In the bustling world of online advertising, affiliate marketing stands as a beacon of opportunity for publishers seeking to monetize their content. Amidst a sea of choices, a handful of Pay Per Click (PPC) affiliate programs shine brighter than the rest. In this guide, we’ll explore ten such programs – from the pioneering Google AdSense to the innovative Skimlinks and the dynamic Outbrain – revealing their unique features, earning potentials, and suitability for publishers of varying backgrounds and ambitions.
Table of Contents
10 Best Pay Per Click Affiliate Programs
1. Adsense
Google AdSense has been a pioneering force in the world of online advertising since the early 2000s. What sets AdSense apart is its wide reach and established reputation. Despite facing increased competition, AdSense remains a top choice for many due to its accessibility and familiarity.
One of AdSense’s strengths lies in its simplicity and ease of integration. It caters to both newcomers and seasoned publishers, offering a straightforward sign-up process that doesn’t require a specific traffic threshold. This inclusivity is particularly appealing to those starting in the affiliate marketing space.
Although the approval process is often deemed challenging, it ensures that only quality websites become part of the AdSense network. This results in a level of trust and reliability that advertisers appreciate, leading to a constant stream of relevant ads for users.
AdSense’s association with Google provides a substantial advantage in terms of ad inventory and variety. The vast number of advertisers within Google’s network ensures that publishers have access to a wide range of high-quality ads, enhancing user experience and potentially boosting click-through rates.
While the days of exceedingly high RPMs have evolved, AdSense remains a steady source of income for many. Its potential to earn up to $7 RPM might not match the heights of some competitors, but its stability and the network’s overall reliability make it a solid choice for those looking for a dependable income stream. Additionally, Google’s YouTube AdSense program has firmly established itself as a go-to option for social media influencers, further cementing Google’s relevance in the affiliate marketing landscape.
Traffic requirements: None
RPM: Up to $7
Affiliate program: None
Payment threshold: US$100
Payment frequency: Net 30
2. Mediavine
Mediavine stands as a pinnacle of achievement for affiliate marketers aiming to maximize their earnings. This exclusive program is tailored for publishers with significant traffic and a dedication to quality.
One of the key differentiators of Mediavine is its stringent entry requirements, demanding a minimum of 50,000 unique visitors per month. This strict threshold ensures that only established and high-quality publishers become part of the network, thereby maintaining a standard of excellence that both advertisers and users appreciate.
Mediavine’s emphasis on quality translates into a significantly higher earning potential. Its RPMs of up to $30 position it on par with the best in the industry, and its exclusivity further drives the attractiveness of the program.
While Mediavine doesn’t offer an affiliate program, its inherent earning potential compensates for this absence. A website with 50,000 monthly visitors can potentially earn around $1,500 per month, offering a substantial income for dedicated publishers.
The payment frequency of Net 65, while slightly delayed, is compensated by the program’s ability to deliver substantial earnings, making Mediavine a logical next step for publishers looking to maximize their revenue.
URL: Mediavine sign-up
Traffic requirements: 50,000 monthly visitors
RPM: Up to $30
Affiliate program: No
Payment threshold: US$25
Payment frequency: Net 65
3. Media.net
Media.net has risen to prominence as a noteworthy alternative to traditional PPC affiliate programs like AdSense. Its distinct advantage lies in its partnership with the Yahoo Bing Network, an association that leads to increased earning potential and diverse ad offerings.
One of Media.net’s standout features is its ability to seamlessly complement other ad networks like AdSense. This versatility allows publishers to maximize their revenue potential by utilizing multiple sources of income on the same page, resulting in improved monetization strategies.
While the traffic requirement of 5,000 monthly visitors might seem modest in comparison to some competitors, it signifies a certain level of commitment and quality from publishers. This emphasis on quality ensures that the network maintains a standard of excellence, which advertisers value when selecting platforms to display their ads.
Media.net’s RPM potential of up to $10 is a key selling point. This competitive rate, combined with the platform’s specialization in topics like credit cards and personal finance, provides the possibility of higher earnings for publishers in specific niches.
Internal testing reveals Media.net’s ability to significantly boost earnings, with some cases demonstrating a fivefold increase in revenue compared to other networks. This track record of delivering tangible results adds credibility to Media.net’s reputation as a valuable PPC affiliate program worth considering.
URL: Media.net sign-up
Traffic requirements: 5,000 monthly visitors
RPM: Up to $10
Affiliate program: Yes
Payment threshold: US$100
Payment frequency: Net 30
4. Skimlinks
Skimlinks emerges as a user-friendly option in the realm of Pay Per Click (PPC) affiliate programs, catering to publishers seeking a hassle-free way to monetize their content. What sets Skimlinks apart is its innovative approach to affiliate marketing, providing a bridge between publishers and affiliate programs without requiring direct participation in individual programs.
The fundamental convenience offered by Skimlinks lies in its straightforward implementation. By installing Skimlinks’ script, publishers can seamlessly integrate affiliate links into their content. The system takes care of product recommendations, eliminating the need for publishers to manually identify affiliate opportunities. This automation allows content creators to focus on what they do best: crafting compelling content that resonates with their audience.
Skimlinks further simplifies the affiliate process by adopting a 75/25 commission split. This approach relieves publishers of the burden of tracking and managing commissions, as Skimlinks handles these aspects on their behalf. This streamlined approach enables publishers to enjoy the benefits of affiliate marketing without the associated technical complexities.
The unique aspect of Skimlinks is its role as an intermediary between publishers and affiliate programs. This blurs the lines between traditional pay-per-click programs and affiliate partnerships, offering the best of both worlds. Publishers can monetize their content while benefitting from the effectiveness of affiliate marketing, without being directly involved in multiple affiliate programs.
Furthermore, Skimlinks extends its advantages to publishers through a referral program. Publishers can earn a 35% share of their referrals’ commissions during their first year on the platform. Although the payment frequency is around 90 days, the potential for passive income from referrals adds an enticing layer to the program’s benefits.
URL: Skimlinks sign-up
Traffic requirements: None
RPM: Varies depending on the niche
Affiliate program: Yes
Payment threshold: US$65
Payment frequency: Net 90-ish
5. Ezoic
Ezoic, emerging in 2010, has positioned itself as a strong contender in the realm of PPC affiliate programs, presenting several compelling features that make it a viable choice for publishers seeking increased earnings.
Ezoic’s standout feature is its impressive RPM potential of up to $15 per 1,000 visitors. This rate aligns it with some of the most successful affiliate programs in the market, highlighting its competitive nature and potential for higher earnings.
The 10,000 monthly visitor requirement reflects Ezoic’s focus on publishers with more established websites. This criterion ensures a certain level of traffic and content quality, contributing to a higher likelihood of success for both publishers and advertisers.
Ezoic’s commitment to automated ad optimization through machine learning is a significant boon for publishers. This feature not only enhances user experience but also saves publishers the hassle of manually managing ad placements, allowing them to focus more on content creation and engagement.
The referral program, offering 3% of a referral’s lifetime revenue, adds an extra layer of incentive for publishers to recommend Ezoic to their network, potentially creating a virtuous cycle of growth.
URL: Ezoic sign-up
Traffic requirements: 10,000 monthly visitors
RPM: Up to $15
Affiliate program: Yes
Payment threshold: US$20
Payment frequency: Net 30
6. Infolinks
Infolinks stands out in the realm of pay-per-click (PPC) affiliate programs due to its innovative approach of analyzing website traffic in real-time to serve highly relevant ads. This dynamic strategy ensures that the advertisements presented to visitors align closely with their interests and preferences, resulting in increased engagement and higher conversion rates.
One of Infolinks’ notable strengths is its extensive list of brand partnerships. Counting household names such as Nike and Netflix among its clients, Infolinks provides affiliates with the opportunity to showcase ads from renowned brands on their websites. This not only adds credibility but also enhances the overall user experience, as visitors are more likely to engage with content from trusted entities.
While an RPM (revenue per thousand impressions) of up to $5 might not appear particularly lucrative at first glance, it’s important to consider the context. Affiliates have the advantage of combining Infolinks ads with other PPC programs like Google AdSense, allowing them to diversify their revenue streams. Furthermore, the potential RPM of $5 surpasses the earnings from a standard AdSense unit by two to five times, making Infolinks a competitive choice in terms of generating income.
Infolinks also offers an enticing referral program, enabling affiliates to earn an additional income stream. By referring new affiliate publishers to the platform, you can earn 10% of the revenue generated by these referrals. This presents a viable avenue for expanding your earnings beyond the RPM-based revenue model.
URL: Infolinks sign-up
Traffic requirements: None
RPM: Up to $5
Affiliate program: Yes
Payment threshold: US$50
Payment frequency: Net 45
7. AdThrive
AdThrive stands out as a remarkable Pay Per Click (PPC) affiliate program for publishers seeking a high-quality partnership. The program demands a minimum of 100,000 unique monthly visitors, a requirement that signals its commitment to catering to established websites with a solid readership base. This exclusivity is not a mere hurdle but rather a testament to AdThrive’s focus on fostering symbiotic relationships between advertisers, publishers, and themselves.
One of AdThrive’s unique strengths is its thorough vetting process. Even after meeting the traffic criterion, websites undergo scrutiny to ensure alignment with advertisers’ interests. This commitment to maintaining a relevant and engaged audience sets the foundation for successful campaigns. Additionally, AdThrive ensures that publishers aren’t entangled in conflicts with other major pay-per-click affiliate programs, further fortifying the integrity of its network.
A standout feature of AdThrive is its impressive Revenue Per Mille (RPM) rates. With payouts ranging from $12 to $30 per 1,000 visitors, AdThrive surpasses the majority of its competitors. This attractive compensation reflects AdThrive’s recognition of the value publishers bring to the table. By rewarding publishers generously, the program encourages content creators to produce high-quality, engaging material that resonates with their audiences.
URL: AdThrive sign-up
Traffic requirements: 100,000 monthly visitors
RPM: Up to $30
Affiliate program: No
Payment threshold: US$25
Payment frequency: Net 45
8. Propeller Ads
Propeller Ads emerges as a versatile Pay Per Click (PPC) affiliate program, catering to a diverse range of affiliate publishers. With over 150,000 affiliates already on board, Propeller Ads has carved a niche in the affiliate marketing landscape by offering a unique combination of features that distinguish it from its counterparts.
One of Propeller Ads’ standout features is its compatibility with Google AdSense. This compatibility enables publishers to display multiple affiliate ads on a single page, maximizing revenue potential. Furthermore, the program’s commitment to moderating ad inventory ensures a safe and malware-free experience for both publishers and users. The inclusion of adult content within its offerings does present a consideration for publishers, who must evaluate its appropriateness for their audience.
An intriguing claim by Propeller Ads is its ability to bypass ad-blocking technology, potentially boosting earnings by around 20%. This technological innovation showcases the program’s commitment to maximizing revenue for publishers. It’s an illustration of how Propeller Ads actively seeks solutions to enhance publishers’ earnings, setting it apart from the competition.
When it comes to payout frequency, Propeller Ads stands out with its swift payment schedule. The program pays out every Thursday once a publisher has earned more than $5 in a given week. This net 7-day payment frequency is unmatched by most other PPC affiliate programs, offering publishers rapid access to their earnings.
Additionally, Propeller Ads offers an attractive referral program, granting publishers a 5% share of their referrals’ revenue for the entire duration of their partnership with Propeller Ads. This long-term incentive adds an extra layer of potential income to the program.
URL: PropellerAds sign-up
Traffic requirements: None
RPM: Up to $7
Affiliate program: Yes
Payment threshold: US$5
Payment frequency: Net 7
9. Outbrain
Outbrain introduces a distinct dimension to the world of PPC affiliate programs. While many programs focus on hosting ads on affiliate websites, Outbrain takes a different route by allowing publishers to purchase ad space from other affiliates within the network. This approach creates a dynamic marketplace where advertisers and publishers interact, fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
The longevity of Outbrain’s presence in the industry is a testament to its effectiveness. Operating for nearly two decades and collaborating with prominent companies such as Disney and 3M, Outbrain has established itself as a reliable and reputable platform. This history of success signifies its value to both advertisers and publishers.
A notable claim made by Outbrain is its promise of offering the “highest RPMs.” While the lack of concrete proof might raise skepticism, market research indicates that most publishers indeed enjoy healthy RPMs ranging from $5 to $10. This potential for strong earnings, coupled with Outbrain’s commitment to optimizing ad performance through constant analysis, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking reliable revenue.
However, it’s important to note that payments from Outbrain take a longer time to materialize. Publishers should be prepared to wait up to three months for their earnings. Despite the delay, the potential for favorable RPMs and the unique ad space marketplace make Outbrain a contender in the PPC affiliate landscape.
URL: Outbrain sign-up
Traffic requirements: 3 million monthly visitors (not a typo)
RPM: Up to $10
Referral program: No
Payment threshold: US$50
Payment frequency: Net 60 or Net 90
10. Revenue Hits
Among the array of PPC affiliate programs, RevenueHits distinguishes itself with a Cost per Action (CPA) model. This approach veers away from traditional PPC models where earnings are generated solely from clicks. Instead, RevenueHits pays affiliates when a user clicks on an ad and subsequently completes a specific action. This action-oriented strategy ensures that the traffic directed to the ads is not only substantial but also of higher quality.
RevenueHits is well-suited for affiliates with substantial warm traffic. Earning high RPM figures, such as the $10 RPM, requires a consistent volume of engaged visitors. This aligns with the platform’s emphasis on generating actions beyond mere clicks, resulting in more valuable conversions for advertisers and, consequently, higher earnings for affiliates.
The program’s tolerance for unconventional or “edgy” content offers an advantage to affiliates who may have been rejected by other platforms due to their content nature. This inclusivity broadens RevenueHits’ appeal and opens doors for affiliates with diverse content niches.
Additionally, RevenueHits presents an affiliate referral program that adds another layer of earning potential. Affiliates can earn 10% of their referral’s earnings within the first year of their partnership with RevenueHits, creating an opportunity for passive income generation.
URL: RevenueHits sign-up
Traffic requirements: None
RPM: Up to $10
Affiliate program: Yes
Payment threshold: US$20 (PayPal)
Payment frequency: Net 30
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Conclusion
In the realm of affiliate marketing, these PPC programs offer diverse avenues for publishers to capitalize on their content. From Google AdSense’s reliability to the specialized potential of Media.net and Skimlinks’ user-friendly automation, each program caters to different needs. Whether it’s Mediavine’s high earnings or the dynamic approach of Outbrain, the choice depends on your goals. Whatever your preference, these programs collectively illuminate the path toward enhanced revenue and successful affiliate marketing ventures.