This post is part of a series on Affiliate Programs for Blogs
LinkShare (aff link) is another affiliate megamart like Clickbank whereby you sign up as an affiliate and then have access to hundreds of affiliate programs all via the one system. If you want to get into the affiliate programs of names like iTunes, Dell, Disney, Footlocker then LinkShare is your best bet.
I’ve used LinkShare for just a few months now and have had moderate success (averaging $150 per month). I’ve used it pretty selectively on just promoting a couple of products and know it’s something I should work on a little more as its got such a wide range of products and is reasonably easy to use.
Due to my lack of use of it I’m probably not qualified to really review it as an affiliate program by my initial impressions are more favorable than Clickbank but that it’s not quite as easy to use as Amazon. From the comments in the Clickbank review that I did earlier it seems that quite a few bloggers find LinkShare to be a better option and is therefore something well worth exploring if you want to increase your efforts into affiliate programs.
I could go on reviewing affiliate programs for weeks so I’ve decided to make this the last one. Other programs that you may wish to look into that I’ve personally used include – AllPosters (again I’ve had a little success with this one on a couple of my blogs and could do better if I had more suitable topics I’m sure), DGM (and Aussie program that I’ve not had heaps of luck with) and TradeDoubler (European Based affiliate program like Linkshare).
If you know of other programs that are worth looking into for bloggers please don’t hesitate to leave your suggestions below in comments. Also feel free to tell us about your experience with LinkShare.
The next post in this series will looks at some strategies for successfully using some of these affiliate programs in your blogging.
[…] This series continues at – Amazon Associates Program, Clickbank Affiliate Program, Commission Junction Affiliate Program and Linkshare’s program. Filed under Affiliate Programs, 31 Days to Building a Better Blog | Get the Free ProBlogger Newsletter […]
LinkShare has been a problem for me since they went to a beta version. It’s a MAC thing. It just does not work well with MACs, so you will still see the daily numbers, but there is no way to see who paid you or a history of payments. Payment history stops at Feb 2005 and never updates. I have to call them in New York and ask them who has paid me and for what, because the checks no longer show you individual payments, it is all consolidated.
Not the end of the world, but it sure seems ironic that Apple has partnered with them.
Other than that, they have great products to offer. I always make sure to use text links so I don’t depend on their servers for button and banner ads (load time issues). Also, text links convert well, while buttons and banners are dead ends for me.
I agree with Jennifer, it’s very frustrating working with LS. For one, you can’t make smartzones with various different advertiser banners of the same size. And, it’s not as good a reporting system as others, which is the one thing that puts me off them. But, like you Darren, I make about $150 a month with them, so I guess that can’t be beat!
I also posted in the CJ comments thread, but I’ll put my $0.02 here as well… I have found LinkShare’s tools and interface to be slow and somewhat “clunky”. It seemed like it took forever for some of their pages to load while working with their tools. It also seemed like their advertiser selection was lacking, compared to CJ. Yet, it obviously is working for you Darren, and for others. It’s funny how we can all have such different experiences with the same thing!
Keep up the great blog Darren!
Ive had great luck with atPartypoker who pay $50 for each sign up. Can’t beat that and poker is hot right now.
Hello,
The best affiliate programs are those that pay two level deeps. It means you earn money also from those that join as affiliates from your links.
At least that is a good tip before someone decides which program to advertise… If you do start getting many traffic you will have a big advantage since you might start getting new affiliate joining under you too. . .
Karl Smith
http://www.deletespyware-adware.com
Hi,
Friends, Anyone has success with this affiliate? Please share personal experiances, If any!
Thanks in advance!
I’ve been using CJ, LS and Amazon. Amazon is the best, then CJ. LS is a little clumsy.
i am curious about being an affiliate with overstock n footlocker…im wondering if these could be a good success or not…im o.k. with a little extra change for not buying anything…im only 18 n im tryin to find a way please help
Once Again ProBlogger, thank you for your review of the LinkShare affiliate program. We appreciate you sharing your opinion and doing the research needed to fairly evaluate the service. We have seen fit to link to this article in our independent LinkShare Reviews section. Anyhow, keep up the good work spreading truth.