What's Google Affiliate Network?

An affiliate network acts as an intermediary between publishers (affiliates) and merchant affiliate programs. It allows website publishers to more easily find and participate in affiliate programs which are suitable for their website (and thus generate income from those programs), and allows websites offering affiliate programs (typically online merchants) to reach a larger audience by promoting their affiliate programs to all of the publishers participating in the affiliate network.
Traditional affiliate networks enable merchants to offer publishers a share of any revenue that is generated by the merchant from visitors to the publisher's site, or a fee for each visitor on the publisher's site that completes a specific action (making a purchase, registering for a newsletter, etc.). The majority of merchant programs have a revenue share model, as opposed to a fee-per-action model.
For merchants, affiliate network services and benefits may include tracking technology, reporting tools, payment processing, and access to a large base of publishers. For affiliates, services and benefits can include simplifying the process of registering for one or more merchant affiliate programs, reporting tools, and payment aggregation.
Affiliates are generally able to join affiliate networks for free, whereas there is generally a fee for merchants to participate. Traditional affiliate networks might charge an initial setup fee and/or a recurring membership fee. It is also common for affiliate networks to charge merchants a percentage of the commissions paid to affiliates.

Is Google Affiliate Network right for me?

We encourage you to consider the Google Affiliate Network if you:
• Manage a site that attracts a desirable audience.
• Can test advertising offers and nurture the most productive relationships.
• Are an expert in driving and converting visitor traffic.
• Adhere strictly to Google Affiliate Network quality standards and advertiser policies.
In addition, we've found that Google Affiliate Network tends to yield greater benefits to publishers who create niche content, manage loyalty and rewards programs, aggregate coupons and promotions, or manage social media.

How does the application process work?

You must apply if you don't already have an account with Google Affiliate Network. Each application is reviewed by the Google Affiliate Network quality team. If approved, you can apply to advertiser programs. Advertisers may accept or decline partnerships at their discretion. I'm already a Google AdSense publisher. Am I now a publisher in Google Affiliate Network? No, you must complete a separate application for Google Affiliate Network.

How will I receive payments?

You'll be paid on a cost-per-action (CPA) basis, typically as a revenue share or fixed bounty for a lead or other action. You'll receive consolidated payments (electronically, if you choose) twice a month.

How will I receive links for new advertiser promotions?

Advertisers submit updated links via email or FTP every 24 hours. Each link references your publisher account number (pubid) to ensure proper attribution. You can access these links in your account anytime.