Affiliate marketing with CJ Affiliate marketing, a longstanding player in the game, can be lucrative for your business, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting. Let’s break down what makes CJ Affiliate marketing tick and why it might be right for you.
Table Of Contents:
- What is CJ Affiliate Marketing?
- Navigating CJ Affiliate: A Breakdown
- Unveiling CJ Affiliate’s Strengths and Potential Drawbacks
- Conclusion
What is CJ Affiliate Marketing?
Founded in 1998 as Commission Junction, Commission Junction has become a reputable affiliate network with a roster of big-name brands and global reach. Acquired by ValueClick in 2003, they rebranded as “CJ Affiliate by Conversant” in 2014 to reflect their evolution in the digital marketing world. This adaptability bodes well for those thinking of joining them.
CJ Affiliate connects advertisers with publishers like you who have an audience to promote their products. This creates mutually beneficial partnerships that drive results.
Navigating CJ Affiliate: A Breakdown
Understanding the CJ platform, from signing up to receiving commission payouts, is crucial. Let’s explore how it works:
1. Signing Up
Signing up as a CJ Affiliate publisher is simple. Go to the CJ Affiliate signup page and select the ‘Publisher’ option. Provide basic information, verify your email, create an account, and set up your payment details (direct deposit, check, or Payoneer). While they don’t currently offer PayPal, their options serve a global affiliate network.
Acceptance into a program isn’t guaranteed by creating an account. Consider building a simple website that highlights your niche to boost your chances, as CJ is more likely to partner with publishers with an existing platform.
2. Finding Affiliate Programs That Align With Your Audience
This is the exciting part – exploring the network’s extensive program list. With almost 3,000 merchants in various categories, CJ Affiliate offers programs ranging from tech giants to niche retailers. There’s a program for everyone, from sustainable living and high-end fashion to cutting-edge technology.
CJ excels in helping you find the most lucrative programs. Filter by ‘Network Earnings – high to low’ when browsing to see potential high-earners in your category. Explore the 7-day or 90-day EPC (Earnings per click) for more insights. To secure a spot, demonstrate your value. Showcase your strengths and past successes in a compelling network profile, along with your website and proven traffic, to stand out.
3. Weaving Affiliate Links
This step requires some technical knowledge of HTML for embedding tracking codes on your platform. Brushing up on HTML basics is simple with websites like w3schools, offering beginner-friendly tutorials that simplify coding.
Integrating affiliate links becomes easy with HTML knowledge. Use CJ’s pre-made banner ads, text links that blend with your content, or customized approaches like product widgets. For ambitious affiliates, the ‘Deep link generator’ allows direct linking to specific product pages on the advertiser’s site. This precision is perfect for product reviews or campaigns. Regularly check your links to ensure they’re valid and the products you’re promoting are active.
4. Understanding the Payout System
Unlike some networks that hold your affiliate commission for months, CJ operates on a net-30 basis. Receive your income about 30 days after a purchase is made through your unique link. Payments for locked commissions are automatically scheduled for the 20th of each month, deposited into your chosen account (check, direct deposit, or Payoneer). You don’t need to manually request it.
CJ does have a minimum payout threshold of $50, ensuring you’ve earned a substantial amount before cashing out.
Unveiling CJ Affiliate’s Strengths and Potential Drawbacks
Despite its history and network, CJ Affiliate has pros and cons. Here’s a look at the good and the not-so-good:
Strengths:
- **Impressive Brand Recognition:** Partnering with big names like Zappos, Verizon, Barnes & Noble, and IHG adds credibility, making your content more trustworthy.
- **User-Friendly Dashboard:** CJ’s interface is refreshingly clean and easy to navigate, unlike some affiliate networks with clunky dashboards. Features are neatly organized in dropdown menus, letting you focus on finding the right program.
- **Robust Reporting & Tools:** CJ provides comprehensive performance metrics. Their EPC filtering and the advanced “Insights” section offer granular control over program selection and tracking. They provide various tools, from simple text links to custom product showcases, allowing you to experiment with strategies. With CJ’s page-based link tool, you can make your URLs clean and trackable without coding expertise. Simply install their JavaScript.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Stringent Approval Requirements: CJ’s selective approach, while understandable, can be challenging for beginners. Create high-quality content, build a decent online presence, and highlight them in your network profile. Focus on less competitive niches initially to gain traction.
- Overemphasis on Mobile: CJ’s focus on mobile-optimized offers, while crucial for optimization, might frustrate affiliates seeking traditional link formats. Navigating the mobile options can be overwhelming, making finding banner ads or text links difficult.
- Lack of Communication with Affiliates: A recurring concern is abrupt account deactivation, often before payouts, indicating potential communication issues. Transparent guidelines and a structured appeal process would improve trust. Providing clear reasons for deactivation, such as terms violations or cookie stuffing, would enhance transparency.
Conclusion
Should you try CJ affiliate marketing? For established bloggers with good traffic or businesses with a strong online presence, it’s worth considering. CJ Affiliate offers access to renowned brands, excellent affiliate commission rates, a user-friendly platform, and a solid track record. Be prepared for a learning curve and meet their high standards. CJ Affiliate could become your platform for scaling your affiliate income and partnering with industry leaders.