I wanted to take a bit of a look at UK affiliate networks in terms of the features they offer to affiliates. For example, what kind of merchant performance data do they provide? What tracking tools? What are their feeds like? I’m starting with Affiliate Window… because they begin with an “A” and because I happen to really like using their affiliate interface and reporting.
Network Name: Affiliate Window
URL: http://www.affiliatewindow.com
Contact Details:
Affiliate Window Ltd
3rd floor
100 Leman Street
London, E1 8EU
United Kingdom
Tel: 0844 557 9240
Fax: 0844 557 9241
Type of Merchants Available: Affiliate Window has a broad base of merchants for affiliates to promote. Increasingly attracting in big brand names such as Woolworths, Vodafone, Curry’s & B&Q this network also has a good selection of gift, gadget and clothing merchants. Also a handful of gambling and finance programmes.
Min Payout: £25
Payments:Twice monthly. Merchants have 28 days to validate payments and the network is active in encouraging validations from all merchants to ensure as speedy payment as possible to affiliates.
2nd Tier Commissions: Yes, usually 5% with participating merchants. Some pay lower amounts dependent on margins.
Support Quality : Generally pretty good. Affiliate Window makes use of a support ticket system which makes it difficult for your enquiry to go unanswered. Queries generally get a response within 24 hours. E-mails sent direct to individual members of staff are answered quickly and curteously.
Merchant Performance Metrics Available: Yes. Data based on average affiliate earnings per click and conversion rates over the last 3 months are displayed. Also displayed is information on approval percentage, and there is also an innovative system of ranking merchant performance known as the “Awin Index”.
Search Term Tracking: Yes. Affiliate Window provide a nice deep link building tool in their link matrix which includes an option to add a click reference.
Referring URL Tracking: Partially. Only by search engine as opposed to full url information. i.e. you will be able to see a click originated with MSN or Google. Not a real issue as the keyword data is in place.
Custom Content Units: Yes. Merchants with feeds can be searched using keywords and chosen products can be placed into a number of different templates. The Shop “Window” system powering this is constantly improved by the Awin techs.
Data Feeds: Yes, Affiliate Window offers an easy to use interface within the affiliate control panel which allows you to download your choice of feeds in csv or xls format. Feeds on this network are appreciated by many affiliates because of the quality of product information contained within them. This means Awin is a hot favourite with price comparison and feed affiliates.
Type Of Programmes:
Per Sale: Yes
Per lead: Yes
Per Click: No
Per Call: No
Affiliate Window is a bit of a favourite with me. I really like the ease of navigation plus the real usability of the reporting system.
