Affiliate Networks vs. Affiliate Marketing Software: What to Choose for your Business

With the number of people who are now depending on online sales and e-commerce for the business to grow, there is no denying that affiliate marketing can help your business get the boost it has always been looking for. With the right affiliate marketing management software solutions, not only will your business grow more effectively, but you will also manage to attract the kind of customers you have always needed for your business to become a brand.

To fully harness the potential of this model, you’ll need the right tools. This means investing in an affiliate marketing solution that helps grow your program and track results effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between affiliate marketing software and networks, and how they can benefit your business.

What Is an Affiliate Network?

Affiliate networks, also known as cost-per-action (CPA) networks, act as marketplaces where brands can find affiliates to join their programs. They focus primarily on partner recruitment, connecting publishers with a wide range of merchants.

For instance, platforms like Admitad let brands search for affiliates by filtering criteria such as affiliate type, engagement rates, and audience demographics. You can create a brand profile that highlights your commission structure, cookie duration, and branded assets to attract potential affiliates.

What Is Affiliate Marketing & Tracking Software?

Affiliate marketing software helps brands run and manage their affiliate programs efficiently. It typically offers real-time tracking, enabling you to link affiliates to sales via unique links, coupon codes, or cookies. 

The cost of affiliate software depends on factors like the subscription tier, tracking capabilities, and any niche-specific features. Some platforms also offer features to help you recruit affiliates, though you may want to explore larger networks for broader recruitment opportunities.

Key Differences Between Affiliate Software and Networks

• Marketplace: Affiliate networks offer searchable databases where brands can find affiliates based on specific categories and metrics. In contrast, affiliate software platforms don’t typically include this feature.
• Security: Networks often have built-in screening processes for affiliates, providing an additional layer of fraud protection. While affiliate software platforms have security measures, networks offer more robust protection.
• Operational features: Networks may offer reporting tools, but these are generally limited to affiliates within the network. Affiliate software gives you full control over tracking and performance analytics across all your affiliates.
• Pricing: Affiliate networks typically charge monthly fees and may have an initiation fee. Affiliate software usually operates on a subscription model, with pricing based on features and scale.

Benefits of Joining an Affiliate Network

Top affiliate networks like Admitad offer real value in terms of increasing exposure, providing predictable expenses, moving between affiliate programs as your needs change, and automating many parts of the process.

• Increased reach and exposure: Affiliate networks are built around one core function. They help affiliates and brands find each other quickly and efficiently. A good match is a win-win for both sides.
• Access to niche affiliates: Networks make it easy to find affiliates that match your specific industry or niche, saving you the time and effort of searching through various online channels.
• Commission-based earning potential: Commissions are one of the more stable and predictable ways to build awareness of your brand and products. Traditional ad campaigns can get expensive quickly if you’re bidding on keywords. It’s not an exact science what each keyword or impression will cost you.
• Fraud protection: Networks often vet affiliates before allowing them to join, adding an extra layer of security and ensuring you partner with credible affiliates.
• Robust integrations: Networks frequently offer integrations with advertising and marketing platforms, enabling you to combine paid marketing efforts with your affiliate strategy.

Benefits of Affiliate Marketing Software

Affiliate tracking software like Tapfiliate can help streamline your program, offering better insights and automation. Some key benefits include:

• Flexible commission structures: Affiliate software allows you to easily manage various commission types, including lifetime, percentage-based, flat-fee, and recurring commissions. These can be customized to fit your business model.
• Stronger relationships with affiliates: By organizing your program with clear communication, branded assets, and timely updates, you can improve affiliate satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Increased efficiency: As your program grows, manual tracking can become overwhelming. Affiliate software automates tracking and reporting, freeing you up to focus on strategy.
• Revenue growth: With insights into affiliate performance, you can optimize your program for maximum conversions and revenue growth.

Using Both Affiliate Software and Networks

You don’t have to choose between affiliate software and an affiliate network—using both can amplify your success. Here’s how:

• Affiliate networks: Use networks like Admitad to recruit new affiliates who fit your brand’s goals. With search filters and data on affiliates’ performance, you can easily find the right partners.
• Affiliate software: Use platforms like Tapfiliate to manage your affiliates, set commission structures, track conversions, and share branded content. These tools help automate and streamline your operations.

Conclusion

Both affiliate marketing software and networks are crucial for a successful affiliate program. Software helps streamline operations, track performance, and boost revenue, while networks allow you to find new affiliates and provide additional security.

To get started, analyze the competitive landscape, design competitive commission rates, and select suitable affiliate networks and software providers to achieve your objectives effectively.

To explore Admitad’s affiliate network, explore the opportunities and ways of possible cooperation and contact us here.