A common question we always get is “are you an affiliate network?”
The simple answer is no, Net Media Group is not an affiliate network.
So who is Net Media Group we and what do we do?
Net Media Group is an online marketing agency and one of our services includes offering outsourced affiliate program management to companies who either don’t have the experience, personnel, or desire to manage their own affiliate program.
Given the confusion between an outsourced program management company (OPM) and an affiliate network I wanted to give you a basic overview on the differences.
What is an Affiliate Program Management Company?
Simply put, a client hires an outsourced program management company to manage their affiliate program on their behalf.
In addition:
- Outsourced program management companies employ affiliate managers and coordinators to help run their clients affiliate programs.
- They make recommendations on which affiliate network to join.
- They are also responsible for the day to day operation of the affiliate program.
- They handle all recruitment, management, and interaction with the affiliates on the client’s behalf.
- The affiliate manager uploads banner ads, text links, and datafeeds into the affiliate network so affiliate can promote the clients products.
- The outsourced program management company makes recommendations to the client regarding special deals, promotions, and contests and then promotes them to affiliates in the program.
What is an Affiliate Network?
An affiliate network is the technology that provides tracking, communication, and recruitment tools to run an affiliate program.
In addition:
- Google Affiliate Network, Linkshare, Commission Junction, ShareASale, and Avantlink all are examples of an affiliate network.
- An affiliate network is the market place for outsourced program managers to recruit, attract, and interact with affiliates.
- Affiliates apply to join the affiliate program in the affiliate network.
- Many confuse third party tracking software with an affiliate network. The difference will be explained in another post.
- All commission payments are handled through the affiliate network as well as 1099’s for U.S. based affiliates.
- Text links, banners ads, datafeeds, are uploaded into the affiliate network for affiliates to use and are all tracked by the affiliate network.
Hopefully this basic overview helps you understand the difference between an affiliate program management company and an affiliate network.
To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven affiliate program management give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!
