Amazon vs ClickBank vs Round Sky: Which Is the Best Affiliate Network for You?
Affiliate marketing can be profitable, but there are a lot of popular options out there. You'll need to figure out the best network for your needs if you're going to reach your full potential as an affiliate marketer.
Let's compare Amazon vs ClickBank vs Round Sky, some of the most popular affiliate networks out there. Which is the best option for you? That depends on your content, audience, and goals.
Three Affiliate Types: Physical, Digital, Leads
The affiliate networks we're exploring specialize in three different areas: digital content, physical items, and lead generation.
ClickBank and Amazon both offer physical and digital products; however, ClickBank caters most often to digital items such as ebooks, software, and community memberships, while Amazon maintains a massive inventory of physical goods.
Round Sky enters the mix with lead generation service. Service-focused affiliate networks might focus on referrals such as car insurance or home repair contractors, but Round Sky specializes in loans leads and debt settlement leads.
Finding your niche as an affiliate marketer is essential to being successful. As you learn more about the different programs, keep in mind what sort of affiliate marketing most appeals to you and your audience.
Amazon vs ClickBank vs Round Sky: Pros & Cons
Although there is a learning curve to starting your own online business, with a little research, affiliate marketing strategies can help you hit your target. Reputable intermediaries simplify the process, but they use different methods, so it's important to find one that's a good fit for you.
Pros: Amazon Associates
Products
There's an almost endless supply of products to link to. The Amazon Associates program represents an incredible selection that appeals to a wide variety of customers.
Cookies
If a buyer clicks on your link, you earn commission on whatever they buy—even if they click away from the original product. Amazon is the king of upsells, so when your customers check out, there's a good chance they'll add something extra to their cart. Your commission applies to the entire order.
Customer Loyalty
Consumers feel safe purchasing from Amazon. Mass familiarity makes this network a standout for affiliate marketers.
Simplicity
Amazon's affiliate program is user-friendly and geared toward newbies. A new venture can be overwhelming, so Amazon made the process as painless as possible.
Cons: Amazon Associates
Limited Cookies
Once a customer clicks on your affiliate link, they have 24 hours to check out. If they make the purchase past the 24-hour mark, you won‘t get credit for it.
Low Commission
To stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market, Amazon's commissions are notoriously low—some even topping out at 1%.
Little Control
Amazon is huge, which makes them an appealing choice—but it also means they hold all the cards. Sudden policy changes could impact your business and leave you scrambling to adjust to the new system.
Pros: ClickBank
High Commission
This is one area where ClickBank shines. If you can carve out your niche and establish a solid base of followers, ClickBank pays much higher commissions to affiliates than Amazon.
Products
ClickBank has a huge inventory, and much of it is digital—meaning profits are often higher because there is no overhead. Also, ClickBank allows affiliates to link to community memberships or recurring services, which can develop into a consistent revenue stream.
Tools
ClickBank offers online tools and training to help you succeed in your affiliate career. Its website also has premium analytics built in.
Cons: ClickBank
Iffy Product Quality
While there are many high-quality products to recommend to your followers, not all are created equal. This is where your reputation matters. Only recommend items you are confident will provide your base with a positive experience.
Over-Saturation and Competition
ClickBank is a well-known platform that's accessible to everyone. Then what's the downside of ClickBank? Unfortunately, this popularity means a lot of competition promoting the same products. Popular categories are particularly susceptible to oversaturation, and you'll have to work harder to establish yourself.
Learning Curve
ClickBank has a steeper learning curve than Amazon, which can be intimidating. The website provides tools and training to help you achieve success, but new affiliates might be more attracted to Amazon's simple process.
Pros: Round Sky
High Commission
When you sign up for an affiliate account, affiliates can generate income by referring prospective borrowers to a reputable lender. Affiliates can earn up to $250 per lead. CPA (cost per action) agreements might pay out commissions when someone submits their information, even if the loan process isn't completed. The payout is per lead too, not per sale, no credit card from the consumer is required, which makes this an attractive venture to promote.
An Essential Service
Loans are a need-based industry. Instead of trying to sell a product that may or may not be useful, you're offering a service that most people will need to use at least once in their lives.
Tools
Round Sky also has excellent tools, including website widgets and analytic trackers with 24/7 access to reports. With the website widget you can embed their loan form right on your website, or if you have your own form, they offer API posting too, or you can promote their offers and get paid per click.
Cons: Round Sky
Timing
Your base will only click on a link for a loan if they need one, so there's less chance a random browsing of the web will lead to an impulse click, as they might with an Amazon product.
Content Might Not Match
Loans don't fit every niche. For instance, if you host a debt-free podcast and have a strictly cash-pay policy for everything, connecting lenders with borrowers won't match your brand.
Start Your Affiliate Career with Round Sky
If you're an affiliate marketer looking to break into the world of financial products, Round Sky might be for you. Round Sky offers a fantastic affiliate program designed for beginners and experienced professionals. Partnering with Round Sky helps you build your reputation while providing valuable resources to keep you learning and growing every step of the way.