What Are Affiliate Software Networks and How Do They Work?
Most software affiliate programs fall under the sub-affiliate program model. Sub-affiliates provide service and support to both affiliates and brands. They help affiliates monetise their social media, website, or blog on a cost-per-action basis while acting as the affiliate of record in a brand’s affiliate program. These programs provide centralised communications, reporting, payments, and link-building to affiliates on their platforms. Instead of having affiliates join their own affiliate programs, brands partner with sub affiliate networks. These networks act as hubs that connect publishers, like bloggers, with brands.
The sub-affiliate programs work through brand partnerships by joining the brand’s affiliate program. Once accepted, the sub-affiliate network gets promotional materials from the brand. The sub-affiliate program then provides these resources to the affiliates on the platform. If a sub-affiliate drives a conversion for the brand, the brand compensates the sub-affiliate program.
Consequently, the sub-affiliate program transfers a significant portion of the compensation to the responsible affiliate. However, different sub-affiliates take different portions of the sale, thus, before partnering, an affiliate should understand the commission split. Sub-affiliates allow both brands and affiliates to scale their businesses efficiently.
How Can Affiliates Benefit from Affiliate Software Programs?
Software affiliate programs provide affiliates with a cost-effective way of monetising their content. Joining an affiliate program allows an affiliate to work on topics they enjoy while earning a living. Once an affiliate joins an affiliate network, they get access to a dashboard that shows the performance of each affiliate campaign in their affiliate marketing efforts, allowing them to adjust strategies accordingly.
Setting up an affiliate link on your website is free. The most significant benefit of affiliate networks to affiliates is their flexibility. They allow content creators to be freelancers or work full-time or part-time. Also, affiliates get to choose the products they promote to their audience. Success in this business model requires access to the internet and a computer, coupled with good affiliate marketing efforts.