yes, that’s happened before. And yes, it’s exactly why affiliate networks matter. They take on the risk—so you don’t have to.
What’s the Catch?
Like any business, affiliate networks take a cut.
Typically, it’s around 10–20% of the commission.
That cut pays for what matters: fast payouts, real support, risk protection.
And if a network offers slightly lower payouts than going direct, it usually means they’re reinvesting in other areas to support your growth.
In short, a great affiliate network isn’t just a platform—it’s your partner in performance.
How Affiliate Managers Help You Win
Once you’re accepted into an affiliate network, you’ll typically be assigned an affiliate manager—someone whose job is to help you run profitable campaigns.
Here’s what a good affiliate manager can do for you:
- Negotiate higher payouts
- Help with technical issues
- Share industry insights you wouldn’t find on your own
- Unlock hidden or private offers
- Give advice tailored to your experience level and traffic type
They Can Unlock Higher Commissions
The commission you see on your dashboard is often referred to as the “street payout.” But here’s the secret: It’s not set in stone.
Let’s say Offer X shows a payout of $1.80.
With the right conversation, I’ve had that bumped up to $2.50—just by talking to the affiliate manager.
How much you earn depends on:
- Your relationship with them
- The quality of your traffic
- Your negotiation skills
If you’re brand new or haven’t proven yourself yet, they might not be eager to raise your rate. But over time, as you build trust, they’ll start to see you as a long-term partner—not just another name in the system.
In fact, a great affiliate manager will sometimes go out of their way to help you make more money. You’ll feel like you’ve got an ally on the inside.
Important note: Some affiliates have tried to scam networks in the past, so affiliate managers have to stay cautious.
Be upfront, be honest, and always play by the rules.
They See the Bigger Picture (So You Don’t Have To)
Affiliate marketing is a trend-driven industry. What works today might not work tomorrow.
Affiliate managers are like high-level scouts. They know what offers are taking off, where the traffic is flowing, and what angles are converting.
While they might suggest hot offers to everyone, they’ll only start advising you—giving tailored guidance—once you’ve built rapport.
A good affiliate manager won’t just tell you what’s hot.
They’ll explain why a certain offer matches your traffic type, your experience level, and your goals.
Because not every hot offer is hot for you.
For example, a trending offer might do well with native ads, but completely flop on Facebook or TikTok. That’s something you wouldn’t know—unless someone tells you.
They Keep You Compliant (So You Don’t Get Banned)
A great affiliate manager isn’t just a cheerleader. They’ll also help you stay out of trouble.
They’ll check your campaigns to make sure they follow the network’s rules—and the advertiser’s terms. Because as much as they want you to succeed, they also need to maintain strong relationships with advertisers.
If you play the long game in affiliate marketing, a good relationship with your affiliate manager is a must.
Here’s what you should expect from a solid manager:
- Transparency and honesty
- Fast replies and quick problem-solving
- Smart suggestions that can instantly boost your sales
- Knowledge of tools and resources tailored to your setup
The best managers care about your success—because when you win, they win too.
If your current affiliate manager isn’t responsive or helpful, don’t be afraid to switch. Just shoot an email to the network and ask for someone else.
Before we move on, here’s a quick side note worth mentioning:
Just one quick note:
Not all affiliate networks automatically assign you a manager.
In larger platforms like CJ or Impact, you often have to reach out first — especially if you haven’t generated volume yet.
Don’t let that discourage you. Just send a quick message, introduce yourself, and ask who handles your vertical. Proactive affiliates get noticed.
What to Consider When Choosing an Affiliate Network
Not all affiliate networks are created equal.
There are hundreds of them out there—so how do you decide which one is worth your time?
The funny thing is, every network claims to have “exclusive offers” and “the highest payouts.” But as any experienced affiliate will tell you, there’s more to it than shiny numbers.
Here are a few key factors to consider before committing to a network.
Pick a Network That Fits Your Niche
Many affiliate networks specialize in specific verticals.
Some focus entirely on gaming offers. Others might be built around the dating niche.
And that’s actually a good thing.
Networks with a narrow focus often have deeper, more relevant offers—and better relationships with advertisers in that space. This means:
- More optimized landing pages
- Better payouts over time
- Easier scalability without switching networks
Before signing up, ask yourself:
Does this network specialize in the niche I want to focus on?
If the answer is yes, it belongs on your shortlist.
Is Highest Payout Always Best?
Let’s say Network A pays $4.50 per lead.
Network B offers $5.50 for the exact same offer.
Sounds like an obvious choice, right?
Not so fast.
Higher payouts don’t always mean higher earnings.
The network offering more might be cutting corners—whether it’s poor tracking, lack of support, or shady business practices.
In some cases:
- Their tracking may be unreliable, causing underreported conversions
- Payouts may be delayed or come with unexpected conditions
- There might be less transparency or no clear support structure
Meanwhile, the network with the “lower” payout might actually deliver more consistent, long-term profits—simply because you can trust the system.
Don’t chase the highest payout.
Look for reliability, clear communication, and a solid reputation.
Because in affiliate marketing, what you keep matters more than what you’re promised.
Why Reputation Matters When Choosing a Network
Would you willingly join a network known for underpaying affiliates?
Or one that has a reputation for delayed payments?
Probably not.
That’s why doing your homework is non-negotiable.
Before joining any affiliate network, dig around. Ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Check affiliate forums, private groups, and Facebook communities.
But most importantly, pay close attention to what experienced affiliates are saying:
- Have they ever had commissions withheld without explanation?
- Has the network ever suspended accounts without warning?
- Do affiliate managers ignore messages or dodge responsibility when problems arise?
A trustworthy network won’t shy away from transparency.
They’ll be upfront about payment schedules, internal processes, and offer real support when you need it.
Global Reach and Offer Variety
Advertisers and affiliates come from all over the world.
If a network only operates within a limited geographic region, you’re automatically missing out on global offers, international campaigns, and high-payout opportunities.
Most seasoned affiliates work with multiple networks over time, taking advantage of each one’s unique strengths.
But when you’re just getting started?
Stick to one.
Why?
Because of cash flow.
Let’s say you earn $100 from Network A and $50 from Network B. But both require a $150 minimum payout.
Guess what?
You get nothing—until you hit the threshold on each.
Focusing on a single network helps you reach payout faster, stabilize your income, and build trust.
Relationship First, Offers Later
When you concentrate on one affiliate network, you’re not just simplifying operations—you’re also building a relationship.
And when affiliate managers start to notice your volume increasing, they pay attention. They prioritize you. That leads to:
- Higher commissions
- Access to exclusive offers
- Faster support
If the network supports multiple verticals, that’s even better.
You’ll have room to explore different niches and scale—without jumping from one network to another.
How to Apply (and Get Approved) for an Affiliate Network
Here’s a harsh truth: If you’re a complete newbie, getting approved by an affiliate network isn’t always easy.
I know what you’re thinking…
“Why wouldn’t they want me? I could become a super affiliate and make them a ton of money!”
And you’re right—in theory.
But from the network’s perspective, approving a new affiliate always involves risk.
Why?
Because there are people out there trying to game the system.
They send fake traffic, generate fake leads, use shady tactics to promote offers, spam landing pages, or do things that damage the advertiser’s reputation.
These bad actors ruin the trust between affiliate networks and advertisers. And that trust is everything.
There’s another reason, too:
Affiliate managers only have so much time and energy.
If they spend weeks mentoring someone who never sends a single conversion, that’s time they’ll never get back.
That’s why getting accepted is kind of like a job interview.
They want to know: Are you someone worth investing in?
Common Questions on Affiliate Network Applications
When you apply to a network, you’ll often see questions like:
- What traffic sources do you use?
- How much do you spend on ads per month?
- What niches are you currently working in?
- Do you have a website?
- How do you plan to promote our offers?
If you don’t have a website yet, just type something like “Google.com” into the form—and then use the comment box to explain that you’ll be using custom landing pages tailored to each campaign.
Better yet, if you’ve got web skills, consider building a quick portfolio site.
It doesn’t need to be fancy—just something that shows:
- The tools you’re familiar with
- Your understanding of traffic sources
- A few mock campaigns or landing pages
Trust me:
Even a simple site shows initiative—and it dramatically increases your chances of getting approved.
Stay Proactive During the Affiliate Network Application Process
Want to increase your chances of getting approved?
The easiest way is to follow up right after you apply.
Send a quick message to the affiliate manager, introduce yourself, and ask if they need any additional info.
Then, stay engaged.
Over the next few days, follow up politely to check on your application status.
Here is an example email:
Subject: Follow-up on My Affiliate Application
Hi [Affiliate Manager's Name],
I recently applied to join your affiliate network and wanted to follow up to see if any additional information is needed from my side.
I'm an affiliate focused on [insert your traffic source – e.g., Facebook Ads / native / SEO], currently working in the [your niche – e.g., health, finance, eCommerce] space. I'm interested in exploring offers in your network and scaling with quality traffic.
Let me know if there's anything you'd like me to clarify.
Looking forward to working together.
Best regards,
[Your Name]Why does this matter?
Because affiliate networks want to know you’re a real person.
They deal with tons of fake applications every day.
They also want to see if you have a plan—if you’re serious about affiliate marketing, or just testing the waters.
Bonus points if you’re already working with other networks.
That shows experience and credibility.
Getting into your first affiliate network is the hardest part. But once you’re in, you can use that as leverage to get accepted by others.
What If You Get Rejected?
Don’t sweat it.
Just reapply.
Every network has its own standards and screening criteria. Getting rejected once doesn’t mean you’ll get rejected again.
And if you’re serious about working with a particular network, wait a few months—then try again.
In the meantime, build your track record. Start generating revenue with another network.
When you reapply, tell the affiliate manager you’ve been gaining experience—and show proof.
Even a screenshot of your earnings helps build trust.
Here’s a sample email to send to the Affiliate Network if your registration is denied:
Subject: Reapplying – Affiliate with Recent Results
Hi [Affiliate Manager's Name],
I previously applied to your network and wasn’t accepted at the time, but since then I’ve gained more experience and generated real results with [name of another network if applicable].
I’m reapplying now and would love to work with your team. I’ve attached a screenshot of recent performance to help verify my activity.
Let me know if you need anything else from me.
Thank you for your time!
Best regards,
[Your Name]A Note for Affiliates in Developing Countries
Let’s be honest:
If you’re applying from Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, or certain developing regions in Eastern Europe, the approval process may be stricter.
Why? Because many networks have been burned by fraud coming from those regions.
It’s not fair—but it’s the reality.
So if you’re applying from one of these countries, you need to go the extra mile to prove your legitimacy.
One powerful way?
Get a referral.
If you know someone already working with the network, ask them to vouch for you.
A personal introduction from a trusted affiliate can dramatically increase your chances of getting in.
Why You Must Play by the Rules
Let’s say you’re promoting an offer where the advertiser specifically prohibits using the word “free” on your landing page.
But you ignore the rule. You use it anyway—and hope no one notices.
Your campaign performs better because of it.
You end up making $2,500 in a single month.
But then the affiliate network and advertiser catch you breaking the rules.
And they refuse to pay you.
That’s not just a hypothetical—it’s happened to many affiliates before.
Advertisers use tools that track the referral paths of affiliate links. It’s easy for them to see exactly what kind of landing page you’re using.
Yes, following the rules might feel slower.
It might take longer to see big profits.
But it’s the only way to build a sustainable affiliate business.
Think Long-Term. Stay Compliant.
A great affiliate network is more than just a place to find offers.
They’re a business partner.
Don’t burn that bridge over a quick buck.
In this industry, trust is everything.
Break it once—and you might never get it back.
Final Thoughts
If you want to find products and services to promote, the best place to start is by joining an affiliate network.
Once you’re in, you’ll be assigned an affiliate manager—someone whose job is to help you navigate the platform and support your campaigns. Think of them as your guide and partner inside the network.
Getting approved isn’t always instant. Some networks may even schedule a quick interview call to learn more about you.
To increase your chances of getting in, show them that you have a clear plan, some knowledge of the space, and a professional attitude.
Stay engaged, respond promptly, and treat the process seriously.
Because once you’re inside, you’re not just gaining access to offers—you’re stepping into the world of real affiliate marketing.
