Google Affiliate Network Pros and Cons
One of the ways to earn money online is by joining affiliate programs. This type of program provides members with a certain percentage commission whenever a web user takes action after clicking through the advertisement links placed on websites. It is important then for publishers and authors as well as aspiring affiliate marketers to know that joining a program such as this goes beyond just placing paid ad links on sites and blogs.
The most popular search engine company, Google, is one of the most recent players in the affiliate network field. The company has come up with its own affiliate marketing program called Google Affiliate Network after acquiring DoubleClick which was then managing the affiliate network Performics. What Google did was to only keep the affiliate component of Performics and sold the SEM part.
With an affiliate program, online retailers and publishers can promote their products and services better. It’s an effective advertising method that can lead to favorable conversion rates and eventually improve business sales.
Pros
For advertisers, the Google Affiliate Network is worth a try. Through this program, you get the chance to partner with selected publishers who have a better chance of providing your desired traffic. This means that you can choose sites that perform well and those that can expose you to your target market.
Publishers have a lot to gain from the program as well. With relevant ad links placed on your sites, you get a good exposure to top brand advertisers in the entire network and when you’re lucky to hand-picked to take part in the advertiser’s program, you can be sure to earn a percentage of their sales or the so-called referral bounty.
The affiliate network program of Google also provides members with a user-friendly platform where they can keep track of their ad performance and other important statistics. On your account page, you will be able to get a detailed reporting of what’s going on your advertisements or ad links. Payments to publishers are also automated for your utmost convenience.
The main benefit of joining an affiliate network compared to an individual program is the wide exposure a publisher gets to different merchants. Signing up is easy and the process of registration with affiliate companies involved in the network takes only a few minutes. Most often, the advertisers involved here are not just the small ones but the top brands.
In addition, a network is also able to handle issues in a more professional manner. Should publishers encounter problems with payments, tracking and so forth, a network is capable of helping resolve the issues straight away.
Cons
A common problem identified with affiliate programs is the long time it takes to get paid for commissions earned. Google has been criticized for this notably in its AdSense program. This may be so when there’s not much traffic going to your site and no click throughs are accomplished when visitors check out the website.
But when there are rules in place, they should be followed. Google has formulated its policies for its affiliate network program which includes a provision stating that commission will only be paid once a member reaches a certain amount.
And so with affiliate networks, there’s really nothing to lose. It’s simple to join and the chance to gain is always there.
As it always does, Google continues to improve on its affiliate network side to benefit its users. In 2008, Google launched a new interface for its publishers. The ease of use feature was retained as well as its simplicity. Basically, the new interface is straightforward to enable users to easily navigate the page.
