Awin Affiliate Program Review from an Expert (2023)
Interested in joining Awin affiliate program, but want to learn more about this network first? In this article, I'll be sharing my personal experience by reviewing Awin affiliate marketing. I will share info on how to sign up, what products and brands they offer, commission rates, and more.
What is Awin and how does it work?
Awin was founded in 2000 and is one of the largest affiliate networks today. Awin acquired the affiliate network ShareASale in 2017, growing the combined total of the platforms to over 25,000 advertisers and over 270,000 publishers (affiliates). Together, these networks generated over 200 million sales in 2022 alone.
Similar to other affiliate networks, Awin allows thousands of advertisers (brands) to join their platform and recruit affiliates. As an affiliate, you will first need to join the network, then you have access to these thousands of brands. However, you will also need to apply to each individual brand within the network to work with them and get affiliate links. This process is much more streamlined within a network, and also brands may reach out and recruit / pre-approve you if you show good performance with other brands first.
How do I become an Awin affiliate? Is it free to join?
You can join the Awin affiliate network by signing up on their official website here: https://www.awin.com/us. You will have to go through an application, and it seems to be similar to ShareASale's application process, which makes sense now that the two networks have merged. Interestingly, there is now also an "Are you an Instagram influencer?" option available as well. I have yet to see this on any other affiliate network, and it is good to see they are adapting to current times to make the process more seamless for certain affiliates.
The Awin affiliate network is free to join, like most affiliate networks and programs, but there currently seems to be a small "registration deposit" that will be refunded in the first commission payment. The challenge for most is getting approved, although I'll share some tips on how to improve your chances below.
What brands are on Awin affiliate program?
You can view a current list of the available brands on the Awin advertiser directory.
From my perspective, the brands here seem to be mostly European as opposed to easily recognizable American brands, which makes sense considering that Awin's origins are from Berlin and London.
It also explains why they acquired ShareASale, which is one of the largest American affiliate networks being headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
You can see a list of recognizable American brands in my detailed ShareASale affiliate program review here.
Are Awin and ShareASale the same?
Awin acquired ShareASale in 2017. Although they are now under one company, it seems to me that ShareASale continues to operate as it did prior to the acquisition. Upon a quick search, they also seem to offer different brands on each platform, although there may be some overlap.
How much does Awin pay in commission rate?
It depends on the product and how much the Advertiser (brand) has designated. Also, whether the commission is CPL (cost per lead) or CPA (cost per action). "Cost per lead" typically means you get paid for an email or phone signup. "Cost per action" typically is for verified purchases or sales, but it can also just be a free trial signup or inquiry. In short, it varies widely from one brand to another, so you will need to open up their program details page to get the exact commission rates.
What are the Awin requirements to get approved?
You will first need to apply to the Awin affiliate network by filling out an application with your business details and website(s), or social media accounts.
There are no concrete numbers shared for these requirements, but I would estimate a minimum of 1,000 unique monthly visits to your site before applying.
One way that I have been able to successfully compete my way to over $1 million in affiliate commissions is by focusing on building real topical authority with niche authority websites. By building these brands over time, I'm able to establish authority and trust in certain niches, which further boosts my SEO over competitors. The #1 mistake most beginners make is not building any credible authority over time, and taking the easy route of just spamming affiliate links without a clear strategy.
If you need help creating a professional affiliate website quickly, check out my affiliate marketing for beginners guide.
My personal experience with Awin affiliate marketing
I've been doing affiliate marketing for close to 10 years now, having reviewed dozens of affiliate programs. Awin is easily one of the biggest networks in the world, especially after acquiring Share a Sale in 2017, making them even bigger.
Between Awin and Share a Sale, there are probably thousands of brands hosted on at least one or both of these affiliate networks.
From my experience, I think that any brand that is available on Awin is also available on Share a Sale (at least for USA brands).
Personally, I prefer using Share-a-Sale's affiliate program as a US affiliate, since they are based in the USA with mostly American brands.
Awin has a ton of European and international brands that I'm not as familiar with.
Either way, I highly recommend affiliates to join either Awin or Share a Sale to get access to hundreds more brands.
Best Alternatives to Awin affiliate marketing
Having reviewed dozens of affiliate programs and networks, here are my best recommendations for alternatives and similar to Awin affiliates: