Cost Per Action is a method used by brands to monetize their online traffic, hence the need for CPA Networks. However, there’s so much that goes into choosing the right network because there are some that are legit and others are red flags.
Therefore, it is essential to consider various factors of CPA Networks, such as commission structure, the network’s reputation and niche, among others, as discussed in this article. Our goal is to ensure you choose a CPA network that aligns with your brand niche, goals and expectations.
What is a CPA Network?
Before we delve further into what CPA Network is, let us first share a snapshot of what Cost per Action is. CPA, also known as Cost Per Acquisition, is a pricing model used in affiliate marketing where the publisher or marketer is paid based on the user’s actions (downloading an app or signing up for a subscription trial). According to Coursera, affiliate marketing simply entails the promotion of a merchant’s products and services by third-party publishers and receiving a percentage of the sales and web traffic made in the process.
The CPA pricing model is usually a win-win approach for the parties involved (the publishers and the advertisers). The publishers, on the one hand, earn a commission from generating high-quality customer leads while the advertisers only pay for the actions that are in line with their expectations and goals, hence increasing their ROI. Basically, CPA helps connect product owners with potential customers.
CPA Network, on the flip side, acts as an intermediary between affiliates and advertisers seeking to attract publishers or rather, partners who can promote the advertised products. The CPA Networks you choose may use different remuneration techniques such as Cost Per Lead, Cost Per Install, Cost Per Sale, or Cost Per Visit. Additionally, the mechanisms of CPA Networks in affiliate marketing campaigns are determined by factors such as the verticals used, traffic sources, GEOs, and the features of offers provided by the advertiser.
Examples of Best CPA Networks
The list below highlights some of the best Cost Per Action Networks you can use to advertise your products and services:
1. MaxBounty
Established in 2004, this CPA network is one of the best in affiliate marketing, with recognitions such as the “Best CPA Network at the 2019 Blue Book Awards.” It offers over 2000 active campaigns and provides weekly payments. MaxBounty offers regular performance-based rewards whereby top affiliate marketers receive performance bonuses. With a feature-rich dashboard, affiliates can keep track of their earnings and affiliate campaigns. Its minimum payment is $100.
2. ClickDealer
ClickDealer, launched in 2012, is considered a newcomer in the affiliate marketing world. This network has won various awards since its establishment. The network offers are diverse, covering niches such as dating, mobile software, Sweepstakes, gaming, vouchers, and retail among others. Its minimum threshold is $100, and payouts are made on a monthly basis. However, you have an option of getting weekly payment upon proving that you are not sending ineffectual traffic or cookie stuffing.
3. CPAlead
With over 290 products and solutions that can be promoted using popups, native ads, banner ads, and popunders, CPAlead is a network offering weekly payouts and $50 as the threshold for payout withdrawal. This network has GEO and device-specific targeting. Your job is just to choose the offer and ensure it converts well. CPAlead partners with prominent brands like Samsung, Netflix, and Amazon.
5 Effective Tips to Choose the Best Cost-Per-Action Network
1. Focus on niche alignment
Before you choose a network, check to see if it aligns with your industry. This is because you want to ensure that the network’s offers are relevant to your target audience for better conversions, which, in the long run, will lead to increased earnings. For example, if you run a tech blog, choosing a network that offers app and software downloads would be ideal because it is in line with your niche, unlike a network specializing in health and wellness products. According to Quora, it is important to choose CPA networks that align with your niche.
2. Find networks with a variety of high-quality offers and creative elements
A CPA network with a myriad of top-notch, high-paying, and trustworthy offers allows you to try out various options to find the ones that align with your target audience. This flexibility is crucial in the marketing world because you can effortlessly switch non or low-performing offers to new ones. The quality aspect is usually to ensure that the products and services you promote are reputable which helps foster trust with your target audience.
3. Research if the CPA network has a positive reputation in the affiliate marketing scene
Check on affiliate marketing forums, the network’s official website, or social platforms to see if there are positive testimonials and customer reviews. Check if there’s a good history of the network’s customer support because reputable and trustworthy networks should have reliable customer support teams. Remember that a good reputation is a sign that the CPA network treats its affiliates fairly and that the customer support team is always on standby to help affiliates when they encounter issues.
4. Identify the network’s traffic compliance and fees
Does the CPA network charge a monthly membership fee? Does its traffic compliance go hand in hand with your marketing strategies? Keep in mind that some networks may have monthly fees, which, in most cases, are likely to be deducted from your profits. Checking the network’s traffic compliance helps ensure your promotions adhere to the set rules and regulations (a way of avoiding account suspension).
5. Check the network’s payment terms and methods
Some CPA networks offer weekly and bi-weekly payouts, while others offer monthly payouts. Research how often your preferred network pays its affiliates and also the minimum payout threshold. Is it $50 or $100? Understanding the payout intricacies will help you know how much you need to earn before receiving a payment. In the same breath, check the payment methods used by the network to confirm flexibility based on your preferences.
Bottom Line
Partnering with reliable and repeatable CPA networks enables you to achieve your marketing goals. However, choosing the best network to partner with entails focusing on niche-aligned networks, finding networks with a variety of high-quality offers, and researching the network’s reputation, payment terms, traffic compliance, fees, and payment methods. Doing this will help you choose a network that aligns with your advertising needs.
