Table of Contents
Overview of ShareASale
ShareASale is a popular affiliate marketing platform with over 270,000 active affiliates and a proven track record, having generated $200 million in sales in 2021 alone. It offers a wide range of products and services, making it a great option for affiliates with diverse niches. Affiliates earn commissions by driving sales to merchants’ websites through referral links.
At its core, ShareASale operates on a simple premise: merchants list their products or services on the platform, and affiliates promote them in exchange for commissions. Here’s a closer look:
The Role of Affiliates and Merchants
Affiliates are marketers who promote merchant products on blogs, social media, or other digital channels. Merchants pay affiliates a commission for every sale or lead they generate.
Commission-Based System
Merchants set specific commission rates, either as a percentage of the sale or a flat fee per action. Affiliates earn money based on this structure.
Brands like Reebok and Grammarly have leveraged ShareASale to expand their affiliate programs.
Key Features of ShareASale
Real-Time Analytics and Tracking
ShareASale provides real-time insights into clicks, sales, and commissions, enabling users to make informed decisions about their marketing efforts.
Affiliate Insights: Affiliates can track which products are driving traffic and generating revenue, allowing them to focus on high-performing campaigns.
Merchant Analytics: Merchants can monitor affiliate performance, track sales data, and identify top-performing partners to optimize their affiliate program.
The analytics dashboard is user-friendly, offering customizable reports to meet specific needs.
Extensive Product Discovery Tools
One of ShareASale’s standout features is its massive product catalog, spanning thousands of merchants and industries.
Search by Category: Affiliates can browse products by niche, such as fashion, health, technology, and more.
Filter Options: Use filters like commission rate, product popularity, and merchant rating to narrow down options.
Merchant Promotions: Affiliates can access special promotions or seasonal discounts offered by merchants to boost conversions.
This ensures that affiliates can find products that align with their audience’s interests.
Reliable and Transparent Payment System
ShareASale is known for its timely and dependable payments.
Monthly Payments: Affiliates receive payments on a regular schedule, with a minimum payout threshold of $50.
Multiple Payment Options: Affiliates can choose payment methods such as direct deposit, check, or Payoneer.
No Hidden Fees: The platform is transparent about its fee structure, ensuring trust and reliability.
Merchants also benefit from a clear financial system, paying only pre-agreed commissions and network fees.
How Does ShareASale Work?
Let’s explore how ShareASale operates in detail.
Applying for an Affiliate Account
Getting started with ShareASale is straightforward. Here’s how you can sign up:
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1.Visit the ShareASale Website
Begin by navigating to the ShareASale homepage. Click on the “Affiliate Sign Up” link to initiate the registration process.
2.Create Your Login Credentials
Once redirected to the signup page, enter a memorable username and password. You’ll also need to select your country of residence. When done, click Move on to Step 2.
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3.Provide Website Details
On the next page, fill in information about your website, including the URL and primary language. Ensure your website is active and meets ShareASale’s standards before applying. Once complete, click Move on to Step 3.
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4.Confirm Your Email Address
You’ll be prompted to verify your email address. After confirming, proceed by clicking Move on to Step 4.
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5.Submit Payment Information
ShareASale will request your contact details and preferred payment method. Options include ACH (direct deposit), physical check, or Payoneer. Once all information is entered, proceed to the final step.
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Complete the Signup Process
Click Complete Sign Up to finish. Now, all you have to do is wait for approval. Applications are typically reviewed and processed within 2-3 business days.
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Payments with ShareASale
Understanding how ShareASale handles payments is crucial for affiliates. Here’s an overview:
Payment Methods: ShareASale doesn’t use PayPal. Instead, affiliates can choose from ACH, direct deposit, or physical checks.
Payment Frequency: Payments are made on the 20th of each month for the previous month’s earnings. For example, on July 20th, you’ll receive commissions for sales made up to June 30th.
Minimum Threshold: The minimum payout threshold is $50.
ShareASale’s reporting dashboard is a standout feature, offering detailed insights into your earnings and campaign performance. You can check which campaigns generate the most clicks, leads, or sales at any time.
Getting Started With ShareASale
Once approved, you can start adding affiliate links to your website. ShareASale offers tools to help affiliates find merchants and products that match their niche.
Using the Merchant Search Tool
The search tool allows you to filter merchants by:
Category
Keywords
Commission structure
Duration with ShareASale
You can also view the Top 100 Merchants for ideas. Clicking on a merchant provides details about their commission rates and payment models.
Three Merchant Marketing Models
After selecting a merchant, you’ll gain access to referral links and promotional banners. Adding an affiliate link is simple:
Copy the link from your ShareASale account.
In WordPress (or your website builder), select the text or image you want to link.
Use the “Insert/Edit Link” option to paste the ShareASale URL.
That’s it! Your affiliate link is now live and ready to generate clicks and commissions.
Earning and Monitoring Commissions
ShareASale pays affiliates monthly, and you can monitor your earnings through the platform’s reporting tools. The dashboard provides comprehensive data, including:
Click-through rates (CTR)
Conversion rates
Earnings per click (EPC)
To cash out, ensure your account balance meets the $50 minimum threshold.
Pros and Cons of ShareASale
Pros of ShareASale
Diverse Range of Merchants
ShareASale offers access to a wide variety of merchants in different niches, from fashion and health to technology and home goods. This makes it suitable for almost any type of website.
User-Friendly Interface
The platform provides an intuitive dashboard, making it easy for affiliates to navigate, track performance, and manage links.
Robust Reporting Tools
ShareASale’s reporting tools offer detailed insights into campaign performance, including click-through rates, conversion rates, and earnings per click.
Reliable Payment System
Payments are made monthly, and the platform offers multiple payout options like ACH, direct deposit, and checks, ensuring flexibility for affiliates.
Top 100 Merchants List
The platform curates a list of top-performing merchants, helping affiliates quickly identify high-potential partnerships.
Cons of ShareASale
No PayPal Option
ShareASale does not support PayPal for payouts, which can be inconvenient for affiliates who prefer this method.
Strict Approval Process
Affiliates need an active, well-maintained website to get approved, which might deter beginners without an established site.
Limited Merchant Information Before Joining
Affiliates can’t view detailed merchant information or commission structures until after they are approved.
Conclusion
ShareASale stands out as one of the most reliable and versatile affiliate marketing platforms, offering opportunities for affiliates and merchants alike. With a robust selection of merchants across diverse niches, it caters to affiliates with varied audience interests. Its intuitive interface and powerful analytics tools empower affiliates to track their performance and refine their campaigns for optimal results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, the platform’s flexibility makes it a valuable resource for building a successful affiliate business.
While ShareASale has some limitations, such as the absence of PayPal as a payment option and a stringent approval process, these challenges are outweighed by its numerous advantages. Affiliates willing to invest effort into selecting suitable merchants and creating high-conversion campaigns can unlock significant revenue potential. ShareASale’s credibility, rich features, and focus on empowering users make it a leading choice in the affiliate marketing space. For those seeking to monetize their website or diversify their income streams, ShareASale offers an excellent platform to achieve sustained growth and success.
FAQs
Is ShareASale Legit?
Yes, ShareASale is a legitimate affiliate marketing platform with over 20 years of experience. It is trusted by thousands of merchants and affiliates worldwide, with a proven track record of facilitating successful partnerships.
Can I Join ShareASale Without a Website?
No, you need an active website to join ShareASale. The platform requires information about your site during the signup process to ensure that it aligns with their quality standards.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
Approval typically takes 2-3 business days. During this time, ShareASale reviews your website to ensure it complies with their guidelines.
What Are the Payment Methods?
ShareASale offers payouts through ACH (direct deposit), physical checks, and Payoneer. Affiliates can select their preferred payment method during the account setup process.
What Is the Minimum Payout Threshold?
The minimum payout threshold is $50. Once your account balance reaches this amount, you’ll receive payment on the 20th of the following month.
Are There Any Costs to Join ShareASale?
No, joining ShareASale as an affiliate is completely free. However, merchants pay a fee to join and list their programs on the platform.
What Types of Products Are Available on ShareASale?
ShareASale offers a vast range of products and services across categories like fashion, health, technology, home goods, and more. Affiliates can choose merchants that align with their website niche.
How Do I Add Affiliate Links to My Website?
Once approved, you can log into your ShareASale account, find the desired merchant, and access their referral links or banners. Copy the link and paste it into your website’s content using tools like the Insert/Edit Link button.
How Does ShareASale Track Performance?
ShareASale provides a detailed reporting dashboard where affiliates can monitor clicks, conversions, and earnings in real time. This data helps optimize campaigns for better performance.
What Happens If a Merchant Becomes Inactive?
If a merchant becomes inactive, their links and campaigns will stop functioning. Affiliates must replace inactive links with new ones from active merchants to avoid losing potential commissions.
