Affiliate Marketing Tips - Does the Affiliate Network Matter?

Does the affiliate network you sign up with REALLY matter? Well, the honest answer is, yes and no. If that sounds a bit like a copout, let me explain. See, it's not all about the network. Yes, that's one variable, but it's not the only one. As a matter of fact, it's not even the most important one. In this article, I'm going to explain what the factors are that really determine the success that you'll have. The actual network you sign up with is very close to the bottom of the list.

Let's start out with why the affiliate network IS important. Each one IS different. For example, they all have different payment schedule policies and how you get paid. For example, Clickbank pays you directly. Now, you can even get paid direct deposit every week, which is great. I know if no other network that does that. Of course to qualify for payment through Clickbank is a lot harder than other networks. You need 5 sales and at least 2 major credit cards. PayPal payments don't count.

On the other hand, a network like PayDotCom doesn't have such a restriction. You can make just one sale and qualify for payment. The problem with PayDotCom though is that they don't pay you directly. You get paid by the merchant of the product. And that's where you can sometimes run into problems. See, the sad truth is, some merchants don't pay, or don't pay on time or not without a lot of badgering from you. Plus, payments are not made until after the refund period is over. So you're waiting a very long time for your money.

I personally use Clickbank and PayDotCom, but I only use the latter through merchants I know and trust.

What really matters more than this is the market you target and the product you choose. If you pick a poor product that doesn't sell well, it doesn't matter what affiliate network you choose, you won't make any sales.

So, while affiliate networks do affect things somewhat, they are nowhere near as important as choosing a product that sells because the market has a burning need for a real solution to its problem.