If you’re an experienced player in the digital products market, you’re likely aware that ClickBank once reigned as the dominant force in the game. However, times have evolved, my friend, and as an affiliate, your needs may evolve as well. The truth is, ClickBank might not offer the same breadth of offers it once did for the average affiliate. It’s a bummer, I know.
But fret not! The changing landscape is partly due to the rise of competing platforms that have emerged as viable alternatives to ClickBank. So why not seize the opportunity to spread your wings and explore some alternatives? Here’s where we come in. Unlike the typical mundane lists of random affiliate networks unrelated to ClickBank, we’ve curated a selection that’s tailored specifically for you.
Without further ado, let’s dive into some ClickBank alternatives that you should definitely consider:
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Best ClickBank Alternatives
1. Rakuten Advertising
Formerly known as Linkshare, Rakuten Advertising is a prominent affiliate network that often flies under the radar, especially for affiliates chasing quick commissions on Amazon. However, that doesn’t mean you should overlook it. In fact, Rakuten offers a plethora of untapped opportunities for you to explore.
Rakuten boasts a wide range of physical and digital offers, many of which come from renowned brands like Lego, Nvidia, Microsoft, Lyft, Macy’s, and JetBlue, just to name a few. With over a thousand more to choose from, including new offers added every month, you’ll have plenty of options to find the perfect match for your audience.
Unlike some other networks, Rakuten prioritizes quality over quantity when it comes to advertisers. They’re not concerned about having the most advertisers; instead, they focus on having the best. This dedication ensures that you’ll have access to top-notch offers that resonate with your audience and align with your promotional strategy.
Now, here’s a small caveat you should be aware of: if you’re accustomed to receiving payments twice a month from ClickBank, Rakuten might test your patience. Rakuten pays out once every two months, which means you’ll need to adjust your cash flow expectations accordingly. Additionally, if there’s any concern about the validity of earned commissions, and they suspect you’re trying to game the system, it could take up to five months for you to receive payment.
To sign up for Rakuten Advertising, simply visit their website and begin the registration process. Remember to review the commission rates, cookie duration, and payment terms, as they vary based on the specific offers.
2. JVZoo
When it comes to digital products, JVZoo is your go-to marketplace, much like ClickBank. However, JVZoo differentiates itself by catering exclusively to affiliate marketers. Every product you’ll find here is tailored specifically for this audience.
While they do have categories like ‘Health’ and ‘Self Improvement,’ you’ll discover that these are PLR (Private Label Rights) article packs designed to be used with article rewriters.
Now, before you jump to conclusions, let us clarify that there’s nothing inherently wrong or illegal about PLR articles. We just want to ensure you know what to expect beforehand.
In fact, if you’re already in the internet marketing (IM) market, JVZoo becomes an ideal place to explore offers.
Here’s another reason why affiliate marketers love JVZoo: many of the products offer generous commission rates of 50% or more, even for products priced at $97. Imagine earning $45 for every successful referral! It’s no wonder you see so many affiliate marketers endorsing JVZoo offers. Just remember, their enthusiasm is primarily driven by their own benefit.
To get started with JVZoo’s affiliate program, you can sign up at their website. The commission rates, cookie duration, and payment terms vary depending on the product, so be sure to check the specifics.
3. Skillshare
If you’re looking for a ClickBank alternative, Skillshare might be just what you need. Although it has been around since 2010, Skillshare has recently gained popularity in the digital product industry.
Unlike ClickBank, Skillshare offers a community-driven platform with over 30,000 online courses. Whether you want to delve into business analytics, entrepreneurship, or even learn to play the guitar, Skillshare has got you covered.
One significant difference between Skillshare and ClickBank is the pricing model. Instead of paying for individual products, Skillshare offers a monthly subscription called Skillshare Premium. For only $16, you gain access to their entire course library. While this is a great deal for customers, it may not be as lucrative for affiliates. Skillshare’s affiliate program offers a maximum commission of $7 per referral, so it’s better viewed as a supplementary income stream rather than a primary source.
To join Skillshare’s affiliate program, simply visit their signup URL and start earning commissions. The program provides a 30-day cookie duration, allowing you to earn for a whole month after your referral’s initial visit. Payments are made on a Net 30 basis, providing a reliable and consistent payment schedule.
4. EBay
When thinking about alternatives to ClickBank, eBay might not be the first affiliate network that comes to mind. However, there’s a method to this madness! While ClickBank is renowned for its digital products and recently ventured into physical health supplements, eBay is often associated with “pre-used” items. But here’s the surprising truth: around 80% of the items sold on eBay are actually brand new.
This means that eBay offers a wide range of brand new software products, digital courses, and yes, even health supplements. Of course, you’ll need to filter through the digital offers to avoid pirated software or questionable items, but rest assured, there are plenty of legitimate offers waiting for you.
It’s worth noting that you won’t necessarily find big brands on eBay, but with approximately 1.3 billion active listings at any given time, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore.
5. Avangate
If you prefer to focus on software offers, Avangate is an excellent alternative to ClickBank. Unlike many other affiliate networks, Avangate exclusively represents software products. This specialization sets them apart and presents opportunities that are often overlooked by affiliates who flock to larger networks.
Avangate offers a wide range of software products, catering to various niches. You’ll find everything from web marketing tools to home security solutions, payment processing software, and even anti-virus programs. Since these products are usually niche-oriented, they tend to offer more generous commissions compared to similar products on ClickBank.
Signing up for Avangate’s affiliate program is easy. Just visit their signup URL, and you’ll be on your way to earning commissions from their diverse software catalog. Commission rates and cookie durations vary depending on the specific software product, providing flexibility for affiliates. Payments are made on a Net 30 basis, ensuring you receive your earnings promptly.
6. ShareASale
Looking for a platform that focuses on physical products? ShareASale is your go-to choice. As one of the largest affiliate networks worldwide, ShareASale offers a wide array of options. While it initially represented eBook publishers, it now emphasizes traditional physical offers, including software products.
Despite the shift, ShareASale still caters to digital products, making it a versatile platform for various niches. With over 4,500 advertisers onboard, you’ll find something suitable for your audience. Whether it’s software for landlords, educational tools, or video editing products, ShareASale has got you covered.
7. Market Health
If you’re interested in promoting health and beauty products, Market Health is the perfect fit for you. While ClickBank has been a dominant player in the digital product space for years, they’ve also expanded into representing physical products, specifically health and wellness supplements. And guess what? These supplements happen to be some of the best-selling offers on ClickBank right now.
Market Health fills the gap as a specialized affiliate network, catering specifically to affiliates who want to sell supplements. The commission rates they offer are comparable to those found on ClickBank, with typical offers paying affiliates around 50% commission or $50 per sale.
So, if you’re passionate about the health and beauty market, Market Health is a great option for you.
8. CJ Affiliate
If you’re used to the straightforward process of ClickBank, CJ might be a bit different. There’s an application process involved, and it’s important to note that not all applicants are accepted. However, the effort is worth it because CJ gives you access to well-known brands that you won’t find on ClickBank. Seriously, never.
Keep in mind that it’s wise to hold off on applying to Commission Junction unless you have a website with established traffic and rankings. While it’s not a requirement to join the network, most advertisers tend to approve established sites faster than brand new ones.
One downside of CJ is that the affiliate programs available usually offer lower commission rates. Instead of the 50% to 75% rates you might be used to, expect something more in the range of 5% to 10%. However, the higher conversion rates for a variety of name brand products and services will help make up for it.
9. Amazon Associates
You’re probably familiar with Amazon—known, trusted, and loved by customers worldwide. What sets Amazon Associates apart is its extensive range of products. With countless items available, Amazon covers nearly every niche imaginable. This diversity allows you to promote products that align with your audience’s interests and needs.
One major advantage of Amazon Associates is its accessibility. You don’t need to be a seasoned affiliate marketer earning a full-time income to join. The program has a low barrier to entry, enabling beginners to get started easily.
However, it’s worth noting that Amazon’s commission rates are typically lower compared to ClickBank’s. In some cases, you may earn as little as 3%. Nevertheless, the sheer reputation and size of Amazon make it one of the top affiliate programs out there.
10. Udemy
The last alternative on our list is Udemy, a platform that caters to course creators who prefer not to use ClickBank. Many creators steer clear of ClickBank because they don’t want to be associated with the “get rich quick” gurus often found there. However, there is still a demand for fast-track education in various subjects, and that’s where Udemy shines.
Udemy covers a wide range of topics, including some more fringe subjects. So if you’re interested in learning how to heal using your Angel powers, guess what? Udemy has you covered! With a portfolio of 130,000 courses, you’ll have tens of thousands of potential products to promote to eager learners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while ClickBank has been a prominent player in the affiliate marketing industry, it’s essential for marketers to explore alternatives and diversify their options. Udemy and Skillshare are viable alternatives, particularly for those interested in the e-learning space. Market Health stands out as a dominant player in the health supplement niche.
As an affiliate, it’s crucial not to rely solely on one platform like ClickBank. By embracing multiple avenues and platforms, you can maximize your earning potential and reduce the risk of being overly dependent on a single source.