10 Best Affiliate APIs to Boost Your Earnings

Helpful Summary

• Overview: This article takes a closer look at the 10 best API tools and how they enhance affiliate marketing efforts with real-time data access, automation, and streamlined operations.

• Why You Can Trust Us: Here at Strackr, our tools have been instrumental for thousands of publishers and affiliate marketers, helping them optimize their affiliate marketing strategies and boost revenues.

• Why It Matters: Using top-tier affiliate APIs is crucial for real-time tracking, managing partnerships effectively, and increasing profitability.

• Action Points: We recommend integrating affiliate API tools like Strackr to take your affiliate marketing business to the next level.

• Further Research: To complement the knowledge you gain from this article, we invite you to visit our blog and explore additional affiliate marketing strategies.

Affiliate APIs are a vital tool in the world of affiliate marketing. They provide real-time access to product data, which is essential for keeping your site up-to-date with the latest product information and prices. This real-time data collection and processing capability of affiliate APIs is a significant advantage for publishers.

Statistics show that affiliate programs generate between 15% and 30% of revenue for advertisers. This underscores the importance of affiliate marketing as a revenue stream, and by extension, the role of affiliate APIs in facilitating this process.

In this Strackr guide, we’ll explore six of our top affiliate APIs and delve into the details of how each can benefit you, ensuring you can leverage these tools to their full potential. Whether you’re a seasoned affiliate marketer or just starting out, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of affiliate APIs.

Let's dive in!

Why Listen To Us?

At Strackr, we have honed our expertise by integrating over 214 affiliate networks into one manageable dashboard.

Companies like Capital Koala, eDigitalPartners, and Joko trust our platform to optimize their affiliate marketing efforts and streamline their operations​.

With our affiliate API platform and marketing tools, you can easily connect to hundreds of affiliate networks or direct affiliate programs, manage API changes and downtimes, reduce time spent on managing multiple affiliate networks, and benefit from advanced data analysis capabilities!

What is an Affiliate API?

An Affiliate API, also referred to as an Affiliate Application Programming Interface, is a collection of subroutine definitions, protocols, and tools that facilitate communication between different software applications. In the realm of affiliate marketing, APIs are utilized to transmit information between programs without requiring user interaction.

Affiliate API integration allows affiliate marketers to programmatically access data and features from an e-commerce platform or affiliate network. Essentially granting affiliates the ability to seamlessly incorporate and interact with the platform's structured data, products, and services.

Benefits of Using an Affiliate API

Affiliate APIs provide a range of advantages for users, including:

• Broad Connectivity: Affiliate APIs like Strackr offer direct access to advertisers through affiliate networks and their partners. Essentially, this streamlines the process of finding advertisers to partner with, thus enhancing your earning potential.

• Real-time Statistics: Affiliate APIs provide real-time statistics on various metrics (such as clicks, conversions, and earnings). This allows you to make informed decisions quickly, optimizing your affiliate marketing strategies for better results.

• Efficiency and Reduced Manual Labor: By automating many tasks, affiliate APIs significantly reduce manual labor, save time, and allow you to focus on other aspects of your affiliate marketing efforts, such as content creation and strategy development.

• Tracking Links: Affiliate APIs like Strackr offer preformatted links that you can easily integrate into your blog or social media posts. This makes promoting products and earning commissions much simpler.

Criteria to Consider When Choosing an Affiliate API

To choose an Affiliate API, consider these criteria:

• Reliability: The API should have good uptime and provide accurate and real-time data.
• Integration: The API should work with different technologies and data formats.
• Support: The API provider should offer clear documentation, examples, and updates.
• Ease of Use: The API should be clean, organized, and easy to use.
• Security: The API should protect the data of all parties involved.
• Scalability: The API should handle more data and adapt to changing needs as your business grows.
• Pricing: The API should offer a reasonable pricing structure that matches your budget and value.

10 Best Affiliate APIs

• Strackr: Best for publishers managing multiple affiliate networks with unified tools and comprehensive metrics.
• Referral Rock: Best for businesses creating and managing their own affiliate marketing programs with referral tracking and reward management.
• LeadDyno: Best for e-commerce businesses tracking and managing affiliate marketing programs with commission tracking and automated payouts.
• AffiliateWP: Best for WordPress website owners integrating an affiliate marketing system with affiliate registration, tracking, and commission management.
• TUNE: Best for enterprise-level businesses needing a robust and scalable affiliate marketing platform with fraud prevention and real-time reporting.
• Post Affiliate Pro: Best for businesses of all sizes requiring a comprehensive affiliate marketing solution with affiliate tracking and campaign management.
• ShareASale: Best for affiliate marketers and publishers looking for tools to improve online visibility and drive more traffic to their websites.
• Skimlinks: Ideal for publishers who want to automate the process of creating affiliate links and managing affiliate programs.
• Awin: Best suited for businesses and publishers who are looking for real-time tracking and advanced analytics tools.
• PayKickstart: Best for publishers looking for extensive customization options for commission structures and affiliate terms.

1. Strackr

Strackr is an all-in-one affiliate tool that allows publishers to manage 197 affiliate networks in one place. It offers a range of features such as unified tools, API integration, and comprehensive metrics to help publishers increase their revenue and streamline their affiliate marketing efforts.

Relevant Features

• Affiliate API: Allows you to integrate and interact with affiliate networks, enabling seamless communication and data exchange.
• Collect Data: Gather data from various sources, such as websites, social media platforms, and other online channels.
• Status Page: Strackr offers a free status page for users to stay informed on any incident or maintenance updates.
• Analyze Data: Provides tools and capabilities to analyze the collected data such as program status, revenues, clicks and more, helping you gain insights and make informed decisions.
• Affiliate Tools: Provides a range of tools specifically designed for publishers. This includes a Link Builder to create tracking links to any page on an advertiser’s website.
• Segmentation: It allows you to segment your data based on various criteria, such as customer demographics or behavior, enabling targeted marketing strategies.

Pricing

The pricing for Strackr starts at €10 per month for the Starter plan, with increasing features and capabilities as you move up to the Professional and Enterprise plans. There is also a Custom plan available for tailored solutions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Keeps publishers updated on all affiliate revenue
• Supports multiple affiliate networks
• Offers comprehensive analytics
• Provides automated data updates
• Customizable tracking options
• Secure data
• Mobile application available

Cons

• Advanced tools and features are available in the custom plan.

2. Referral Rock

Referral Rock offers referral marketing software that aims to help businesses transform loyal customers into active promoters. Their software automates refer-a-friend and affiliate programs, boosting referrals and brand recognition. Through customization, integrations, and insights, businesses can optimize their referral efforts and track ROI.

Relevant Features

• Increase customer referrals: It offers marketers top-quality software and services to maximize customer referrals.
• Enhance sharing frequency: You can optimize your referral program to stimulate customers to share more frequently.
• Customize rewards: You can design rewards that align with your specific business needs.
• Track insights from referral activity: You can gain valuable insights into their referral program's performance by tracking referral activity.
• The onboarding specialists provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Pricing

Referral Rock offers flexible pricing plans to meet different business needs. The Starter plan is priced at $200 per month, the Growth plan at $400 per month, and the Established Business plan at $800 per month.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Integration with Salesforce and HubSpot
• Easy social sharing
• Robust configurable reward rules
• Automated program invites and email invite campaigns
• Member/advocate portal for easy tracking

Cons

• Salesforce integration requires purchasing the most expensive plan
• No iOS/Android app available
• User interface/design could be improved
• Limited customization options for email and registration pages

3. LeadDyno

LeadDyno is a powerful platform that helps you launch, manage, and grow your affiliate, ambassador, and influencer marketing programs. It enables you to measure the return on investment of your affiliate program, track the traffic, leads, and sales generated by your affiliates, and reward those affiliates who are effectively promoting your brand.

Relevant Features

• Affiliate Recruitment: Bring affiliates, influencers, and customers into your program with ease.
• Affiliate Management: Monitor your affiliates' performance, including visits, leads, sales, and recruitment.
• Commissions: Customize commission plans for various referral types, payment options, frequencies, release timing, and more.
• Reporting & Analytics: Gain insights on affiliate program performance with detailed reports.

Pricing

LeadDyno offers four pricing plans for their affiliate marketing program: Starter, Plus, Pro, and Premium. The plans range from $49/month to $749/month and include various features such as visitor, lead, and conversion tracking, unlimited affiliates and transactions, email and live chat support, and customization options.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy configuration for different affiliate groups
• Responsive support team
• Provides various affiliate email templates and terms & conditions templates
• Transparent affiliate dashboard
• Integrates well with Shopify and has good reporting tools
• Offers multilevel marketing and integrations with Chargebee

Cons

• Limited analytics in the affiliate dashboard
• Outdated system interface
• Poor support experience with delays and difficulty in reaching someone
• Vague setup instructions for those unfamiliar with affiliate marketing

4. AffiliateWP

AffiliateWP is a powerful WordPress affiliate management plugin that allows business owners to easily launch and manage their affiliate programs. With features like advanced tracking, customizable dashboards, 1-click payouts, and fraud detection, AffiliateWP can help businesses grow their revenue by leveraging the power of affiliates.

Relevant Features

• Advanced Affiliate Tracking: Track referral links, coupon codes, custom landing pages, cross-domain promotions, and more.
• Affiliate Management: Customize affiliate registration, approval process, payouts, and more to streamline management.
• Detailed Affiliate Reports: Gain insights into the performance of your affiliate program to optimize and increase sales.
• Smart Fraud Detection: Automatically detect and prevent affiliate fraud to protect your revenue.

Pricing

AffiliateWP offers three pricing plans: Personal, Plus, and Professional. Each plan provides different features and benefits to cater to the needs of businesses of varying sizes and goals.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Features are highly praised, especially for driving traffic to websites and increasing the number of customers
• Affiliate tracking is straightforward and saves time
• Easy way to get influencers to join and promote products
• Offers add-ons for additional functionality
• Provides dashboard widgets and email notifications for easy tracking

Cons

• Some users find the interface non-intuitive for administrators
• Limited marketing integrations with other affiliate programs
• Monthly report generation could be more streamlined and intuitive

5. TUNE

TUNE Partner Marketing Platform offers customizable tools, intelligent optimization features, and secure controls for managing marketing partnerships across mobile and web. It aims to help maximize ROI, build relationships, and work efficiently with partners.

Relevant Features

• Complete Partner Management: It offers tools to manage and optimize marketing partnerships with affiliates, networks, influencers, agencies, and other business development relationships.
• Proactive Fraud Prevention: It provides measures to prevent fraudulent activities in partner marketing.
• Real-Time Data Streaming: Real-time reporting and data streaming enable better decision-making based on up-to-date information.
• White Labeling and Customization: It allows you to customize the platform with branded partner experiences, personalized dashboards, and interfaces.

Pricing

For Advertisers

TUNE offers different pricing plans to cater to the specific needs of advertisers and networks. The pricing plans vary in features and services included, ranging from the Bootstrap plan at $599 per month to the Custom plan, which can be tailored based on individual requirements.

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For Networks

TUNE offers different pricing plans, including the Enterprise plan at $899/month (paid annually) with unlimited active offers, clicks, and partners, along with advanced features like fraud prevention and advanced targeting. Custom pricing options are also available.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to use and user-friendly interface
• Responsive and engaged support team
• Customizable campaign management tool
• Regularly updates for a better user experience
• Simplify campaign and finance control
• Streamline partner collaboration

Cons

• Data size limits for report generation
• Initial learning curve for new users
• Lack of simplified documentation for payout history
• Pricing may be high for scaling businesses with lower conversions

6. Post Affiliate Pro

Post Affiliate Pro helps you manage multiple affiliate programs and improve partner performance. With features like accurate tracking, promotional materials, automation, and extensive integrations, it's a reliable choice for affiliate marketing.

Relevant Features

• Affiliate Program Software: It allows you to create and manage an affiliate program.
• Affiliate Network Software: You can set up your own affiliate network.
• Affiliate Tracking: It tracks your affiliates and their activities.
• Affiliate Marketing: It helps you create promotional materials for affiliates.

Pricing

Post Affiliate Pro offers three pricing plans: Pro ($129/month), Ultimate ($249/month), and Network ($599/month). Each plan is tailored to different needs, from simple affiliate programs to building an affiliate network.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Intuitive, fast, effective affiliate software
• Access to Merchant and affiliate panels for easy management
• Automates entire affiliate program
• Suitable for small to medium businesses
• Multiple support options available

Cons

• Some users reported email delivery and custom domain setup issues
• Confusing banner section, lacking certain ad options
• Some users faced difficulties during setup

7. ShareASale

ShareASale provides access to thousands of affiliate programs, offering real-time tracking of clicks, sales, and commissions. It also includes advanced reporting and analytics tools, along with deep linking and banner ad creation tools for effective affiliate management.

Key Features

• Access to Thousands of Merchants: ShareASale provides access to a diverse range of merchants across various industries, giving affiliates a wide selection of products and services to promote.

• Real-time Tracking and Reporting: The API offers real-time tracking of clicks, sales, and commissions, allowing affiliates to monitor their performance and earnings accurately.

• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: ShareASale's API includes advanced reporting and analytics tools that provide insights into campaign performance, helping affiliates optimize their strategies.

• Deep Linking and Creative Tools: Affiliates can create deep links to specific product pages and access a variety of creative tools, such as banner ads and text links, to promote products effectively.

• Integration with Third-party Platforms: The API seamlessly integrates with third-party platforms and tools, making it easy for affiliates to manage their campaigns and track their performance.

Pricing

ShareASale does not publicly disclose pricing information for its API on its website. For accurate pricing details, you can contact ShareASale directly through their website or sales team.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Wide range of affiliate programs
• Detailed reporting and analytics
• Easy integration with websites and apps
• Offers deep linking and banner ad tools

Cons

• Requires approval for each affiliate program
• Limited customization options for tracking

8. Skimlinks

Skimlinks API offers access to thousands of affiliate programs, with real-time tracking of clicks, sales, and commissions. It provides automated affiliate link creation, along with deep linking and banner ad creation tools for effective affiliate management.

Key Features

• Automated Affiliate Link Creation: Skimlinks automatically converts regular product links into affiliate links, saving time for publishers and making it easier to monetize content.

• Access to Thousands of Affiliate Programs: Skimlinks provides access to a wide range of affiliate programs, allowing publishers to earn commissions from various merchants and brands.

• Real-time Reporting: Skimlinks offers real-time reporting and analytics, giving publishers insights into their earnings, clicks, and conversions.

• Deep Linking: Publishers can create deep links to specific product pages, increasing the likelihood of earning commissions from referred purchases.

• Banner Ad Creation Tools: Skimlinks provides tools for creating banner ads, allowing publishers to promote products and earn commissions through display advertising.

Pricing

Skimlinks offers a free to use plan. Simply sign up directly from their website.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to use and set up, requiring minimal technical knowledge
• Provides access to a large network of affiliate programs
• Offers real-time reporting and analytics for tracking performance
• Supports deep linking, which can improve conversion rates

Cons

• Skimlinks take a percentage of the commission earned by publishers, reducing overall earnings
• Limited control over which merchants and products are included in the affiliate network

9. Awin

The Awin API contains a vast network of affiliate programs, enabling real-time monitoring of clicks, sales, and commissions. Furthermore, it includes sophisticated reporting and analytics capabilities, as well as tools for deep linking and banner ad creation. Each feature is designed to enhance affiliate management effectiveness.

Key Features

• Affiliate Tracking: The API offers real-time tracking of clicks, sales, and commissions, providing affiliates with up-to-date information on their performance and earnings.

• Reporting and Analytics: Awin's API includes advanced reporting and analytics tools, enabling affiliates to gain insights into their performance, track trends, and optimize their strategies for better results.

• Marketing Tools: Awin offers various marketing tools such as deep linking and banner ad creation tools, helping affiliates create compelling promotional materials to drive traffic and conversions.

• Integration: The API provides seamless integration with affiliate management systems and platforms, making it easy for affiliates to manage their campaigns and track their performance in one place.

Pricing

Awin’s basic plan, Awin Access, charges £75 + VAT per month + 2.5% tracking fee. However, more expensive enterprise plans do not have any pricing details listed. Please contact Awin for such information.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers a user-friendly interface suitable for both new and experienced marketers​.
• Known for consistent and reliable payouts, which has been a hallmark of their service since 1999.
• Provides extensive educational resources through its Spark platform to train affiliates​​.

Cons

• Product quality can be inconsistent, which may impact affiliate reputation and lead to higher refund rates​.

10. PayKickstart

PayKickstart offers a robust affiliate management platform designed to streamline the operations of affiliate marketing. It integrates seamlessly with various online businesses to facilitate efficient tracking, management, and payment to affiliates.

Key Features

• Real-time Tracking: Provides instant data on clicks, conversions, and commission payments.

• Flexible Commission Structures: Supports customization of commission rates, including one-time payouts, recurring commissions, and performance tiers.

• Affiliate Management: Includes tools for affiliate vetting, commission adjustments, and dispute resolution.

• Marketing Tools: Equips affiliates with promotional materials like banners, links, and email templates.

Pricing

PayKickStart’s paid plans start at $99 per month. It does not have a free plan but offers a 14-day free trial.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers detailed and accurate tracking of affiliate activities
• Provides various options for commission structures and affiliate terms
• Seamlessly integrates with a wide range of third-party services and platforms

Cons

• The wealth of features and options might be overwhelming for new users or those with simple needs.

Conclusion

In affiliate marketing, your choice of affiliate API can be the linchpin of your success. The criteria we've explored – reliability, integration, support, affiliate program quality, ease of use, security, scalability, and pricing – form the foundation of this decision. By carefully considering these factors, you can pave the way for a prosperous affiliate marketing journey.

As you navigate this landscape, Strackr stands out as an exceptional all-in-one affiliate tool for publishers. It offers a single dashboard, a unified API, and a wide range of tools, simplifying the management of multiple affiliate networks. Strackr is a comprehensive solution for affiliate marketers looking for efficiency and effectiveness in their affiliate program management.

Sign up for free with Strackr today and revolutionize your affiliate marketing game!