Navigating Affiliate Marketing Networks: ShareASale vs CJ Affiliate

In the vast world of affiliate marketing, two of the leading player networks dominate the market—ShareASale and CJ Affiliate. Both are among the top 5 networks in the USA, with ShareASale SAS being particularly favored by many new entrants in the field. While CJ Affiliate boasts a larger platform and international presence, its backend and service quality leave something to be desired. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences between these two major networks and offer insights to help you choose the right partner for your affiliate marketing journey.

Introduction to ShareASale and CJ Affiliate

ShareASale and CJ Affiliate are two of the most well-known and reputable affiliate marketing networks. Both platforms offer extensive tools and resources for affiliates to promote products or services and earn commissions. However, they differ significantly in their user experience, backend functionalities, and overall suitability for new affiliates.

Key Differences between ShareASale and CJ Affiliate

Platform Customization and Backend Quality

ShareASale, also known as SAS, stands out in the affiliate marketing landscape for its robust backend and reporting suite. The platform is highly customizable, allowing affiliates to tailor their landing pages, optimize tracking, and manage campaigns with ease. This level of customization is not as readily available in CJ Affiliate, contributing to its slower backend performance.

The reporting suite in ShareASale is highly regarded by many affiliates, providing detailed analytics and comprehensive insights that help them make informed decisions. On the other hand, while CJ Affiliate offers a decent reporting system, it often falls short in terms of user friendliness and depth of data. New affiliates might find the backend in ShareASale more intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier to navigate and manage their campaigns effectively.

Affiliate Traffic and Commission Rates

When it comes to affiliate traffic and commission rates, ShareASale tends to offer a more favorable environment for new and smaller affiliates. The entry requirements for ShareASale are generally lower, allowing for a wider range of products to be promoted, from niche offerings to mainstream products. This makes it easier for newcomers to find suitable partners and secure deals without the stringent traffic requirements imposed by CJ Affiliate.

On the contrary, CJ Affiliate is known for its higher commission rates and extensive network of global affiliates. However, this comes at the cost of stricter traffic levels and higher application costs. It can be challenging for startups or small businesses to meet the necessary traffic levels to qualify for CJ Affiliate, making the platform less accessible to new entrants. The higher cost and stricter traffic policies can be a significant barrier for smaller affiliates looking to establish themselves in the market.

Publisher and Affiliate Preferences

A crucial factor often overlooked when choosing an affiliate network is publisher and affiliate preferences. Recent studies have shown that famous networks like Awin and ShareASale are preferred by many affiliates due to their backend quality, user-friendly interfaces, and better reporting tools. This preference has led to a significant number of affiliates gravitating towards these networks, spending more time optimizing their campaigns within them.

Three years ago, a major client with a $60 million portfolio was successfully moved from CJ Affiliate to ShareASale. The client observed a notable increase in traffic from the same set of publishers. This change prompted an investigation into the reasons behind the increased traffic and revenue. The main finding was that affiliates preferred ShareASale and Awin, attributing the enhanced performance to the better backend and reporting tools.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Affiliate Marketing Network

Deciding between ShareASale and CJ Affiliate ultimately hinges on your specific needs and goals as an affiliate marketer. If you are starting from scratch and want a smoother and more user-friendly experience, ShareASale might be the better choice. It offers a more flexible and customizable platform with a strong backend, making it easier to manage campaigns and gain visibility.

For established affiliates with significant traffic and resources, CJ Affiliate might be worth considering due to its high commission rates and extensive global presence. However, the higher entry barriers and stringent requirements might prove challenging for newcomers.

Whichever network you choose, it's important to keep an eye on affiliate preferences and the overall user experience. By aligning with the networks that cater to your specific needs and the preferences of your desired affiliates, you can achieve greater success in your affiliate marketing endeavors.