Independent Affiliate Marketing Networks vs Large Affiliate Networks Posted on 06/07/2010 There are few widely-popular affiliate marketing networks you know and probably have accounts with. Besides that, there are plenty of smaller new (independent) affiliate networks you always feel tempted to join and give a try. So what is preferable? The most obvious answer is probably, try both and then stick to what you feel more comfortable with. However you need to know what to expect before joining and checking out. First, let's compile the major differences in a table to compare easily: Huge affiliate network Independent affiliate network Predictability versus Flexibility You almost always know what to expect You enjoy more flexibility and innovation Reliability versus Support (Scam-free) Higher-quality selection of programs Various forms of support Variety versus Special offers You have a huge choice of affiliate programs You are offered incentives to join Now, let's discuss each point in detail: Predictability vs Flexibility

With dominant affiliate marketing reviews you almost always rest assured that you know what to expect (be it a good or a bad thing). If there's bad (or non-existent) customer service or impossible-to-use interface, you know about that even before joining because everyone is criticizing that. There are no nasty surprises that you discover after months of using (like some hidden costs or non-working code). In this case, the advantages of sticking to a huge affiliate program include: Years in business (which means stability);

Wealth of information online (including affiliate marketing reviews and feedback);

Publicity (which means any good or bad news becomes public in a matter of hours). However, reliable is often synonymous to stagnant. Huge networks (as a rule) are too slow in terms of innovating therefore by trying new emerging affiliate networks you are able to: Keep up-to-date with new technologies, tracking and payment models, events and products;

Adjust the system to your own needs (new networks are usually seeking feedback and are eager to change to win new users). Reliability vs Support

Huge networks usually have high fees for programs to join - which as a rule means that affiliate programs within the network are: More established;

Higher-quality;

More reliable. Relying on an established network, you usually secure yourself from scam and fraud. With newer affiliate networks you should be more careful. But the good thing is that these networks are much more approachable (which means you can test them before trying). Give an independent network a try if: You see affiliate managers representing it throughout affiliate forums and blogs;

You see affiliate managers representing it on Twitter;

You hear back from them once you try contacting them (using any medium) or by just Tweeting the question using the network name in the Tweet. Choice vs Incentives

This is an evil circle: huge networks attract plenty of affiliates and thus any solid network can't afford not to join; while affiliates agree to any terms and commissions because there's a huge choice of programs within the network. This is why it is obvious, with huge networks you enjoy the variety. While (in most cases) the dominant network can give you a huge range of programs to choose from (allowing to manage all of them from one dashboard), a new independent network is eager to win your heart and thus can offer: Incentives to join (Beware though: don't forget to always use your common sense: If something seems to be too good to be true, it most likely is.)

New interesting offers and programs (that get attracted by lower fees and newer technologies);

Better terms and commissions (Independent affiliate networks charge smaller fees from affiliate programs which allows the latter to offer better terms to the affiliates). The conclusion is obvious: as an affiliate, you need to constantly watch out for new affiliate networks and check them out once you think they are worth a try. The only thing to keep in mind is that you can't expect from an independent network what you had with a huge one; there are other things to enjoy though.