Are you exploring the vast world of affiliate marketing and wondering where to plant your flag? Welcome to my in-depth ShareASale review, a platform that’s not just another affiliate network but a gateway to potentially lucrative partnerships with both well-known and emerging brands.
As part of the prestigious Awin network, ShareASale stands out for its accessibility to newcomers and its diverse range of merchant partnerships. But the question lingers: Can you truly carve out a profitable path with ShareASale?
The answer is a resounding yes! Whether you’re just dipping your toes into affiliate marketing waters or looking for new revenue streams, ShareASale offers unique opportunities, especially with lesser-known brands eager to welcome new affiliates.
This review dives deep into the mechanics of ShareASale, comparing it with other players in the market and, most importantly, sharing strategies to maximize your earnings. From detailed insights to firsthand experiences, you’ll discover why ShareASale might just be the affiliate network you’ve been searching for.
Ready to uncover the potential of ShareASale for your affiliate marketing journey? Let’s embark on this exploration together.
ShareASale Review Overview
Product Name: ShareASale
Founder: Brian Littleton
Product Type: Affiliate Network
Price: Free to Join
Best For: Ideal for affiliate marketing beginners
Pros
- Sign-up & Approval is easy, much easier than other networks
- Now part of Awin, the extra investment means longevity
- Very diverse portfolio, with lots of under-the-radar programs
- Finding affiliate programs is easy
- Great additional tools for publishers
Cons
- Outdated website design
- Special characters in affiliate links that cause coding issues
- Payout threshold is higher than other networks
- Eliminated merchant programs without warning or notification
- No PayPal option
Quick Summary
ShareASale stands out in the crowded affiliate marketing landscape for its accessibility and diverse range of products, making it an attractive platform for both burgeoning and seasoned affiliate marketers. While it may not boast the big-name brands found on some competing networks, its rich selection of merchants provides ample opportunities, particularly for newcomers less likely to face rejection.
Despite its somewhat dated interface, ShareASale prioritizes functionality, offering users a straightforward path to discover and promote affiliate products effectively. While the platform’s payout threshold is higher than some alternatives, its reliability, ease of use, and comprehensive support system make it a compelling choice for those looking to monetize their online presence.
In essence, ShareASale represents a balanced blend of opportunity and usability, positioning itself as a solid option for anyone keen to explore affiliate marketing.
Recommended? Yes
If you’re brand new to affiliate marketing, you might want to check out our #1 recommended training program to learn everything you need to get started with affiliate marketing. 😉
Table of Contents
What is ShareASale?
ShareASale stands as a beacon in the vast sea of affiliate marketing networks, marking its territory since 2000.
Renowned for partnering with over 16,500 merchants, including some of the most unique and emerging brands, ShareASale offers unparalleled opportunities for affiliate marketers to discover niche markets and generate income.
Its acquisition by Awin in 2017 for US$35 million underscores its value and stability in the industry, yet ShareASale and Awin continue to flourish independently, providing diverse networks for affiliates.
Understanding Affiliate Marketing..
If you’re venturing into the world of affiliate marketing for the first time, let’s break it down.
Essentially, affiliate marketing is a win-win monetization strategy for bloggers and online marketers. It enables you, as a publisher, to earn commissions by promoting products or services through affiliate links.
Imagine writing a blog post about starting a blog, weaving in recommendations for tools and services with your affiliate links. Each purchase made through your link not only benefits your readers with valuable resources but also rewards you with a commission.
Why ShareASale?
Affiliate networks like ShareASale simplify the journey for affiliate marketers.
Instead of juggling multiple accounts with different brands, ShareASale provides a single platform offering a vast array of affiliate programs across various niches.
This convenience allows you to focus more on creating content and less on administrative tasks.
Get Started with Affiliate Marketing
Eager to dive deeper into affiliate marketing? I’ve prepared a comprehensive guide that lays out everything you need to know to turn this into a full-time income.
Plus, as a free bonus, sign up for our 7-Day Affiliate Marketing Bootcamp delivered directly to your inbox. This bootcamp is designed to jumpstart your journey, providing you with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to succeed. Click the Button below to get started…
Turn Your Passion into Profits
How ShareASale Simplifies Affiliate Marketing
Navigating the landscape of affiliate marketing can be daunting, especially when considering the time investment required to apply for individual affiliate programs. ShareASale emerges as a solution, streamlining this process by offering a centralized dashboard from which you can access hundreds of affiliate programs.
The platform’s strength lies in its vast selection, encompassing over 16,500 businesses across a wide array of markets and niches. This diversity ensures that no matter your audience’s interests, you’ll likely find products or services that resonate with them.
Furthermore, these businesses are not just present on the network; they’re actively seeking collaboration with affiliates, making it easier for you to form profitable partnerships.
Starting with ShareASale
The journey with ShareASale begins by identifying products you already endorse or discovering new offerings that align with your audience’s preferences. This tailored approach not only enhances your content’s authenticity but also increases the likelihood of conversion, benefiting both you and your readers.
By leveraging ShareASale’s extensive network, you save valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus more on content creation and less on the logistical challenges of affiliate marketing. Whether you’re exploring products you’re passionate about or venturing into new markets, ShareASale provides the tools and resources necessary to embark on a successful affiliate marketing journey.
Earning Money with ShareASale: A Closer Look
With ShareASale, monetizing your blog or website through affiliate marketing becomes a streamlined process. The platform partners with a wide array of high-quality businesses, providing you with ample opportunities to earn by promoting products or services that align with your content.
Here’s how you can generate income:
Pay Per Lead (PPL): For each visitor who clicks through your affiliate link and completes a form on the vendor’s site, you receive a fixed amount. This model is ideal for campaigns focused on lead generation rather than direct sales.
Pay Per Sale (PPS): This commission structure rewards you with a percentage of the sale when a purchase is made through your link. It’s the go-to option for affiliates aiming to drive sales and earn significant commissions.
Signing Up with ShareASale: First Steps to Earnings
Before diving deeper into the mechanics of ShareASale and exploring the brands within its network, let’s guide you through the sign-up process:
Prepare Your Information: Gather details about your website or blog, including your niche, audience demographics, and how you plan to promote affiliates. This preparation will streamline your application.
Visit ShareASale’s Website: Navigate to the sign-up section, where you’ll be prompted to fill out an application form.
Complete the Application: Provide accurate information about your site and marketing strategies. Transparency and detail will increase your chances of approval.
Wait for Approval: ShareASale will review your application to ensure your platform aligns with their standards and the needs of their merchants.
Once approved, you’ll have access to a vast network of affiliate programs, ready to start earning through tailored promotions that resonate with your audience.
Signing Up with ShareASale
Let’s look at the ease of signing up as a publisher for ShareASale. This often gives a great insight into whether this is a good network for affiliate marketers.
A network that makes it too difficult is only going to put marketers off, right? Unfortunately, there are a few that do, but ShareASale isn’t one of them.
Step One - Username and password
Once you press the signup and select publisher. You’ll be taken to a screen looking like the image below. You’ll need to choose a username and create a password. Choosing your country is also required here too.
Step Two - Website Information
The second stage requires you to add your website details (if you don’t have a website yet, here’s a useful guide to help you create one). You’ll be required to verify your ShareASale account later, so make sure you use a live site.
Then you’ll be required to confirm your primary language on the website and confirm your promotional strategies.
Please Note – They’re stringent about the types of affiliate marketing websites they allow on their network. This includes confirming your site doesn’t contain or link to adult content.
Step Four - Email Address
Now it’s time for your email address. You’ll need to verify this link, which confirms you can accept mail from ShareASale.
Top Tip – It states that if you use an email address that matches your website, it will speed up the application process.
Step Five - Contact Details
Fill in your contact details in this step. It’s also an opportunity for you to tell ShareASale why you should be accepted in the program description box. How do you plan on promoting your affiliate programs?
This will be reviewed as part of the application process.
Step Six - Payment Methods
ShareASale offers three options for pay-outs. This is your chance to choose which one suits you. They are:
- Direct Bank Deposit
- Check via Postal Service
- Check via Federal Express ($20 surcharge per check)
The final step to complete your sign-up is to read and confirm the terms and conditions. You are also verifying that your signup information is accurate.
Once you’ve confirmed the email that would have been sent to your account, you will need to wait a while before being let in…
They claim it can take up to 2-3 days, but that does exclude weekends and holidays.
Discovering Brands to Promote with ShareASale
Congratulations on your approval! Now, the exciting journey begins: finding affiliate programs that resonate with your audience. ShareASale excels in curating a selection of merchants that might fly under the radar of larger networks but are gems for affiliate marketers looking to carve out unique niches.
With nearly 4,500 merchants to choose from, ShareASale champions the cause of smaller enterprises and niche markets, offering a refreshing alternative to the “big brand” focus of networks like CJ Affiliate. This approach significantly benefits newcomers and those with smaller followings, providing more opportunities for acceptance and collaboration.
The Advantage of Diversity
While you might encounter household names within ShareASale’s roster, the real value lies in its commitment to diversity and accessibility. This inclusivity ensures that even if you’re just starting out or your traffic isn’t massive, there’s a place for you here.
Advanced Search and Filtering
One of ShareASale’s standout features is its advanced search and filtering capabilities, setting it apart from other affiliate networks. These tools streamline the process of finding the perfect brands for your niche, making it easier than ever to match your content with the right affiliate programs.
Prioritizing Value Over Commission
It’s crucial to remember that the best affiliate partnership isn’t necessarily the one with the highest commission rate. True success comes from promoting products or services that genuinely offer value to your readers. A mismatch between your content and the promoted product can lead to disengagement and lost sales opportunities.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Here are some tips for selecting products that align with your audience’s interests:
- Understand Your Audience: Dive deep into your audience’s preferences, needs, and challenges. The more you know about them, the better you can tailor your product selections.
- Use ShareASale’s Filters: Leverage ShareASale’s tools to narrow down options based on criteria like commission rates, EPC (Earnings Per Click), and merchant reputation.
- Assess Product Relevance: Always ask yourself if a product or service you’re considering aligns with your content and provides real value to your audience.
By focusing on these strategies, you can ensure that your affiliate marketing efforts on ShareASale are both profitable and aligned with your audience’s expectations.
Turn Your Passion into Profits
Navigating Affiliate Programs on ShareASale:
A User-Friendly Guide
ShareASale’s platform is designed with user experience in mind, offering a plethora of filters and tools that make finding the right affiliate programs a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, these features ensure you can tailor your search to match your blog’s niche perfectly.
Step-by-Step to Merchant Discovery
Start at the Top Menu: Navigate to the ‘Merchant’ option where a universe of choices unfolds. Here’s how to narrow down your search:
- Merchant Search: Directly search for specific merchants or browse through Merchant Status.
- Special Promotions: Look out for Coupons And Deals, especially handy for seasonal campaigns like Black Friday.
Explore by Category: The left sidebar menu is your gateway to diverse niches, from Accessories to Weddings. This categorization makes it incredibly easy to align products with your audience’s interests.
Feature and Seasonal Searches: Use featured categories such as New Programs or Power Ranking Vendors for trending options. The Marketing Calendar is a gem for finding time-sensitive offers.
Finding the Perfect Product
Finding products to promote is straightforward:
Search for a product, say “standing desk,” and explore the results. You might find numerous merchants and products, indicating the depth of options available.
To refine your search further, utilize the ‘Modify Search’ option. This tool is invaluable for honing in on products that fit your niche, with filters for Auto-Approval programs or exclusives to ShareASale.
A note on Auto-Approval: Auto-Approval is a great feature, as it means you don’t need the merchant to approve you before becoming an affiliate for the program – Great for Newbies!!
Maximizing Search Efficiency
The platform offers detailed filtering options to sort results by various metrics, such as EPC, commission types, cookie length, and more. This functionality is crucial for identifying programs that not only fit your niche but also offer the best earning potential.
Auto-Approval: A noteworthy feature for newcomers, allowing instant participation in programs without waiting for merchant approval.
Visual Aids: Screenshots within this guide serve as a visual aid, demystifying the process and showcasing how accessible ShareASale makes affiliate marketing.
You can also use the usual filtering options, like in the screenshot below…
Leveraging ShareASale's Advanced Tools
By taking advantage of ShareASale’s advanced search and filtering, you can effortlessly pinpoint programs that are a perfect match for your content and audience. Remember, the key to successful affiliate marketing is promoting products that genuinely interest and add value to your readers.
How to Create Affiliate Links on ShareASale
ShareASale makes it really easy for you to get affiliate links to share in your content.
Start by using the drop-down menu under Links to select the kind of hyperlink you want (banner, coupon, page link, etc.)
The alternative, once you’ve been approved by some merchants, is to select from your list of approved merchant programs.
Start by typing in the merchant name in the search bar or simply select from the list of vendors you’re working with.
Click on the vendor’s name and the options for sharing your links will be shown. If you want to see how it’s done, check out the video below…
Understanding ShareASale's Payment Flexibility
ShareASale accommodates its diverse global affiliate network with various payment methods, ensuring you can receive your commissions in the way that suits you best. Currently, the options include:
- Direct Deposit: For quick and hassle-free transactions directly to your bank account.
- Check: A traditional method, with checks mailed to your registered address.
*Note: Some affiliates have mentioned the availability of Payoneer for payments. While this option wasn’t available to me in the UK, it’s worth checking if it’s an option in your region, indicating that ShareASale’s payment solutions may vary based on location.
Changing Your Payment Preferences
Should your payment preference change, adjusting your settings is straightforward. Simply access your account’s payment settings to switch between the available methods.
When Do You Get Paid?
ShareASale’s payment cycle is designed for simplicity and predictability:
- Monthly Payouts: Commissions are paid on the 20th of each month, covering earnings from the previous month’s period (e.g., July 21st – August 20th earnings are paid in September).
- Minimum Payout Policy: A minimum balance of $50 is required to trigger a payout. If you prefer to accumulate a larger sum before withdrawing, you can customize this threshold in the ‘Payment Trigger’ settings of your account.
This system ensures that you have complete control over your earnings and can plan your finances with a clear understanding of the payment timeline.
ShareASale Reviews
When checking out anything online, looking at what online review sites tell you can sometimes make for some interesting reading.
The first screenshot is from SiteJabber showing the most recent positive reviews…
Although, you’ll notice they are not recent reviews…
Even the negative reviews are not recent and tend to be more about a bad merchant, rather than ShareASale themselves…
This is the only recent review about ShareASale and it is all around customer service…
Overall, I wasn’t surprised with anything I saw. Most of the other comments were about their application being declined. But if you are a new site lacking any traffic, then you have got to expect to be rejected.
They have a service to offer their merchants of valuable publishers, so accepting new blogs with no content will surely be the right thing for them to do.
In most cases, it just means go and create more content and try again later.
ShareASale Pros & Cons:
A Comprehensive Overview
Affiliate marketing platforms like ShareASale come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here, we outline the most notable pros and cons to give you a well-rounded understanding of what to expect.
Pros
User-Friendly Features:
- Easy Sign-Up Process: Streamlines your start in affiliate marketing.
- Advanced Search & Filtering: Helps you find the perfect merchants and products effortlessly.
- Customizable Affiliate Links: Offers flexibility in your promotional strategies.
- Comprehensive Reporting and Tracking: Enables effective performance analysis.
Financial and Operational Benefits:
- Transaction Fee Paid by Merchants: Affiliates enjoy more earnings.
- Reliable Payouts: Ensures consistent income.
- High Acceptance Rate & Speedy Approval: Great for newcomers and experienced marketers alike.
Support and Variety:
- Efficient Customer Support: Quick help when you need it.
- Wide Variety of Merchants: Suits diverse niches and interests.
- Excellent Reputation: Trusted by affiliates worldwide.
- Multi-Website Management: Ideal for affiliates with several sites.
Cons
Platform and Technical Issues:
- Outdated Website Design: May affect usability and aesthetics.
- Special Characters in Links: Can cause technical issues, though there are usually workarounds or fixes available.
Operational Concerns:
- Higher Payout Threshold: At $50, it’s above some other networks, which might delay earnings for some.
- Unannounced Program Changes: Merchant programs may be eliminated without prior warning, affecting your strategy.
Payment Options:
- No PayPal Option: Limits payment flexibility for affiliates who prefer this method.
While ShareASale offers robust tools and benefits for affiliates, it’s important to consider these drawbacks when planning your affiliate marketing strategy. However, many of these cons can be mitigated with proper planning and communication with ShareASale’s support team.
Exploring ShareASale Alternatives for Affiliate Marketing
If you’re weighing your options beyond ShareASale, there are several noteworthy platforms to consider. Each offers unique advantages and caters to different needs and preferences.
- USP: Specializes in digital products, offering a vast selection for affiliates.
- Best For: Beginners due to its user-friendly interface.
- Considerations: Vigilance is needed to avoid promoting lower-quality products. Be aware of dormant account charges, which apply if no sales are made, ranging from $1 to $50 a day based on inactivity period.
- USP: Access to a wide range of physical products with the backing of Amazon’s trusted brand.
- Best For: Those new to affiliate marketing, given the platform’s ease of entry and vast product selection.
- Considerations: Lower commission rates compared to other platforms. Affiliates must generate at least 3 sales within the first 6 months to remain in the program.
CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
- USP: Known for its advanced reporting and analytics, ideal for optimizing affiliate campaigns.
- Best For: Experienced marketers who value in-depth data analysis.
- Considerations: Partnerships with big brands may require a more established site or audience.
Rakuten Advertising
- USP: Offers robust support and has been a significant player in the affiliate marketing space for over 25 years.
- Best For: Affiliates who prefer a network with a strong support system and established reputation.
- Considerations: Known for delayed payments due to its 60-net payout schedule, which is longer than many other networks.
Each of these platforms has its own set of features, benefits, and challenges. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, niche, and level of experience in affiliate marketing.
While ClickBank and Amazon Associates might be more welcoming for beginners, CJ Affiliate and Rakuten Advertising provide advanced tools and partnerships that might appeal to more experienced marketers.
Final Thoughts on ShareASale: Is It Right for You?
While some may critique ShareASale for its somewhat outdated interface, it’s essential to look beyond aesthetics to the core functionality and benefits it offers. In the ever-evolving world of affiliate marketing, effectiveness trumps appearance. ShareASale stands out for its straightforward platform, allowing easy access to a diverse range of affiliate programs and reputable partners.
For bloggers, content creators, and digital marketers seeking to monetize their online presence, ShareASale presents a robust option. It combines simplicity with a breadth of opportunities, catering to various niches and interests.
The real secret to success in affiliate marketing, however, lies not in the choice of platform but in the dedication to building and engaging your audience. Traffic and visibility are paramount; your ShareASale links need eyes on them to convert. This underscores the importance of content quality, SEO, and strategic marketing efforts to grow your online footprint.
Our Verdict
ShareASale is a valuable tool for those willing to navigate its older interface to leverage the wealth of affiliate marketing opportunities it provides. Its functionality, partnered with your commitment to audience building and engagement, can result in a profitable affiliate marketing venture. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your affiliate marketing efforts, ShareASale merits consideration for its ease of use, partner diversity, and reliable support.
Ultimately, the choice of affiliate network should align with your marketing goals, audience needs, and personal preferences. ShareASale, with its proven track record and comprehensive offerings, is certainly worth exploring as you embark on or continue your affiliate marketing journey.
Thanks for checking out my ShareASale review! If you have any further questions or comments to add, then please write them in the comments section below. ;). Any experience with ShareASale? We would love to hear about it here…
Hi John, I have been with Share-A-Sale since late 2020. I definitely think you make a good point about their lesser-known brands being easier to rank. I have a few reviews for share-a-sale products that get regular clicks but no sales yet. I think maybe I should promote them more maybe but for some reason I am always more drawn to clickbank products. I mean these are almost always high competition so it probably is my fault I’ve not had so much luck with shareasale. I will have to use them more I think;
Anyhow what about these people selling products and not receiving any commissions what is this all about – seems kind of off-putting to me. I always thought Share a sale was a good vendor but now not so sure.
Hey Alex,
thanks for checking out my blog post. ShareASale is a fine affiliate network. But I think any network will have a few merchants that pull a fast one. I don’t think it’s necessarily ShareASale at fault, as the merchant might have started off good and then started causing issues. But it’s down to the affiliate to do the relevant checks and then go back and check everything is working fine.
Many affiliates have lost sales as they didn’t realise an affiliate link wasn’t working correctly. Always keep on checking up on stuff to ensure it is working ok.
All the best,
John
I use ShareAsale and I agree with you that it is a great affiliate marketing platform. It’s been around for a long time and has a lot of features, and tools that make it easy to promote products as an affiliate. In my experience, it’s one of the easiest platforms to use and they have a ton of great features that make it easy to find high-converting offers and track your sales data.
Plus, the commissions are usually pretty good too.
That said, it’s important to remember that any successful affiliate marketing strategy takes time and effort. So be patient and don’t expect to see overnight results. It’s also important to diversify your traffic sources. Not all traffic will convert into sales, and that’s okay.
It’s always informative reading your website.
Cheers,
Femi.
Hey Femi,
thanks for checking out my blog post and sharing your experiences with ShareASale. Ensuring your campaigns are fit and right for your audience is always the keystone to a successful affiliate marketing business. Which takes time and effort to put into action and then wait for them to bear fruit.
Working in partnership with great affiliate networks will help you showcase fantastic offers, but the sales will only come if you are helping your readers…
All the best,
John
Thank you for this informative article Shareasale and Avin. I just wanted to ask one more question before joining this affiliate program. How much traffic is enough to a website for someone to engage with them or does it not matter? Thank you
Hey Zvesdan,
thanks for checking out my blog post. It would be subjective really. But my advice would be to wait until you have consistent traffic to your site. Not particularly a number, but if you are attracting clicks from the search engines then it’s worth trying to monetise your posts. Vendors will want a website that is getting some traffic, over a blog that hasn’t got any.
But I think it can be misleading to think that a blog that has a lot of traffic will make a lot of money. It’s about how relevant the blog is to the people it is attracting. You could have a hundred visitors come to your blog. Really love what they see and maybe make some purchases.
Then again, there could be a blog that has thousands of clicks, but they aren’t as clear on what the blog is about and they don’t end up buying anything.
For me, if you are attracting real visitors to your blog and then are staying and exploring your site (you’ll see this in your analytics) then it’s the point of starting to introduce some affiliate links.
thanks
John
Hi John,
I have used the ShareASale network for years, and I have had no problems with payments of my commissions. They do have a minimum of $50 before they release payments, but I don’t have a problem with that at all.
I was also surprised to learn about the special character coding issue in their affiliate links. I haven’t been aware of any issues. Can you expand on that and explain more about it?
I joined the ShareASale program back in 2016 and had very little traffic, but they accepted me. I was grateful about that. And I can tell you that they have upgraded the site a lot since then. It was really outdated back then!
Thanks for this great review, John!
Hey Chas,
Thanks for sharing your experience with ShareASale. It has definitely given it a fresh lick of paint since then. They’ve done a great job!
The special character issue is with some reports – but again it might be that people were not copying and pasting the affiliate code properly.
Thanks
John