Money for Webmasters

Part 1: Affiliate Networks

by Kay McMahon

Many of our friends have websites but not all that many who have content-based sites (like this one) are maximising their potential to make money from their efforts.

Dealing with individual advertisers can be very time-consuming and I've not found it to be a productive use of my time. I've found the best solution is to join a few affiliate networks' programmes. These networks act as an interface between merchants and publishers. The great beauty of them is that they are free to join, you choose what you want to advertise, where and when, and the network operator accumulates all your commission and sends you a cheque. All you have to do is place the merchants' links on your site, sit back and watch the money grow.

This is much better than earning pennies (or pounds if you're lucky!) with a dozen or more individual programmes and having to wait until you've accumulated whatever each merchant decides.

Here are the programmes which we use on British Expat and which I recommend. If you do decide to join, please do so using the links here as we'll earn a commission. Every little helps!

(Don't forget to read all terms and conditions carefully.)

Trade Doubler is the top-earner amongst our affiliate networks. They are European based and have a large list of merchants, many travel-related and also a large selection of others. Their merchants include: Air France, Avis Car Hire, Opodo, Boots, Dell, Curry's, and loads more, from condoms to golf breaks to cameras.

Affiliate Window is very similar. This UK based network also has a wide range of merchants whose products and services you can sell. Categories include travel, food and drink, dating, and much more.
Affiliate Window

Affiliate Future is another similar one with a large range of merchants.
AffiliateFuture

We don't recommend Commission Junction, for various reasons.

Don't forget – if you do decide to join any of these, please do so using the links here as we'll earn a commission.

Forward to Part 2