For many affiliate marketers, Amazon Associates is the first program they ever join—and for good reason. It’s easy to get started, offers a vast range of products, and has a global brand reputation. But once you’ve dipped your toes into affiliate marketing, you’ll quickly realize that limiting yourself to Amazon might be limiting your income potential too.
With decreasing commission rates, short cookie windows, and stiff competition, it’s essential to look beyond Amazon and discover the many other affiliate networks that offer higher commissions, recurring revenue, and niche-focused opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore the top affiliate networks outside of Amazon, why they’re worth your attention, and how to find the perfect fit for your niche and strategy. Whether you’re a new affiliate or a growing marketer with Wealthy Affiliate, expanding your affiliate partnerships is key to long-term success.
Why Look Beyond Amazon?
Amazon may be convenient, but it has its drawbacks:
- Low commissions: Most categories pay between 1%–4.5%
- 24-hour cookie window: Unless the item is added to cart, you lose the sale after one day
- Strict rules: You can be banned for the smallest violations
- No recurring revenue: You get paid once per sale—then it’s goodbye
Diversifying your affiliate network options can lead to:
- Higher commissions (up to 75% on digital products)
- Recurring revenue streams
- Niche-specific offers with better alignment to your audience
- Greater brand relationships and support
Let’s dive into some of the best Amazon alternatives in the affiliate world.
1. ShareASale
Website: shareasale.com
Type: Affiliate Network with 4,500+ merchants
Why It Stands Out:
ShareASale is a robust, user-friendly network with merchants in categories like fashion, home, finance, fitness, tech, and more. It’s perfect for niche sites and bloggers.
Features:
- Access to thousands of programs from one dashboard
- Merchants with high commissions (10%–50%+)
- Easy approval for many programs
- Detailed reporting and tracking
Notable Merchants:
- WP Engine
- Reebok
- Grammarly
- Tailwind
Ideal For:
- Bloggers
- Niche content sites
- DIY, fashion, and SaaS niches
Pro Tip: Wealthy Affiliate teaches how to build SEO-driven content funnels that perform extremely well with ShareASale merchants.
2. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
Website: cj.com
Type: Premium Affiliate Network
Why It Stands Out:
CJ connects affiliates to some of the biggest brand names in the world. If you’re ready to level up your authority and earnings, CJ is the place to be.
Features:
- Global brands with strong reputations
- Robust analytics and real-time tracking
- Deep link automation tools
- High EPC programs
Notable Merchants:
- GoDaddy
- TurboTax
- Lowe’s
- Barnes & Noble
Ideal For:
- Authority sites
- High-traffic blogs
- Email marketers
Pro Tip: Don’t let CJ’s professional appearance scare you off—once you get approved, it’s a goldmine for high-paying, legit programs.
3. ClickBank
Website: clickbank.com
Type: Digital Product Marketplace
Why It Stands Out:
ClickBank specializes in digital products like ebooks, courses, and software. It’s known for high commissions and instant affiliate approval.
Features:
- Commissions up to 75%
- Many products have recurring billing
- One-click affiliate sign-up
- Excellent for info products and niche campaigns
Notable Niches:
- Fitness and weight loss
- Self-help
- Online education
- Finance and crypto
Ideal For:
- Email funnels
- Paid ads
- YouTube reviews
Pro Tip: Use ClickBank with bridge pages and custom bonuses to increase conversions and add value.
4. Impact
Website: impact.com
Type: Partnership Management Platform
Why It Stands Out:
Impact is a modern, enterprise-grade platform used by top brands. It offers clean UX, smart analytics, and flexible tracking.
Features:
- Massive brand portfolio
- Deep linking, coupon codes, and influencer tools
- Customizable dashboards
- Transparent and fair commission structures
Notable Merchants:
- Canva
- Airbnb
- Adidas
- Envato
Ideal For:
- Bloggers
- SaaS promoters
- Influencers and brand collaborators
Pro Tip: Leverage your performance data in Impact to negotiate better commissions over time.
5. PartnerStack
Website: partnerstack.com
Type: B2B SaaS Affiliate Network
Why It Stands Out:
PartnerStack is focused on SaaS tools, offering recurring commissions and long cookie durations—ideal for B2B marketers.
Features:
- Recurring affiliate commissions
- Many B2B SaaS programs
- Partner onboarding tools
- User-friendly affiliate portals
Notable Merchants:
- FreshBooks
- Thinkific
- Monday.com
- Unbounce
Ideal For:
- Business/entrepreneur niches
- Tech bloggers
- Funnel builders and consultants
Pro Tip: Bundle SaaS tools together in comparison guides or resource pages to boost AOV (average order value).
6. Rakuten Advertising
Website: rakutenadvertising.com
Type: Global Affiliate Network
Why It Stands Out:
Rakuten is a well-established network with access to premium retail, lifestyle, and travel brands.
Features:
- Trusted by Fortune 500 companies
- Advanced tools and analytics
- Exclusive coupon and loyalty programs
Notable Merchants:
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Macy’s
- Udemy
Ideal For:
- Content-heavy sites
- Seasonal promotions
- Cashback and coupon blogs
Pro Tip: Use Rakuten to build affiliate deals around high-volume shopping holidays like Black Friday.
7. FlexOffers
Website: flexoffers.com
Type: Affiliate Aggregator Platform
Why It Stands Out:
FlexOffers is a one-stop-shop, providing access to 12,000+ affiliate programs. It’s a great starting point if you want multiple options without joining tons of separate networks.
Features:
- Aggregates multiple big networks
- Helpful dashboard and reporting tools
- Fast payments
Ideal For:
- Niche websites
- Newsletter monetization
- Review and comparison content
Pro Tip: Use FlexOffers to test multiple affiliate programs and find your top converters.
How to Choose the Right Affiliate Network for Your Niche
Choosing the right affiliate network depends on several factors:
🔹 Your Audience
- Are they shoppers? Entrepreneurs? Hobbyists?
- What kind of products do they already buy?
🔹 Your Content Style
- Blogging? YouTube? Email?
- Are you reviewing products, comparing options, or teaching skills?
🔹 Your Monetization Goals
- Want fast one-time payouts? Go for digital offers.
- Want long-term income? Choose recurring commission SaaS tools.
🔹 Your Trust Factor
- Only promote products you believe in and would use yourself.
- Research every product’s reputation and refund policy.
Remember: Just because a network is “big” doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Focus on programs that align with your values, your audience, and your long-term strategy.
How Wealthy Affiliate Helps You Work with Any Network
As a member of Wealthy Affiliate, you’re trained to build a long-term affiliate business—not just chase links.
Here’s how WA sets you up for success:
- SEO Training: Drive consistent traffic to affiliate content
- Website Building Tools: Launch stunning niche sites without code
- Affiliate Bootcamp: Learn how to promote affiliate networks like a pro
- Keyword Research with Jaaxy: Find high-intent buyers ready to convert
- Supportive Community: Get advice, feedback, and help at every step
With these tools, you can confidently join and succeed with any affiliate network—Amazon or not.
Final Thoughts: Go Beyond Amazon and Unlock Real Growth
Amazon may be the gateway drug of affiliate marketing, but it’s not the only game in town. By branching out and exploring other affiliate networks, you open the door to:
- Higher commissions
- Recurring income
- Stronger brand partnerships
- More control over your business
Whether you’re into blogging, email, video, or social media—there’s an affiliate network out there that’s a perfect fit.
Don’t put all your eggs in one Amazon basket. Explore, test, and optimize your partnerships to build a diverse, resilient, and profitable affiliate business.
And if you’re building your journey with Wealthy Affiliate, you’ve already got the foundation to succeed—now go build the empire.