When it comes to affiliate marketing networks, ShareASale stands out as one of the most popular and reliable platforms available today. Established in 2000, ShareASale has grown into a trusted name in the affiliate marketing industry, connecting thousands of merchants with a vast network of publishers, bloggers, influencers, and digital marketers.
Unlike some affiliate networks that focus on specific industries, ShareASale offers a broad range of merchants across numerous niches. Whether you're interested in fashion, home goods, technology, health products, SaaS tools, or services, ShareASale provides access to a diverse set of brands and products to promote. This makes it an excellent choice for both new and experienced affiliate marketers looking for variety and flexibility.
One of the biggest advantages of using ShareASale is its user-friendly platform. The interface is clean, easy to navigate, and designed to help both beginners and advanced users manage their affiliate relationships efficiently. From signing up to joining programs and generating affiliate links, the entire process is straightforward.
For businesses, ShareASale offers a robust solution to launch and manage affiliate programs. Merchants can easily track sales, monitor affiliate performance, and optimize their campaigns using ShareASale’s built-in reporting tools.
In summary, ShareASale serves as a comprehensive bridge between merchants who want to increase their sales through affiliate partnerships and publishers who are looking to monetize their content. Its long-standing reputation, extensive merchant options, and reliable technology make it a top choice in the affiliate marketing world.
■ Ease of Use & User Interface
One of the standout features of ShareASale is its user-friendly interface. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced affiliate marketer, ShareASale makes it easy to get started, navigate, and manage your affiliate campaigns.
Simple Account Setup
The sign-up process on ShareASale is straightforward. As a new publisher, you only need to fill out a basic application form, verify your email, and provide payment information. The approval process is typically fast, allowing you to start browsing affiliate programs quickly.
Clean and Intuitive Dashboard
Once inside the platform, users are greeted with a clean, organized dashboard. All the essential features including merchant search, reporting, commissions, and payment history are easy to locate. The menu is logically structured, so even first-time users can find their way without confusion.
Merchant Search Made Easy
Finding merchants to promote on ShareASale is simple. The platform offers robust filtering options that allow users to search by keyword, category, commission type, and even merchant performance metrics. This helps affiliates find programs that align with their niche and audience.
Quick Link Creation
Creating affiliate links on ShareASale is quick and hassle-free. Affiliates can generate standard tracking links or use the Custom Link Generator to create deep links to specific product pages. This flexibility allows you to tailor your promotions effectively.
User-Friendly for Beginners
For those new to affiliate marketing, ShareASale offers a gentle learning curve. The platform provides helpful tooltips, guides, and FAQs directly within the dashboard, ensuring that beginners can learn as they go without feeling overwhelmed.
Efficient for Experienced Marketers
For advanced users, ShareASale provides more in-depth tools like real-time reporting, API integrations, and detailed performance analytics. This makes it suitable not just for beginners but also for seasoned affiliate marketers who want more control and insights.
■ Merchant & Product Variety
One of the key reasons many affiliates choose ShareASale is its impressive range of merchants and products. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced affiliate marketer, having access to a diverse group of advertisers makes it easier to find offers that match your audience’s interests.
Thousands of Merchants Across Multiple Niches
ShareASale partners with over 4,500 merchants, covering a wide range of industries. This variety allows affiliates to promote products in virtually any niche, including:
- Fashion and Apparel (e.g., clothing, accessories, jewelry)
- Home and Garden (e.g., furniture, decor, appliances)
- Technology and Software (e.g., SaaS products, gadgets)
- Health and Wellness (e.g., supplements, fitness equipment)
- Finance and Insurance (e.g., credit cards, financial tools)
- Travel and Hospitality (e.g., hotels, tours, booking services)
Access to Well-Known Brands
Unlike some smaller affiliate networks, ShareASale offers opportunities to work with well-known, trusted brands. This can help affiliates boost their conversion rates since consumers are often more comfortable purchasing from familiar companies. Examples of popular brands on ShareASale include:
- Reebok
- Wayfair
- Grammarly
- FreshBooks
- Weebly
Easy Search & Merchant Application Process
ShareASale makes it simple for affiliates to search for merchants that fit their niche. The platform allows you to filter merchants by category, commission type, EPC (earnings per click), and more. Once you find a suitable merchant, applying to their program typically involves just a few clicks. Many merchants approve affiliates quickly, allowing you to start promoting almost immediately.
Niche Opportunities for Every Affiliate
Whether you run a blog about pet care, a YouTube channel focused on fitness, or a niche website about personal finance, ShareASale likely has merchants that align with your content. This flexibility allows you to build affiliate partnerships that feel natural and relevant to your audience which can result in higher engagement and better conversions.
■ Commission Rates & Payout Structure
One of the key aspects that every affiliate marketer considers before joining a network is the commission rates and payout structure. ShareASale stands out by offering a flexible and transparent payout system that accommodates a wide range of merchants and affiliates.
How Commission Rates Work on ShareASale
ShareASale operates as a network connecting affiliates with individual merchants. Each merchant sets its own commission rates based on its business model and marketing goals. This means that commission rates can vary widely depending on the merchant, product type, and niche.
Physical products often offer commission rates between 5% to 20%.
Digital products and SaaS (software subscriptions) can have much higher commissions, sometimes reaching 30% to 50% or even more.
Some merchants offer flat-fee commissions for leads or sign-ups instead of a percentage of sales.
The wide range of commission rates allows affiliates to choose programs that best match their audience and content strategy. Additionally, many merchants run special promotions where they temporarily increase commission rates to incentivize affiliates.
Payment Threshold & Payout Frequency
ShareASale has a relatively low payout threshold, making it accessible for both new and experienced affiliates:
Minimum payout threshold: $50
Payout schedule: Payments are processed on the 20th of each month for commissions earned by the end of the previous month.
Affiliates have the option to receive payments via:
Direct deposit (ACH for U.S. affiliates)
Check
Wire transfer (for international affiliates)
This flexibility makes it easy for affiliates worldwide to receive their earnings without unnecessary delays.
Payment Security & Reliability
ShareASale has built a strong reputation for reliable and timely payments. As long as affiliates meet the minimum payout threshold, payments are consistently processed on schedule. This level of trust and consistency is one of the reasons many affiliates choose to work with ShareASale over other networks.
Transparency in Earnings
Another advantage of ShareASale is its transparent reporting system. Affiliates can see detailed reports on:
Pending commissions
Approved commissions
Reversals or declined transactions
This transparency helps affiliates plan their earnings and better understand their revenue streams.
■ Support, Training & Resources
When you’re starting with affiliate marketing, having reliable support and educational resources can make a big difference in your success. ShareASale recognizes this and provides a range of support options and training materials to help both beginners and experienced affiliates.
Customer Support
ShareASale offers responsive customer support to assist affiliates and merchants whenever issues arise. Support is available through:
Email support: Quick responses to general inquiries and technical issues.
Phone support: Direct access to a representative for more complex problems.
Help Desk: A searchable knowledge base where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.
For new affiliates, the onboarding support is especially helpful. ShareASale provides clear step-by-step guides to help you get started, from setting up your account to finding and applying for affiliate programs.
Training & Educational Resources
One of the standout features of ShareASale is its comprehensive library of educational resources. These materials are designed to help affiliates at every level learn how to succeed, including:
Video tutorials: Covering everything from account setup to advanced strategies.
Webinars: Live sessions with ShareASale experts who offer actionable tips and answer questions.
Blog articles: Regularly updated content that covers industry trends, platform updates, and affiliate marketing strategies.
Documentation: In-depth guides on tracking, reporting, and maximizing earnings.
Community & Networking Opportunities
ShareASale also fosters a sense of community through various events and networking opportunities. Affiliates can connect with merchants and other publishers at:
Affiliate Summits (industry conferences where ShareASale often participates)
Virtual events and online forums where users can share tips and experiences.
These networking opportunities allow affiliates to build relationships, learn from others, and potentially secure exclusive partnerships with merchants.
Continuous Platform Updates
Another strength of ShareASale is its commitment to improving the platform. Regular updates ensure that affiliates have access to the latest tools, improved features, and up-to-date training materials. This ongoing development helps affiliates stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
