I get asked this by merchants all the time, so I thought I would share my 2 cents here.
The strong affiliates you want are pros that value their time and traffic. They want a comfortable interface they are used to, with all the reports they are accustomed to and hopefully one place to log-in and check several programs at once. Having a top name program they trust to do accurate tracking is a must.
We typically put large well known brands on CJ but for smaller programs my top recommendations are
www.Shareasale.com (the BEST small network) and MyAP from Kowabunga. Sharesale offers easy, low cost set-up and pays affiliates for you, so that's one less thing you have to worry about.
www.shareasale.com really is the best small network! Only one of my client's is on SAS right now but a wish more were. We have many big CJ clients. But many of our smaller programs are set up on in-house software. A lot of affiliates prefer a network and many of them prefer SAS, so it's a good place to be.
MyAP
http://info.myap.com/ is the #1 rated software if you want to own your own software and have ore control. One of the BIG benefits to MYAP is that once you have their software you can be added to their new Kolimbo network - and their Affiliatecash directory at no additional charge.
So with MYAP you get the benefit of private software and can control your own affiliate relationships PLUS you can give your partners the benefits of ease and one central log-in through the network, at no additional charge. Win/Win/Win!
Merchants can find lots of other good Affiliate Manager resources, software and tools, including a FREE affiliate marketing plan builder here:
http://www.5staraffiliateprograms.co...gsoftware.html
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Best Affiliate Software or Network?
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